Kitchen Remodel on a Smaller Budget

The kitchen in this converted condo lay inside an approximately sixty year old former apartment building. The small kitchen still had its original white metal cabinets:

Before

and an inefficient layout:

Before - The layout doesn't take full advantage of the available space

Furthermore, the room was closed off by an intrusive wall:

Before - The kitchen is closed in

and there was little in the way of storage:

Before - Little storage

However, the room highlighted a bright window above the sink:

Before - Bright window

The homeowner wanted to modernize and open the kitchen to create the illusion of a larger space and to let west light from the kitchen flood into the living room.

The age of the building became a major obstacle. Plumbing for all units was concealed in the basement behind not only a wall but mechanical equipment as well. There were no individual shut-off valves, which meant it was necessary to turn off the water to all units in order to install a single shut-off valve for the client’s kitchen. Working quickly and efficiently, this work was done without disruption to other condo owners.

With the final cost at approximately $17,000, every decision for this project needed to be carefully considered in terms of cost and value. In order to bring the condo up to code, our job manager and finish carpenter, who has been at the company for over fourteen years, cut in attic access. In response to the condo’s small size, we selected a WCAN 1812 combination washer and dryer for the client’s ease:

After - Under counter washer/dryer

instead of suggesting separate units. A forty inch wide opening exposes the kitchen:

After - An opening to the kitchen

thereby creating a visual link into the living room and drastically changing the formerly claustrophobic kitchen. Mid Continent Signature Series Cabinetry in antique maple was installed, including several cabinet concord style doors with cottage bead board:

After - Cabinets

In addition, the end of the cabinetry features desktop support overlooking the living room:

After - New desktop

Plastic laminate counters keep the cost down while maintaining a clean aesthetic:

After - Laminate Countertops

A Kohler sink and Delta pull-out spray faucet provide style:

After - Fixtures

As a result, we managed to create a dramatic change on a small budget just in time for the new year:

Final result: A beautiful small kitchen that takes advantage of all available space.

And, to truly appreciate the work that was put into this small kitchen, take a look at this incredible before and after shot:

Before and After

© Rose Construction 2009