Kitchen & Bath Update

Not every project needs to be a complete gut renovation. This Duluth residence needed targeted updates to the bathroom and kitchen that would modernize the spaces without the timeline and budget of a full teardown. We focused on the surfaces, fixtures, and finishes that make the biggest visual and functional impact.

Project Type

Kitchen & Bath Refresh

Location

Duluth, MN

Timeline

2–3 weeks

Estimated Cost Range

$10,000–$18,000

Scope

Bathroom renovation, kitchen and living area updates

Key Features

Pine ceiling, new vanity, LVP flooring, painted cabinets

Bathroom Renovation

The original bathroom had blue ceramic tile walls, an aging shower stall, and a knotty pine vanity that had seen better days. We replaced the shower with a tub/shower combo, installed a new gray vanity with granite countertop and a tall dark storage cabinet, and laid new LVP flooring. The pine tongue-and-groove ceiling stayed — it’s a nice Northland character detail that works well with the updated finishes below it.

Before

After

Kitchen & Living Area Updates

The kitchen received a bold new look with a deep blue-gray accent wall behind the range, painted white upper cabinets, and new marble-look countertops. We added a proper range hood and updated the hardware throughout. In the adjacent living area, new LVP flooring replaced worn carpet, and fresh pine trim tied everything together with the home’s rustic character.

Tips for Targeted Renovations

Projects like this show that you don’t always need to tear everything out. A few things we recommend for homeowners considering a focused update:

• Prioritize what you touch most: Countertops, cabinet hardware, and faucets get the most daily interaction and make the biggest perceived difference
• Flooring unifies the space: Running the same LVP through connected rooms makes a small home feel larger and more cohesive
• Keep what works: The pine ceiling in this bathroom added character. Not everything old needs replacing
• Paint is powerful: The blue accent wall in the kitchen cost a fraction of new cabinets but changed the whole feel of the room

Materials & Approach

• Bathroom vanity: Gray shaker-style cabinet with granite countertop
• Storage: Tall dark cabinet with adjustable shelves for linen and toiletries
• Shower: New tub/shower combo unit with clean surround
• Kitchen counters: Marble-look laminate for budget-friendly elegance
• Flooring: Waterproof LVP throughout bathroom, kitchen, and living areas
• Trim: Knotty pine door casing and baseboard to match existing home character

Additional Photos

The updated kitchen with its blue accent wall, and the living area with new flooring and pine trim.