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Off Script

The Condo Project - Kitchen Renovation

  • 23 hours ago
  • 4 min read


The Project


Taking on The Condo Project was a lot of fun - and a serious challenge. I had three months and $20,000 to complete the entire condo. That meant resurfacing and painting walls, updating light fixtures and electrical switches, adding a ceiling fan into concrete ceilings (yes, concrete), installing a barn door in the bedroom, and getting the furniture styled and placed.


But today, we’re focusing on the heart of the home: the kitchen.



The Kitchen


When designing for resale, longevity matters. I wanted choices that would feel current but not trendy - clean, neutral, and timeless. Let’s break it down.



Cabinets: Smart Design Meets Solid Craftsmanship


The old cabinets had been there since the 1970s - and they were literally disintegrating. There was no saving them. My first instinct? IKEA. I love IKEA’s smart cabinet systems. They’re efficient, modern, and incredibly well-designed for maximizing space. However, the client wanted solid wood cabinets. A completely valid choice - especially for long-term durability and resale value.


We found a local cabinet supplier who was able to work with me on cost and timeline. That partnership made a big difference.


I carefully measured the kitchen and mapped out the design. The biggest structural change? Removing the old pantry. It was rusted inside, filthy, and wasted valuable space. Replacing it with a new pantry cabinet immediately improved both functionality and flow.


I didn't think about it ahead of time, but when the kitchen was finished It looked great but a little too linear to me. I want to soften the edges a little bit. The sink has curved edges and the handles have a curved edge. I added this valance over the sink and I think it adds the right finishing touch!


This wasn’t just cosmetic - it was practical.




Paint: Soft, Warm, and Resale-Friendly


Color decisions were huge. I wanted something that would feel fresh but still neutral enough to appeal to future buyers.


For the walls, I used Sherwin-Williams Alabaster - a warm, soft white that doesn’t feel sterile. For the trim, I went with bright white from Behr, and I used Behr Ceiling Paint overhead. The combination created a layered white-on-white palette that feels intentional rather than flat. It’s clean, elevated, and timeless.



Appliances: Sometimes “New Enough” Is Perfect


We’re conditioned to think that stainless steel equals “updated.” But these appliances were white, newer, and in excellent condition.


Sure, we could have sold them on Facebook Marketplace and replaced them - but why?


With appliance costs rising and shipping delays becoming more common, it didn’t make sense to spend money unnecessarily. I advised keeping them for now. If we hated them in a year, we could replace them then.


Spoiler alert: the white-on-white/cream aesthetic looks great. Sometimes restraint is the smartest design decision.



Countertops: Finding Quartz Without the Sticker Shock


This was one of the bigger hurdles.


Local suppliers were quoting $8,000–$10,000 and had long lead times. Weeks. Sometimes months. And, some folks didn't even return calls.


I casually asked a friend where she sourced her quartz. She sent me to a local showroom - and it was a game changer. I walked in with a short list of quartz styles, and there it was: Calacatta Rusta. Even better? They sold it by the square foot. That meant I could get exactly what I needed for about $4,000 including the backsplash, and they turned the project around in seven days. Seven!


Customer service was excellent, reviews were high, and my friend had just used them successfully. I was beyond impressed. Sometimes the best design resources come from simply asking around.




Lighting: Designing Around Concrete Ceilings


Originally, I wanted recessed lighting. Clean. Minimal. Modern.


But this condo has concrete ceilings - which means cutting into them isn’t exactly simple (or affordable). So instead of fighting the architecture, I worked with it.


We selected a fixture that added style and brightness without requiring invasive construction. The right lighting can completely transform a kitchen - and this one became a subtle focal point rather than just a utility. With the smooth edges and on a dimmer switch this light becomes a major win. Bonus, the price point was perfect!




Final Thoughts


The kitchen sets the tone for the entire condo. It needed to feel fresh, functional, and financially smart.


This wasn’t about luxury for luxury’s sake. It was about:


Making thoughtful investments


Designing for resale


Respecting the timeline


And creating a space that feels elevated without overspending


Three months. $20K. An entire condo transformed.


And it all started here - in the kitchen.






If you love a good Project, you’re in the right place.


More of The Condo Project coming soon.






Hi! I’m Michele Gerber - And this is Off Script. A creative space that started as a professional portfolio for my advanced students, and quickly turned into something more personal. Now, it's my digital playground - home to my work in video, photography, and writing, and a place where I explore the stories and passions that inspire me. I'm a professional writer, producer, creative, professor, and adventure seeker who loves entertainment, travel, and food(GF). Now that you're here, let’s have some fun. You'll find stories and ideas around film, travel, food, writing, and wellness (yes, the aging gracefully stuff - shhh). If you’d like to connect, I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by — and see you again soon!

I am a writer, producer, content creator, professor, adventure seeker. and sadly, I've had to be gluten-free for over 15 years. So, I am kind of an expert. I am passionate about, or maybe obsessed with, entertainment and my latest binges, my favorite gluten-free foods, projects and design, and adventure.





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