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Our Finished Kitchen with Pictures :)

13 years ago

Hi everyone

As you may remember (or not) I live on the small island of St John in the US Virgin Islands so remodeling our kitchen had a few additional challenges - mainly we bought everything sight unseen (well I did view the cabinets on one of my trips Stateside) but everything else was by looking a pictures online. Purchases were then shipped to a freight forwarder in Miami, loaded onto a 20Ã¢ÂÂ container, put on a cargo ship, delivered to St Thomas where the container cleared US Customs, trucked to the dock and then sailed over to St John via ferry and finally delivered to our driveway (where the container got stuck) was left for 2 days for us to unload and then finally we began the install.

If you would like to read all about our remodel adventures you can go to our blog at www.onawhimstjohn.wordpress.com and follow along - we still have all of the exterior siding and windows (should be fun as we are 30Ã¢ÂÂ up in the air) and the downstairs to complete so this process has only just begun but for now, as a big thank you I would like to show you our finished kitchen that you helped to design - we love it :)

Sorry the pictures are a bit dark but we have had some overcast days and the lighting was not great :(

Kitchen Cabinets - Kraftmaid, solid Maple, Thornton Style, painted white (Kraftmaids Dove White)

Appliances - All by Bosch

Countertop - Python Soapstone (installed by Florida Josh)

Sink - Kohler

Faucet - Grohe

Backsplash - Oceanside, Prose, Custom Blend in Clear

Paint - Benjamin Moore, Moonshine

BEFORE (note only one, yes one upper cabinet)

AFTER

PANTRY - door frame was not painted and no drywall was up at the time of taking this picture but they are now :)

Exterior Pantry - almost same view as picture #3

And of course I have to leave you with this :)

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Comments (27)

rookie_2010
13 years ago
Your kitchen is BEAUTIFUL and so appropriate for your location. The backsplash is especially pretty. As much as I enjoyed your kitchen pictures, the last picture seriously made tears spring to my eyes as it is 50-ish and rainy and windy in my parts today. Not to mention I haven't had a proper vacation in forever..........

Thanks for sharing!!!! Enjoy!!
sabjimata
13 years ago
Ooooh so much storage space. Looks great. And yes, crystal clear tropical waters came to mind right away!

What I love most about your kitchen is that you didn't totally reject your old kitchen but rather payed homage to it by keeping the same color scheme, that you obviously liked.

Too often the remodel is a chance to totally go in the opposite direction. I was expecting dark wood and travertine when I saw the befores! Lol. Lovely! Enjoy!!
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That's an amazing transformation. You were so smart to take such well-targeted "befores" so that each area's rehab is perfectly documented. The knife holder idea is smashing. Casey
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Okay. I am having a tough time. I read lots on "how to post pics", but I am really not that good on a pc, and I think ours is getting, weak, old, and filled.(slow) I will try the best I can, please be patient. First of all, I COULD NOT have done this project without this website, and all you people. Thank you for all your information, pictures, advice, and tips. I used this place, we bought and read TONS of magazines, and clipped all the pics and kitchen(s) ideas we liked and had them on one sheet of big paper. This took almost two years of PLANNING alone. We needed to get our finances in order, plus there were SO many choices. It was almost overwhelming. I did almost all of the work myself. I was the GC. I ripped out the old walls, lowered the ceiling, put in all the lights, drywall, paint, ran all the wire( big job, lots of wiring changes once we tore out walls)and put in new window. Plus so many other "little" things. It was a lot of work. Once we decided on appliances, again, all choices were made thru this website, we decided to go fairly high end. One pull on a Sub Zero door was all it took. Sub Zero, Wolf, Diva, and Asko. Blanco Steelart sink, Piani faucet, tumbled marble backspash, Silestone Blanco Maple (gloss, not leather) countertops, Brew Express built in coffee machine,(awesome), dura ceramic floor (heated, another nice touch)top of the line slides for the drawers. The name is slipping me, but my cabinet maker said there were the best I could get ! Plus Insinkerator, under cab lighting, and some really nice touches on the pull out pantry, and sliding cutlery trays built into the cabs!! Now the cabs... We wanted flat panel. Our first cab maker said "dont do it" We fired him, and got an old high school buddy. Thecab doors, are, get this, and dont be dissapointed, MDF. With a Rift Cut White Oak veneer laid on top, with matching edgebanding, all nicely sealed. He did a great job. All plywood boxes, with Baltic birch plywood for all the drawers. Excellent stuff. He told me the MDF would not warp, like some flat panels do. We matched up the handles to our Wolf/ Sub Zero/Asko. The nice little "boxes" above the sink ties together the upper cabs. We might put something in them, or not, we dont like clutter. Also, the face on the dropped ceiling is solid White Oak, as is the trim around the window and ceiling. Notice the little gap from the cabs to ceiling!! He also made the nice end panels. The cab maker was great, on time, and on price. The KD was also great. Everything just flowed perfectly while doing this project. Once we had a plan, it probably took just over 2 full months, start to finish. The faucet is wicked. This was a hard thing for us both to decide on, probably the toughest purchase. It has dual spray, magnetic head, and we LOVE it! I cant really think of anything else right now. I wil try posting some pics!!
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Oh dear, I went back and saw that I didn't read very carefully before. I still haven't read all but did notice that some of what I asked or mentioned you addressed already. (Like my splash question.) I agree with those who say that the table is great there, and even better that you had it already! I'd keep it, unless it just bugs you and you don't like it. I'm not very good about accessorizing but I wonder if when you have the splash in it will seem a little more lively and need less than you think. I'd wait and ask after it goes in. As for the TV, have you thought about getting a hutch for that wall, not a corner cabinet? That would give you a place for your plates/platters. I'm not a good judge of size and proportion. Is the TV wider than the wall next to the slider? It looks to me like it would fit, but maybe doing that would make it difficult for you to see while in the kitchen, which would defeat the purpose. Wish I had more suggestions to offer, but I think it looks awesome!
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Thanks for the feedback. The landscaping happened three years ago, but I still love it (my wife has a more love/hate relationship with the garden). We've never spent as much time in the back as we would like, but I think that's going to change now that it's more integrated with the house. Certainly our almost three year old is now able to go out back on his own and we can keep an eye on him. I was preparing his lunch today and he asked to go out. When I called him in for lunch he had tomato all over his face from picking the cherry tomatoes off the vine (it's either that or the berries. and in another month the figs). It doesn't get much better than that. Here's the view out the open french doors this afternoon from the prep area. circuspeanut: Yeah, when we decided to switch the large pendant for a ceiling light I wanted to get a matching one from Cherry Tree Designs and was very bummed to find out they don't make them any more. I'm just glad we got our lights back in March rather than waiting until they were ready to be installed last month. We might get one now from Arroyo Craftsman, which has similar designs in metal. As far as the green trim, early on we though that having stained trim in the kitchen might compete with the cabinets, so decided for painted trim (the trim is fir and the cabinets cherry). When the breakfast room trim was finished it was so lovely I really regretted that choice, but the kitchen trim was already primed. My wife and I got many paint samples and considered many different directions for the kitchen trim before picking the color, but in the end we're very happy with it.
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maddielee
13 years ago
Wonderful kitchen and a beautiful viiew!

ML
bostonpam
13 years ago
Love your backsplash and soapstone. So much more storage. You did a great job picking out things via on-line shopping - so often they look very different in person. Cold and gloomy here today - wish I was on the island. Enjoy!
byronroad
13 years ago
Your backsplash is like the sun sparkling on the water. Beautiful, love the whole look.
motherof3sons
13 years ago
Beautiful! I love your choices. And, of course, that final picture - makes me wish I were at the Gulf.
marcydc
13 years ago
How about some visitors now that the kitchen is done?!
cj47
13 years ago
How Beautiful!! I love that backsplash, and that view. Enjoy the new kitchen !
cj
amysrq
13 years ago
Of course I remember you! You helped me a lot when I was looking for tile to go with my Icestone counters. Your OGT clear turned out beautifully!

Like sabjimata, I like that you stuck with a look that worked. When I saw the first before pic (not the fridge shot!), I thought for a moment, "what a sweet kitchen." Now you have the new and vastly improved version! Congrats!
mountaineergirl
13 years ago
Oh Piaa I remember you! I think you post quite a bit on the VINOW forum?? I used to frequent that before our VI trip. Spent a wonderful day on your island on Trunk Bay!

Your kitchen is soooo lovely! I esp love the backsplash - it just looks caribbean!!

So if we make another visit to the VIs - can I call upon you for advice? thinking of doing a girl's trip!!
piaa
Original Author
13 years ago
Mountaineergirl - yep that is me :)

I would love to help with any trip you are planning - just send me a PM :)

Pia

Here is a link that might be useful: our remodel blog
dianalo
13 years ago
Your kitchen is worthy of its lovely location ;)
The bs is as wonderful as everyone says, but the last pic steals the show!
I guess if you have to come inside from time to time, you now have a gorgeous reason to do so....
wizardnm
13 years ago
Your kitchen turned out lovely and like the rest I love the backsplash.

It will just take me a minute to grab my snorkel and flippers. I was there a few years ago, it's beautiful.

Nancy
rhome410
13 years ago
Wow, wow. WOWOWOW!!! That is quite a transformation. Just beautiful and particularly nice how it coordinates with the natural outdoor 'decor!' It must be a thrill to use with all the improvements.
flwrs_n_co
13 years ago
An amazing increase in storage and function! And that BS is a wonderful reflection of the colors in that last gorgeous pic! Enjoy!
taggie
13 years ago
What a transformation! Great job!! Congratulations and enjoy your beautiful new space. :)
honeychurch
13 years ago
Congratulations--love your backsplash, it looks like the inside of a shell!
cat_mom
13 years ago
LOVE it--especially love the backsplash and of course, the view!!! Enjoy it all!
monkeymo
13 years ago
Beautiful! When are you having us all over for dinner? ;-)
beekeeperswife
13 years ago
Welcome Back! I'm so glad to see photos of the finished product. It turned out great. And yes, you posted just in time, the weather is getting cold here again.

Shall I bring my new Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker with me when I visit, or do you have one? (You really do need one if you don't, btw!)

Enjoy the finished space, as if I even have to say that!

-Bee
grneyesct
13 years ago
A girl after my own heart!! I love love love the choices you made. The backsplash truly finishes off the kitchen.

You did a super job choosing sight unseen :) I would have been a nervous wreck not being able to have seen some things in person before buying them. Especially since you cant exactly just run back to the store for returns!

I hope you enjoy many years in your cool new digs!

~ D ~
ebean
13 years ago
lovely lovely and i might have to post that outside view next to my desk (nyc is cold and rainy today).
craftlady07
13 years ago
Such a great improvement, nice work!! I want to come visit :)
piaa
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks everyone for your kind words - I wish the photos were brighter but oh well I think you get the idea :)

I forgot to say how proud I am of hubby as he did all the work himself (well except installing the soapstone we left that up to Florida Josh) including moving the gas stove and gas line, all new electrical, installing the cabinets (solo) new plumbing for the dishwasher, making the kitchen 1 foot larger and therefore building the walls and installing all new drywall, installing the backsplash and building and installing the pantry shelving .......... whew makes me tired just remembering :)

It took time but sooooo worth it and even though I have not been posting here much I still check in daily - it's a wonderful helpful forum and again I want to thank everyone for all the advise given here - thanks everyone.

Pia
chicagoans
13 years ago
Hi Pia! It turned out beautifully! No STJ for us this year (sigh) but it's always in my thoughts. (Thinking of doing 8 Tuff in 2012 to celebrate my 50th. But that's too far away!)

I know you put alot of thought into your kitchen and it is just wonderful. Enjoy it!

(PS - after looking at the real estate listing someone posted on VIOL -- maybe you could turn that stuck storage container into a "guest house"!)
plllog
13 years ago
Looks fab! I'm so glad to see it after all the little bumps. Amazing how well your backsplash captures the look of the water in your last photo!
prill
13 years ago
Everything looks beautiful! The backsplash is so pretty. I can't imagine the difficulties of ordering everything sight unseen.

Don't know where I was when this posted, but I'm happy to see it now. Now as for that last picture... I've always wanted to go to St. John, that might push me over the edge.

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