The Reveal! My Tiny Pittsburgh Kitchen Make-over

11 years ago

I began this in mid-July and was basically done by Labor Day, but I wanted to wait to post photos once I got some of the details completed (valances, touch-up painting, etc.)

I envy you who have a nice, big open concept kitchen. My house was built in 1911 and the kitchen is about 100 square feet. The only wall that I had an option to knock down has on the opposite side a beautiful built-in china cupboard, original to the house. Since it provides badly needed storage in the dining room, my GC and I decided to work with the original footprint, which was a challenge. I had very little counterspace and cabinets that didn't function (most boxes and bottles were too tall to fit in them). I couldn't wait to get started! Here are some "before" photos, as well as some taken during the demo phase (me, my sister and her family did the demo ourselves to save some money):

So here is the finished product. My budget was $25,000 and I stayed under it by a few hundred dollars.

Here are the specifics:

Cabinets: Pioneer semi-custom (style is raised Madison, in cherry, tawny stain)

Countertops: Blume's Keystone Quartz "Dakota Copper" (To say I LOVE this is an understatement. Here is a close-up photo:)

Sink: Silgranite

Faucet: Blanco "Torino"

Backsplash: Jeffrey Court Pietra Fire & Ice Quartz (enhanced)

Floor: DuPont Real Touch laminate

Refrigator: Samsung

Gas range, Microwave, Dishwasher: Bosch

Paint: Behr "Salmon Creek" and "Gallery White"

Valance: Lowe's

Windowsill: soapstone, original to the house

Thanks for all of the encouragement and inspiration I have received from this forum. You have been a Godsend. Special thanks to SoCalGal for info on the Fire & Ice quartz. It's so nice to have a modern, functional kitchen!

Comments (55)

pghgolfgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
marcia59: Originally, I wasn't planning on extending the backsplash down the sides of the cabinet. But I had some leftover tile and my tile installer thought that it would look more finished if we extended it. I'm so glad that we did because it looks much better. Here is a photo of it before we extended it:

Thanks for your kind words!
mrspete
11 years ago
Gorgeous. I love that Dakota Copper color. You really made a silk purse from a sow's ear.

My one suggestion: add backsplash in those two little angled spots.
Related Discussions
I swear this is my very last layout for my tiny kitchen
Q
Comments (15)
Lavender_lass, I, too, prefer the sink under the window but we were so motivated by the ease of venting the stove, there was no way to keep the sink on the same wall as the stove. Desertsteph, hard to say who works in the kitchen more. I do 90% of the cooking, DH does 90% of the cleanup. Besides the sink and lazy susan corner, there is only the drawer stack already plus the 18 DW to the left of the sink and the 9 full height door to the right of the stove for the griddle, cookies sheets & jelly roll pan and cutting board. The filler to the right of the stove is 1 inch plus a fraction, the filler to the left of the fridge is 3 inches plus a very small fraction. The fridge requires a minimum 2 inches of clearance when placed next to the wall in the corner. Palimpsest, you just gave me a wonderful idea. I NEVER thought about going behind the crown above the cabs, we were going to break through to the garage, do something with this very large antique mahogany cab that I use as my pantry on that wall and go out the side of the house. Up is not an option as it would be smack in the middle of the landing when you go up the attic steps (someday we hope to finish that off and add a bath if the kitchen or DH doesn't kill me first). I think I was under the false impression that the vent had to be a 6, 7 or 8 in ROUND. I will have to investigate this! Thank you!! Fori, I too prefer #2. All of our pots and pans are kept in a 24 inch 1 door cab now which was fine with us and Layout #1 mimicked that same access but in a 30 inch 2 door cab and we just thought that was so much better but over the w/e, I saw a 36 lazy susan display and said we can do this instead! It did look very roomy. Marcolo, thanks! I just think that with the DW to the left of the sink that will be so much better and easier to unload to the right for the drawer stack and dish cab and I will have more room to the side of the stove. Oh, I hope I'm a happy puppy! Clueless & Buehl, thanks for your vote! Deedles, I thought that too about #1 especially since I am tall. I guess it's one of those things that you really have to see and feel in person. We were going to go straight back initially but it would be impossible to access that cab above the sink in the corner and I just couldn't give up a cab. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! It was nice knowing you as I am sure the KD will kill me when I go back to her this week and make her rework everything.
...See More
My humble mini make over kitchen
Q
Comments (33)
I have not seen it in person. so I'm just going off what I see on your blog and I like what I think the color is and the clean, light feel of it. The simplicity of it. Looks like it could go into a bit of that art deco poster you like. I am seeing white and a soft sage green -- is that right? I haven't looked at laminate in a long time and haven't considered the edges, but I'd probably do a rounded edge like it appears you have now -- simple but not squared. The squared edge looks more contemporary, so keep it softer and more classic. I'm no expert, but what I can see would make me think your kitchen is transitional which means (to me at least) a somewhat updated traditional that gives you some playing room ro be a bit eclectic. Just make sure everything works together and you have them together for a reason. I would consider using that mosaic as a liner and use a solid ceramic tile for the main part of your splash. Someone posted about their favorite thing being 23 cent subway tiles -- you could do those or a square tile (white or they may even have a light, soft green) with maybe 2 or 3 rows of the darker mosaic tile all the way around your kitchen -- maybe not using any more than the one small area but maybe getting more impact from it. Play up the feature you love and get the most out of it. What I read above was you like honed and matte surfaces and the first two laminates fit that. The last one is a 180 away from that. Just an observation. I think the metal ocean one would work too -- it's just not one I would gravitate towards.
...See More
Over-budget budget yellow kitchen reveal
Q
Comments (35)
Awww, you are all so sweet. Lol laughable - dh now reads the paper at the TABLE! One of the deep drawers near the table is for newspaper recycling so the paper doesn't pile up. Beth - love love love the Super Susans. The shelves are not adjustable, but are very deep and they hold so much. I was surprised to find that the lid holder fit so well. The really big stockpot lids are on top of the pots to which they belong. It is nice to not have to dig for lids in a lower cabinet. The baking ss easily holds canisters with 10 lbs. of flour, 10 lbs. of sugar, brown sugar, xxx sugar, measuring spoons & cups, lots of bowls, etc. The bottom shelf of that one also holds serving trays, serving bowls, vases, and tons of other stuff. My cabinet maker had only done lazy Susans, but said he would try the ss. Dan is a true miracle worker and does beautiful work. He took a weird, old, uneven-walled kitchen and turned it into a miracle of storage. Other than a few 1/2" fillers, there is no wasted space. The toe kicks were built on site and everything was scribed to the walls. The finish is beautiful, durable yet soft looking. We almost went with Kraftmaid (it was a little cheaper) but to me it looked too shiny. I am soooo glad I asked raee who did her kitchen. I also was so lucky with Scott from Tuscarawas Valley Construction. He made our lumpy old plaster walls perfectly smooth and untangled a truly terrifying nest of electrical. We will be hiring him to build our deck once the finances are better. He is also the only person who has ever noticed that in our hall bathroom the toilet handle (chrome) does not match the other ORB fixtures. He is very detail oriented and a perfectionist. The soapstone fabricator was a bit of a disappointment. There a few minor uh-ohs with the soapstone, but we can live with it. The entire ordeal, from demo to kitchen sink install, took 4 1/2 weeks. Scott left the kitchen sink intact for the first week of that time. I had scheduled everyone so as to finish in 3 weeks, but the 4th of July and too much work coming in for the soapstone people interfered with the schedule.
...See More
Kitchen Reveal-- Five Years in the Making
Q
Comments (53)
Friedajune, in all honesty, the farmhouse sink in the corner was the biggest nightmare of the kitchen. GC initially told me it wouldn't be a problem, but changed his mind when he saw how big it was. The sink was the very first thing we bought for the kitchen and, at the time, we had a very different vision. Flash forward five years with a new cabinet designer.... He didn't want the sink in the corner as it changed the project to semi-custom and something he'd never done before. GC said I should just move it, cabinet designer and granite fabricator said they didn't think they could make it work, material-wise. I refused to budge. Cabinet designer and granite guy then wanted it pushed out flush with the other cabinets, but that would've left a MASSIVE dead space behind the sink. I insisted on the push back and between the granite and cabinet fabrication it cost about $2k more than the original plans. BUT, with the faucet. the sink corner is now my "kitchen queen" and I absolutely adore it! My old sink was also in the corner, but it was literally a corner sink, (think 90 degree angle, double sink with one basin on one side of the corner, the other basin on the other side of the corner) that was designed for a manufactured home (our house is not) and super shallow and awkward. Now, with the set-back, I'm in a little comfy cubby when I'm working at the sink and my windows overlook my rose garden. LOVE IT!
...See More
mrspete
11 years ago
One more thought: in a sea of white cabinets, your color scheme reassures me sure I'm heading in the right direction. It's warm and inviting. Love it.
pghgolfgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
deedles: The corner cabinets don't add a lot of storage, but I need every little bit I can get. In the lower cabinet I store a food scale, dish clothes, dish towels, and pot holders. In the upper cabinet I store a recipe box, kcups (extras that don't fit in the holder), coupons and other small misc. things.
writersblock (9b/10a)
11 years ago
You did a great job in a difficult space. What an improvement!

I agree with MrsPete about adding the backsplash to the angles.
gone_south
11 years ago
Well done. I really love the backsplash!
cmm1
11 years ago
Fellow Pittsburgher here.

Great job especially love the backsplash. Having been pondering over the same one at Best Tile.

You must be very happy!
annkathryn
11 years ago
Such a warm, pretty kitchen. Every time I see Fire and Ice it just seems more beautiful. Great job!

And now I'm curious about the built-in cupboard in your dining room - have a pic handy?
kellienoelle
11 years ago
I love it! You really did a great job in making a difficult space much more functional and usable. I love your color choices, it just looks so warm and inviting. And taking that tile down to the floor really did make a world of difference, didn't it, a very nice touch.

Hope you enjoy your new space!
blfenton
11 years ago
Whoa! That is beautiful and so much more functional. It's hard to believe it's the same space. I kept on going back and forth to the before/afters to figure out how you did it. Very smart planning.
Donaleen Kohn
11 years ago
Very nice. I usually prefer painted cabinets because wood stained ones are often too dark for my taste. Yours are also nice because they are so warm and not so dark. And it looks like you have plenty of light. Good job!
pghgolfgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
cmm1: I purchased my tile from Ceramiche Tile and Stone from the West End. They were terrific! Even though my backsplash tile job was small (25 sq. ft), they treated me like I spent thousands of dollars. I highly recommend Michael! If you haven't committed yourself yet, please check them out!
Here is a close-up of the backsplash:

Go Steelers! ;-)
pghgolfgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
annkathryn: Here is a photo of the built-in china cabinet in my dining room. As you can see, it was painted at some point (prior to me moving in in 1997). I just couldn't imagine destroying this to open up the kitchen:

I just noticed from this photo that I need to do some touch-up painting near the floor. Always something to do!
Bunny
11 years ago
What an adorable, welcoming kitchen! I have a 10x10 kitchen too and I love what you did with the space. It must have been a challenge with the original stove and sink so close together! Sweet valance too. Good job!!!
bellsmom
11 years ago
Wonderful remodel! Thank you for sharing. There is SO much here to look at. Like others, I think extending the backsplash down was a wonderful idea!
You used every inch beautifully.
badgergal
11 years ago
I'm sure your heart must sing whenever you walk into your beautiful new kitchen. I guess it is true that good things come in small packages. Your kitchen my be small but it is fabulous. Your finishes are warm and inviting and your new space is so much more functional now. Congratulations on a job well done.
debrak_2008
11 years ago
Really nice. I too think that ending that tile down the side of the cabinet was a great idea. It makes it look like it was an original feature. Enjoy!
justmakeit
11 years ago
Every time I see a kitchen as inviting and cozy as yours, I start to rethink my white cabinet decision. Your kitchen is beautiful!
alvmusick
11 years ago
Small yet wonderfully functional - and stained wood - great job. Enjoy your fantastic new kitchen.
TxMarti
11 years ago
Wow, what an improvement! It is not only beautiful, but so functional now.

My kitchen had two cabinets like the one with your oven, with a recessed cabinet over a fairly tall one. For the longest, I couldn't imagine why anyone would build a cabinet that most people can't reach, that is until we started moving cabinets and dealing with the fur down/soffit. That's when I realized they did it because it was a cheap & easy way to keep all the cabinets under the same soffit. A pox upon them!

I'm glad you got rid of that oven cabinet and made it all work so much better. I love your counter and floor colors. They look sleek.
desertsteph
11 years ago
wow. what a mega difference. sleek is a good description.

that added counter space must be a real joy to you!

it's just beautiful - and must make you smile just thinking of it.

great storage areas around the fridge and into DR also.

and can sure see why you chose not to take down that wall - that cabinet in DR is also beautiful - a real treasure.
motherof3sons
11 years ago
Just beautiful! You did a great job marrying form and function.
tea4all
11 years ago
Oh my that is such a wonderful difference. It looks so functional now and warm and inviting. I love your wood and countertop together. You did a fantastic job!!

I also love your built in china cabinet. You were wise to keep it.
taggie
11 years ago
Oh this is absolutely fabulous. So warm and beautiful with the lovely stained cabs paired with that stunning countertop. And the functional improvement is amazing.

Like everyone else I love your backsplash choice to bring it down to the floor, and I really love the extra pantry cab and wine rack cab to the left of the doorway, and the shaped base cabs on either side of the doorway which make such good use of your space and proportions.

I actually like that you didn't carry the backsplash to the small corner cab ... the way you have it, both doorway flanking cabs match and there isn't as elegant a way of ending it at the door sides like you did at the entrance door. I like the quartz short splash, plus it gives you that nice ledge for your cool-looking (pig?, groundhog? what is that?) key holder .. so cute!

Great job and great kitchen.
cat_mom
11 years ago
Love it! Love the little angles cabs--they might not hold a lot, but they hold something (!) and also provide some added counter space which is always a plus!
ppbenn
11 years ago
What an improvement! To see that nice run of countertop after seeing you had next to nothing prior, you must be thrilled. Never saw a cooktop RIGHT next to the sink...
Enjoy it! I like the pic of the sweat equity.
dilly_ny
11 years ago
Wow! What a transformation! Great selections. I love the backsplash.

Love the original china cabinet. I can see why you kept the wall up. Enjoy!
gsciencechick
11 years ago
Wow, what a great space! Love the cabinets, counters, floors, and BS. The old china cabinet is beautiful.
sixtyohno
11 years ago
What a great job. Every inch is so thought out and it's gorgeous too. Enjoy.
Kathy Rivera
11 years ago
So beautiful and so functional! What a ton of storage and counter space in a small room. Congratulations on a job well done!
katsmah
11 years ago
Wow! What an amazing transformation in the same footprint! Your new kitchen is gorgeous.
angie_diy
11 years ago
Oh, what a gorgeous improvement. And what a better-functioning workspace it will be! So pretty.
ellendi
11 years ago
First off, Pittsburgh has a special place in my heart. My daughter went to school there and now lives there. I love Pittsburgh in that the homes and buildings are renovated rather than torn down and replaced.
Your kitchen looks great. Enjoy!
labbie
11 years ago
What a beautiful job- great choices. The cabinets are so warm, and the backsplash and counters are perfect. I also like how you extended the tile down to the floor between the door and the cabinets. It does make it much more finished looking.
Enjoy your beautiful new space.
pghgolfgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
THANK YOU!!!!!! All of your nice comments have made my day. I was so nervous about posting because I didn't have super-high end appliances, an island or white cabinets, but I'm absolutely thrilled that you have embraced my little homey kitchen.

taggie: it's a little wooden pig keyholder. I bought it at a craft fair in Culpeper, VA about 30 years ago and it's been in every kitchen I've had. It's just one of those things that makes me smile when I see it.

THANKS AGAIN! ((Hugs!!))
a2gemini
11 years ago
pgh - Wow- Love it - I even went right to the Blume website to check out option (we still have 3 bathrooms to go) They don't service this area - bummer.

I love everything about your kitchen - the colors, the backsplash, the worker - it is wonderful -
Wonderful job in a small space - you will enjoy for many years!

Congratulations!
beekeeperswife
11 years ago
Congrats on such a beautiful kitchen. It looks great and it really fits your home. Wishing you many years of joy cooking in that kitchen!

Bee
iroll_gw
11 years ago
What a transformation! It's just beautiful.

I like the 4" countertop backsplash, not many people do it anymore (we did), and I think it looks great with the tiles.

Just wondering why the person who put in the previous kitchen didn't put in a range, it's much more functional in that size space.
Debbi Branka
11 years ago
Beautiful! You did an amazing job! I'm a fellow Pioneer Cabinet lover (my island, wish my perimeter too). We have the Mayfield raised panel, painted navy blue. Your cherry cabinets are gorgeous! Look at the grain in that close up you posted above - it's amazing! I love everything you have done!
pghgolfgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
deb52899: I remember when we were discussing Pioneer cabinets! I'm so glad that you got to see the finished product. I would definitely recommend Pioneer to anyone.

iroll: I wondered about a lot of things the prior owner(s) did to that kitchen!!! ;-) Some mighty ugly choices of wallpaper and vinyl tile, that's for sure! And using a cooktop when there was so little counterspace? Definitely couldn't figure that one out.
chiefy
11 years ago
Gorgeous! I can only imagine how much easier it is to work in the new space. I didn't think I'd see a space that had the range and sink closer together than in my current space, but you're "before" beats me handily.
Linda
11 years ago
What a great transformation! Everything goes together so well. Great coordination with everything!
fav.auntx2
11 years ago
Absolutely fabulous!!! I love it! And even better, no less than 5 details I had decided to execute in my reno I found in you kitchen!!! I love that wine rack too! Talk about making my nerves settle!!! Do you happen to know the dimension (countertop and cabinet) of the small cab to the right of your range?
pghgolfgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
fav.auntx2:
I absolutely love my wine cubbies! It is one of my favorite features. I highly recommend them.

The cab to the right of the range is 9 inches. I would have liked something wider but we just didn't have the space. The lower one has a pull-out for cans/spices; and I have olive oil, Pam and measuring cups and spoons in the upper one.
If I can provide any assistance, don't hesitate to contact me!
cathy725
11 years ago
I love your kitchen! I want to do similar colors and it's great to know it won't make the kitchen appear too dark! You did an amazing job!
CEFreeman
11 years ago
Another place where it looks not only like a completely different kitchen, but so much bigger! You really planned your space well.

Re: Your china hutch. I've been working with some specialty paints called CC Caldwell and Reclaim I found online sold by this lady, Patty Henning out of Detroit. I'm a former Michigander. :) Anyway, she specializes in finishing. Faux, refurnishings, techniques, stenciling, etc. I immediately thought of some of her colors over that pretty red. So before you touch up, check her out. I think it's fabfinishes.org, but usually I just search "Patty Henning".

Back to you: Enjoy it. It's absolutely beautiful.
pansygrrl
11 years ago
Beautiful!

Your layout is similar to what mine is likely to be (someday). Would you consider sharing your storage layout? Ihave the option of 30" bank of drawers at a right angle to the dishwasher... so great counterspace, but concerned about blocking access when the dishwasher is open.

Enjoy the holidays in your lovely kitchen!!
firstmmo
11 years ago
You did a great job with the space and the budget--good for you for showing us all what can be done :)

I imagine you are loving all of your new found counter space now that the cooktop is NOT to the left of the sink!
janetraz
11 years ago
Your new kitchen is gorgeous. Everybit as beautiful as a fancy kitchen twice yours' size. Its so warm and rich looking. You made use of every available inch. Just beautiful. You must be thrilled. I also love your old built in china cabinet. I wouldn't have wanted to rip it out either.
fav.auntx2
11 years ago
ok so this popped back up and I looked through the pics again and busted out laughing at the one of the tile getting the business end of the hammer!!! 2 bathrooms and one kitchen/breakfast area in my house!!! lol! I know the pain and I understand the pride you have when you walk into that kitchen remembering every little sweat drop, blood smear, shard of tile found in nearly every crevice of your body!

Again, bravo on your transformation!

The Reveal! My Tiny Pittsburgh Kitchen Make-over

Comments (55)

pghgolfgirlOriginal Author

Related Discussions

pghgolfgirlOriginal Author

pghgolfgirlOriginal Author

pghgolfgirlOriginal Author

pghgolfgirlOriginal Author

pghgolfgirlOriginal Author

pghgolfgirlOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

pghgolfgirl
Original Author

pghgolfgirl
Original Author

pghgolfgirl
Original Author

pghgolfgirl
Original Author

pghgolfgirl
Original Author

pghgolfgirl
Original Author

pghgolfgirl
Original Author