Three main parts of the phase 1 Reno—

—New window

— Subwaytile backsplash

— Floating Shelves x2

Here is the progression of the Phase 1

• – remove 5 cabinets from wall 
• – removal of old tile backsplash/border- this was also removal of the drywall attached to the tile 
• – old window removal 
• – cutting out old window framing to make it larger (took a couple tries)
• – using the new lumbar 2x6s to create the new framing/ making sure level 
• –  inserting new window  
• – fixing drywall all around window and along removed parts 
• -putting up the ultrashelf 2x brackets (studlock standard floating shelf 58 inch) with 6 inch rod length
• – starting to tile— using musclebound adhesive paper and individual 3×6 subway tiles
• – tiled whole wall
• – grouted wall with frost mapei unsanded grout 
• – added small white window trim (bc my tiling wasn’t exact) 
• -installed new sink faucet (Black)

SHELVES-

• – started sanding wood for shelves 
• – cut large pieces of wood to size— ended up being 64inches each 
• -first used planer to take off the grey weathered top coat 
• -then sanded for actual hours— all 4 sides of both pieces 
• – I found that the grey was deep into the wood and I couldn’t sand out, so I decided to add a wood front as a veneer. 
• -Cut down the 1×2 to shelf size, attached with wood glue, clamps and finishing nails 
• -used DAP wood filler to fill in the large creases
• – sanded it all smooth
• -stained with 3x colors— Minwax  (natural, ipswch pine,
• – sealed with satin polyurethane 
• – used the ultra shelf tools to set up the back side of wood for the bracket holes
• -used router to make large indentation in back of shelf, used the jig to drill holes 
• – went inside to see if shelf fit, found we didn’t drill deep enough so brough it back out and drilled deeper! 
• – came in, got shelf in brackets
• – decorated
• – added sconces 
• -cleaned kitchen 
• _______________________

FINISHED!! 

Supplies/Expenses –

• 8– Spray foam (4×2)
• 3– DAP Caulk
• 200– Lumber— 2x6x8 – rk miles
• 48– Tile x4 boxes ($0.15 x 80 tiles per box= $12 )
• 50– Mapei Frost grout
• 25— blue hawk Tile cutter
• 128– Mussel bound tile stick x 4 ($32 x4)
• 50—Shelf wood
• 180- Shelf brackets- ($90/ 58 inch bracket)
• 15 – routing jig 
• 15- auger bit 
• 20- router bit 
• 5- drilling jig 
• 150—Router-
• 50—Sink faucet
• 56- Sconces—
• 28- flush led ceiling light
• _____________________________________

Total =$ 1,046

Decor–

• 210- Smeg coffee maker
• 129—New rug (all collective)
• 12- Plate holders
• 30- Cookbook stand
• 6- Glass bowls
• 6- Glass cappuccino cups
• 15- Paper towel holder
• 39- toaster
• 5- Butter holder
• 29- Ceramic bowls
• 75- Opal house rattan stool
• _________________________________________

Decor Total=$ 544

Overall kitchen total= $2,134

I dont set budgets before the project starts. It is something that I am working on, as it shelfpul to now before what the goal is. I havent done it yet, but i tend to make the project the best I can with the best. but also cheapest supplies. that being said– There were definitely some splurges in the decor budget section ( i didn’t need a smeg coffee maker or the rattan stool, but i am happy i got both).

Main takeaways–

It could have been cheaper, however I am happy with all of the supplies, the quality, and the choices I made.

I am happy that I chose the ultrashelf brackets and bought the tools they recommended for the drilling and routing parts.

I am shocked that I was able to turn the dark grey piece of wood that we found into my dream shelves.

I am blessed that my husband was able and willing to help me in all the phases of this project, but also gave me the freedom to make the design decisions, spend the money on the reno and be supportive in this DIY adventure ( by being supportive it also means he tells me when something is to expensive/out of budget or unrealistic- something that i respect and appreciate).

Thanks for reading!! & being patient in my DIY journey ❤

xoxo Lauren