Well, I guess “need” is a strong word. I don’t really “need” an updated kitchen, but I sure would like to have one. Let me show you a few reasons why I’d like to update my kitchen.

Now I know these are just snippets of the whole kitchen, but I’m sure you get the idea. The oak, builder-grade cabinets. The laminate countertop with burn marks, the dinged up laminate flooring, and let’s not forget the lovely, tuscan-style wall paper boarder! What you don’t see is the dark red wall; I’ll be sure to share that as I get going with this makeover.
The plans are still formulating in my mind, but here are a few ideas:

I would like a hardwood floor, granite countertops, white cabinets (I think), bead board somewhere somehow, and some sort of banquette. Of course we’ll be doing most of this ourselves so plans will probably change as we go along. I hope to start next month so wish me luck!
I’d love to hear your DIY kitchen update stories, especially any advice!









We updated our kitchen ourselves about 5 or 6 years ago now. We installed new Ikea kitchen cabinets, which I really love. Installed laminent floor in a dark wood look and upgraded to stainless appliances. Very happy with the ikea cabinets even after 5+ years. We used beadboard for a backsplash, which I also really like. However, it is time for some tweaking and hope to do that this summer. No new big expenses, just some, share we say, re-inventing. Looking forward to see your finished remodel!
Oh I love beadboard! I haven’t decided on a backsplash yet. I don’t like the tiles that are there. I’d love to get stainless appliances. I’ll have an update post tomorrow. I’ll go to your site to see your kitchen.
Can you provide a list of kitchen appliances like a Food Processor? It will help me to complete my kitchen.
Swapping the laminate for hardwood and adding granite will instantly boost your kitchen’s style and durability. A quick look at Riverside Tax Assessment can flag any property‑tax changes before you commit to new cabinets. Enjoy the DIY journey, and share the before‑after photos for extra motivation!
Your vision of swapping the laminate for granite, installing hardwood, and adding a banquette really captures the classic‑meets‑modern feel many DIYers chase, and the Tuscan wallpaper border adds a playful touch that will make the space uniquely yours; when you start hauling those heavy slabs and cabinets, it’s surprisingly easy to overlook the practical side of keeping your vehicle paperwork current, so a quick Minnesota Plate Renewal check can save you an unexpected ticket on the way to the supply store; remember to schedule your material deliveries around off‑peak traffic for smoother installs, and don’t hesitate to share progress photos as the project evolves, your community will love seeing each transformation step.