MARY PARRISH

Mary Parrish

Budget Kitchen Remodel

2023 / A personal design project

Overview

After purchasing our new home in South Carolina, one of the first priorities was transforming the closed-off galley kitchen into a space that better suited our lifestyle and family needs. The original layout separated the kitchen from the living room, making both spaces feel cramped and disconnected. To open things up, I removed the dividing wall to create a more spacious, fluid connection between the two areas—improving both functionality and flow.

I was committed to doing the work myself, not only to keep costs down but to make the space feel truly personal. I demoed the original wall, removed the old tile flooring, and installed a mix of new tile and laminate flooring throughout the kitchen and living area.

The design goal was to create something modern but not sterile—quirky, personal, and full of character. While this isn’t a traditional kitchen remodel, it’s a reimagined version that reflects both my design sensibilities and the needs of our everyday life: practical, inviting, and full of intention.

The Design

The design process began with extensive research into affordable materials—including cabinets, flooring, and appliances—that balanced cost with quality. I researched how to to assess structural elements like load-bearing walls and learned proper methods for laying both tile and laminate flooring. To visualize the layout, I used SolidWorks CAD to create a quick mockup of the space, allowing me to experiment with configurations before committing to any physical changes. Accurate measurements guided every decision, ensuring that custom and pre-fab elements could be integrated smoothly and efficiently.

This project was driven by a personal goal: to create a functional, beautiful kitchen while minimizing costs and maximizing hands-on involvement. Most of the cabinetry was sourced from IKEA and assembled on-site using their modular system, while several custom-built pieces were added to accommodate the unique layout and maximize storage. Nearly every element required some level of customization or retrofitting to suit the space.

Major structural updates included re-routing plumbing beneath the house to relocate the sink and re-wiring electrical in the attic to reposition the stove and add new pendant lighting. I selected high-quality laminate countertops for a durable, cost-effective finish, and cut them to achieve a unique catty-corner layout. A custom island base was built around the cabinetry to give the space a cohesive, built-in appearance.

Appliances were sourced from local liquidation stores, further supporting the project’s budget-conscious approach without sacrificing quality. The result is a space that blends smart design with practical craftsmanship—entirely personalized, fully functional, and built with intention.

The remodel transformed a cramped, outdated kitchen into an open, functional, and personalized space that better supports daily life and family gatherings. Removing the wall dramatically improved flow and natural light, while the new flooring and layout created a cohesive connection between the kitchen and living room. By doing the work myself, I was able to stay within budget, add custom details, and design a space that feels both modern and uniquely ours.