Kitchen Renovations that won't break the bank

I thought a tour of my kitchen would be appropriate before I completely change it with another small renovation to get it updated.

Well, the first few pics are going to show you my kitchen before. In real life I am ready to start doing the long awaited paint process, but I am trying to decide if it would be easier to paint the cabinets first, then the walls or vice versa.

 Notice the vent hood over the stove because down below you'll see we took it out.

You can notice the ebony stained cabinets too, because pretty soon they will be a different color.

I may buy new hardware too. Ok I know I am gong too, my current handles are underwhelming.

Say goodbye to the wall color between the upper and lower cabinets. A new backsplash has been installed.

I call these changes stage 1.  A easy and fairly quick way for do it yourselfer's to update the kitchen without spending a ton of money.

We raised the cabinet above the stove to accommodate a new microwave vent hood combo. We took out the stainless steel sheet we had behind the stove. 2 months after installing it (ten years ago) I hated it. I bought some spice jars with magnets on the bottom and they stuck to the backing and never came off. Yes that is a pistachio green you're seeing.

For less then $100 bucks I bought subway tile to add a backsplash. I had the budget for glass tile but upon some serious reflection and looking at inspiration photos, one serious thought occurred to me.

If you look at gorgeous kitchens of the past and now they all have timeless design.

And white. subway. tile.

Decision made!

Greg removed the molding on the cabinets as well, I want a cleaner look. So I will buy different trim and we'll add it right before we paint.

The grout has cured and I am currently stocking up on primer, sand paper, paint and maybe polyurethane too. I've had enough trouble keeping these dark cabinets free of grease stains, I don't want to be naive and think a good quality paint is all I am going to need to resist dirt and dings.

To quickly recap; 

• raised one cabinet
• lowered one because upon measuring, it was off by 1/4" from the others.
• removed the dated vent hood and replaced it with a microwave/vent combo
• added a backsplash

Next on the agenda is add new trim and paint paint paint.