I bought my house 2 years ago and immediately wanted to upgrade my kitchen. The house was built in the 1950s and has metal cabinets. I've planned and saved and shopped but could never bring myself to spend the $20,000 or so it would cost to gut the kitchen and start over. Last week, I finally decided to live with the kitchen I have and do some small things to make it more usable. I painted the walls and trim (the color before was awful and the walls were filthy). I'm going to paint the cabinets next week. And I'm building shelves for the broom closet so I can use it for a food pantry. I already love it so much more - just by painting the walls. Is it my dream kitchen? Nope. But that's ok! I just saved about $19,800! I don't need to have the newest and best to be happy. I just needed it to feel newer and cleaner. I am so glad I decided not to go through with the remodel. I have done a lot of painting in my house and once I'm done (this month!) with the kitchen and living/dining room painting, I can enjoy some uber frugal months! Hello early retirement!
