Kitchen Makeover Almost As Good As The Ones On TV

I love a good "reveal" on the home makeover shows on HGTV. It's amazing what can be accomplished with experts standing by ready to work their magic. The decorators always add the perfect touch.

Last month, my husband and I decided it was time for our long over-due kitchen makeover. But where to start? I was pretty sure my favorite designer Nate Berkus would not be knocking on my door with a surprise kitchen re-do, so we went to IKEA.

We checked out the quality of the materials (no more particleboard cabinets for us) and questioned the kitchen staff about every detail. In true IKEA fashion, we learned we would design the room ourselves using their computer program and our precise measurements. Rather than starting from scratch, we decided to replicate the look of a model kitchen I'd been eyeing for months. In a sense, it was almost like having a designer. I knew they were having a kitchen sale but doubted the renovation could be done before Thanksgiving. We were assured it could if we got things rolling. So, we sat down at the planning table and went to work.

Bound by the current layout of our farmhouse kitchen we added windows and odd walls. Fortunately, an expert from the kitchen department stepped in and helped us drop in the cabinets and appliances, which would no longer be white, but black and stainless steel. The computer program even allowed us to test paint colors as we transformed the room from bright yellow to relaxing blue. Satisfied with the design, which we could view from every angle, we walked away with a blueprint and price list of the materials—hinges and all. The next day we committed to the job.

Ten days later the 96 pieces of kitchen arrived and by the end of the week, cabinets and cupboards were on the walls. We waited less than 2 weeks for the counter to be measured and installed, and finally all the plumbing was hooked up. We spent the in-between times painting, putting things away in more logical spots, adding lighting and accessorizing.

I've got to say, it looks great. From start to finish it took four weeks. It was designed and installed by professionals, and painted and accessorized by my husband and me, who felt like we were the experts on a design show.

We can't wait for our kids, who know very little about this project, to come home for Thanksgiving for the big reveal.  I'm not sure we'll get the same reaction as the families on the TV makeover shows, but we are thrilled.