A modest budget can yield high returns...

The kitchen below is one I worked on awhile back and never documented. When I first visited the home, the client and I discussed possibly keeping the existing 1980s style laminate cabinets, but replacing the doors and drawers, and making modifications where needed to improve the design.

I called in my trusted cabinet maker who, due to time in his schedule, was actually available to do all facets of the job for a fair price. With water damage to the sink cabinet and the other changes we planned on making, it ended up being more cost-effective to replace all the cabinetry.

We chose to create the cabinet boxes out of melamine for budget purposes, similar to Ikea, but completely custom. In a small kitchen like this, it's crucial to use every inch and the custom cabinets gave us options Ikea would not. Doors and drawers were made of solid maple, custom painted.

The home was a cape, so we didn't feel the need to stick with the traditional materials (white cabinets, subway tile, etc.) many homeowners who live in colonials tend to choose. Since the client wanted more of a zen feeling, we chose a palette of soft gray green for the base cabinets and an almost off white tint of gray green for the walls, upper cabinets, and ceiling. It felt "white" but in person was much warmer. In a small space I love using light colored uppers and wrapping that same color on walls and ceiling which, I feel, expands the space. I helped the client source everything on a budget, appliances, counter top, fixtures, hardware and lighting. All are quality materials but we found discounts on almost everything. Two of my favorite elements are the backsplash and floor. I found the backsplash when looking for slate for another project, at a pop up discount tile store. The colors and pattern were perfect, but this client took a lot of convincing. For the floor I had suggested cork from the beginning, for it's softness and look, but the client was not sold immediately. We went through a bunch of different options before she realized this was a good choice for many reasons. I love how the warmth of the cork flooring relates to the cherry counters.

The client enjoyed the kitchen for over a year before needing to move. In a down market, the house sold in a weekend, no doubt in part due to the fabulously renovated kitchen. Not only did the design work really well with the house and for the homeowner, the modest budget DID yield a high return.