Monday, December 9, 2013

Kitchen Progress

We've made quite a bit of progress on our kitchen since moving in this past July.  To remind you, this is how it was set up when we took ownership:


My father-in-law talked me into getting rid of the peninsula, which I had originally protested, but now am much happier we did.  He kept telling me that I wouldn't regret it and he was right. However, since we got rid of the peninsula that meant we had to get new countertops.  I debated on getting a version of laminate that mimics marble or the manmade Cambria Torquay that looks like marble, as well.  I had them both priced and shockingly, the Cambria option wasn't a ton more expensive.  With that figured out, we ordered it and had it installed a couple months ago.  


I was inspired to use this brass faucet from Jenny! She can do no wrong in my book! I bought mine off of Amazon.  And, since the old sink was lilliputian in size, we got a new Kohler one from Lowe's. We figured it would be silly to update the countertops and keep the piddly sink.  

As you guys already know, we painted the walls white and got hardwood floors throughout the living room, kitchen and dining room.  We also took down all of the light fixtures in the kitchen and we are waiting on an electrician to come out to see what he can do to move some of the ones in the ceiling in both the kitchen and dining room.  It's driving me crazy because I think it would look a lot more finished with lighting. But oh well, I can live!


During the weeks before we moved in I painted all the cabinets downstairs.  We chose just a plain white that was standard [since the paint guy said it matched my choice--I don't even remember what it was--so closely!] in an oil based finish from Sherwin Williams and had another oil based paint color matched to Benjamin Moore's Chelsea Gray.  I frequently get emails about how I paint my cabinets and why I like oil based paints.  My method is fairly simple:

1. Clean the cabinets with TSP
2. Lightly sand
3. Wipe with a tacky cloth
4. Use a high quality primer
5. Paint at least two coats with an oil based paint [and natural hair brush] to eliminate brush strokes and it will give your cabinets a nice durable finish with a subtle shine.  

I won't paint cabinets any other way.  The only bummer part is that it is a rather smelly process and you must clean up with mineral spirits.  Also, the time to cure is a little longer but totally worth it!

Ok, back to the kitchen hardware! I knew I wanted to do brass hardware on the cabinets so I purchased the vintage knobs from this Etsy seller and these pulls from Rejuvenation. 


On the last weekend of summer David and my sister and brother-in-law took a trip to Ikea [won't have to do that for long--Eek! St. Louis is getting one in 2015!] and came back with this island.  It was totally an unexpected purchase but fits the space perfectly! 


The island had a spot for counter height barstools so I scored these at CB2.


I know the styling is rough and could use some work.  I'm kind of stalling out because I want to replace the appliances, get the wiring straight for the light fixtures, install a subway tile backsplash, and probably most of all, get new taller upper cabinets!  A homeowner's list is never complete, you guys feel me, right?


Overall, though, it is a vast improvement from where we started.  And I know that patience is a virtue and with time and saved money, it will all come together. 

So there you have it.  Such a long post; hope you guys got to the end of it!

Have a happy week!

xoxo

12 comments:

Heidi said...

I've had my eyes on a few pulls from Rejuvenation and I'm excited to hear of someone else using them!

http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

Emily @ DavenportDIY said...

I love how it's all coming together- it looks so lovely! I'm in LOVE with your floors, sigh. So gorgeous

Aja said...

Oh man, girl! It looks a million times better! I love your paint and hardware choices. I really love dark lower cabinets and debated that when we built.. but a friend mentioned that her black lowers scuffed up really easily, which scared me. Have you had any of that?? Hopefully not! Can't wait to see your lighting choices, too!

Freckles Chick said...

Ahhh, I've been waiting excitedly for this update!! There are so many things I want to copy from your kitchen for our future reno. You make it look effortless (though I know there was lots of sweat & labor involved). Love your choices! And I agree, if we wait to reveal a room when it's "done" we'd have nothing to blog about ;-)

Unknown said...

I've been waiting to see your kitchen for forever. Loved all your teaser pics on Instagram :)

Everything looks so good and I love it, and can totally see the direction your going in and love it!! Yay for a pretty kitchen :)

Nancy E. J. said...

Girl...I'd been waiting for these pictures!!! It's wonderful! Awesome job, Joi! I was obviously expecting nothing less. You had amazing taste.

Emily Clark said...

So glad you've finally posted details! The peeks of your kitchen were killing me! How do you like the Cambria?

Allison aka Half of VAMH said...

LOVE! What an improvement!

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

Eeeeeek. This looks amazing. Seriously - doesn't even look like the same space. Girl. You work magic.

Jennifer said...

Hey Joi - It's looking great! Have you thought about keeping your existing cabinets and just raising them up? Like this:

http://urbangraceinteriors.typepad.com/the_blog/2009/01/a-kitchen-intervention.html

Shavonda@AHomeFullOfColor said...

Ok so my good friend Katrina @ Chic Little House told me about you over the weekend and told me she thought Id love you and ummm yeah she was right!! I adore this kitchen. It reminds me so much of mine AND I a HUUUGE fan of oil based paint. Wont paint furniture without it. Im so glad you went with getting rid of the peninsula. The island is amazing . Love the whole space. So glad to be a new reader and new follower. Cant wait to go through the rest of your posts now.

Sara @ Russet Street Reno said...

Your kitchen is beautiful! The brass is absolutely perfect with the paint on the lower cabinets, and I love your counters. Fabulous!

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