Gorgeous tile and glass cabinet doors are two luxuries that give character to this affordable kitchen makeover by interior designer Nicole Lantelli. (Photo provided by Nicole Lanteri)
This is the second story in a three-part series on how to refresh your home for less than $50,000 (and sometimes less).
Keeping up with the Joneses is becoming more difficult by the day, with some Arlington homes selling for millions of dollars. But with a few designer tricks, you can keep your home looking fresh and updated without breaking the bank.
If you're redesigning on a budget, start by identifying your preferred style (like midcentury modern or cottagecore) and changing one element throughout your home, like lighting, rugs, textiles, or wallpaper. said Arlington resident Nicole Lanteri. Designed by Nicole Lanteri.
“People are looking for items that reflect their personal style: items that aren't extravagant but are well-crafted and unique,” says Lanteri. How these parts fit together is more important than price.
In the kitchen remodel shown above, Lanteri's client chose not to use top-of-the-line appliances, but chose to use high-end Anne Sacks backsplash tile (only a small amount was needed) and reed glass for the cabinet doors. I invested a little more. At $46 per square foot, the total cost of the tile was $1,380 in materials. The resulting space feels unique and full of character.
“It's a great trick,” says the designer. “If there's something expensive you want, just a little bit of it might go a long way.”
Here are more tips for upgrading your home with great impact and affordability.
(Photo by Anshu A on Unsplash)
Start by painting. Want to renovate an old room for a new purpose? Start by emptying it out, effectively creating a clean slate. If the space used to serve as a play area, but the kids have outgrown it, remove all the toys and give it a fresh coat of paint. Then you'll know what to do with it. “When I paint, I remove everything from the wall. I think this is a great way to refresh things,” says Lanteri, at minimal cost.
By combining old and new elements, the owners of this Bethesda, Maryland, kitchen were able to achieve an updated look without spending too much. A boraster Peter wallpaper accent wall complements the bright blues and greens of the new island and bar stools. (Photo provided by Nicole Lanteri)
Mix high-cost and low-cost ingredients together. Don't be afraid to combine some high-end items with lower-cost fixtures and finishes. In the kitchen renovation shown above, Lanteri retained the existing hardwood surround cabinetry and some appliances and used the client's limited funds to purchase new countertops, backsplash tile, and a contemporary island. Did. “These moves save money,” she says. “You can have a really nice kitchen, but it doesn't cost a fortune. You don't need a built-in refrigerator. You don't need Sub-Zero. If that's what you really want, that's great, but… If you can’t afford it or want to make more money, you don’t need them.”
Before: Chunky backsplash tiles and dark countertops made this kitchen feel dated.
To make the space bright and modern, Lanteri replaced the dark, dated countertops and backsplash with white granite and white subway tile. She replaced the island with a fancier model, which includes a built-in cooktop, range hood, and wine refrigerator. The new island cabinets and countertops cost between $20,000 and $30,000, she says.
Lanteri replaced two built-in desks in a space opposite the kitchen (see below) with a cozy breakfast nook with an upholstered bench. Wallpaper, white window treatments, and updated light fixtures complete the look. The cost to renovate the entire kitchen, including the nook, range, countertop, hood and wine refrigerator, was $40,000 to $50,000, she said.
Lanteri replaced the twin desks with a new breakfast nook and a floral wallpaper accent wall from House of Hackney with matching bench upholstery. (Photo provided by Nicole Lanteri)
Think hierarchically. Do you have limited funds? Instead of redesigning each room, think in terms of what Lanteri calls “layers.” Focus your money on a single type of fixture, finish, or furniture, such as lighting, wallpaper, or area rugs, and swap out that element in multiple rooms for a cohesive look. “It's really like pulling the strings of the whole house,” she says. In the projects above and below, a floral accent wall in navy tones is a recurring motif.
Take inventory of what you already own. Before buying a new one, firstLanteri advises cleaning out the clutter and deciding what to keep and what to keep. Do you have a favorite collection? Consider grouping family photos, heirlooms, or travel finds and displaying them in your entryway or staircase. “Everything looks much more beautiful when it's grouped together rather than scattered all over the house,” she says.
Floral wallpaper, natural wood, and textured fabrics throughout this home create a country resort feel. (Photo provided by Nicole Lanteri)
In the living room above, Lanteri updated the fireplace with a marble surround and mantel, as well as built-in cabinetry and bookcases. The cost of a new fireplace and built-in is about $12,000 to $15,000, she says, depending on the materials. Here, the client wanted to give her home the feel of a cozy country cottage, drawing inspiration from her favorite resorts. Natural wood finishes and textured fabrics also tie the main floor spaces together. Modern lighting throughout. Lanteri saved money by reusing the client's existing art and decorations.
Enjoy quality items that are built to last. Once you've unloaded the items in your “Donate or Throw away” pile, you can start replacing them with better items that you actually need. Although custom furniture is expensive, it can make a room special and is generally a good investment, Lanteri says. “Please allow 10-12 weeks” for your special piece to be manufactured and delivered. “Spend a little more and get something that really works, and you'll feel great at home.”
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