We enjoy our fair share of fancy, five-digit renovations, but it’s the smaller, scrappier kitchen makeovers that really have our heart. Ranging in cost from $400 to $7,000, these 10 Before & After kitchen renovations show what can happen when owners don’t let small budgets get in the way of big plans. We’re inspired — and we know you will be, too!
4.31 / 5 Stars | 22 Reviews
by Meli D
“A very simple and quick Filipino dish. This is a sour broth soup with tilapia fish fillets. The flavor is sour but it actually enhances your appetite. This is considered comfort food in my house.”
Who cooks and eats here: Julia Badovinac, stylist
Where: Castleberry Loft District, Atlanta, GA
Rent or Own? Rent
When Julia Badovinac, a fashion stylist in Atlanta, moved into the two-story Castleberry loft she shares with her mixologist boyfriend Julian Goglia, a lot of the heavy lifting had already been done. “Julian helped renovate this place before he moved here — he laid all the drywall and did a lot of work with the owner, and then moved in once it was livable,” she told us.
When the couple decided to live together two years ago, Julia just added her own touches to the admittedly retro kitchen. Join us as we tour this lovely open space!
Right about the time you pull the white sandals and beach gear out of the closet, big, easy, and delicious party desserts also come into high style. What are you taking to that family potluck or graduation party this month? May I suggest the easiest yet most impressive dessert I know? It doesn’t even require an oven!
The icebox cake is a no-bake confection that needs literally no cooking or baking, and yet it yields what you would swear are slices of tender cake layers, filled with airy whipped cream and fresh summer fruit. Come see how to make one; you don’t even need a recipe.
Did you know that a standard mason jar fits on your blender? Yep, just like they were meant to go together. We’ve showed you this surprising trick before. Now it’s time to really show you. Watch this video and see how a mason jar is the perfect accessory for your blender!
4.64 / 5 Stars | 209 Reviews
by Terri
“When your favorite apple is in season, pick up a bunch and make this luscious pie filling that freezes beautifully. Sliced apples are partially cooked on top of the stove with water, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg. Then they ‘re ladled into containers and frozen. You ‘ll have enough for five 9-inch pies.”
A few weeks ago we shared our love for this vintage citrus wall chart, but our appreciation for vintage charts doesn’t end there. Perhaps it’s the spring, or perhaps it’s because they just look so great in a variety of kitchens, but we’re loving the look of vintage botanicals right now.
People close to me know I have a small soapbox I keep (figuratively) tucked away for times when I hear someone say, “Oh, I’ve wanted to make that recipe but it looks hard.” I then launch into a five minute diatribe on why it’s not and how to tackle it, with enough enthusiasm to convince that person it’s actually quite easy. Spring rolls are one such “hard” item I’ve convinced numerous people to make — and enjoy!
