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Our DIY kitchen is finally finished!

11 years ago

I want to thank so many of you who answered my questions, or asked question I was thinking of also! You've helped me make many decision and think about things I wouldn't have thought of on my own. We started this renovation on Feb 1, 2012 and just completed the last of the finishing touches. I'd still like to put in some decorative items, but I'll put them in as I find them. The only thing my dh didn't do himself were the countertops. He did everything else. I did just a little, mostly painting in the kitchen and the ajoining dining room and family room. We still have work to do in the dining room, like new table, crown molding and carpet. Not in a hurry though. I just want to spend some time enjoying my new kitchen. I know you've all seen so many white kitchens already, and this is my third one, but I still love a white kitchen!

Some details:

Cabinets- Shenandoah Mission, maple linen finish

Counters- Absolute Black granite

Backsplash- Carrera marble, honed 4"x12" tiles

Floor- Basalt Nero 12"x24" porcelain tile

Faucet- Delta Trinsic

Sink- Vigo zero radius stainless steel

Refrigerator- LG

Range- GE Profile electric convection

Dishwasher- Bosch

Before:

And After:

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Comments (37)

janetraz
11 years ago
WOW!!!! It's beautiful! You really did a great job. You should be very proud. It looks so upscale. Your choices are lovely.
beeps
11 years ago
Wow. That's beautiful!! Great job. Your BS looks fab. DIY is so nice because of the sense of accomplishment. Love the look of your appliances too! Enjoy!
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Thank you again for the kind words! ratrem: The peninsula is approx. 4.5 ft wide x 5.8 ft long. We have rollout trays on the kitchen side where all of our everyday dishes, silverware, placemats , etc. are stored (we eat most of our meals on the peninsula) and fairly shallow storage on the dining room side (stuff we don't use that often like crockpot, apple corer, pump pots, etc. are stored in there). julcarr: The ceilings are the original height of what was once our formal living room and they are 12 ft. tall. I'm not one for a lot of "stuff" and it was really tough for me to put the glass cabinets in the top, but with the narrow, tall kitchen, we needed to have something to add an airiness to the space and to help break up the mass of white cabinetry. I had a very small collection of white pitchers already, so that's what I've decided to display in them. The kitchen has such a stream-lined look, I've enjoyed seeing the curviness of the pitchers...helps soften all the harsh edges I think and it gives me an excuse to go antiquing! The window is 88" wide x 78" tall. The two side windows open to the outside and really brings the outdoors in. jalsy6: I have been pleasantly surprised with the range. I would have loved to explore options of some more high-end appliances, but with this being a whole house remodel, I couldn't dump all of our money just into the kitchen. We didn't have room for wall ovens and have no gas available. That narrowed our options way down. I like the look of it, it has a shallow bottom oven, and so far my baked goods have come out far better than they did with my old oven. So, all in all, we give it two thumbs-up! michoumonster: Funny you ask about those particular light fixtures. The chandelier in the dining room was the original fixture to the house. We bought it from Pottery Barn over 15 years ago and I like it as much today as I did then. The light in the foyer is from Home Depot. It is from the Thomasville line. I remember it being very reasonably priced and I think seems to be of pretty good quality. colorfast: The table is from Pottery Barn (Toscana). I had my eye on it from the beginning of the remodel and actually planned the space to make sure it would fit. It has two leaves that go on each end. At Thanksgiving, we were able to formally seat 16 people. I like the bench seating and especially in our space. It allows people to sit with their backs to the dining room wall and visit amongst everyone in the living room and kitchen. It also eliminates random chairs being pulled out into the walkway between the couch and dining area keeping the area tidy and uncluttered. I swore off fussiness with this remodel...no more straightening chairs, towels (only hooks for us now), and various other things that just drove me crazy. You can still catch me fluffing pillows on a frequent basis although. As far as how comfortable they are, I suppose that depends how long you linger. We're middle aged, and our friends like the casualness of them. I think people feel more inclined to have a seat rather than pulling out a chair and spinning it around to visit with others in the space. When our parents come to dinner, I try putting them in the upholstered chairs just knowing they'll be more comfortable there. I think if I had more of a "formal" dining room area, chairs would probably be the way to go. For your question about emotional issues, yes, there were some moments of emotional angst, especially when packing up and deciding on what to purge. With the entire house doing a complete 180, hardly anything we had was going to work in the new space. But, like I said earlier, it is our love of this home and all the memories it holds that encouraged us through the project. I love it more now knowing that we didn't give up on it. I honestly think we'll never leave.
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Thanks everyone for the compliments and good wishes! We can't believe how well it turned out either. We agonized a lot over which seating to order. Even though we played around with layouts on paper, I was worried that the theater seating group would be too big but I really wanted 3 seats there. The room feels much more spacious with the new seating then with the old couch - I think that's partly its a visual illusion because this one looks less bulky and partly the Space is less deep than on the old couch with its bulky cushions. mtnfever, the Couch Color pageant definitely helped us get clarity on the right color. For those who missed it, I highly recommend the approach of making large samples of a color to consider instead of trying to imagine with a tiny sample chip. I'll link the thread below for those who didn't see it. We knew we wanted to get rid of the hearth when we bought the house decades ago, but it took a long time to get around to it. On the other hand, I don't think we would have made as good decisions if we had replaced it back then. Bcafe, in the stores, they use the Stressless name and logo more than the Ekornes one so it would be easy to think that the company wasn't around. They still have the Ekornes non-reclining couches and chairs too. The website is www.ekornes.com/us. Enduring - yes it wasn't in scale and was way too dark. Even more, I hated it because it was fake stone. It always looked really fake to me though I've had others who were sure it was real stone. Gooster, yes all the front speakers are behind speaker cloth sections in the cabinets. The center is between the two drawers of the credenza; left and right on pull out shelves in the far left and right cabinets. The subwoofer is the black box on the floor and the rear speakers are white and mounted near the ceiling - you can see one in the first picture. Yes, we moved the fireplace to the right - doing so was only slightly more work than tearing out the hearth and installing a new one where the old one was. The hearth was fake stone on a metal mesh backing over a wood frame so that was much easier to remove than it looks like it would be. There wasn't a solid brick or stone chimney - just a flue pipe to remove and this is on an inside wall - the works were all in the empty space between the faux stone and an interior wall - so there was no external chimney to move to match except a little box on the roof. This is a one story which also makes moving things easier - the main work of moving it was patching the old hole in the roof and making a new one for the new flue to go through. We had moved it too far to be able to slant the flue to reach the old hole. When our GC took out the old hearth, there were some surprises. A joist had been cut for the old flue to go through the ceiling and it hadn't been sistered or anything - just two joist ends hanging in space in the ceiling. Our GC repaired that. There were electrical outlets on the bottom of the hearth and there were wire junctions just hanging in space inaccessible under the heart where the wiring was connected to wires from the wall. The fireplace was apparently a very early addition to the house poorly done. The TV is 65" - the size was chosen to be big enough that text viewed from the couch when using the screen for the media computer would be about equivalent to looking at text on a desktop computer screen. Also it works nicely for viewing while cooking and yet isn't overwhelming from the couch. The gap could accommodate a 73" screen, but I prefer having a little space around the screen. CEFreeman, the knobs took a lot of thought and work. He has made things like bowls and salt shakers before but never has made things that need to match as a large set. I came up with an initial design for the profile after seeing something similar in a magazine and then he made some initial variations so we could perfect the diameter, height and shape details. Then he made about twice as many as we would need since these are done freehand and the wood also varies. I sorted them into matched pairs and we used the best matches on the pairs of doors where the knobs are right next to each other in the wide cabinet and the credenza. We also put matched pairs on the left and right opening tall cabinets in case they are ever in a room where they are right next to each other. He also repairs furniture and is the only reason we still can use the rather fragile dining table chairs we have. But he does full time day care for our youngest grandchild so I only get so much project time from him. Bellsmom!! Yikes - so that's why we had to replace the hearth - to keep trolls from hiding there. I love your concept - so did my husband. (The eyes were elevations I made of our plans for the wall. When I asked about vertical blinds on the Home Decorating forum, there were a lot of people who were anti-vertical, but for the windows and style of this house, I think they are the best solution. Part of some peoples objections were based on cheap industrial metal verticals. These ones have fabric laminated to plastic for the vanes so they are quieter. We popped for the backstaker option so when partially open the stacked vanes are at the edge of the windows. We also like that the blinds can be tilted to block sun when needed while still letting us see the yard and monitor grandchildren on the patio. Marti8a, we chose to keep the same wood for the cabinets as in the kitchen - natural cherry - because we already have several woods in the area - maple floor, oak breakfast table and counter stools and some dark unidentified wood for some of the original built-ins and breakfast room doors. To differentiate them from the kitchen cabinets (because I didn't want the family room to look like the kitchen had extended into it), so we chose a different door style - a more sophisticated mitered corner raised panel instead of shaker, but still with simple lines and furniture style knobs instead of big kitchen ones. Here is a link that might be useful: Couch Color thread
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I love your new look, but I also love that your before pictures look like a kitchen that gets lived in! The pics with all life's stuff gathered here and there on the counters and stuck to the fridge just look like home. LOL!
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cakelly1226
11 years ago
WOW! That is gorgeous! I love how you have a bar top AND counter height seating. The range hood is such a dramatic change. Congrats!
grlwprls
11 years ago
Really lovely. DIY, really? Amazing results.
momo7
11 years ago
I was somewhat surprised to see soffits in your "new" kitchen. Duh, those were before pics! That was a nice shade of green, though. Did you remove the window over your sink? Or am I just confused.

Your real new kitchen is beautiful, congratulations! I love your pendants and your stools are cool too.
rocketmomkd
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the kind words, fellow gw'ers.
Momo7- we did have to leave some of the soffits to hide ducting and pipes. And you are not confused...we did remove a window. Counter to what most would do, but since removing the wall between the dining room and kitchen, we get more light from a large window in the dining room.
For anyone interested in the diy process, you can click on an pic above and see my whole album showing the project from start to finish.
angie_diy
11 years ago
Sweet! I love it. I love it more that you DIY! It really came out nicely!
debrak_2008
11 years ago
Looks really nice. Love the mission style cabs.
Ann Scheley
11 years ago
Awesome! So sleek and clean. That hood is so cool, I love how it doesn't block the view. Your stools are cool too, I saw those at Crate and Barrel, they are very comfy. Nice job, and to think you DIY--that is fantastic, CONGRATULATIONS!
User
11 years ago
Lots of talent and style !! what a lovely kitchen you have...enjoy your hard work. c
ginny20
11 years ago
I think your old kitchen was very pretty. Your new one is stunning, and it looks well planned and user-friendly, to boot. Even more impressive that it was DIY. Cook that man a steak!
blfenton
11 years ago
I am always, and I've said this before, in absolute awe of DIY'ers. Your kitchen is bright, beautiful and functional. It looks so pretty. I, too, am in my third white kitchen and I love them.
labbie
11 years ago
What a beautiful space. The countertops are especially striking with the white cabinetry. Very elegant, and the fact that it was DIY? After (barely) keeping our sanity through a kitchen job we had someone else do, I have a whole new appreciation for folks who do it themselves. You BOTH deserve a steak (and a few glasses of wine ;-)
williamsem
11 years ago
You guys did a fantastic job with the kitchen! Congrats on being done!
eleena
11 years ago
This is DYI???

Can you come over and do my kitchen? :-)
Congratulations!

It is gorgeous!
CEFreeman
11 years ago
The word that comes to mind for me is "chic!"

Gorgeous. I could usually care less about white kitchens, but on this board so many come out that are so beautiful, still warm, very clean, and so lovingly planned.

Yours sure joins the ranks!
Great job.
mmhmmgood
11 years ago
Wow! Well done! Love the backsplash and the paint colour. Congrats on finishing!
rocketmomkd
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks again everyone for your very pleasant compliments. Dh really did do an amazing job. He deserves a nice break from house type work, so he'll be working on his project cars in the garage.
We'll be passing on the steak- vegetarians here. I did make a nice veg sheppards pie the other night though;) And toasted with a lovely craft brew from Victory!
cat_mom
11 years ago
And toasted with a lovely craft brew from Victory!

DH just had his own side-by-side taste test with some collaboration brews from Victory and Dogfish Head (the one with "Parsley, sage, rosemary..." I kid you not!). He liked the Victory version better. :-)

Your new kitchen is beautiful, and I love the pet feeding area!
TheRedHouse
11 years ago
You did a great job! I have to ask - where is your Jadite collection living now? ;) Your new kitchen looks both elegant and so peaceful.
rocketmomkd
Original Author
11 years ago
Catmom- I would have loved to try that saison! I'm such a fan of Headwaters I rarely order anything else these days.And that is just the dog area you see in the kitchen. The cats have their own area in the laundry room, away from the ineveitable theft by the dog!
Redhouse- I still have all my Jadite. I have even more than was in the before pics. In those, I had already started packing it up. It may go on ebay...
User
11 years ago
Your kitchen is so pretty. Everything goes together so well. Excellent planning and execution!
a2gemini
11 years ago
I am so glad that I waited to respond until on a computer - the iphone is nice but just did not do this beautiful kitchen justice!!
Awesome job!!! I love everything about your kitchen - the counters, cabs, layout all look great - wish we could do something as a diy - but my DH has a bad back (although he rides his bicycle 4000 miles a year when not on the injured reserve)

Love those Victory brews - we used the Victory Stout to heal my husband's bones a few years ago - a long story but his doctor told him he had to drink porter or stout to get the iron and calories to heal his bones....(10 broken bones - ouch) - so now we give all of our injured friends a 6 pack of Victory.

Have you tried Troegg? I brought back a 6 pack of the Troegginator - loved the name and very enjoyable.

Ohh- are we going OT on this!
chiefy
11 years ago
I am so impressed with everyone that DIY on this board. They turn out such amazing work.

I love the new layout - it looks a million times more efficient even though it's still a small space.

I also clipped your post for the microwave shelf. I like how it juts out slightly from the cabinet.
rocketmomkd
Original Author
11 years ago
Oh a2gemini! Yes we are OT now...DH will LOVE to hear your story about the healing powers of stout. He's from England and swears people sick in hospital used to be given stout! We've had Troegg's...also excellent. Beer is the only thing I am a snob about and I'm not ashamed to say so!
Chiefy-we only gained 18" in the kitchen from moving the dining room wall, but it really did make it so much better. For me, it's the perfect size. I also love the micro shelf, but it really only works with a smaller micro, the space is 24". But that's all I needed.
suzanne_sl
11 years ago
There were many things about your old kitchen I really liked, but space planning wasn't one of them. Your new kitchen really hit it out of the ballpark on space planning. Don't you find that you have so much more usable work space in this new design?

Good job!
a2gemini
11 years ago
Rocket - great job - my DB is brewing these days - it is quite good (surprise) and he has even won some awards.

One of our favorites out here is Arbor Brewing Company Oro - it has won several awards for best Belgium style.

So, my DH is on the mend again - no broken bones but a concussion, so wouldn't let him have any stout until he is a bit better. He is still having some headaches and loss of skin from his pedal snapping off while riding up a hill. (Now realize his pedal cost more than some bicycles..) I will let DH know about serving stout in the hospital..

Hope to head east in September to visit DM. Let me know any other recommendations... Sounds like you must be in SE PA
go_figure01
11 years ago
rocketmom !! FABULOUS job ! I share the same sentiments that elena asked, :) is your DH ready for more work?

can you share more about your flooring? where did you find it? did you cut it in half? what did you use the same flooring in the other parts of the house too?

SO COOL & Very happy for You!!!!
Linda
11 years ago
It is beautiful! And to think you DIY!! Wow!
rocketmomkd
Original Author
11 years ago
go figure- thanks, we love the floor too! It is a 12"x24" porcelain that is set in a 70/30 layout. We found it at a large regional tile store, Avalon Tile and we ran it from our front door down the hallway and into the kitchen. It was one of our biggest bargain finds for this kitchen- 2.99 sq foot!
cat_mom
11 years ago
Nice floor!!!

As long as we're comparing beer notes (!), DH loves anything from Brooklyn Brewery. Local #2 is a fave of his, and he practically "swoons" over their Black Ops (big bottle--limited batch brew). He much prefers dark, malty Belgian style beers, so I'm sure would love to hang out with this crowd!!
a2gemini
11 years ago
Love that floor - I might just have to use that same tile in our hallway and entryway!!!

Catmom - haven't tried any Brooklyn beers - but if I get to NY - will definitely give this a try!!
mama goose_gw zn6OH
11 years ago
I even like the 'before' kitchen, maybe because of the jadeite. The new kitchen is gorgeous--congratulations on a DIY well done!
cat_mom
11 years ago
You'll have to let me know if you do make it to NY a2gemini--especiallly since DH and I are both Gemini's! :-)
go_figure01
11 years ago
WOW rocketmom, SUPER SCORE. it looks fabulous!! What did you use for grout? TY for the new pic, your home is gorgeous!

Have soooooo much fun!!! Relax and enjoy all your hardwork!
rocketmomkd
Original Author
11 years ago
go figure- we actually had big probelms with the grout. We used a TEC grout recommended by the tile store, color was supposed to be charcoal gray. But it turned out very blotchy and really light gray in some areas. After some reseach I ordered "This Old Grout" online and re-colored all the grout. It worked great!
go_figure01
11 years ago
Thanks for the info rocketmomkd. does the kd stand for kitchen designer? it should!!

Have fun!!

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