Meet the Creative Minds Behind the Transformation

Names: Karin Newstrom and Jeff Hansen

About: Karin Newstrom, a talented Minneapolis-based photographer (www.karinnewstrom.com), shares her life with her husband Jeff and their three rescued, lovable dogs. Together, Karin and Jeff wholeheartedly embraced homeownership and the DIY ethos, embarking on a journey to completely reimagine their first home, meticulously rebuilding it piece by piece.

Project: Kitchen/Dining Room Renovation

Budget: $20,000 (This comprehensive budget encompassed a new patio door, windows, electrical upgrades, plumbing enhancements, gas line installation, custom cabinets, modern appliances, elegant Hanstone countertops, structural beam installation, and beautiful hardwood floors.)

The Inspiration Behind the Makeover: A Vision of Light and Openness

Tell us a bit about this space and what inspired you to tackle a makeover!

When we embarked on our search for our first home, our priority was to find a space that offered an open, light-filled, and modern kitchen and overall house design. However, after viewing numerous properties, it became evident that this type of interior was not readily available within our budget. While we encountered several homes with renovated kitchens, they often fell short of our expectations in terms of design and execution. Consequently, we decided to seek out a house with a layout that was either already open or had the potential to be opened up, and in a condition that would allow us to start from scratch without hesitation. This particular house immediately captured our attention with its vaulted ceiling, promising floor plan, spacious yard for our beloved dogs, and an attractive price point due to its foreclosure status. From the outset, we eagerly tackled various projects, including the kitchen renovation.

The Initial State: Challenges and Opportunities

The photographs don’t fully convey the dilapidated state of the kitchen before the renovation. Many floor tiles were cracked due to improper installation, corners of cabinets bore the marks of mischievous dogs, the carpet was heavily worn and stained, the walls were mysteriously splattered with cola (or something similar!), and the stove appeared to be a relic from a bygone era. We salvaged and donated whatever we could, then fearlessly wielded a sledgehammer to demolish the rest!

Design Evolution: From Concept to Creation

Did you start with a clear vision for this room or did the design evolve over time? What elements did you simply have to have?

Our primary objective was to create a space that felt incredibly clean and bright. While dark oak or cherry cabinets paired with black countertops are a common trend in our area, we desired the exact opposite. We started with a general concept of what we wanted, and the specific design elements naturally fell into place as the project progressed.

Drawing Inspiration from Scandinavian Design Principles

What were your main sources for design inspiration?

Our vision was to create a light, bright, modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian-inspired kitchen. We prioritized neutral tones for the permanent fixtures and finishes, ensuring a timeless appeal that would not become tiresome over time. This neutral backdrop serves as a blank canvas, allowing us to easily incorporate various colors and textures through easily changeable items such as textiles and accessories. We just haven’t gotten that far, yet!

Overcoming Challenges and Unexpected Dilemmas

Any setbacks, hiccups, or unexpected design dilemmas? How did you solve them? Tell us the dirty secrets!

The carpet in the dining room and the rest of the main floor was unbelievably filthy when we purchased the house. To our dismay, we discovered that it was also infested with fleas! After the dogs’ initial visit to the house, we spotted a few fleas on one of them, which triggered a minor panic. Fortunately, we caught the infestation early and were able to remedy the situation quickly.

We also encountered several issues with our cabinet design and order. The cabinet designer mistakenly omitted the sink cabinet from the order, causing a five-week delay in our project. When the missing cabinet finally arrived, it was the wrong size and had to be rebuilt to properly accommodate the sink and be centered under the window.

The demolition phase was a project on its own and took place during what felt like the hottest summer ever! During an extended heat wave, two enormous 300-pound beams were delivered and needed to be brought inside. Carrying those beams with only two other people was quite a memorable experience.

I also suffered a knee injury while removing a metal corner bead from the soffits. Additionally, the top plate of one of the walls we removed fell on me during the ceiling demolition, resulting in a shower of dirty insulation. It was a messy experience that I’m not eager to repeat!

Favorite Features: Streamlined Design and Open Space

What is your favorite new feature of this space?

I absolutely adore the openness of the space, the countertops, and the streamlined aesthetic. Oh, and I also love the sink!

DIY Triumph: Creating a Custom Dining Table

Your proudest DIY moment?

Due to the extensive and costly nature of the major renovations, we had limited funds remaining for a dining table. To address this, I built a table myself using a sheet of plywood, $20 worth of legs from Ikea, and leftover materials from the cabinet project. It harmonizes perfectly with the space and didn’t break the bank!

I (Karin) also took on the responsibility of finishing the cabinets and tiling the backsplash entirely on my own, marking my first time undertaking both of these projects.

Advice for Aspiring Home Renovators

Any advice for others about to start on their own room makeover?

The internet is an invaluable resource that can guide you through virtually any project. By tackling the easier projects yourself, you can save a significant amount of money and stretch your budget further.

Research is your best friend! Before you even pick up a hammer, spend time online, watching tutorials, reading blogs, and understanding the process. This will empower you to make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and approach your project with confidence.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every DIY project comes with its own set of challenges, and mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Embrace them as opportunities to grow and refine your skills. The important thing is to learn from your errors and keep moving forward.

Measure twice, cut once. This old adage is especially true in DIY projects. Taking the time to carefully measure and double-check your dimensions can prevent costly errors and ensure that your materials fit properly.

Invest in quality tools. While it may be tempting to cut corners on tools, investing in high-quality equipment can make a significant difference in the outcome of your project. Good tools are more durable, easier to use, and can help you achieve professional-looking results.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck on a particular aspect of your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or online communities for guidance. There are countless DIY enthusiasts who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

Be patient and persistent. DIY projects often take longer than expected, so it’s important to be patient and persistent. Don’t get discouraged if you encounter setbacks or delays. Keep your eye on the prize, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Remember to have fun! DIY projects should be an enjoyable experience. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your successes, and take pride in the fact that you’re creating something unique and personal.

What’s Next: Future Home Improvement Endeavors

What’s next for you? Any other makeovers or exciting DIY projects on your list?

The entire house has essentially been one continuous project. We are currently in the midst of renovating two bathrooms and the basement!

Transforming a house into a home is an ongoing process, and we’re always looking for new ways to improve our living space. Our next big project is to create an outdoor oasis in our backyard, complete with a cozy patio, lush landscaping, and a tranquil water feature.

We’re also planning to tackle some smaller projects around the house, such as painting the bedrooms, updating the lighting fixtures, and adding some custom shelving.

We love to experiment with new materials and techniques, and we’re always looking for ways to incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly elements into our designs. Our goal is to create a home that is not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally responsible.

We’re excited to share our progress and inspire others to embark on their own home improvement journeys. Stay tuned for more updates and DIY tips!

Thanks Karin!

Explore Karin’s blog for an in-depth look at her kitchen and dining room makeover, including a comprehensive materials source list!