When we first began researching our kitchen renovation, we were shocked at the quotes we were receiving for custom work. Cabinetry alone was going to cost more than we had budgeted for the entire renovation! So we decided to DIY the project using big box store cabinets. We wanted to make the kitchen look as custom as possible without spending a fortune. We used the following hacks and strategies to achieve a custom kitchen “high” look on a “low” budget. Here are the top tens ways we customized our kitchen for less!

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

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1. Use Big Box Store Cabinets

We chose Ikea cabinetry because their cabinets were by far the best quality for the price. Also, their online design tool made it easy to plan out space without having any special software. We designed this kitchen in 2010 so it was the old kitchen line (the equivalent now would be the SEKTION kitchen with BODBYN door fronts).

2. Classic Design

We designed this kitchen 10 years ago and it has stood the test of time because we went with classic styling choices. Do I love open shelving now? Yes, I do! Do I want a pretty range with gold hardware? I definitely do lol!! But I still love what we did too! You can’t go wrong with classic…simple white cabinets, wood flooring and marble counters aren’t trends even though sometimes they are trendy!

3. Custom Trim

Mark customized this build in so many ways:

• Built boxes for lower cabinets to sit on out of 2x6s ( instead of using the adjustable legs provided)
• Built in extra support for the wall ovens and farmhouse sink using 2x4s
• Made custom fridge panels, island end panels, and a custom front for the farmhouse sink cabinet from 3/4″ plywood
• Added custom crown moulding
• Added Ikea under-cabinet trim pieces
• Added Ikea side panels on upper cabinets

All the trim pieces were sprayed with a paint sprayer (with paint that was colour matched to the cabinets) to achieve a professional looking finish. We edged the pieces using a router to match the profile of the cabinets. And we used a jigsaw to cut curves, for example, the piece of plywood on the front of the sink cabinet that curves around the sink.

4. Upgrade Hardware

Hardware is like the jewellery of kitchen style. It sets the tone of the space and changing it can change the whole feel of the room! Hardware is a smart place to splurge if you are looking for big impact for little cost. We used Restoration Hardware dark bronze cup pulls paired with bronze & crystal knobs. The dark bronze tied in well with our existing dark hardwood floors and added some warmth to the white.

5. À la carte Appliances

We stayed away from appliance packages when we were sourcing for our kitchen. Don’t be lured in by the promise of a better price. Appliance packages can make your kitchen look builder basic and you probably won’t get all the features you really want. Take the time to research each appliance individually and choose ones that work for your needs and budget.

• Gas range – Mark loves to cook and a good quality gas range was important to him so we splurged on a Wolf cooktop.
• Double ovens – Another feature we really wanted was double ovens. It’s so convenient to be able to cook two different dishes on separate settings. Our top oven is a speed oven/microwave combination to save space. There are both Electrolux Icon.
• Counter-depth fridge – We couldn’t afford to install a built-in fridge so we put in a Kitchen Aid counter-depth fridge and built it in with custom panels to get the look at a fraction of the cost!
• Dishwasher – The Bosch dishwasher has a cabinet front panel mounted on the door so it blends seamlessly into the cabinetry.
• Vent Hood – We found this Ancona hood at Costco! It had a nice sleek profile and we hid the ducting in a cupboard above it.

6. Functional Luxury

Even though the kitchen was small and we had a budget, I wanted it to feel luxurious. So we added a few little features with big impact. We added a pot filler faucet behind the cooktop as well as a hidden warming drawer beneath it. There’s a crumb sweeper under the sink cabinet that’s attached to the central vac in the house and I think it might be my favourite feature!

Don’t be afraid to get creative and add that feature you’ve always wanted even if the kitchen isn’t part of a “dream home”. Remember my house motto… you can make your home dreamy even if it’s not your dream home. So put in that amazing built-in coffee maker or wine fridge or whatever feature you’ve had your heart set on!

7. Statement Backsplash

For our backsplash, we chose this gorgeous blue-green glass subway tile from Daltile. At the time I thought I was being pretty adventurous adding a tiny bit of colour to the design! I usually like to stay neutral when it comes to elements that can’t easily be changed. But I think a backsplash should be the exception to the rule. Now, I’m not saying go out and buy the trendiest tile on the market and throw it on the wall. But paying a little more for a beautiful tile you truly love with a colour, texture or pattern that is timeless and that speaks to you can really pay dividends when it comes to making your kitchen feel custom.

8. Panelling & Pullouts

By hiding the dishwasher and warming drawers behind cabinet fronts and building in the fridge and ovens, we made the kitchen streamlined and therefore more visually appealing. We also added as many drawers and pull-out options as possible in the layout to continue this streamlining. The garbage is hidden in a pullout beside the dishwasher and there’s a large pull-out pantry beside the ovens. Combined with lots of drawer space, everything is easily reachable. This feels so much more custom than reaching into the backs of traditional cupboards for lost items.

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9. Farmhouse Flair

Our home is designed with a modern English Country Farmhouse vibe, so we added farmhouse flair to our design. We added a beautiful double–bowl Fireclay farmhouse sink from Vintage Tub & Bath. Ikea does have a farmhouse sink option that’s very budget-friendly, but I wanted a more unique look and I also wanted to be able to undermount the sink.

10. Beautiful Countertops

Because we had saved so much on cabinets and labour costs etc.. we were able to upgrade our countertops. We chose a beautiful honed Carrera marble. (If you are wondering about marble in the kitchen check out Should You Choose Marble Countertops) The marble makes the whole kitchen feel so luxe and it’s beautifully cool for baking!

Although we shed blood, sweat and tears taking on this custom kitchen renovation ourselves we are so happy with how it turned out! Any questions? Leave me a comment below!

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And if you’d like to read more about our home renovation and design process check out these posts!

• DIY Custom Closet on a Budget
• Our Modern Farmhouse Bungalow Renovation
• Modern Farmhouse Exterior Makeover
• Best Interior Paint Colours for Your Home
• Entryway Makeover in a Builder Grade Home