Here is the another post in the Kitchen Renovation Series. This one titled “The Details” highlights the cabinets, granite, back splash, storage and decorations in our kitchen.
Let’s start with cabinets. We choose the Herrington style from the Kemper Cabinet line from Cindy Lawyer at CNC Kitchen Designs in Alexandria, VA. I have always wanted to use gray cabinets as a alternative to white, and the island cabinets add a nice “pop” of color.
The gray “oasis” color is alternative to white.The island cabinets are a blueish/green color called Tidal Mist. The three colorful stoosl are from Walmart on-line (medallion collection). To make my island function like furniture, I added a bold yellow lamp, books (as art), family photo, a plant and a runner. Remember the “design trinity? Check it out here: http://redesigninaday.com/2014/12/06/the-landing-a-decorating-opportunity/
We were lucky to get our granite “free” from our neighbors (Thx Keith & Sarah!). The granite sat outside in our yard for 3 years and it still looked awesome when we used it.
Uba tuba granite with flecks of gray, blue and green compliment the cabinets.
One of my “must” haves was a farmhouse sink! I found this one from Home Depot on-line. Another on-line retailer was selling it for $500 more than HD!
Whitehaus fire clay sink with oil rubbed bronze faucet and “cross” handles from Kingston Brass (from Faucets Direct).
These hexagon tile in shades of gray, tan, and cream were another HD purchase.
The hexagon pattern add a fun dimension to the kitchen and the colors compliment the cabinets, walls and floors.
As you may recall, one of my main concerns was storage. In addition to the island and wall cabinets, we added storage in creative ways.
In addition to seating, the banquet has three large drawers for storage. Assorted pillows and a plaid throw add comfort while the antique yellow shelf and modern star burst mirror add a touch of whimsy! And by adding a small table and two french chairs, we created a breakfast nook. Perfect for coffee and surfing the net!
This antique cabinet is beautiful and functional.
The cabinet stores all our small appliances including the toaster, mixer, blender, etc. The two chippy windows add height and airyness (is that a word?) to the space.
Open storage in a vintage bookcase.
This vintage bookcase make finding and using everyday plates, cups, cookbooks and serving dishes easy. The rustic iron “H” (from (Marthamarievintage.com) and a painting by my husbands great aunt add farmhouse charm.
And, finally to pull it all together we choose pendants, light walls and dark floors.
Pottery Barn rustic pendant bring vintage lighting to the island.Sherwin Williams “front porch” paint changes from gray to blue to green depending on the light.The dark “jacobean” stain is a nice contrast to the light walls and cabinets.
And now, a final look back.
BeforeAfter
If you are undergoing a major kitchen renovation or just added a few touches, I hope you have enjoyed this series and found it helpful.
After months of planning, demo day finally arrived. Our kitchen contractor (Enrique Bonilla of Bonilla Home Service in Alexandria, VA) arrived bright and early to start renovations and after a few hours…..
Two rooms became one,
cabinets came out,
and walls were taken down to the studs.
And after a few weeks, new drywall went up,
new flooring went down and a dark jacobean stain was applied.
My next post will feature the finished kitchen but here is a sneak peak…..
Cabinets, lighting, back splash and storage, oh my!
In February of 2014 our kitchen renovation began. After months of planning, the start day was finally here! Our small galley kitchen of 15 year was about to get a make over.
We are going to take down the wall on the left and in the process will lose a lot of cabinet/storage space. Our contractor suggested we add cabinets on the back wall. Great idea! But I still need to find other creative storage options. Behind the wall is a very small sitting room. See the next pic.
This room was once the dining room. It was too small, so I converted it to a sitting room. The wall to the right adjoins the kitchen and is coming down and a banquette is going under the window.
The window is the only nice feature on this wall. As you can see, the cabinets are very short so we plan to remove the bulkhead and take the cabinets up to the ceiling. Our contractor suggested we move the stove to the far right (near the back door) so we can maximize cabinets. Another great idea!
The door allows light to come into the kitchen. The pantry cabinets (on the right) will be removed and I will bring in a furniture piece for open storage.
But before our renovation began, we did our A, B, C’s and D.
A is for Ask: We asked our friends, family and neighbors about their kitchen reno experiences and we took notes. We asked…how would you rate your contractor, would you use him/her again, what’s your favorite thing about your new kitchen, least favorite about your kitchen, one thing you wished you had done differently, what was your budget.
B is for Budget: Know your true budget and what that budget can buy. For example: Don’t design your kitchen around carrara marble counter tops when you can only afford laminate!
Your friends/family won’t mind you asking for a general price point for their project. Once you determine your budget, you can begin researching your dream kitchen.
C is for Contractor: If you do A, you will have several great options for contractors. We interviewed three contractors and visited kitchens they renovated to see their workmanship.
D is for Decisions: Now you can start making decisions based on sound advice, accurate budget, and professional expertise. We did our ABC’s & D–so now let the renovation begin!
Stay tuned for my next post… Kitchen Reno- (Pt. 2) The Wall Came Tumbling Down!
