Kitchen of the Week: Practical, Budget-Friendly Beauty in Dallas
One month and a $25,000 budget — see how a Texas homeowner modernized her kitchen beautifully working with those remodeling constraints
After five years of living with her 1952 ranch's kitchen, Deb Young decided she was done with the dingy and dilapidated material palette. Sticking with the kitchen's original layout and deciding on all the materials ahead of time helped her cut down on the remodel's cost and time. Just one month of construction resulted in a fresh, modern kitchen with plenty of practical additions.
Kitchen at a Glance
Location: Lakewood area of Dallas
Size: 13 by 17 feet
Budget: $25,000
Kitchen at a Glance
Location: Lakewood area of Dallas
Size: 13 by 17 feet
Budget: $25,000
Young was never a fan of the original layout, but the cabinetry and appliances were in good shape. Rather than pull them out, she stuck to the basic design, saving money for future bathroom renovations.
Cabinetry: solid Lyptus stained in dark walnut; paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; countertops: Luce de Luna quartzite, stainless perimeter
Cabinetry: solid Lyptus stained in dark walnut; paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; countertops: Luce de Luna quartzite, stainless perimeter
Choosing the colors and materials was all about practicality. Dark cabinets, sturdy flooring and stainless steel–lined countertops can all stand up to heavy family use.
Backsplash: fireclay tile, Crater Lake
Backsplash: fireclay tile, Crater Lake
The previous all-white cabinets put every speck of dirt and spilled drop of coffee on display. The awkward handles also made it difficult to clean the entire door fronts.
From the beginning, Young knew she wanted to keep the original pivoting bar top. Attached to the countertop by a rotating grommet, it is an incredibly functional seating solution for this kitchen's layout.
On the other side of the rotating bar, a lockable caster allows for seamless movement. When it's time to eat, the bar swings into the kitchen, stopping just short of the island. When it's time to clean or entertain, it slides back into place against the window.
Flooring: Volcanic Ash Marmoleum
Flooring: Volcanic Ash Marmoleum
Choosing flooring was easy — Young knew from the get-go that she wanted to use Marmoleum. This true linoleum product is often used in schools and hospitals because it's extra durable but still feels soft and wears well. Although it took a while to find someone to install it in a residential project, it was worth the search.
Bar stools: CB2
Bar stools: CB2
This existing cabinets got a fresh update with walnut-stained panels and new hardware.
Texas art: Draplin Design
Texas art: Draplin Design
The kitchen's previous finishes were completely worn out. The yellow paint peeled off the walls in places, the vinyl floor had stains, the cast iron sink had massive scratches, and the laminate counters had their fair share of burns and stains.
The old island's open shelving didn't provide enough storage for the Youngs, and food was constantly falling onto the open shelves. Adding several pullout drawers created additional, defined storage space.
Dishwasher: Miele
Dishwasher: Miele
The Marmoleum flows into an adjacent hallway — the primary route to the family's backyard swimming pool.
While Young loved the existing glass-front refrigerator, it didn't have the storage that she wanted — particularly when it came to ice for drinks during summer parties.
New refrigerator and freezer drawers were a splurge for the new bar area, but they make a big difference when it comes to the family's daily activities and love of entertaining.
Bubble glass above the bar provides a bit of contrast. "We put glass there because it allows our friends to wander in and help themselves to drinks," says Young. "It's easier for them to do so if they can see what's in the cabinets."
Refrigerator: Jenn-Air
Your turn: Did you just redo your kitchen? We'd love to hear about it and see a photo below!
Bubble glass above the bar provides a bit of contrast. "We put glass there because it allows our friends to wander in and help themselves to drinks," says Young. "It's easier for them to do so if they can see what's in the cabinets."
Refrigerator: Jenn-Air
Your turn: Did you just redo your kitchen? We'd love to hear about it and see a photo below!
Young had an extra-large stainless steel sink custom made. The Grohe faucet handle turns into the sink, rather than to the side, so wet hands don't drip on the counter after doing dishes. "It's easier for my 7-year-old to reach, too," she says.
Faucet: Grohe Concetto