Renovating a Kitchen can be a daunting task. This is the first kitchen I’ve ever renovated and I’m hoping it’s not the last! Kitchens make such a different when it comes to feeling at home.
This blog post is sponsored by Dutch Boy.
As an entrepreneur one of my newest business ventures was acquiring three properties and renovating them into Airbnbs. I run three Airbnbs in Omaha, Nebraska and two long-term rental properties. I have been able to combine my passions for photography, marketing and entrepreneurship to start a real estate company. But if you ask anyone in real estate, one of the best and worst aspects of the job is renovations, kitchen renovations to be exact. There are so many factors that go into renovating a kitchen that it can often be an overwhelming task. With a little bit of blood, sweat and tears (okay, maybe not blood, but definitely a lot of sweat), and the right products and supplies, you can turn your outdated kitchen into a timeless and fresh new space.
Before
After
Cue: Kitchen Design Inspiration. If you’re anything like me, I have Pinterest boards for almost everything you can imagine. Creating mood boards helps me visualize which colors and features pair well together and create the aesthetic that I want. And from this before picture, you can see that I had my work cut out for me. The kitchen, when we bought the property, was very dark and dingy. The colors, textures and features did not work cohesively and different pieces looked out of place (aka that oddly shaped mirror).
Let’s Dive In
There was a bit of an issue trying to fit a fridge and a full size oven in this kitchen but with a little manual labor my contractor got the wall knocked out and prepped the countertop to get cut.
After I got everything sorted out it was time to start on one of my favorite projects of the kitchen renovation which was the cabinets.
What a difference paint can make. I decided to go with Dutch Boy® Platinum Plus Cabinet, Door, and Trim in Foggy Gray (424-2DB) with a Satin Finish . This shade of gray and the satin finish really helped to lighten up the space, giving it a more welcoming feel. It’s exactly what I had envisioned. I only had to apply a single coat over the cabinets with a few touch ups here and there. The greenish grey helps compliment the space very well and pairs great with the countertops and finishes.
I’m not going to lie…demo-ing any space in your home can seem like a daunting task, especially when remodeling a kitchen for an Airbnb. When it comes to kitchen remodels, there are so many customizations and features to decide on to make a cohesive, functional and aesthetic looking space. If you’re as indecisive as me, picking materials can feel like a hopeless task. Not to mention the barriers that come along with plumbing, functionality, layout and more. After finally finishing my first kitchen remodel, here are some tips that I learned that might help you when remodeling your own space. Hopefully this will help your project start in the right direction.
I ran out of time in Omaha so I ended up getting a contractor to complete the tile backsplash.
Whether you’re just painting the cabinets a different color or starting from scratch, I hope you find these tips helpful.
1. Know your “why.”
When starting on any remodel, it’s important to know your “why.” What do you hope to accomplish with your renovation? Do you need more space? Newer appliances? Paint to liven up the space? Creating a list of “why” you are redoing your kitchen in the first place will help you remain focused and guide you when making decisions. It’s easy to get distracted and lose the vision of your original goals so knowing your “why” can be beneficial.
2. Where do I begin when remodeling my kitchen?
Put shortly, EVERYWHERE. No. but seriously. You can’t just start by picking random things and expect them to work harmoniously. A good thing to do before you begin buying things for your renovation is to create a list of everything you need to make a decision on: paint colors, cabinets, flooring, appliances, fixtures, countertops, and the list goes on!
3. If you could only make one change to your kitchen, what would have the biggest impact?
Painting the cabinets is the easiest way to make a huge impact in your kitchen. This simple task can help refresh your space and make it seem lighter and brighter. It’s also a project that doesn’t require the job of professionals. Anyone can do it with a little time and effort and can make your remodel even more meaningful after seeing the finished product. Not to mention, painting your cabinets is far less expensive than replacing them and is less of an inconvenience.
