So happy that you found this post helpful!

Thanks for the ammonia tip! The floor paint was such a surprise – it has held strong! One or two little flecks lifted, I suspect there was a grain of dirt or sand under there. We just touched them up with a tiny brush – no problem. I can do a more detailed post with new photos too. We never did a counter finish, but we did do the tile and cabinets and both held strong! We still have the painted tile in the powder room with zero issues. And that Rust-Oleum cabinet paint system held up so much better than the turquoise paint I used. The kitchen cabinets have needed touch ups, sadly, but we do bang them around a lot…

Interesting problem! I know someone in a small apartment and their landlord had the same issue so they used upper cabinets that aren’t standard – I think the kind for above a fridge? Maybe you could find something shorter and still keep cabinets? If not, open shelving is a cheap solution. You can always try it and see! The flooring is painted vinyl: http://danslelakehouse.com/2016/10/how-to-paint-vinyl-floor-diy-painted.html

That is very good advice – thank you. I know my husband is a little worried that it's going to be a dust trap. We have a weird situation that is kind of hard to explain, but the short version is if we did hang upper cupboards they would have to sit a little lower which would make almost no clearance for things to sit on the countertop beneath them – not even our keurig. So, we had to embrace the idea of open shelving. I think I'm really going to like it though. Quick question – what are your kitchen floors? I love the gray color. Thanks!

I’m so sorry to hear that your mom’s dementia has progressed. Stuff for me always takes on more significance when it becomes wrapped up in memories and people and loss. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be to displace her things. But we know this about our moms: they want us to be happy. She must be so grateful to have you there! I’ll be thinking about you as you streamline to make the kitchen work for you. I’m on a downsizing mission this year, parting with things I inherited and it’s difficult to let go.Those drawer inserts ARE expensive but totally worth every penny! I bought mine at Lowe’s and recommend them to everyone (I linked the exact brand too). And they’re durable – I’ve been using them for about a year and they function like new. I remember you asking about the sink corners! I can’t keep them clean with a normal rag but with a thin, square, Chore Boy scrubbing cloth and baking soda, I get them gleaming – in all corners! It’s been easier than I thought to keep clean – I’ll have to share a photo one day! Maybe I’ll do an update on various projects and stuff. The bigger headache has been that rack that keeps things from denting the sink. I love its purpose but scrubbing that thing sucks, lol.And I am team dishwasher!! I would give up a lot of things and space for a dishwasher to if I didn’t have one. Good luck!!! 🙂

Hi Kristen, I'm so happy to hear that! I am so jealous that you're remodeling your kitchen – that's the fun part. And I love your choice to do open shelving. I find the key is to keep using everything! Dust seems to settles places I don't touch or move things much.