Posts Tagged ‘reveal’

We’re almost finished with the kitchen, and it looks dramatically different now that the new counters and appliances are in place.  I’m happy with it although I’ve been too sick to truly enjoy it for the past week.  However, I’m thrilled with how it looks and functions!

Close-up of Counters

New Counters & Appliances

Microwave + Cooktop & Oven

Ignore the wall behind the cooktop.    We’re installing a special tile backsplash there, but the tiles won’t be here until tomorrow.  Thus, it looks a little rough at the moment. We consolidated outlets into one big plate, too.  That’s for the new under-cabinet lighting, which I absolutely love.  Installing that made such a huge difference.  I don’t feel like I’m working in a dark cave anymore.

The other thing I adore is my new undermount sink and pull-down faucet.  I traded the old crappy double-basin stainless sink for a single-basin white cast-iron sink.  This thing will change your life!  Do you have any idea how nice it is to be able to sweep crumbs directly into the sink?!  With a top-mount sink, crud collects under the rim, and, no matter how hard you try, it’s impossible to keep it truly clean.

Undermount Cast-Iron Sink

Pull-Down Faucet & Soap Dispenser

The faucet has a magnetic docking mechanism, which helps keep the pull-down sprayer in place.  Otherwise, I would probably forget to dock it and have it hanging in the sink all the time.  If I didn’t forget, I know the Mister would, bless his heart. 

Finally, here’s a view looking into the dining area.  I think everything is coming together nicely.

View Into Dining Nook

I’m still waiting on the new cabinet doors for my ad hoc corner cabinet pot rack invention.  Those had to be custom made by Merillat since they don’t make them in our style now.  I have no idea when those will here.  After that, we have only the crown moulding and trim work, and we’ll be done. Woo-hoo!

I’m a bit disappointed.  I expected to have my new dishwasher installed this morning, but Sears called at 8:30AM to tell me it was on backorder and won’t be here until May 11th.    I’m unhappy, especially since I worked my rear off last week trying to get a huge chunk of the remodel done before it arrived!  However, that gives me the opportunity to give you a peek at Phase I of our remodel.  I think the transformation is pretty amazing!

BEFORE:

The Original Kitchen

AFTER:

Phase I of Kitchen Reno

I don’t know if you can tell in the picture above, but we now have floating glass shelves on a beadboard wall by the window as well as a new light fixture.  When you only have one small window in your kitchen, maximizing its potential is key.  I wanted all of the wonderful natural light from it.  So, I decided to go with glass shelving.  I can’t tell you what a difference removing those old cabinet boxes from the wall made!  My kitchen feels twice as big.

BEFORE:

The Original Faux-Oak Kitchen

AFTER:

Kitchen Window w/ Glass Shelving

Finally, we installed a new smaller cabinet and an electrical outlet above the range.  We’re preparing for our new over-the-range KitchenAid microwave, which will be part of Phase II of the renovation: new counters, sink, faucet, and appliances.  Remember what a mess it was?

BEFORE:

Missing Range Hood

AFTER:

Phase 1 - Left Side of Kitchen

We also replaced the yellow paint on the soffits and wall in the kitchen.  It used to be the same yellow as the dining room.  Now it’s a soft gray color by Valspar called Polar Star.  I really wanted to keep the yellow in my dining area because it works there, but it didn’t work so well in the kitchen with the new cabinet color and our future granite counters.  So, I decided to go with a neutral soft gray.  I was inspired by the color Layla over at The Lettered Cottage recently painted her cabinets.  Once I add the decorative trim in Phase III of the remodel I’ll get an even better transition between the dining area and the kitchen.