This post is titled with the word “renew” and not “renovation” because for this rental unit project not much was done to the kitchen, just a quick kitchen flip including a fresh coat of paint and flooring, for a total of $152. But from the state that this place was in, these two small tasks made a world of difference aesthetically.
For the kitchen flooring we used a solid vinyl stick tile in a simple, neutral pattern from The Home Depot. Cheap and easy to install, does the job quite well. Probably about $60 total in tile was all it took to make a difference!
For the walls I choose a paint color inspired by what else other than an episode of Fixer Upper of course! I picked a PPG Voice of Color paint color called Silent Storm, a pale green gray 6 months before I realized it actually truly is the PPG crossover for Joanna’s color Americana Egg in the Magnolia Homes paint line! A crossover means that Silent Storm is the closest tint formula in the PPG color palette, to the other brand’s color Americana Egg. This is discovered based on tint and formula data.
For more PPG Paint colors similar to those used on Fixer Upper check out this Pinterest board full of Modern Farmhouse collection colors.
I had silent storm tinted into Olympic One at Lowe’s, simply because the PPG Paints store was closed when I had time to run and get the paint. The paint is of great quality, after a coat of primer Olympic One for less than $25, went on the wall easily and covered well. We used a satin sheen to brighten up the space with a slight bit of reflectance and for easy clean-up in the kitchen. We used the same semi-gloss paint from the previous trim project. We used Speedhide Interior Enamel Latex by PPG Paints, to repaint the existing trim, door and pantry door in the kitchen.
If you’re in the market to paint I would encourage you to shop with the experts at your local PPG Paints store, here’s the 2017 PPG Paints Friends and Family coupon.
By no fault of the paints, but in the midst of a crazy late night painting session, I ended up with paint in my hair. Sometimes you’re so tired that all you can do is laugh!
So remember the before…
Here is the after, with a fresh coat of paint and new flooring, we haven’t even changed the lighting yet. The goal was just quick, simple, easy and CHEAP refresh.
Yes we are having to store all my wine on top of the cabinets classy college style. We simply don’t have a ton of storage space in this tiny apartment. I’ve had to cleanse a lot of my kitchen items, flatware and etc..
We thought about painting the cabinets, but decided not to as they are not real wood and in bad condition. Just not worth painting. My BF’s aka the owner’s plan is to actually renovate the kitchen before it is rented out. As in do all the real work after we move out, so that someone else can benefit. Not my idea, but hey this isn’t my investment project.
Yes that’s my Keurig, espresso machine and fancy Kitchen Aid Architect all stacked on top of the fridge… again there’s no counter space here to sacrifice. We created a much needed over the stove shelf with a random piece of wood we had and brackets for about $10.
There are also NO drawers in this entire kitchen. As in none. Instead of using something that takes up more space on the counter, like a traditional flat silverware holder, I found this desk organizer at Home Goods to hold our silverware. I love the colors and the shape of Moroccan-inspired cutouts.
Living with this kitchen is definitely the one of biggest challenges I’ve had to face day in, day out. I hate to be so negative, but there is just limited functionality with numerous frustrations. There is no fan or ventilation system, no dishwasher, limited storage space, even less counter space, as in no space for even a microwave. Yes, that’s right we don’t own a microwave. Not only is there no dishwasher, the sink is tiny and shallow, there is no disposal and the sprayer hose does not work. Not the best place to tackle dishes.
I LOVE cooking and baking its therapeutic, challenging and even fun to me. So this less than ideal situation really frustrates me daily, and even sometimes discourages me from wanting to cook </3 This situation also constantly challenges our relationship, as one of us is always having to clean up and keep everything in its place in such a small nonfunctional space. It is just maddening at times to deal with.
Anyways, I am very happy with the paint color and the flooring choice. They really do serve the purpose of updating and freshening the space. On the positive side this kitchen does have a gas stove, which I have never worked with before. I now know why house hunters on HGTV insist on a gas stove, the difference in heat time is amazing.
In the area above the kitchen sink I’ve hung a sweet reminder for us to know that no matter how frustrating standing at that sink and attempting to clean dishes without causing a flood throughout the kitchen is – this is the kitchen we share together. No matter the functionally of this kitchen, its our home for the time being, our first space together.
Oh and that flower is sitting in a random inch-wide hole in the wall, covering the eyesore 🙂
Total Project Costs: $152.99
Primer $15
Paint $25
Flooring $60
New light bulbs $9
Silverware holder aka desk organizer: $12.99 at Home Goods
“Recipe for a Happy Home” decor sign : $6 from Kirkland’s
Curtains: $0 sewed them myself out of curtains I acquired from a previous apartment
Curtain Brackets: $25 from Bed, Bath & Beyond
Butcher block kitchen cart: $0 BF has had since college
Kitchen table & chairs : $0 saved from my college apartment cellar, it was just hiding in there so I kept it when I moved out 🙂
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