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StitcherBeen dreaming of a kitchen upgrade but haven’t had the sign yet? Consider this as one. In this episode, Jen and Jill sat down with DeLancey to dish out all the DIY-friendly tips you need to start planning without overspending, second-guessing, or hiring a pricey contractor.
Everything is figure out-able!
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DeLancey helps women ditch the fear of power tools and transform their outdated homes into spaces they love—without blowing the budget. From her 1980s house right outside Atlanta with her husband and three kids, she knows how busy life can be, which is why she keeps DIY simple, fun, and totally doable. Through sharing on social media and in her monthly DIY membership, she empowers women to tackle home projects with confidence—no contractor required!
What Not to Do and Skip
One of the biggest waste of money according to Delancey is starting a project without knowing how it’ll all come together. If you don’t have the full picture, you might end up with regrets and mismatched choices. To avoid it, she suggests taking time to map it all out. Use Canva or PowerPoint to create a mood board. Pull in everything you want to change and see how it all fits before spending.
Like how things are for Jen and Jill, Delancey is also an advocate for spending on what we love. For her, if you’re already destroying your kitchen, spending a little more on the design you really love is usually worth it. But save money in other areas so you can let yourself splurge on the things that’ll make you smile.
Where to Get the Most Bang for the Least Buck
Delancey recommends two practical ways to revamp your space while saving. One that she loves is painting. For her, the simple act of changing the color of your walls can completely shift the feel of a room. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades with big changes.
Second, check out scratch-and-dent appliances. These are often brand-new, big-name items with small flaws and usually in spots no one will notice. This is a win because you can save a lot without sacrificing quality.
Demystifying Cabinet Horrors
Jen has heard her fair share of cabinet DIY horror stories so Delancey is here to set the record straight. First, don’t chalk paint your cabinets. If you’re going for a modern, clean look, it won’t give you the result you’re hoping for. Cabinets require a few more steps to really shine. Start by scuff sanding, then use an oil-based primer, followed by two coats of Benjamin Moore Advance paint or start from bare wood if you’re building or replacing.
Jill adds labelling your cabinet doors and drawers and using a foam roller to get that smooth, brushless finish.
Can You Make a Mistake?
Delancey shares some good news: most people don’t regret their DIY projects. In fact, they usually find it more rewarding. She explains that when you’re doing it yourself, you have the freedom to take it slow, be intentional, and piece everything together at your own pace. Mistakes are there but every step is a learning opportunity. There’s always room to grow, and with each project, you figure out a little more about what works and what doesn’t.
What’s a small appliance or gadget you use in your kitchen that you think is very underrated?
- DeLancey: Flat-top surface griddle in the middle stove.
- Jill: Electric can opener – super easy to use and gentle on the hands.
- Jen: Mortar and pestle – pretty on the counter and perfect for grinding spices or tenderizing chicken.
Get more from DeLancey
Website: https://more.delanceydiy.com/stop-feeling-stuck
Instagram: @delancey.diy
Bill of The Week
Thank you DeLancey for sharing your bill about BILL in your FB group who posts everything you’re doing wrong. Cuz for every Bill, there’s a thousand Katies
Thanks so Much for Listening!
Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews and we especially loved this one from:
✰✰✰✰✰
If you struggle with shame and overwhelm because your finances are so off track you don't even know where to start and think, "No matter how much I try, the math just doesn't math for my income vs expenses anyway" when you swipe your debit card after another impulse purchase, this is the book for you. The shame and judgement free tone and approach of this book was just what I needed to get kind and curious with myself about what's working - and what's really not - when I approach my finances. The action items at the end of each chapter gave me a practical step to take that could be accomplished right then, not at some nebulous point in time as part of a five year plan. I took several pages of notes from this book and look forward to reading it again to see what else I can pull from it. Overall, a fairly easy read that was not overly dense and met me right where I am to help me move forward.
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