#See what this kitchen looks like after an $800 DIY makeover.

Erica Hebel has the ultimate goal to move her family to the country for a simpler life. So, along with husband Tyler and three kids, she's making over her house with the goal to sell it when they're ready. One epic accomplishment in that process so far: a kitchen transformation that cost only $800!

Erica Hebel

Here's how the family did it.

A little sleight of hand

Erica Hebel

Erica knew the white laminate counters had to go. But rather than go the store-bought route to achieve a farmhouse-like look, she made the counters herself out of wooden boards and a bit of DIY ingenuity. The spectacular result came together for just $195!

Erica Hebel

Erica breathed new life into the kitchen's dated oak cabinets (which she not-so-fondly referred to as crap-inets ) by painting them white, after cleaning and deglossing the original surfaces. She described the process as pretty easy, saying, Your entire space can be transformed with a gallon of paint. That is the best place to start!

She also added moulding and new satin nickel pulls to refresh the look.

Erica Hebel

After a bit of Internet research and inspiration seeking, Erica knew she loved the look of open kitchen shelving. With a $40 investment and an afternoon of nailing and cutting wood, she had two gorgeous shelves for glassware and bakeware.

They are so strong that my husband could tap dance on them and they would be fine, she wrote on her blog.

Staying sane

Buy a bottle of wine and be patient, Erica said about her philosophy for keeping your head in the midst of DIY remodel projects Keep an eye out for awesome deals when you least expect them and flex your creative muscles. Thinking outside the box will save you money and your sanity!

Alesandra Dubin is a Los Angeles-based writer and the founder of home and travel blog Homebody in Motion . Follow her on Facebook. Instagram. Google+ and Twitter .