Nearing the end of 2022, we embarked on an exciting adventure of building our own house, and one of the areas where we decided to exercise our creativity and save some money was the kitchen. With the invaluable assistance of our DIY-savvy parents, who possess immense carpentry skills, we transformed various reclaimed wooden pieces into a stunning DIY kitchen that perfectly suited our tastes and budget.

The first item we acquired was an architect’s drawer cabinet, a beautiful piece that caught our eye and sparked our imagination. At that point, we had no idea what the house or kitchen would look like, but we were certain that this cabinet would find its place in our dream kitchen. As we brainstormed and planned, the idea of using the architect’s drawer cabinet as part of a kitchen island took hold. We envisioned a space that could serve as a breakfast nook, a cosy spot for intimate dinners, or simply a gathering place for family and friends.

Another piece that captivated us was a second-hand teak window. The moment we laid eyes on it, we knew it was meant for our kitchen. It had an undeniable character that perfectly aligned with our vision. Determined to make it a focal point of our culinary haven, we eagerly took on the task of restoring it to its former glory. With careful attention to detail and a lot of elbow grease, we painstakingly stripped away the layers of old paint and putty, revealing the rich, natural beauty of the teak wood. We then handed it over for reglazing. The window now stands proudly in our kitchen, inviting natural light to illuminate the space and offering a glimpse into the world beyond.

The actual kitchen layout and structure started out as two wooden pine shelving units, which we bought second-hand and repurposed for installation as open storage for our kitchen essentials. They added a touch of rustic charm and provided a practical solution for organising our cookware, dishes, and glassware. Alongside these shelves, we incorporated the architect’s drawer cabinet. To maximise storage space, we also transformed a second-hand multi-drawer unit and an old-style wardrobe into additional cabinetry. These units provided ample space for storing utensils, small appliances, and pantry items, ensuring that everything had its place. By giving new life to these preloved pieces, we not only saved money but also added character and a personal touch to our kitchen.

To complete the aesthetic we envisioned, we decided to splurge on one aspect: the countertops. We contracted professionals to install high-quality countertops, which complemented the wooden elements of our DIY kitchen while providing a durable and functional workspace.

Overall, our DIY kitchen project was a resounding success, thanks to the combined efforts of our talented parents and our own creativity. The transformation of humble materials such as pine shelving units, an architect’s drawer cabinet, shutterply and shelf pine sheets into our dream kitchen was truly rewarding. Every time we step into our kitchen, we are reminded of the love, effort, and craftsmanship that went into creating this space.