This week we’re revisiting some of the most popular DIY stories from our archives. Read on for end-of-summer project inspiration:

A decade ago, when Abbey and Phil Hendrickson and their two young children moved from Buffalo to the couple’s hometown of Owego, New York, their 1881 farmhouse came with many charms. But the kitchen, last tackled 40 years ago, was not one of them. Loaded with a long list of undesirables–faux-stone paneling, avocado green paint, and fake marble, among them–”it was a perfect storm of 1970s renovation work,” says Abbey. “But in defense of the previous owners, I’m certain some of the additions we’re making now will horrify future inhabitants.”

We’re not so sure about that. We’ve been following Abbey and Phil’s progress via Abbey’s blog, Aesthetic Outburst, and the kitchen is looking pretty timeless to us. And did we mention that the couple did all the work themselves? Abbey, an artist and crafts stylist and author of “You Are Awesome: 21 Crafts to Make You Happy”, is also the executive director of the Tioga Arts Council; Phil, meanwhile, is a graphic designer with a deep handyman streak.

Total tally for all additions, including paint, hardware, wood paneling, and new light? Less than $500.

Photography by Abbey Hendrickson.

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