Rooms Kitchen Decor & Design Kitchen Design & Remodeling Ideas Kitchen Makeovers This Classic Cape Cod Kitchen Makeover Only Cost $5,000 By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Instagram Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on February 19, 2016 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos A little 1950s Cape Cod cottage gets a one-of-a-kind kitchen packed with personality. The farmhouse style balances more modern accents for an eclectic feel. 01 of 07 Balanced Flair This once-cramped kitchen underwent an amazing transformation, for just over $5,000. The budget was kept low, thanks to the innovative homeowners who exercised their DIY muscles and looked for creative budget-friendly solutions. For example, the homeowners were inspired by a high-end, modern chandelier and created a custom fixture at a fraction of the cost. Outdoor rope lights amp up an inexpensive base fixture, while a vintage-style ceiling medallion balances its contemporary flair. 02 of 07 Starting from Scratch The owners of this 1950s Cape Cod home wanted a family-friendly kitchen with an open layout. They started by gutting the space (only 11x9-1/2 square feet), removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room, and claiming 27-1/2 square feet from the dining area for the kitchen. 03 of 07 Island Work Zone The unique kitchen island design is a combination of stock cabinetry and a countertop fashioned from concrete slab. A miscalculation in the amount of concrete mix led to the kitchen’s best amenity: a butcher-block center on the island. The substitution, referred to by the homeowners as “a very lucky accident,” resulted in a perfect food-prep area. 04 of 07 Traditional Touches In addition to constructing a functional kitchen, the owners wanted one that had a fun, spirited personality, too. They mixed modern elements such as stainless-steel appliances, hardware, and shelving with quaint, traditional ones, such as this apron-front sink. Inspired by the sink’s glossy sheen, they covered the range wall in shiny white subway tile. 05 of 07 Streamlined Food Storage Stainless-steel shelves from a restaurant supplier take the place of traditional upper cabinets, keeping the kitchen bright and open. Two undercounter refrigerators were chosen in lieu of a standard-height refrigerator to free up floor space and allow the kids easy access. 06 of 07 Creative Cabinetry Without upper cabinets, the kitchen needed a pantry to store food and cooking supplies. The homeowners’ creative solution? Lockers found on Craigslist and retrofitted with shelves. The lockers, which are recessed into the wall for a custom look, bring a touch of whimsy to the eclectic kitchen. 07 of 07 Communication Station Exposed ductwork is now the kitchen’s command center, covered in magnets and memos and flanked by office organizers. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit