Kitchen Remodel – Before and After

IMG_9254 (882x1024)We’re in!! The painters were done with the bulk of their work last Friday night and we were given the green light to move in. My husband and I stayed up til the wee hours, assembling our kitchen table and chairs, dusting and doing little things like putting felt on the bottoms of furniture legs. And then we poured ourselves a glass of Cabernet and took it all in.

There are a few outstanding issues (paint drips, a wonky faucet, motion sensor lights not working, waiting on new sofa and leather side chairs delivery, etc.), but otherwise we are D.O.N.E.

Let’s take a look at some before and after shots….

WallIMG_9255 (1024x768)The marble tile around the fireplace was taken down. The old fireplace was covered up and a new gas fireplace was installed, with built-ins flanking the sides (the closed cabinet on the left hides the flue).

house.kitchen3 (1024x681)IMG_9239 (882x1024)

house.family2IMG_9256 (1024x972)The wall between theĀ  family room and kitchen was taken out and the light fixtures were replaced. New hardwood flooring was put down throughout both rooms and stained. New drywall, baseboards and molding. Sliding doors were sanded and painted.

MicrowaveIMG_9258 (768x1024)All appliances were replaced. We kept the location of the fridge (but changed it to a french door style for easier use), but moved the range and oven location. We installed a small microwave on the back cabinet area to keep it out of the way. We removed the swinging door that separated the kitchen from the dining room.

house.kitchen (1024x681)IMG_9252 (1024x976)Peninsula with induction range was removed and an island was put in lengthwise. New everything. Cabinets, appliances, backsplash, molding, baseboard, lighting and paint. Kitchen window was moved eight inches to the right in order to maximize the corner space. Shoe molding was stained to match the floors and installed around the perimeter of the room and the island.

I’ll post more photos once all our furniture comes in and some art goes on the walls. Thanks for following our remodel! Although, now what am I going to write about!? (I’ll find something, don’t you worry).

Kitchen Remodel – Week Six: Blower, Countertops, Backsplash and Our First Meal

IMG_9093 (1280x1043) Here’s the kitchen at the end of week six! We are sooooo close.

On Monday, the blower and hood got installed over the range…

IMG_9059 (960x1280)On Tuesday, some dry wall touch-ups…

IMG_9064 (942x1280)And the countertops arrived. I selected a light gray quartz, which is actually somewhat lighter than I remember in the showroom, but I think they compliment the white kitchen and stainless steel appliances beautifully (whew. Was nervous about that one).

IMG_9067 (1280x960)Quartz was also put down for the fireplace hearth (and will frame the fireplace as well, but pieces were cut a fraction too small) and the mantel was built.

IMG_9088 (1280x960)On Wednesday, the backsplash was installed…

IMG_9087 (960x1280)I chose 3 x 6 ice white subway tiles. Grout will be done this coming week.

IMG_9089 (960x1280)Baseboards were put down…

IMG_9068 (960x1280)And the painters came to take the hallway doors away (to sand and spray at their warehouse).IMG_9065 (980x1280)

There’s always some sort of small issue to be dealt with and this week for me it was the case of the two red knobs. If you’re anything like me, this photo makes you want to shield your eyes and run the other way. I’ve been promised new knobs. I’m hoping for the maroon red vs the cherry red, but I’ll be happy with either, as long as they’re the same shade.

IMG_9122 (1155x1280)The best part of the week was being told that our kitchen was ready to use! Even though this was such good news, we haven’t really utilized it yet. Knowing that painters are still sanding, grout hasn’t been done and the floor people will be kicking up more dust this Friday….I don’t want to have to clean the whole room and then do it all again next week.

We have started doing dishes in the sink and I did move the espresso machine and coffee grinder out of the dining room to the kitchen counter, because clean-up in the tiny bathroom we’ve been using is such a pain. And I did break in the Wolf range. I have been fantasizing about the first meal I would make in our new kitchen. Sometimes it’s carnitas tacos, sometimes lasagna, sometimes turkey chili.

IMG_9144 (1280x1181)It’s never once been boxed macaroni and cheese. But it was yummy.