Recycled Kitchens That Are Worth It — Just for the Appliances

Since the day I first set eyes on our home, I've been casually stalking recycled kitchens. Today I came across one that would be worth it for the appliances alone. And the fact that I can turn it down made me realize that I've come to a decision about our kitchen. And the decision is to go big — as in walls are about to come tumbling down.

When we purchased our home four years ago, before we moved in I gave a rapid-fire gut reno to the bathroom, which desperately needed it, polished up the other rooms by refinishing the floors and painting the whole place, and added a wall of book shelves in the living room. I stopped short at the kitchen. Honestly, it stumped me. After giving it a lot of thought, I went with a low-budget $3,000 kitchen makeover, just to make it livable. I knew that I needed time to think it through, live in it a while, and weigh the pros and cons of keeping the traditional galley kitchen layout.

Meanwhile, I've become obsessed with recycled kitchens. It's distinctly possible that when I pull the trigger on this renovation, it's going to be a recycled kitchen that I go for. Some are worth the price for the appliances alone.

Take this recent find at Green Demolitions for $5,800.

Forget the maple cabinets. Donate them to a good cause. The appliances alone are an incredible bargain that you can plop right down in your existing kitchen. What you'd get for your $5k:

• Viking 30″ stainless gas 4-burner
• Sub-Zero 30″ stainless refrigerator
• Zephyr 30″ stainless hood — with blower motor
• Bosch 24″ paneled dishwasher
• GE profile microwave

While this kitchen layout would actually fit our current galley like a glove, my reluctance to jump on the deal has brought me to a realization. As easy (and inexpensive) as it would be to keep our current footprint, I'd never be satisfied with the outcome. It's not just about the cosmetics; I feel a deep need to fix the flow issues and I won't be happy until I make it truly functional for the way Ross and I live.

Hello, open floor plan!

I didn't make the decision lightly and I'm not succumbing to the "open" trend. This renovation will not only make me happy living here, it will add utility and therefore will add value to the home. While almost all comparable homes in our neighborhood offer the traditional galley kitchen, ours will offer more — a two-cook kitchen that's truly functional for the way couples live today.

If I sound like I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on a major renovation that takes down the walls... well, I am. Stay tuned. A new kitchen is in our future.