Pssst – for the final bathroom renovation, check it out here.
We have some sweet friends/clients, who are about to dive into the world of renovations with us. They’ve entrusted the job to us, and we’re more than honored to take it on with such fun people! We’re sharing a few of their “befores” today, and what we plan to tackle as we help them save on a renovation. They were looking for practical solutions for multiple reasons, and we think it’s oh so fun to share a little bit of what can be done, without going “all the way” in a total gut out, with their kitchen.
One question we get a lot when talking about how to save on a renovation, is how to bring character into a space without a total starting-again-from-the-studs-remodel {see two kitchens we’ve taken on, here + here that aren’t total overhauls}. And we thought today would be a great opportunity to talk a little about what we recommend. I think in a world of pinterest, we tend to look at the complete overhauls {which are nice} and assume that this is the norm when it comes to the barometer of things. They become the expected decor-tv-show-commercial-break-magical-norm, without really considering the time, energy and money that goes into something so big. Sometimes, it can be easy to forget that it isn’t always the right solution for everyone.
save on a renovation
Today, we’re talking about two main areas of the home that often yield a bigger return when it comes to remodeling and trying to save on a renovation. And, what you can do for a bigger impact in the process, while also staying sensible… if it’s not your forever home. Save a little: practical solutions with a partial renovation – a kitchen and bath sneak peek!
First up, the kitchen: save on a renovation
Jess + Kris purchased their house for the land. They actually plan to build their dream house on the several acres that they own, a few years down the road. They decided, however, that their space could use a few updates in the practicality department, without a complete overhaul. AKA, they wanted to enjoy it more in the time that they do have while living here, and come up with some great solutions for future renters, as well.
Thinking sensibly since this is not their forever home, they wanted small changes with big impact.
This is to change the things that they don’t like, along with making it something they can enjoy for a while, until they are ready to dive in with their big build.
Older spaces are definitely what we love, and what we love the most about these little updates, {aside from the challenge of course} are the fact that you don’t have to go all the way to make a big impact.
Save on a renovation – Address the problem areas:
First things first, we decided to put our heads together to address what really “bugged them”. Every house has its quirks, and we decided it would be great to come up with some solutions for them for that “in the meantime” phase.
What did they really want to change? What did they see as worth their time and money, in direct proportion to the time they have left to spend in this house? They really enjoy entertaining, but felt the awkward bar area was inhibiting that. Whether as a family gathering or friends galore, that bar had to go.
So we decided to focus on these main areas:
• A new bar
Because their existing house is on a concrete slab, they weren’t able to come from underneath to change these support columns. A main source of electricity from the main area to the bar, is found in said columns. We weighed the pros and cons {and cost} of a land beam and breaking up the concrete flooring, but at the end of the day, we found a more sensible solution is changing the bar, and adding character to the existing columns to bring intention to the space. It’s a nice change without ripping out all the things… and bleeding money.
• Painting the rest of the cabinets
For a more affordable solution – they’re going for dark, lower cabinets in a beautiful blue hue, and white uppers.
• A tile backsplash
To bring in more character + update this area {of course we love Jeffrey Court}
• New countertops + lighting
Because again, updates – they want to enjoy the kitchen while they’re still using it. Enter Kichler, and we’ve chosen a gorgeous slab and can’t wait to show you what a difference it makes in the space.
• Changing the pantry doors
Right now the two are separate areas and both used as pantries. We plan to combine the two {cedar insides!} and reconstruct using the existing pieces. Then it’s all about those doors, to add some character.
And you can see here, a little more detail on the island plans, and how it will look over all! Yes, to double ovens, and more storage.
These are just a few sneak peek of the fun changes to come as we help them save on a renovation, but we can’t wait to change this over into something that Kris and Jess and their sweet family will absolutely love. It’s still a wonderful solution that brings the kitchen up to date, without completely starting over again.
Save on a renovation : children’s bath
Next up: they wanted to update their children’s bath. Can I get a what what for some caboodle action? I could seriously bring mine back. Yay childhood! I kind of want one again. :} I guess I just miss the good old days of NKOTB and Malibu Musk. Anyone else with me?
They need a simple tub solution and a new vanity, too. Storage is key here with three kiddos, and we’re thrilled to bring in some subtantial changes while also still staying on the practical side. So on a scale of painting things and leaving them as is to fresh changes in the tile/vanity/tub department and a complete gut out pulling out all the stops, we went for new, but some practical solutions here, as well.
Here are a few changes we have in store to make the space more enjoyable for the kiddos, while also helping them enjoy it more until they’re ready to build in the future: sensible solutions to last for the long haul. They’re thinking in terms of managing the space later, too. So these are the driving factors for some important decisions.
Save on a renovation : small bath changes
• A drop in tub
Sans glass, this saves them a little, and the “faux tile” backing still adds some texture, without going full-on tile. It saves a small bundle in terms of tile labor and materials.
• New vanity
The vanity offers great storage options with lots of style, but we went for the premade version, instead of custom. Again, it saves and in our opinion, looks just as good.
With those elements saving them in the major items realm, they’re able to bring in some great tile, storage solutions, mirrors, and much needed lighting and storage.
It’s a bathroom for their three children, boys + girls, and we think the styling is just right for their age range, and something that can grow with them in the next few years!
We love showing you guys this little sneak peek today, and how to save on a renovation. We can’t wait to share the direction we’re headed in.
Stay tuned and we’re getting started!
As always, let us know if you have any questions.
Have an inspired day!
Jenna says
This is such a great post! Thank you as always for being so helpful and genuine with all that you do.
Andy says
Brilliant! I can’t wait to see how all of this comes together