Cabinet Joint: A Kitchen Renovation Story
After years of dreaming and planning, I can’t believe I am now sharing the full reveal and recap of our kitchen renovation with Cabinet Joint. This project has been a labor of love, filled with countless decisions, creative challenges, and rewarding moments. When I was researching for our kitchen remodel, I relied heavily on other people’s experiences and the valuable information they shared online. I hope my story offers similar insights and guidance to anyone just starting their own renovation journey. From cabinets to countertops and all the small details in between, I’ll walk you through our design decisions and our experience with Cabinet Joint.
Inspiration and Planning
It all started when we moved into our forever home, I immediately envisioned changes that would highlight the character of the house. The builder-grade “box” aesthetic of our old home left me craving something more unique.
I immersed myself in research, devouring blog posts and videos to understand how to start a kitchen renovation. I knew I wanted to piece it together myself rather than hiring a full-service renovation company
Cabinets: The Starting Point
Every cabinet quote I received was shockingly expensive, and it nearly derailed the project entirely. I was determined not to give up, though, and as a DIY enthusiast, I decided to see if I could build cabinets myself. I tested my skills on ‘phase 1’ of the kitchen renovation by building the cabinets for our butler’s pantry myself.
The process was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and the end result turned out amazing. If you’re curious, you can view the entire process documented on my YouTube channel. However, I quickly realized that building an entire kitchen’s worth of cabinets was going to be a completely different ballgame. Juggling work, life, and this massive project became overwhelming, and I knew I needed another solution.
Custom Inset Cabinetry: The Foundation of Our Dream Kitchen
When I discovered Cabinet Joint, I knew it was a match made in heaven. The Cabinet Joint’s RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets were a game-changer, offering the perfect combination of affordability and customization. I had the freedom to design the kitchen of my dreams, down to the English-country-style shelves and bespoke cutouts that added a unique touch. You work with a Cabinet Coach virtually and they walk you through the entire process.
The cabinets were packed securely and shipped to my home within 4-6 weeks. The process of assembling the cabinets was surprisingly enjoyable and straightforward, and I managed to put together several of them myself with the help of their video library.
However, for the full installation, we opted to hire contractors so I could continue to manage my home, family, and work without a hitch. This approach allowed us to balance a hands-on involvement with expert execution, resulting in a kitchen that feels both personal and polished.
Cabinet Joint Referral Code
This post was not sponsored in any capacity, but since I loved working with them so much, I asked if they would provide me with a referral discount code, and the did! Feel free to message me over on instagram and ask for the Cabinet Joint discount code!
Our Appliances and Sink Selections
Once the kitchen cabinets were ordered, I had four weeks to finalize everything before the contractors began. Here’s what we chose:
- Oven: Kucht Dual Fuel 36″ range — elevated, reliable, and well-reviewed.
- Dishwasher: Bosch 800 series, panel-ready for a seamless look.
- Range Hood: Cosmo Range Hood, a simple yet functional model with lighting for ambient effects.
- Sink: Kohler Whitehaven farmhouse sink, worth every penny for its durability and aesthetic.
Countertops: Shadow Storm Marble
Technically a dolomite stone, Shadow Storm marble offers the soft veining of Carrara marble at a lower price. While it’s not as hard as granite or quartzite, it’s durable with proper sealing.
However, etching is a concern. Acids like lemon juice or mustard can dull the surface. Choosing a honed finish helped camouflage etch marks, and over time, I’ve embraced the stone’s rustic, lived-in look.
As stunning as this stone is, If budget weren’t a constraint, I would’ve chosen quartzite for its durability and resistance to etching.
Lighting, Hardware, and Faucet
Lighting brought charm and warmth to the kitchen. I sourced a mix of styles from Etsy and Olde Brick Lighting, each providing unique charm to our kitchen.
Our hardware, purchased from YesterHome, is unlacquered brass with a variety of knobs, pulls, and latches for a layered design. The splurge-worthy centerpiece is the Perrin and Rowe Unlacquered Brass Faucet — a stunning and timeless choice that I don’t regret one bit.
Backsplash and Paint Colors
The backsplash features handmade tiles from Tile Club. Their creamy tones and artisanal look fit the kitchen perfectly without breaking the bank. A touch of shiplap in the nook adds texture and character.
For paint, I leaned toward soft, creamy tones:
- Cabinets: Heron and Antique White by Cabinet Joint.
- Buffet Cabinets: Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon (matched in Sherwin-Williams paint).
- Walls: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams.
- Trim: White Duck by Sherwin-Williams.
Before and After
To sum it up, the transformation from our old kitchen to this custom space has been incredibly rewarding. After obsessing over every detail for the last two years, I am thrilled that it came together even better than I imagined. With the help of trusted contractors and Cabinet Joint’s affordable custom inset cabinets, I was able to bring my vision to life.
I documented the entire renovation process from start to finish on my youtube channel, so feel free to check that out if you’re looking for more details and more kitchen content! I had so much fun working on this and hope this information can be helpful for you! Feel free to comment with any questions!
