- Introduction
Pearl Jones, a Brooklyn-based food stylist, transformed her outdated kitchen into a stylish, highly functional space. While the design has the look and feel of a $45,000 remodel, she achieved it for just $12,700 by blending DIY, budget-conscious sourcing, and selective splurges.
- Project Overview
Designer/Owner: Pearl Jones
Location: Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY
Original Condition: Cramped, inefficient layout with poor flow
Final Cost: $12,700 (≈ 25% of estimated $45K full-price equivalent)
Design Vision: A kitchen that merges brutalist and mid-century influences with warm, minimalist aesthetics
- Design Inspirations & Aesthetic Choices
Influences: Brutalism, mid-century design, Japanese minimalism, Mexican earth tones, and Eileen Gray’s holistic approach
Materials & Colors:
Retained original concrete industrial flooring
Introduced warm contrast via veined pink marble countertop
Personalization: Integrated collected objects and stones as cabinet hardware for a unique, custom feel
- Cost Strategy
Key Splurges
Item Approx. Cost Reason for Splurge
Bezzera espresso machine $1,650 Daily use, enhances lifestyle
Coffee grinder (Lelit) ~$290 Complements espresso setup
Marble countertop (off-cut) ~$1,500 Luxury finish at reduced price
Viking fridge (salvaged) ~$1,200 High-end appliance, bargain sourced
Major Savings
Cabinetry: IKEA system + DIY installation with father’s help ($4,100 vs. $10K–$15K custom)
Backsplash: High-gloss paint instead of tile
Labor: Self-managed with family support, avoiding high contractor fees
Hardware: Repurposed collected stones as unique cabinet pulls
- Functional Improvements
Improved kitchen flow by shifting sink plumbing just 4 inches
Balanced professional-grade appliances with affordable cabinetry
Preserved structural elements (concrete floor) to reduce costs and add character
- Lessons & Takeaways
Strategic Splurges: Invest in focal items (appliances, countertops) that elevate the space
DIY & Trusted Help: Labor costs can be cut dramatically without sacrificing quality
Creative Substitutes: Alternative materials (paint vs. tile, stones vs. hardware) add personality and save money
Value vs. Joy: Some investments are less about resale and more about long-term satisfaction
- Conclusion
Pearl Jones’s kitchen remodel demonstrates how thoughtful design, selective splurging, and smart cost-cutting can achieve a high-end look on a modest budget. By combining $45K style with a $12.7K spend, she showcases a model for budget-conscious yet luxurious kitchen design.
