Budget Kitchen Renovation
Renovating with recycled cabinets can not only help the environment, but also the pocket book. With a bit of time spent searching for other recycled cabinets, lighting, bookcases, island, etc… we managed to pull this throw together suite into a decent rental unit.
Electricity to the recycled island was a must for this 400sqft suite, whereby the island was deemed the hub of the tenanted home and would act as double duty to both dining and office.
The cabinets are used but the budget appliances are new -- a necessity for nice accommodations.
Before: Dreary and dated 70's kitchen before the update.
The solid wood island is a honey oak, similar to the laminate cabinets and is very durable. The island storage provides more storage that can be used for everyday items. And the granite top is the bomb.
DIY fabric tack board helps hide unsightly electrical panel.
The unsightly electrical panel is now designated for the suite only. New panel for the home is reconnected inside the main home.
Extremely small living room. Ideal for the quiet, single tenant.
The owners splurged on a custom wall panel to help delineate the spaces and add a unique touch. It also acts a narrow wall as well, to protect the sofa area from any cooking messes.
By adding a budget tiled backsplash that complements the laminate countertop, it helps elevate the rental unit.
Simple, peaceful artwork that complements the color scheme and furnishings allows the small space to feel cohesive. Budget can work, if it is thoughtful. The narrow mirror is permanently affixed to the wall to add a little sparkle and function for coming and going,
Excellent tenants deserve their own laundry! And when you don't have a closet for their coats - you provide them with hooks to save on coat rack space. Tiny living requires compact solutions.
The original entry door and no laundry closet! To the very left you can see the doorway to the rest of the house. This was closed off so the tenant has their own space fully. Dark brown, white and gold - good bye to the 70s decor.
Finding this inexpensive and very tall and narrow honey oak bookcase was the perfect solution for the 12 inches of available space right beside the fridge. It allows the tenant to have a place for books, bags, knick-knacks, you name it. Vertical storage is essential in a tiny space.
Updated white shower tile, a bathrobe hook, recycled shelving and a closet door. All thoughtful updates to allow your tenant to live comfortably in their home, as you do in yours.
When your basement suite renovation is on a tight budget, take the time to figure out a design scheme to pull it all together cohesively. The end result can be very pleasing to the eye, not to mention the pocket book.