We loved Stacy’s kitchen makeover—not just because it looks beautiful and is a huge improvement over the original, but because it’s a great example of practical balance. Stacy identified where she could save the most, took her time deciding what she could do herself, and knew when to hire help. The result is a functional, well-priced renovation that also increased the home’s value. Here’s Stacy’s story in her own words:

Hi John and Sherry, I waited about a year after buying this house before redoing the kitchen. That gave me time to save, live with the space to understand its needs, and decide what I wanted. The original layout seriously lacked counter space—there was nowhere to comfortably prep vegetables, so I often used the kitchen table to do food prep.

The corner cabinets were installed so the doors couldn’t fully open, making their contents difficult to access. The range fan was weak, so cooking odors often made their way to the second floor. And the linoleum floors were, frankly, gross. One small consolation: the appliances were all in decent condition.

Because I work full time and I’m pursuing an MBA part time, my free time is limited. I hired a contractor for demolition and installation (the full job took about three weeks), but I designed the new floor plan and selected all finishes myself. I took a risk and reconfigured the layout. I moved the refrigerator into the dining area and created a pantry space, which allowed me to extend the counters into a U-shaped workspace. That change made a huge difference—now three people can work comfortably in the kitchen at once.

I saved money by keeping the existing appliances. Although I liked the idea of stainless steel, the white appliances were still in good working order and had several years of life left. I also hunted down deals on many finishes: the vent hood, cabinet hardware, and cabinet boxes came from a big-box flat-pack retailer and I assembled the pieces myself before the contractor hung them. The backsplash tile was an affordable find from a national home improvement store.

You inspired me to include open shelving, so I repurposed the shelves I’d used in the previous bar area. That saved money I would have spent on additional cabinetry and added a casual, accessible display area. I scored a great online deal on the sink, and the faucet and soap pump were bargains, too. I’m thrilled with how the kitchen turned out. When I refinanced, the appraisal showed that I recouped 100% of my renovation costs in added home value—what a satisfying result. Hope you enjoy! — Stacy

One of my favorite design choices in this makeover is the backsplash orientation. The tiles are installed vertically, which gives the wall a taller, more custom look and elevates an otherwise economical tile choice. It’s a small but impactful detail that pulls the whole design together.

Stacy’s project is a smart case study in thoughtful, budget-conscious renovation: reuse functional items, shop strategically for finishes, do the work you can handle yourself, and hire professionals for the rest. The layout change created far more usable workspace, and the combination of repurposed elements and carefully chosen new pieces delivered a big return on investment.

We love the practical cost-saving ideas—repurposing shelving, keeping good-condition appliances, assembling flat-pack cabinets—and Stacy’s willingness to rethink the layout paid off both functionally and financially. What stands out to you in this kitchen? What would be your favorite detail?

P.S. We announced this week’s giveaway winner—check the site to see if you’re the lucky recipient.