Kitchen Under $30,000
1950s Retro Kitchen
Initial Budget: $25,000
Final Cost: $25,846. The budget grew after the client chose recessed lighting instead of a ceiling fixture and upgraded some appliance selections.
Client’s Goals:
- Make kitchen more efficient using existing space.
- Increase cabinet storage.
- Improve lighting.
- Update appliances, add a dishwasher, and change range from electric to gas.
- Create a look that is more 1950s retro than the actual 1950s kitchen that existed in the house.
Designer’s Solutions:
- Moved stove to a longer wall, creating more workspace around the stove while maintaining adequate landing space at the refrigerator.
- Increased storage by using frameless cabinets, a full and a ½ round lazy Susan in the base corner cabinets, and full round lazy Susans in the upper corner cabinets.
- Installed a microhood to free counter space.
- Installed a new dishwasher to the left of the sink and a new self-cleaning gas range with sealed burners.
- Added new recessed lighting in place of a single, two-tube fluorescent fixture.
- Created a retro 1950s look with polished chrome cabinet pulls, 1950s memorabilia and removable colored cabinet door inserts.
Cabinets: Frameless custom maple cabinetry in a Shaker door style with clear conversion varnish and removable green Formica panels. Accessories: Roll-out shelves, lazy Susans, tray dividers, cutlery insert, adjustable shelves, tilt-out sink tray and polished chrome pulls.
Appliances: GE gas range, dishwasher and over-the-range microwave.
Countertops: Laminate with square edge treatment. Using a separate laminate backsplash glued to the wall instead of an integrated one saved money.
Flooring: Vinyl
Sink: Kohler self-rimming sink; disposal
Faucet: Delta faucet; soap dispenser
Other: Paint, nine recessed lights
