Spicy Kitchens, Starring YOU!

The whole point of the Spice Up Your Kitchen series was to share ideas and advice on topics ranging from major kitchen renovations to minor updates with BIG impact.  And also?  To motivate me to share my kitchen renovation.  Which I still haven’t done.  My next series is going to be called: ‘The Wrapping Up Old Series series.’  Instead, today we’ll go with:

But the good news is that YOU shared your great ideas in last week’s Spice Up Your Kitchen link party.  Are you ready to see some of the amazing kitchen renovations and ideas?  Here’s a few handpicked just for you, from a crop of fantastic kitchens!  And the award goes to…

Fastest Kitchen Renovation Ever by Cynthia Weber

I love this story– Cynthia visited her parents for a week to renovation their kitchen.  The result is AMAZING, and her parents’ reaction priceless!

Most Fabulous Faux Granite by Heartwork Organizing

Real granite not in the budget right now?  Get the look with this cool granite-look film!  They also have stainless steel film for around $30 if you want to make your appliances appear to be upgraded without spending major moolah.  Love this!

Most Budget Friendly Kitchen by The Space Between

Karah renovated the kitchen in a rental property for basically a few dollars.  See that tin ceiling?  IT WAS FREE.  The kitchen is full of truly inexpensive fix-ups that transformed the room big time.

Most Amazing Kitchen In An Actual House by Stay at Home-ista

You know all those kitchens on Pinterest and House Beautiful?  Jessica actually has that kitchen, and folks, she designed it herself (she’s an architect).   If you want to sink into marble countertops and backsplashes like I do and see a truly custom top-of-the-line kitchen, you’ll want to visit her blog!

Most Coveted Kitchen Counters and Future Backsplash by Cuckoo 4 Design

The one regret in my kitchen renovation is that my countertops are dark, when I probably should have gotten lighter ones.  That’s okay, I can covet Julia’s countertops from Cuckoo 4 Design.  I love the story of the apple and gnome on her countertops.  My fairy tale loving daughter freaked out when she peeked over my shoulder and saw what inspired them.  🙂

Kitchen Most Likely to Succeed by Primitive and Proper

Cassie’s kitchen has a dream, and she shares it with us.  Even if you aren’t sure a renovation is in the budget, it’s fun to go through and analyze what you like and what you want to change.  Add some inspiration photos.  Maybe get an estimate.  You never know, it might be within reach, especially if you have DIY skills like Cassie does.  I think this kitchen is going to go on and do big things!

Most Self-Actualized Kitchen by View Along the Way

Sometimes renovations don’t go the way we expect.  And while deep down we understand that having off-white cabinets when you wanted white is a first world problem, it still sometimes stings (especially to home lovers like us).  See how Kelly created her almost-dream kitchen, and as usual she and her husband Andy knocked it out of the park.  This kitchen is pretty amazing for a ‘good enough for now’ kitchen!

Most Creative Backsplash by Blooming Hydrangea

Chalkboard paint + Backsplash = genius solution for just $20!

The Hutch Mostly Likely to be Stolen (By Me) by Fabulously Organized Home

If Leah’s hutch is suddenly missing, DO NOT look in my dining room.  Nope, it wasn’t me, pinky swear.  Nothing to see here, folks. {but seriously, how much do you love this hutch that she shows how to fabulously organize?!}

Coolest DIY Kitchen Accessories

These ideas are great for spiffing up your kitchen without much spending much time, with some great ideas for renters who can’t paint or renovate.  It’s a three way tie for this one-  there the DIY hanging dish towels from Momtastic and this beautiful handpainted pitcher picture by See What I Sea…

… and I’ll always have a love of vintage so I adore the ideas Rook no. 17  shares on how to repurpose vintage finds for your kitchen.  I’m not sure what I love more, the Matryoshka Salt Pinch Bowl or the Dollhouse Bread Holder… I don’t have to choose, right?

Another idea for hardware that’s not in your preferred finish: paint it.  Andrea Arch shows how she painted her brass hinges and transformed them silver toned.

Most Fantastic Budget Makeover That Also Included a Ferry by Harbour Breeze Home

$159 people.  ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY NINE DOLLARS.  Such big impact!  I love the open shelving and other ways Rita Joy transformed this kitchen with big but inexpensive touches.

What do you think?  I think ya’ll brought it big time to the party last week.  Thanks so much for sharing your ideas and homes with all of us!

So tell me… which was your favorite kitchen idea? If your kitchen won an award, what would it be?   <——- oooooh, that’s a fun one to answer!