Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover: Our Lake House Renovation

Renovating a kitchen can often seem like an overwhelming and expensive endeavor, but with some strategic planning and smart choices, it’s possible to achieve a stunning transformation without breaking the bank (did you see my last post on how to revamp your bedroom on a budget?)

Our recent kitchen renovation at our lake house serves as a testament to this. With a budget of under $10,000, we successfully refreshed our space, turning it into a bright and airy gathering spot for family and guests. Here’s how we did it, step by step.

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Step 1: Clear the Clutter and Brighten the Space

One of the first things we tackled was the outdated popcorn ceilings and the oddly placed lighting fixtures that were detracting from the open concept of our kitchen and living area. Removing the popcorn ceiling was a game changer; it instantly made the space feel more modern and open. While this step required a bit of elbow grease, it was worth every minute.

Next, we focused on the walls. A fresh coat of paint not only brightened the room but also helped unify the kitchen and living area, making them feel cohesive. Opting for a light and airy color palette set the tone for the rest of our renovation and created an inviting atmosphere.

Cost Breakdown:

• Remove popcorn and paint (in this area): around $1,500

Step 2: Update the Backsplash

After brightening the space with new lighting and paint, it was time to turn our attention to the backsplash. The previous dark and busy tile felt dated and cramped the area visually. We decided to rip it out and replace it with a cleaner, more modern option. Choosing a simple, light-colored backsplash helped to enhance the overall brightness of the kitchen, tying in beautifully with our new countertops.

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on tile backsplash, I opted for a beadboard-look which goes perfectly with our cottagecore aesthetic. I found this paintable beadboard wallpaper which is so cool! Typically, I hire out wallpaper installation but after reading the helpful reviews on Amazon of this easy to install beadboard wallpaper, I was confident in doing it! All I needed was this simple $5 wallpaper kit. The wallpaper comes pre-pasted which means the adhesive is already on the back — you just need to wet it to activate. I then painted it the same color as the walls (BM Simply White).

Cost Breakdown:

• New backsplash: $575
• Labor of ripping out old countertop and tile = $500
• DIY beadboard backsplash = $75 (beadboard wallpaper, caulk and paint)

Step 3: Transforming the Countertops

The centerpiece of any kitchen renovation is undoubtedly the countertops. We partnered with the Cottage Supply Company to select the perfect material. We initially gravitated towards stunning marble options, particularly the “Alabama white.” However, we quickly realized that while marble is beautiful, it can be high maintenance and quite costly, especially for a vacation home where spills and stains are inevitable.

After discussing our needs with the designers at Cottage Supply in Tuscaloosa, we explored the option of Raphael Quartz. This manmade stone is not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly—perfect for our lake house lifestyle. Being nonporous, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and heat resistant, it met all our criteria for a family-friendly kitchen.

Visiting the stoneyard in Cottondale, AL, was an inspiring experience. The designers helped us narrow down our countertop choices, and we appreciated their expertise in guiding us towards the best fit for our needs. The convenience of having the stone readily available and a quick installation time made Raphael Quartz the ideal choice for our project.

Cost Breakdown:

• Countertops: $4,500 (including installation)

Step 4: Fresh Fixtures and Furnishings

To complement our new countertops and the updated look of our kitchen, we decided to invest in a new sink and faucet. Choosing modern fixtures not only improved functionality but also added a touch of elegance to the space. The investment in a high-quality sink and faucet set us back a bit, but it was well worth it for the overall impact. We worked with another fabulous Southern-based company called GLS Supply. They have locations in Birmingham, Huntsville and Cullman.

We also updated the kitchen counter stools to fit the new aesthetic. Opting for stylish yet comfortable seating is essential, especially in a space where family and friends gather. This small change elevated the dining experience and enhanced the kitchen’s inviting atmosphere. For our specific counter height, we needed “bar” height. Here are the affordable stools I sourced.

Side note: Another quick weekend DIY project I tackled spray painting all the cabinet hinges white and I think that made a subtle but major difference!

Cost Breakdown:

• New sink and faucet: $1,800 (c/o GLS Supply)
• New counter stools: $900

Step 5: Revamping Lighting and Electrical Work

The lighting in our kitchen was another crucial area that needed improvement. We opted for new light fixtures that offered both functionality and style. Proper lighting can drastically change the ambiance of a room, and with our budget-friendly renovation, we wanted to ensure our kitchen felt bright and welcoming.

I found this West Elm look-for-less linear chandelier on Amazon!

Along with a new fixture, we also addressed any necessary electrical work, ensuring everything was safe and up to code. This small investment paid off by making the kitchen not only more attractive but also more functional for our family and guests. These new switch plates made all the difference!

Cost Breakdown:

• New lighting and electrical work: $500
  • my husband has gotten really good at installing lighting over the last year and so he was able to install the chandelier and new can light in the kitchen which saved us some money!

Bringing It All Together

With all these changes in place, our kitchen renovation began to take shape. The light color scheme, updated countertops, and stylish fixtures came together to create a cohesive and inviting space. Here’s a quick overview of our total costs for the renovation:

• Countertops: $4,500
• New sink and faucet: $1,900
• New backsplash: $550
• New counter stools: $900
• New lighting and electrical work: $500
• Remove popcorn and paint: $1,500

Total: $9,850

New Countertops Before & After

I cannot recommend the Cottage Supply Company enough. Their team was instrumental in helping us realize our vision for the kitchen. The collaborative experience we had at their showroom locations in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa allowed us to explore various options and receive valuable insights from their design experts. They truly made the process enjoyable and stress-free.

After seeing the stunning transformation of our kitchen, I was so impressed that I contacted them again for a renovation in our downstairs bathroom. Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction have made them our go-to resource for home improvements.

Renovating our lake house kitchen was a rewarding project that turned out to be both beautiful and budget-friendly. By focusing on strategic updates—like removing popcorn ceilings, fresh paint, a modern backsplash, durable quartz countertops, and stylish fixtures—we achieved a stunning transformation for under $10,000.

If you’re considering a kitchen makeover on a budget, take inspiration from our journey. With thoughtful planning, collaboration with the right professionals, and a clear vision, you can create a space that not only enhances your home but also enriches your family gatherings and guest experiences. I can’t wait to share more about our future projects— up next, I’ll be dishing all the details about our new flooring. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more insider info.

Until next time — stay scheming and dreaming! XO, Meredith

Our lake home, The Southern Shore Cottage is now available for booking! We can’t wait to host you on beautiful Lake Tuscaloosa.