Pic's of the awkward corner, remember that thing?

Wow, we started out with what could possibly be considered "America's Most Frugly, Awkward Kitchen Corner Thingy". It was a hot mess! Filled to the brim with the previous owners "Stuff", and kitchen cabs/drawers that were just uh..wrong! ;)
Well, here is where we are NOW!

Oh yea, there is a TON of work with just this section left to do, but jeez Kurt is working is butt off on numerous projects here at the cottage in-between full-time "Real work" and trying to find time to sleep LOL! We have done this ALL by DIY! And for $85.00~!!.
Granted we still have the Appliances, that consist of 1 stove, 1 hood (no more frugly microwave thingy that is above the stove) 1 Fridge, Floor, Counter-top, Subway tiles (for the backsplash), Double Copper Farmhouse Sink, Copper Faucet with Spray all left to install. Yep it's a bunch but all are here, except for the sink which is on backorder and the stove/hood as well as the fridge (because I'm still waiting on the best deal LOL)....So I'm NOT counting them in as yet.
The $85.00 includes the Copper Drawer Pulls, Sherwin Williams Paint-Cabs are Pro Classic Satin, Ceiling is Pro-Classic Satin, Walls inside Kitchen are Pro-Classic Satin. The outside corner piece is Emerald Matte. The outside walls of the "Corner Piece" were Textured with a "Knock Down Method". All colours were custom mixed whites. Drywall, Drywall mud, Kilz Primer, Rust-oleum hammered Copper Paint (for the Hinges), and sandpaper along with wood glue (for fixing the drawers, and wood to repair parts of the 'headers' and 'door jams'. There are no doors, just openings but Kurt said we needed to tear out and replace some wood there.
So you see? ANYONE can re-invent on practically NO money, a horrifyingly disastrous, wouldn't wanna go there for ANY reason, kitchen, into something wonderful! No matter your age, or work schedule, or anything else for that matter!
Stay tuned for the updates! Next up will be the Subway Tile, which involves removing the 1950-60's Formica will be removed by who? KURT!  aka The Wonderman!!

Score! Ck out these ubber groovey Eastlake (era) Teardrop Pulls I just got!

YAY!
I've been wanting some of these for a project here in our Reno. I say they are Eastlake (era), due to the fact the I've not received them as yet! But either way, they will be a FAB bonus!
If I don't use them in our Reno, be sure I'll be using them in a project or 2+

Price: $53.00
Source: Ebay *listed as Eastlake* (we'll see, when they get here)

Surviving a 1956 whole house DIY reno, on a VERY TIGHT shoestring budget

Here's what we've learned so far:

1.  We are certifiably insane, but many of our *MY* friends, already knew and know this
2.  Ask for help, when truly needed, it will always be given, usually for free, however bartering is worth it's weight in Gold
3.  Keep the communication flowing, not the dishes flying
4.  Multi-Task Projects, as many as possible
5.  Set up "Zones".
     A. First Zone? A pathway through the chaos, helps to prevent 'accidents' in the dark, that could put you out of commission for who knows how long. And downtime is NOT an option. :)
     B. Second Zone? A place to prep and eat. It's OK to cook in 1 pan and eat out of it! Pretend like you're on a Reality Roughing It Camping Show!
     C. Third Zone? The bedroom. Just say NO to boxes etc. in there...For NOW. This little space is your link to each other and staying sane.
6.  Take a LOT of Before, During, & After Pictures. Then look at them often. It's surprising just how far & how fast things progress. Totally an adrenaline rush to keep pushing on!
7.  Never let anyone over to "SEE" how you're doing. For one thing, they may get injured, for another.....well let's just say, they can wait to see the Before, During and After Pictures and THEN come over for the Final Reveal. Meet them at their house instead!
8.  When things go wrong, and they will! Just sit down, laugh it off and get back on that Pony!
9.  Put the Credit Cards in the Safety Deposit Box, or in some water and freeze those bad boys.  You'll learn to become an extremely thrifty shopper and think outside of the box.
10. If you have a resale #/Tax ID, USE IT! It will save you TONS of $$
11. Check your homeowners insurance policy and make sure you have enough liability. Just in case you have "help". The last thing you want is to get sued by someone who is "helping" you.
Finally?
Try to stay positive, no matter what anyone tells you on anything you're doing. Some folks are just Negative Passive Aggressive People and Naysayers. But? They could be in therapy and 'working on it' and after all, they are your friends and noone is perfect. So just roll with it!
OH, and try not to drink too much. It really cuts into the Production Workday *-)