It may have been our most gradual kitchen renovation yet, but almost exactly two years after moving in, our kitchen is officially finished. New cabinets? Yes. A tiled backsplash that reaches the ceiling? Check. Quartz countertops and a sink three times deeper than before? Absolutely.

We added a hidden range hood, improved storage with more drawers and upper cabinets, and installed a generous pantry cabinet. This post shows the before-and-after photos and includes a full budget breakdown—plus the changes that made the space both prettier and far more functional. In short: the transformation was gradual, but dramatic when we look back.

We approached the work in many small phases instead of one big gut renovation like we did in a previous house. Living with the space while making incremental updates allowed us to identify problems, test solutions, and refine the final design. Even so, when you compare where we started to where we ended up, the difference is remarkable.

At first I was a bit skeptical about this kitchen; my partner was more optimistic. Now that it’s done, I’m thrilled with how efficient and pleasant it is to cook here. After moving from a much larger kitchen, the direct work triangle and fewer steps to access everything has been a very welcome surprise. We even have a larger pantry cabinet than in our previous bigger kitchen.

One big advantage of renovating in stages is that you get to live in the space and learn what works. We hung shelves, installed a swagged pendant, and painted the original cabinets mauve to match the laminate counters. Over time we refined the plan—moving the fridge, building a pantry cabinet, adding a door to the outside, and swapping shelves for cabinets.

This spring we replaced the original cabinets with better-functioning Ikea cabinets, kept the mauve color, upgraded the counters, added upper cabinets, and tiled the backsplash. We also installed a woven semi-flush pendant and a substantial brass faucet that balances the brass hardware across the room. The result is calm, layered, and beachy—what we were aiming for.

The backsplash became the catalyst for this last phase. We wanted texture and sheen without a bold pattern, something light and beachy that would read well from the sitting area and front door. We chose an affordable 4×4 zellige-style tile in a soft blue-gray “Sky” that shimmers like the inside of an oyster shell. The full backsplash cost around $325 and took roughly 2.5 days to install, including grout.

A couple of installation tips: plan your tile layout carefully to avoid tiny slivers at edges, dry-fit tiles to find a balanced composition, and sort zellige-style tiles by sheen and directional movement so you can mix them deliberately for a natural, varied look. We used a warm gray grout to blend the tiles and painted the window trim to recede with the backsplash for a tonal, cohesive effect.

The Upper Cabinets & Hidden Hood

In the final phase we replaced open shelves with closed upper cabinets that reach the ceiling. They add hidden storage, simplify the look, and allow us to hide an under-cabinet range hood inside a cabinet, preserving a balanced back wall. The hidden hood also provides useful under-cabinet lighting and improves indoor air quality by removing cooking grease and odors.

We also switched to a deep stainless single-bowl sink and a one-hand controlled pull-down faucet—simple, practical choices that make cleanup easier. The new cabinets, hood, and sink together are a big part of why this kitchen now feels so efficient and enjoyable to use.

Beyond the kitchen work triangle, adding a door that leads out to our new kitchen porch and grill has made outdoor cooking and entertaining much easier. The grill is only a few steps away, and we plan to add an outdoor cabinet to extend counter space and store tools right where we need them.

The Kitchen Sitting Area

Half the room serves as a cozy sitting area that our family uses constantly. We considered many furniture arrangements before settling on a cozy loveseat and a round terrazzo coffee table that improve flow and make the space feel open. The sitting area has become a real gathering spot for mornings, evenings, and casual visits with friends.

This room also hides a full laundry station behind closet doors, which adds to the space’s multifunctional usefulness. The layout allows the house to feel larger and more relaxed because different activities can happen at once without feeling crowded.

All in all, the kitchen now feels functional, streamlined, and comfortable. It took patience and many small decisions over time, but that slow approach allowed us to make thoughtful choices and avoid costly mistakes. Two years in, this room feels complete and just right for our family.

The Kitchen Renovation Budget

Because the work occurred in stages, piecing together a budget was a challenge, but here are the major material and fixture costs for the kitchen phase that produced the finished room you see now:

• Ikea Sektion cabinets, Veddinge fronts, and interior organizers: $3,330
• Cabinet paint and supplies: $130
• All appliances (including the hidden hood): $930*
• Quartz counters, sink, and disposal: $4,340
• Brass faucet: $465
• Cabinet hardware: $85
• Backsplash tile (including mastic, grout, and supplies): $485
• Pendant light and light kit: $120
• TOTAL: $9,885

*Our stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator were purchased second-hand for $500 total; the appliance total above includes the Ikea hood.

Converting the window to a door was part of a larger porch project and we estimate that portion at about $1,270 (labor plus the door), though costs vary by job and door selection.

Thanks for following along with our slow-but-steady kitchen renovation. There were many small victories along the way—finally getting a pantry, adding a range hood, and finding the right backsplash—and it’s satisfying to declare this room done. We love how it looks and functions, and we’re excited to enjoy it for years to come.

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