Well, it’s not so big, since I’m not re-doing the whole kitchen.  We’re just moving a few things around and sprucing it up.

As you can see in the picture, it was nothing too special when we moved in.  It’s a nice size, with tons of cabinets, but that’s about it for the good points.

Counter space is limited to the right wall, and there’s not much of it after you account for the range and the sink.  There is some pretty ugly paneling on the wall, and there is some hideous wood paneling above the cabinets on the right.

The vinyl tile isn’t pretty, nor is the counter-top.  The cabinets don’t match, either.  It’s a dated kitchen – functional, but in desparate need of a make-over.

What’s the Plan?

Well, if I had a ton of money, I’d rip it out and start all over.  But… I don’t.  So the plan is going to be a bit more limited in scope.

First, the paneling on the walls goes.  I’m going to strip it down, fix up the walls, and paint it an olive green color.

The cabinets on the left are going to be moved a bit.  They’re going up a few inches, so they are level with the highest cabinets on the right-hand side.  The low-hanging cabinet in the back is getting removed altogether.  That’ll open up that wall a bit.

The tops of the cabinets are going to get closed in with a soffit, painted the same colors as the wall (olive green).  That’ll get rid of the wood paneling above the cabinets over the counter-top.

That’ll take care of the cabinets and the walls.

The counter top is going to get replaced with a pre-fab counter from Lowes/Home Depot.  They’re nice and cheap (~$100), and look pretty good for the price.  Installing a new counter top will also let me install a smaller (single-tub) sink that a friend gave to me.

While I switch out the counter top, I’m also going to add a tile backsplash between the counter and the bottom of the cabinets.  That’ll probably end up being one of the more expensive parts of the project.  Right now, the backsplash is the same as the ugly old counter top.

Somewhere along the way, I’m also going to install a dishwasher and a garbage disposal.  Both house-warming presents, hooray!

Yes, home ownership is a lot of work.  Can’t wait to see how this turns out…