I love this idea. I live in a 1950's ranch-style house, and the kitchen cabinets were built by the original tenant. They're built to fit the space *exactly*. My partner and I have discussed a complete reno, but we always come back to what's already there--and what's already working. Had we been the original builders, might we have done things differently? Of course. Can we live happily with what's already there/been done for us? You bet.
“Before you renovate, ask yourself if maybe there’s something else you’d rather spend your money and time on?” - THIS. Last year we got a quote to repaint just our (stupidly large) living/dining/kitchen, because I was convinced that some fresh paint would make it a nicer space. The painter was booked out for months, and in the time between accepting the quote and the scheduled works, we decided that $3000 to paint one room was actually ridiculous and we had better things to spend our money on. I think that was the beginning of the end when we realised that house was just never going to bring us any joy!
The point about "bigger isn't always better" is so true. I've cooked in many large and impressive kitchens, and I'm never as efficient as when I'm in a thoughtfully designed smaller space (like my own!). Too small is a challenge, of course. But you can do a lot with just one long expanse of counter-top (say 5-feet or so). Thanks for sharing this advice!
I am about to embark on a very overdue kitchen renovation in my studio apartment and I'm so nervous. I don't think it's been touched since the 80s and the cabinets are quite literally falling apart, but my resources are pretty limited. It's the first renovation that I've tackled myself and I'm definitely worried I'll just end up with something that's bland and likely to fall apart in a few years. The balance between not having much to spend and wanting to make sure it's done right is tricky!
My husband and I just had an offer for a house accepted and signed all the beginning paperwork about an hour ago. We are so excited! Reading this article really made me feel good about this 1000 sq ft fixer upper we are (inspection willing!) buying, especially the cute kitchen. When I got to the part about keeping wood cabinets, I went back to the listing pictures and confirmed that the kitchen does have wood cabinets! We want to make it our own but will definitely work with what is there. And buy some art instead of new countertops.
I’ve been debating buying this book as we start a renovation on our tiny kitchen, so I’m taking this as a sign to purchase it! I’m feeling somewhat conflicted about the reno, as our kitchen looks fine from a distance, but everything is just low enough quality to drive me crazy - sorry to all design blogs that recommend ikea cabinets, but ours have been more bad than good. So I am trying to be thoughtful about how we replace basically everything in a sustainable way… Love your book, and so happy to have discovered your substack today!
My tiny kitchen is the just the right size! I love when kitchen designs reflect many uses and have places to eat, store books, or other multi-use examples. Excited to check out this book!
Loved this! I'm doing a small kitchen reno right now. I had a company come in and give me a quote, and they cast this big vision: new built ins! moving appliances and water lines and outlets! They were also way over my budget, and I found myself thinking "All I really want is to refinish the floor and swap out the sink side cabinets." So that's what I'm doing, with help from my handy brother!
And thanks for the Anne Helen Petersen link! I've been thinking about the role of temporary setups within the big permanent projects. Reassured to think about there not being one optimal way for space to be used!
Insightful post on why gut kitchen renovations are falling out of favor! Your content offers a fresh perspective on evolving trends in kitchen design. Thanks for shedding light on alternative approaches to remodeling. https://livinginnovations.ph/brands/#gaggenau
I love this idea. I live in a 1950's ranch-style house, and the kitchen cabinets were built by the original tenant. They're built to fit the space *exactly*. My partner and I have discussed a complete reno, but we always come back to what's already there--and what's already working. Had we been the original builders, might we have done things differently? Of course. Can we live happily with what's already there/been done for us? You bet.
“Before you renovate, ask yourself if maybe there’s something else you’d rather spend your money and time on?” - THIS. Last year we got a quote to repaint just our (stupidly large) living/dining/kitchen, because I was convinced that some fresh paint would make it a nicer space. The painter was booked out for months, and in the time between accepting the quote and the scheduled works, we decided that $3000 to paint one room was actually ridiculous and we had better things to spend our money on. I think that was the beginning of the end when we realised that house was just never going to bring us any joy!
The point about "bigger isn't always better" is so true. I've cooked in many large and impressive kitchens, and I'm never as efficient as when I'm in a thoughtfully designed smaller space (like my own!). Too small is a challenge, of course. But you can do a lot with just one long expanse of counter-top (say 5-feet or so). Thanks for sharing this advice!
I am about to embark on a very overdue kitchen renovation in my studio apartment and I'm so nervous. I don't think it's been touched since the 80s and the cabinets are quite literally falling apart, but my resources are pretty limited. It's the first renovation that I've tackled myself and I'm definitely worried I'll just end up with something that's bland and likely to fall apart in a few years. The balance between not having much to spend and wanting to make sure it's done right is tricky!
Ooh this books looks great!
My husband and I just had an offer for a house accepted and signed all the beginning paperwork about an hour ago. We are so excited! Reading this article really made me feel good about this 1000 sq ft fixer upper we are (inspection willing!) buying, especially the cute kitchen. When I got to the part about keeping wood cabinets, I went back to the listing pictures and confirmed that the kitchen does have wood cabinets! We want to make it our own but will definitely work with what is there. And buy some art instead of new countertops.
I’ve been debating buying this book as we start a renovation on our tiny kitchen, so I’m taking this as a sign to purchase it! I’m feeling somewhat conflicted about the reno, as our kitchen looks fine from a distance, but everything is just low enough quality to drive me crazy - sorry to all design blogs that recommend ikea cabinets, but ours have been more bad than good. So I am trying to be thoughtful about how we replace basically everything in a sustainable way… Love your book, and so happy to have discovered your substack today!
So excited to learn about this book! Thank you!
I’ve been looking for a kitchen-only design book, especially one written from this unique perspective and focus on sustainability. Perfect timing!
My tiny kitchen is the just the right size! I love when kitchen designs reflect many uses and have places to eat, store books, or other multi-use examples. Excited to check out this book!
Loved this! I'm doing a small kitchen reno right now. I had a company come in and give me a quote, and they cast this big vision: new built ins! moving appliances and water lines and outlets! They were also way over my budget, and I found myself thinking "All I really want is to refinish the floor and swap out the sink side cabinets." So that's what I'm doing, with help from my handy brother!
And thanks for the Anne Helen Petersen link! I've been thinking about the role of temporary setups within the big permanent projects. Reassured to think about there not being one optimal way for space to be used!
Insightful post on why gut kitchen renovations are falling out of favor! Your content offers a fresh perspective on evolving trends in kitchen design. Thanks for shedding light on alternative approaches to remodeling. https://livinginnovations.ph/brands/#gaggenau