Thursday, September 29, 2011

Our Kitchen Makeover is finished!


Finally! This is our new white kitchen. We took a big box builder's mess and turned it into the kitchen that we've always wanted. It took 8 months, involved 5 big projects, a few smaller ones and cost around $12,000. We went real slow (started in early February!) and tackled one project at a time. Here's the breakdown...


Project #1, better lighting, was in my opinion the most important of all the projects. Why a big box builder would put just 1 light in a kitchen I'll never know!?! It makes no sense.
We now have 10 pot lights and 3 pendant lights over the island:)
Project #2, The Island, added some needed character to the space. Because the island increased in size we are now able to seat 4 people at the counter rather then 3. Bonus plus - because we added a bookcase to the end my cookbooks are now on display which I love.
Project #3, The new Corian Countertops, sink and new faucet, was the most expensive project (half the budget) and our big splurge!
Here's the thing - if you're going to change the counter tops then you might as well change the sink and if you're going to change the sink then you'd might as well change the faucets (this is exactly what I told Marathon Man. He agreed). I'm now a huge Corian fan.
Project #4, The Backsplash, was the least expensive project mainly because we did it ourselves (thanks again Handy Man Dad!). Subway tiles were an easy choice - simple, clean and timeless.
Project #5, Painting The Cupboards white, seemed to drag on forever. It was painful staring at open cupboards for 3 weeks but in the end it was worth the wait. I love the white - simple, clean and timeless:)

Everything really came together with the addition of the new old Chair and the Deer Antlers, the matching roman blind and of course the wallpaper (the small !#*@? project that grew).
I'm loving my our new white kitchen! Now, onto the next thing on the list.

18 comments:

M said...

Combing 'one step at at time' with creative 'elbow grease' has brought some very nice results at a reasonable price.
You make it seem doable and the difference is striking. Your 'white kitchen' looks great!

Designwali said...

looks fantastic! wow..i wish i could convince my hubby to paint my cupboards!

Handy Man said...

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sylvia said...

Yes, WOW! Really is quite a makeover!

Blue Velvet Chair said...

First...a big congrats for a remodel with stunning results from hard work and a lot of heart! My favorite part...the repeat of the fabric from the chair to the window treatment!
Michael

ChrisToronto said...

awesome job! I think you should invite me for tea.

Anonymous said...

This is really beautiful and you reused some stuff so nicely. I love the chair and the sink and he backsplash. A friend is a big fan of Corian also, I haven't been won over yet.
The only thing I am confused about and you are the first person I am asking is antlers!! what's the big deal about antlers!! I am from Louisiana where only the rednecks (like my brother) have deer heads and antlers displayed and now for the past few years they are everywhere!! Even Canada for heaven's sake!! Not real ones but still, I don't understand the antler motif. However, your kitchen is overall GORGeous!!!

Anonymous said...

oh Lord help me, I just saw the posting about antlers. Ya might know, the first person I ask has an actual reasonable story about them, sorry........

Karen J said...

Hey Anonymous,
Thanks so much.
Glad to hear that you think the antler story is a reasonable one (lol) and not just plain creepy. The things a Mom will do!?:)
P.S. I'm still loving the Corian.

Karen J said...

Thanks Chris,
Let me get some vegan desserts perfected first. Can't do tea without the sweets!?!

Annie Pazoo said...

Hi Karen. I really love it. Would you mind sharing your room dimensions? II have a 1960's kitchen that I would like to do in a similar layout -- and now I'm inspired! thx :-)

Karen J said...

Hi Annie,
Thanks.
Our Kitchen is 11'3"X13'.
Good Luck!

Bren NH-Plaistow said...

Hi Kar, it is BEAUTIFUL, what a difference, it brightens up the room. I'll so miss seeing it in person this christmas. I love being able to see all the great work you've been creating, including your spectacular mirrors.
You and The HANDYMAN work so great together! Not surprised,great genes eh!

Annie Pazoo said...

Thanks, Karen. Gotta go measure my kitchen RIGHT now. And if you would ever consider offering a mosaic- or mirror-making weekend workshop, I would come from the States to take it. Your work is amazing!

Mom of 2 Cuties @ Sprinkles of Joy and Laughter said...

Lovely!! I thought I had made my decision on having my cabinets sprayed charcoal. This beauty has me think'n again! Enjoy and thanks for sharing!
Maureen

Abbey said...

Your kitchen looks great!! I came across it via Pinterest as I was looking for lighting ideas for our kitchen. Your lantern pendants are exactly what we are looking for. Do you mind saying where they are from? Thanks!!:)

Karen J said...

Hi Abbey,
Thanks.
The lights are from Royal Lighting in Toronto.
http://www.royallighting.com/search_individual_result.asp?current=392845&page=4
Good luck!

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