Finished Kitchen: from Oak & Tile to Black & Marble, mostly DIY

14 years ago

Hello to all, I am new to posting here! I wanted to share my finished kitchen, we remodeled last October, some DIY some with help, and I found this forum to be an INVALUABLE RESOURCE. Just hoping to give a little back by sharing my finished pictures... even delayed ones.

We redid our oak and tile kitchen with black paint and marble. It was a mix of DIY (I painted our cabinets) and help - the marble was installed and fabricated by someone else, obviously. We pulled out the tile ourselves, both counter and floor, and installed the appliances ourselves. Our kitchen remodel in total cost just under $10,000. I've blogged about it in detail if anyone is interested.

Before and After pictures.

How I made my kitchen choices.

My best shot at a how-to on painting kitchen cabinets yourself.

A complete source list as best I remember.

Here's a few pictures:

Great forum, good luck with everyone on their current endeavors.

Warmly,

Rebekah

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Comments (74)

megpie77
14 years ago
You did an amazing job on your kitchen. It is so unique and cool. I am just in awe. Thank you for sharing!

I love gray too but am not the best at picking the right shade. I was curious if you remember the name and brand of some of the grays in your home. It looks as if the kitchen has some gray and it looks nice without being drab. Thanks, Meg
alice462
14 years ago
Just beautiful! What a fantastic transformation -- wow!
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Thanks, binsd! I don't hang out on the forums. Just don't have the time and it's a shame really; it's so fun over here. Anyway, I received an email question about how my counters are holding up, so I thought I'd post a quick 3-year report. Cork floors - love 'em. Comfy, good for a klutz like myself, hides dirt well, super easy to clean. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Fisher Paykel Dishdrawers - Awful, awful, awful. Replaced them with an integrated Bosch which works great. JennAir CD fridge - I like it quite a bit, but just last week had to have the touchpad replaced. Not cheap. Fratelli Onofri range - I do love this thing, but it has some issues. First, I should have purchased the large single oven instead of the double. It's been a very rare occurrence that I've needed to use both at different temps. The door seal on the large oven recently broke because it became brittle. Had to order a part from the UK to replace the seal. Additionally, the big oven has been flaky coming up to temp lately. I'm going to try a heavy-duty cleaning to make sure there aren't any blocked sensors or anything. Hopefully that fixes it. Cabs - I went with a cab company who primarily worked with stained cabs. I think it shows that they didn't do a lot of paint jobs. There are a couple of chipped areas and other places where you can tell the paint will be peeling someday. (Like on the underside of the sink cab door ??? weird.) Anyway - I think if you're getting painted cabs, be sure to work with someone who does paint to ensure the wood will be properly prepped and they take steps to make sure the paint hardens well, etc. Countertop - Finally, the info people want. :) I still love this stuff. Yes, it shows wear, but it's a warm, rustic-looking wear which is a-ok by me. If you drag something sharp and pointy across it, it will scratch. If you drag a bowl across it, you're probably fine. If you stand in one spot and do a lot of hand mixing in a bowl, it will probably create "rub" marks. If you drag a dish across it that has "unfinished" edges, it will leave a mark. I don't notice water mark problems around the sink. If water is left to sit and dry on the surface, it will leave a mark. Wipe it down with a dishcloth and the mark goes away. No biggie. I've tried to capture their current condition, but it's tough to photograph. I have only oiled them once since the original photos were posted. This is my most heavily used prep area: Here's another shot of the same area: Here's a scratch that just showed up a few weeks ago. I have no idea where it came from. Here you can see "rub marks" in my baking area where the mixing bowl "spins" on the countertop This is new also. There was a winter squash sitting in this spot. It had a bad spot and started to leak, causing this mark. Weird. I'm sure it will come right out if I oil it. Overall, still loving my kitchen! The layout has worked out fabulously and I love spending time in there. It has completely changed my life. Literally. I overhauled my diet shortly after it was finished and that made a drastic impact on my life. Thanks, Gardenweb friends!
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Beautiful kitchen!! I am just starting or should I say 6 months in the designing phase of a remodel. I have changed my mind so many times & very in decisive. I was sure I would go with a contemporary walnut slab cabinet. Changed my mind to white cabinets with the Calcutta marble with a wood island. It is really funny that I ran across your kitchen cause it has the x glass cabinets that I just decided on a few days ago and wood floors. I am meeting with the cabinet maker in a few days to go over the changes. After seeing your kitchen I am now sure I am making the right selections. I just voted for your kitchen, of course, it is the most stunning kitchen!!! Good luck!
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"Vision" is a kind way to put it Igloo! There was something about the house that pulled us in when we saw it, despite the total lack of curb appeal and the hideous kitchen, bathrooms, living areas, garden, etc etc. Flyleft, yes, wine above the fridge (required to give us the "vision"). I know its not the best place to store it, but we're not talking long-term storage here! The wine fridge has "good" wine (1 bottle of) and a couple of beer bottles but is mostly full of Pellegrino water. Your DD is getting a very thorough education in "Advanced Remodeling", she will be ready to graduate soon ;) Soigne, we got the L-brackets at Lowes. i think they were in the hardware area (not the shelf bracket aisle, those were not heavy-duty enough). they were very cheap, maybe $10 each. Dgmarie, I don't know whether the pendant lights are code. I do know i have seen other pics on here of pendants hanging over sinks, which doesn't mean that its code of course. My DH installed them (and the undercab lights). They each have their own box in the cabinet right above the pendant, so if they somehow fell, they would cut out. But i do not know if its code -- anyone else know? Mystery, we like the fridge but wish we had gone with the french-door version you have as we didn't think about clearance between door and island -- there is not too much space to get round the door when its open (at least not for me, but thats another topic!). Yes, I agree the freezer is annoying, but i suppose all bottom-freezers must be similarly so. I do prefer having the fridge on top as we are not huge freezer-users, so for us, the frustrations of the bottom-freezer are worth it. The cooktop is fantastic, my DH researched and bought it and I'm very glad we went with induction. We paid a lot less by importing it (I think it was about $1000), as I've read for others importing from the UK or NZ.
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tntwalter
14 years ago
We're going to paint our island black so I'll be reading your blog.

Did you do a light poly over to protect the cabs?

Great job! You must be so proud!

Trish
rtpaisley
Original Author
14 years ago
Meg:

Thanks! I used Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray on the walls of the kitchen and breakfast nook. I love this gray. In my living room (which I'm not sure you see in above pictures) I used BM Revere Pewter. I love this gray too. I sampled about 15 grays from Benjamin Moore as we were remodeling and these were the two main grays I used (with BM Feather gray inside the cabinets for a slightly cooler tone).

For all of my ceilings I did a custom mix of my trim (White Dove) with my wall color.

Hope this helps!

tntw:

Thanks also! I didn't poly, because a) I liked the soft sheen of the finish which completely cures in 30 days, and b) I was planning to lightly distress/paste wax over that for a hand-rubbed look.

Our bar area has not been distressed or waxed yet and has no poly on it, but has no scuffs, and that's with us sitting there daily and all of my two year old's spills and kicks. Cured paint is strong stuff!

On our old bar/island in a previous house (which was maple-esque), I used to get black scuff marks from shoes around the baseboard/wall area. These are unnoticeable on the black peninsula.

Hope this helps! Good luck painting!
hobokenkitchen
14 years ago
It's absolutely stunning! Congratulations and I can't believe you did most of the work yourself! Well done!!
momto4boys
14 years ago
Talk about an inspiration! The results are truely jaw dropping! I've sent this on to all my friends, and family who think I'm nuts to wanna paint my bulider oak cabs.
I'm soooo intimidated by the job. But, obviously...the results can be amazing!
What a beautiful kitchen!!!!!!!!!!
jenos
14 years ago
LOVE it--it's classic and modern at the same time, crisp and cozy, elegant and casual...everything I love! Having creamy white cabinets myself, I really appreciate something different that still has all of the wonderful elements I love. Congratulations on a beautiful, personal FABULOUS kitchen!!
mamalynn
14 years ago
Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful! I can't believe you made those cabinets look so fantastic - they look like fine old furniture, especially with the white countertops. I'm glad to read that you have been enjoying this fabulous kitchen!
shelayne
14 years ago
Oh my gosh, I am just drooling! It looks fantastic! I love the cabinet color--so rich and yummy. Your c-tops with the edging and detail are just gorgeous.

Thanks for sharing-- I love it!
rtpaisley
Original Author
14 years ago
You are all so kind and enthusiastic! Now I can't wait to get started on my two bathroom(s) remodel! Can you all follow me over to the bathroom forum? ;-)

Seriously, where would the world be without Garden Web? Kitchen remodelers of the world, unite!
firstmmo
14 years ago
Absolutely POPS! The simplicity of the white subway tile is stunning. You are so talented! Am super super jealous of the marble...my husband is not a believer. The counters are gorgeous!
tri_mom
14 years ago
FANTASTIC job!! I just read your cabinet painting blog and loved it! I am in the middle of painting our oak cabinets and it was nice to read your blog and know you had some of the exact same thoughts I am having(most importantly, getting the cabinet bases done so you can get back to cooking and not eating out.

Just the motivation I needed to keep on working!
scrappy25
14 years ago
I posted this question on your blog- did you have to search for a fabricator who could do this beautiful edges? If so, can you give any tips as to find one who can? Is the cost for the edging charge by the linear foot? thank you!
rtpaisley
Original Author
14 years ago
scrappy25 - I answered you on the blog, but thought I would post here too for posterity. We did have to search, Benchmark was the only place in town with the capabilities to digitally template and computer cut/fabricate in-house.

As I recall, there is a charge for the type of edge (in our case, ogee) and then any hand-cut inner corners. The cost per corner can be pricey, so to negate this we went with a 1" rounded inner-corner so that the computer could handle it. With all of the inner corners sharp and hand cut, it would have been about $900 more! Not worth it for a small visual difference, I actually like the smooth corners better now.

I'm not sure if they charged per linear foot, because they just charged us for the whole job.

Hope this helps!
scrappy25
14 years ago
thank you, rtpaisley, for sharing those tips! I actually really like those rounded inner corners. That was really innovative of you to search that out. Now I have another search to do. If anyone knows fabricators in delmarva and southern pa who can do this type of work, please post so!
evilbunnie
14 years ago
What a fantastic job! I am super impressed! What a stupendous amount of work you did, I'm so glad it paid off for you. I'd be thrilled to get that result too.

Thanks so much for the wonderful tutorials and your website. What an awesome way to give back to the gw community!
megradek
14 years ago
I don't know how I missed this post on Thursday!! Your kitchen has truly been transformed. I'll second Morton about it looking like a bistro. Very pretty and rich. I love the wainscotting detail on the back of your sink area. Cheers!
jessie21
14 years ago
totally gorgeous! I think I'm in love........
three_daisies
14 years ago
It's so lovely!! I love the black with the marble - and cheers to you for a job well done. I'm so impressed with your DIY. It's all so elegant and tasteful - hope you are enjoying all the fruits of your hard work.
rtpaisley
Original Author
14 years ago
French bistro is about the nicest compliment you all could pay me. :-) We loved Paris!

Thanks so much to all for the kind comments!
tootiepugsmom
14 years ago
Holy cow! AMAZING, AMAZING transformation!!

This is an INCREDIBLY SEXY KITCHEN!! I'm in love!!
sofla
14 years ago
Your counters are beautiful. Love the grays on the wall!
lisa_a
14 years ago
Stunning! I love the bar area - you added such great details. And I love how your old black fridge disappears into the cabinets. That might have been a decision based on finances but it works fabulously, IMO.

I've bookmarked this thread for when I tackle our powder room. I hope to transform our GO cabinets with some burnished red paint. I lack the time to do my kitchen (plus there are other issues) but I can definitely manage my powder room. Thanks for the inspiration and tips.
sweeby
14 years ago
What a gorgeous transformation! And what VISION you had to be able to see the soft black and marble in all that golden oak and white tile. (Let that be a lesson to all of us in choseng good base materials in simple, tasteful shapes.)

I especially appreciate that it was DIY - hence 'green' and budget-friendly. Yet it looks like a million bucks!
starpooh
14 years ago
What an amazing transformation for so little $$$ !!!

May I add your kitchen to the Finished Kitchens Blog? There are many, many members looking for low-budget ideas.
If so please submit the FKB Category Checklist to give your permission.
Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful: FKB Category Checklist
momtofour
14 years ago
Rtpaisley,

BEAUTIFUL job! I keep looking over the photos!

Scrappy25,

Renaissance Marble and Granite in Blackwood, NJ should have the ability to make any designs you are looking for. I know they have state-of-the-art robot, saws, edgers and computers there.
dr_nik
14 years ago
Absolutely fabulous!!! I am seriously lusting over your hood. I am so impressed that you did the work yourselves. Bravo!
tracie.erin
14 years ago
Totally beautiful! Oh, to have 9' ceilings and be able to pull this look off myself!

momtofour: stealing your recommendation for my file! ;)
jakkom
14 years ago
This is perhaps the most amazing transformation I've seen so far (and there have certainly been many here). You have truly created a masterpiece that will inspire many others - congratulations on a stunning accomplishment!
celticmoon
14 years ago
Absolutely stunning!! I love all of it.
fleur222
14 years ago
It was brave and bold to take this on, painting and distressing the cabinets black. And I give anyone who goes with marble cudos too. It is understood on GW by many, but when I was searching for a countertop, I had others telling me it shouldn't even be a consideration. And ......the results are elegant and rich. I LOVE the marble with the black!
User
14 years ago
It's strange how much "lighter" the kitchen looks, even with all the black cabinets. I think because you went from medium contrast of oak/white tile to a high contrast black/white marble. Flattening the sink area makes it more open too.

This is a marvelous example of putting the money where it shows: I'm so impressed with all that marble detailing on the counters that I wouldn't have noticed the cabinets were the same ones.
bunnicula03
14 years ago
You did a great job, you must be thrilled with your new kitchen! It's simple yet elegant at the same time.

Did you add raised panels to the centers of the doors, or switch the doors out?
boysrus2
14 years ago
LOVELY! If someone told me they had a black kitchen, my first thought would be gloomy. Your kitchen if far from that. The classic black and white along with the glitz from the chrome/ss compliment each other beautifully and as another poster said it's "rich" looking.
rtpaisley
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks to all for your nice comments!

Starpooh, I'd be happy to, I'll look over your list!

Bunnicula03, we did switch the doors out. I mentioned it on the blog, but it was very affordable. I highly recommend it as an option if people need better molding on a budget!

We love the marble. It's everything I thought it would be, etches and all. In fact, I love the etching. It's really subtle and a perfect character edition.

We're doing our bathrooms in January - lots of marble and subway tile there, I hope!
redroze
14 years ago
Whoa...don't know how I missed this kitchen!! I just found you on the Finished Kitchens Blog. Outstanding...everything is perfect. I've never seen a black beadboard island before...how stunning. The (honed?) marble is divine.
mom270
14 years ago
Wow! You did all of that for under $10k? That's amazing. Great job. I'm glad to hear you like the marble countertop. I think I'd be worried about it and I'm glad to hear that you're not finding it to be an issue. I enjoyed reading the Christopher Peacock kitchen thread. Thanks for the link.
prill
14 years ago
Sorry, I didn't read all your posts. Where did you get your replacement doors from?
susanlynn2012
14 years ago
I agree with another poster that your kitchen is an amazing transformation for so little $$$ and it is beautiful. I especially love the new range and the counters. I am saving the link for when I am ready to make changes to my oak cabinets which are not as nice as yours were since I have no handles on mine and mine are laminate as you will see in my recent post today.
stretchad
14 years ago
OMG! BEAUTIFUL!!! Great work.
Maria410
14 years ago
That is a truly beautiful transformation. And I really love your blog!!
3katz4me
14 years ago
WOW!! That is absolutely beautiful - stunning! And it is so, so impressive that you did it for less than $10K!
monkeypuzzle
14 years ago
Who would have guessed black could be so pretty? I love it with stainless and marble. I also love the lights. Perfection.
firstmmo
14 years ago
I love these black cabinets. It really makes me wonder if I want a white kitchen! I must see things in either black or white....I seem to love either the all white kitchens or the all black ones!!!
queenofmycastle0221
14 years ago
I would almost ask dh to consider letting my paint my honey oak cabinets. He might shoot me though! Hehe! I have all black appliances so it probably wouldn't work but I do love yours!
Alicia
ajard
14 years ago
Rebekeh
Now that you have been using your kitchen that is ALL carrara counter tops.. how are you liking it... I am planning to do all my counters in the honed marble and I am nervous with 4 boys and a messy husband. Can you tell me about your experience with it? thanks sooo much
kitchenconfidential2
14 years ago
Amazing! Your kitchen is beautiful. What patience. Thanks for all the wonderful advice.
night_jasmine
14 years ago
Rebekah,

What size are your bin pulls?
rtpaisley
Original Author
14 years ago
night jasmine:

They are the Gilmore 4 inch in Polished nickel.

ajard:

I sent you an e-mail from your blog comment - we love the counters and are over a year into using them. They haven't stained at all, but they DO etch, it's a kind of slight, lived in look we love. Once you have a bunch of etches (like when these photos were taken, there are tons on that counter) it just blends in and looks like a nice patina.

Hope this helps! Thanks for all the kind comments!
ejbrymom
14 years ago
WOW I think you did a phenomenal job! It looks like a complete remodel by a pro not a DIY project. BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Finished Kitchen: from Oak & Tile to Black & Marble, mostly DIY

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