Look at this beautiful kitchen refresh by Joni at Cote de Texas. The update — new counters, a farmhouse sink, a stylish faucet and upgraded appliances — was completed in just a few days and transformed the space without a full gut renovation. I love her thoughtful explanation of why they chose a face lift instead of tearing everything out, and how she embraces the character of their home despite its imperfections.
Highlights from Joni’s post that inspired me:
On choosing a refresh over a full remodel: “We should gut it, I know in my heart. We should add new cabinets and remove the island, close off the opening to the family room and put in a gorgeous range with a hood fashioned after a fireplace, but really, why?”
On living in a small home: “We love our house, despite the lack of storage, bathrooms in need of updates, and Elizabeth’s room being about a foot bigger than a jail cell. Our backyard is actually a courtyard, so Lizzy never had a trampoline or a swing set or a place to chase her dogs — instead she’s grown up with a more private yard and the tradeoffs of a town lot that’s 50 x 100. We’ve been very happy here and hope to remain so for years to come. We could move to something bigger and nicer now that we can afford it, but our house is like an engagement ring — it may not be the flashiest option, but it means something deeply personal, more than just bling.”
Sigh. Well said, Joni.
Be sure to read her full post with many more photos to see the transformation in detail.
For further reading on the benefits of small-house living, The Jewel Box Home explores how compact spaces can support family togetherness and offer advantages for children and teens. Smaller homes often encourage connection and creativity while making the most of every room.