Kitchen and Breakfast Nook Budget Breakdown

Talking about money isn't really my thing, so if it isn't your thing either and you have no interest in knowing our kitchen and breakfast nook budget breakdown, I get it. You won't hurt my feelings by not reading this post. That said, I hope this budget breakdown sheds light on just how much we saved by working with the current footprint of the kitchen, not taking down a wall, and basically doing a cosmetic renovation. If you haven't seen the kitchen reveal yet, you should go read that post and then come back here to see how much it all cost. Also, all sources can be found in the reveal post or on the Shop My Current Home page. Let me be brutally honest for a minute. We did not plan or budget for this makeover. It was a byproduct of an impulsive decision, on my part, to rip out the old upper cabinets and backsplash after we moved in. I started this makeover after Hannah expressed a desire to have a presentable kitchen for hosting friends (the kitchen had been half demoed for over a year at that point). So, not only were we working with no set budget, we were now on a time crunch. As such, it wasn't as cost effective as it could have been if I had set a budget, taken my time, and simply done what I could within those limits. When I say this makeover was budget friendly, I don't mean it was dirt cheap and anyone could afford it, especially given the year we've all experienced. But I also know a full kitchen renovation typically costs anywhere from $20,000 - $75,000+, depending on the size and scope of the project, and the cost of the changes we made pales in comparison to those numbers. But it's important not to compare too much in these situations because what's budget friendly for one family may be financially impossible for another or completely doable for another. You must do what's best for your family, whatever that means for you. This is how things played out for us, and I hope you find it helpful. Okay, let's get into the budget breakdown. First up is the kitchen...Plumbing Fixture:

• Moen Faucet - $184.93

Building Materials:

• Pre-primed Shiplap - $346.72
• Trim, Crown, Lumber- $287.21
• Pegs - $31.52
• Corbels - $56.90
• Paint and Sealer - $35
• Caulk, Nails, Glue - $34.78
• Skim Coating Materials - $122.23
• New Vent Cover - $20.19

Vent Hood:

• Hood and Ducting - $380.52

Lighting:

• Sconces - $411.08
• New Can Lights - $62.37
• Electrical Wiring for Sconces (Hired Out) - $100
• New Switches and Outlet Covers - $45.81

Hardware:

• Unlacquered Brass Cabinet Knobs and Pull - $273.59
• Soft Close Hinges - $120

Accessories:

• Dinner Bell, Canisters, Cutting Boards, Café Curtain Rod and Rings, Cookbooks, Kitchen Supplies, Etc. - $570.22

Kitchen Total = $3,083.07*Cabinet knobs, pull and soft close hinges were all purchased and installed about a year ago. Let's break down the breakfast nook budget next...Building Supplies:

• Trim for Windows - $199.26
• Window Grids - $119.58
• Floor Paint and Sealer - $80
• Rollers and Paint Supplies - $53.25

Furniture (all from FB Marketplace):

• Table - $100
• Chairs - $50 for all four 
• Arched Cabinet - $80
• Paint - $21

Décor and Accessories:

• Woven Roman Shades - $207.14
• Styling Objects - $61
• Chair Pads - $117.42

Breakfast Nook Total = $1,008.65*Before I purchased the new-to-us table and chairs, I sold the set we previously had for $580. I did not deduct this from the total cost, but if I had, the total for the nook would have only been $428.65.I didn't work with any brands on this makeover, so everything was out of pocket, and we kept the existing counter tops, appliances and layout. The breakfast nook transformation consisted of second-hand furniture and painted floors, as I already had the curtains, rods, and light fixture (I changed the finish with Rub 'n' Buff). The most expensive changes were framing out the windows and adding window grids. Grand Total = $4,091.72So that's it...our kitchen and breakfast nook makeover for right around $4,000. Honestly, I'm a little surprised at how much this ended up costing for a budget makeover. But there were unforeseen expenses, like a new hood and faucet, as well as special touches that weren't necessary, but were important to me (sconces, reworking electrical), that increased that final total. Also, I chose things we could reuse if we ever bite the bullet and do a full renovation in here, so we paid a little more for those items. The cabinet knobs, soft-close hinges, vent hood, sconces, café rod, window grids, and even the can lights are all items that can and will be reused one day. But... if we never get to that big renovation in here, I'm okay with the amount of money we spent because I love this space now, it functions for our family and friends, and I feel like it was $4,000 of quality work and materials rather than a smoke-and-mirrors (read: contact paper and spray paint) makeover. Could I have done things differently? Yes. Is this space perfect? No. But it is a beautiful, functioning, warm, inviting, clean kitchen, where my girls will remember holiday baking, midnight snacks, pizza night, and love...lots of love. And that makes this makeover worth every unplanned penny. I'd love to hear in the comments below if you were surprised by the cost of this makeover. Did you think it would be more or less? Please keep comments kind, as we all have different incomes, opportunities, and abilities.