When we purchased our 2-bedroom block with downstairs study in 2005 the kitchen had a top load washing machine, no dishwasher, and a very small 24-inch range. It had horrible 1970’s vinyl flooring, the original steel cabinets (under many layers of paint), a chipped laminate countertop, and a rotting sink base. We immediately removed some of the cabinetry and installed a stacked high-efficiency front-load washer and dryer in the corner and a new sink base and dishwasher. We replaced the laminate countertops and covered the floor with cheap peel and stick vinyl tiles. Then we did nothing for 7 years.

When it came time for a full renovation, we did not have the budget to knock down the wall between the kitchen and the adjacent study, and the current layout was efficient, so we kept it. The electric was outdated and poorly located, and I DESPERATELY wanted a full-size range. We took advantage of the kitchen sale at IKEA in April 2012 and purchased our cabinets (ADEL white), quartz countertops, range, fridge, and over the range microwave/vent hood combo. The sink and faucet are from Overstock, the backsplash is a glass subway tile, the floor is a commercial grade vinyl sheet that looks like slate. I LOVED the art deco handles on the original steel cabinets, but there weren’t enough to reuse, so I found a very similar style from Amerock. We added a garbage disposal, and kept our dishwasher and washer and dryer.

We contracted with Frank Gervasi, Inc to update the electric, build a soffit to hide the exposed plumbing in the ceiling and vent the microwave, and install the floor and the cabinets. We painted, built the cabinets, and installed the backsplash ourselves. GHI asked to update the plumbing while the walls were exposed. This led to several days of delays and much frustration all around. In the end, things got done and from demo to fully functional kitchen it took 3 weeks.

Things we did right: we LOVE the countertop, the flat-top full-size stove, and how warm and soft the floor is underfoot. We moved the trash can into a lower cabinet with a pull-out. Things to be aware of: I would not recommend putting together an entire IKEA kitchen unless you are an experienced IKEA builder. We did most of the cabinet boxes in a day with the help of a friend. Even as small as our kitchen is, we had boxes piled to the ceiling in the rest of our downstairs for nearly 2 weeks. We spent a lot of money on food out, because we had no functional kitchen. Always keep your receipts. Our total cost, including materials and contractors was $14K.