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My Kitchen: The Top 10 Things I Learned While Remodeling on a Budget

by | Apr 28, 2009 | Decorating Inspiration, Kitchens

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My Kitchen: The Top 10 Things I Learned While Remodeling on a Budget

Yesterday I said good-bye to my beloved kitchen. Let’s all have a moment of silence, shall we? We packed up our final U-Haul and made the trip back up to Washington.

It has been a long exhausting move, so I am thrilled to finally be done transporting my stuff across the state! But, it was sad to say good-bye to the room I loved the most —  my kitchen.

My Kitchen: The Top 10 Things I Learned While Remodeling on a Budget

So, in honor of closing the door for what I expect was the last time (praying our closing happens in the next couple of weeks!), I took some time to reflect back on the top ten lessons I learned by remodeling my kitchen on a budget.

And who better to share my tips with than the master remodeler himself, Remodeling Guy! I am lucky enough to get to be his guest today, so pop on over to read the tips and say hi (do you ever feel like I Dream of Jeannie when you can just blink your eyes and pop on over to visit people? I always wanted to be able to do that, and now I can! I love blogs.).

Tim (Remodeling Guy) is hosting a Spring Round Up of our home improvement projects! If you want to get in on the fun and share your projects later this week, check out some sneak previews while you are there!

31 Comments

  1. Amy

    Awe! It’s sad to leave something like your kitchen behind. I’m excited to see what you do with your new kitchen!

    Amy @ Living Locurtos inspiring blog post..Printable Mother’s Day Card

    Reply
  2. Kristen

    I think I would be a little sad to leave your wonderfully remodeled kitchen too! But I’m so glad to hear that your moving is finally finished. And congratulations for being Remodeling Guy’s guest today! I’m gonna head on over to read!

    Reply
  3. Robin Rane' ~ All Things Heart and Home

    Perfect timing…just watching Nate on Oprah yesterday, decorating on a budget…it’s what everyone needs right now! Heading over to your guest post :)
    Happy Tuesday~
    Robin
    All Things Heart and Home

    Robin Rane’ ~ All Things Heart and Homes inspiring blog post..A Dream in the Waking World

    Reply
  4. Vee

    Patting you on the shoulder just because it’s not easy saying goodbye to a well-loved home or a well-loved kitchen. I know that you can reproduce the things that you loved best right in your new kitchen. Of course, some things just don’t translate well. Off to read your guest host bit…

    Vees inspiring blog post..Indiana Custard

    Reply
  5. Tara Lowry

    I just wanted to let you know that I haven’t been able to see most of your pictures that you post. I can read your words but can’t see the pictures that go with the post. It’s so sad…and I’m wondering if there is something I can do to fix it?

    I love your blog.but seeing the pictures with the post kind of makes it.

    Thanks,
    Tara

    Reply
  6. anne

    You might be sad, but just think what fun you are going to have designing this one..cannot wait to see it. :-)

    annes inspiring blog post..Fleurs de Paris

    Reply
  7. Becky K.

    What a mix of emotions!

    Can you take some “You” time this week and let yourself process the relief and the grief?

    You deserve it after all these past months.

    That coffee place you mentioned on a drive by post sounds like a great idea!

    Many blessings!

    Becky K.s inspiring blog post..It’s Just a Tree…Or is It??

    Reply
  8. Remodeling Guy

    Hey Melissa! I’m so excited to have your guest post on my blog today, and such a great post too! I mean, they’re ALL great, but this one is REALLY great!

    I’ve left a house after putting tons of heart and soul into it and I know it’s not easy! But, the new place brings new adventures, new experiences, and new things to learn! Have a great day!

    Tim

    Remodeling Guys inspiring blog post..Top Ten Things I Learned about Remodeling a Kitchen On A Budget ~ by Melissa Michaels

    Reply
  9. J.J.

    Congratulations for reaching the end of your journey!

    I love the Remodeling Guy too!

    J.J.s inspiring blog post..Photographs of me…

    Reply
  10. Launi

    Your old kitchen looks like it must have been fantastic–so I can hardly wait to see pictures to come. Anxious to read your 10 things post. Going there now…

    Launis inspiring blog post..The Garden Store

    Reply
  11. Liz

    I’m sad FOR you! How hard to leave such a fantastic kitchen. But I know that you’ll make your next one just as fabulous, if not better. I’m heading over to read your guest post.

    Lizs inspiring blog post..Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is Part II

    Reply
  12. AnNicole

    Oh, that breaks my heart that you had to leave your kitchen behind. Not only was it beautiful, but you put so much of YOU into it. I have no doubt you’ll do the same thing in your new home, though.

    I just came over from Tim’s site. I LOVED your list. I hope to be able to do some remodeling at some point in my life and I’m tucking that list away in the back of my little brain for future reference.

    AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottages inspiring blog post..Weekend Spruce Up – Tablescape

    Reply
  13. teresa

    My heart feels for you- just when we think things are finally the way we what them- things change. I’m sure your new kitchen will be just as lovely, you have great style and you always seem to add that special touch-
    Thanks for sharing what you have learned- can’t wait to see what you do with the new kitchen-
    Hugs-

    teresas inspiring blog post..Cooking with the girls-

    Reply
  14. Abbie

    It is hard to leave something you labored over so much. I hope your move goes smoothly! And like the other readers, we are waiting to see what you do with your new kitchen space!
    Abbie

    Abbies inspiring blog post..Plan Ahead – Monthly Planning

    Reply
  15. sandy

    Hey Melissa – I’m sad for you leaving your lovely kitchen behind, but I’m so excited for what God has ahead for your family.

    Closed door = open door!

    Love you!

    sandys inspiring blog post..The Imperfect Entertainer!

    Reply
  16. LuLu

    great tips… how i wish i could add more details to my kitchen . my island needs a more custom feel… in time… it’s fun to dream though and look at beautiful kitchens to plan {like yours} :)
    LuLu

    LuLus inspiring blog post..Burning The Midnight Oil….

    Reply
  17. Jill

    Is that a trash can in the top picture? If so, that is the most exquisite trash can I’ve ever seen!

    Jills inspiring blog post..Weight Loss on the Web

    Reply
  18. Vince

    Hey Melissa, this a great post, your ex-kitchen looked fabulous. You can post any top ten list to our site http://www.toptentopten.com/ and link back to your site. We are trying to create a directory for top ten lists where people can find your site.

    Reply
  19. Martha

    You are going to have so much fun with your new kitchen

    Reply
  20. Pam D.

    I know it must be hard to say that final goodbye to something so lovely that you created… Your new home pictures seem a lot different than the old kitchen, but I know you can come up with more fantastic ways to turn the new one into something you’ll love… I was so happy to see your wood floors in the picture above because I just finalized my wood choice in my own white kitchen and was worried I might’ve gone a little to red. But I can see how it looked great with your white kitchen, and that makes my heart lighter! l always worry I might pick something I’ll end up dissatisfied with, so I’ve been praying God will make me happy with my choice, and your picture makes me know I AM… thanks!

    Reply
  21. Pam D.

    oops… I meant to type “too red” above… :)

    Reply
  22. Melissa

    Thanks everyone.

    Jill….no, not a trash can! It is a wood burner from France :-) It was the ONLY cool thing in the kitchen before the remodel, so we kept it!

    Reply
  23. melissa

    Hi Melissa! Great post over at RG. I’m going to join your Project Procrastinators party tomorrow~I was back and forth, but it will be the motivation I need! Thank you~

    Reply
  24. Jen

    Please tell me that the Project Procrastination is NOT tomorrow…I have procrastinated. Today….I may be up late. :)

    I would mourn that kitchen as well, but all the new things that the Lord has ready for you is going to be so exciting. :)

    Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlams inspiring blog post..Freezer Meals…Mexican style for Tasty Tuesday

    Reply
  25. Drimba

    Really inspiring. You are invited to my blog my dear to see Malaysian home decoration…Please come and give the support. Thanks.

    Drimbas inspiring blog post..GUGUR

    Reply
  26. Sarah

    I just found your blog- and I love it! Also, I saw Winston on the bottom. Be still my heart- I have a Westie too (Duffie). Maybe they can be blog friends?!? :)

    Sarahs inspiring blog post..Pizza Pizza!

    Reply
  27. Meredith

    What a heart wrench! Thanks for sharing the loveliness of your previous kitchen with us. Can’t wait to see what you do next! No pressure :)
    Would love to be involved in the procrastinator’s project, but I seem to be procrastinating about where to start. Not a good sign.

    Meredith xo

    Reply

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