<p class="ingestion featured-caption">I spent years saving money so I could have the kitchen of my dreams.Jill Schildhouse</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>I spent 19 years saving $50,000 for a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-i-made-having-kitchen-renovated-how-to-fix-them-2024-5">kitchen remodel</a> that'd give me the space of my dreams.</li><li>I'm glad I kept my layout the same and chose a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-figure-out-your-season-color-analysis-worth-it-2022">timeless color palette</a> for the space.</li></ul><p>I hated my kitchen for 19 years and spent just as long saving to remodel it.</p><p>My goals were to build a bright, modern kitchen that was more functional, offered additional <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/interior-designer-kitchen-design-tips-rental-space-2023-6">storage solutions</a>, and created a cohesive look when viewed from the two entryways to my living room.</p><p>After spending nearly $50,000 on my kitchen remodel, there are a lot of choices I'm glad I made — and only one I really regret so far.</p>