Why Not Wednesday--Kitchen Renovation

Buying a new home can be such a daunting experience. Through the years we have learned so many things about home buying. No matter how many times we go through this process there is certain criteria that we never waiver from:

1. Stay within our budget. Of course with the new much stricter rules in the area of what homeowners qualify for, your higher end price range is pretty much dictated by your income, debt and investments.

2. Location, location, location--no matter how much less the house may priced, ie. with that water tower  in the back yard......the truth of the matter is, if you have to sell down the road, or very quickly, it most likely will be impossible to re-coup the hard-earned money that you have used to purchase this home, let alone what you have put into it.  Making a profit is what we all want in the end. One rule of thumb for us that has worked is to buy in an area where the public schools Report Card is excellent. This not only entices many families with children to seek out the area for their children to attend the best schools, it has been a good sound investment to those like us, empty nesters. Good resale!!!

3. If contracting to build, before signing any contracts, we specifically state our selections, changes, etc. and never sign final paperwork until the home is completed to our satisfaction. Some builders
will try and strong arm you to sign, stating timing of your moving in may be affected, etc., the facts are this is our decision. They don't get paid until we release the money. We always check with our lawyer in these situations if necessary.

On to the fun stuff---Renovating!!

Our current house has a great floor plan for the kitchen, but it was a bit tired, and in need of updating. There are a few photos below from the renovation.....some before we took possession and some after ....they sure brought back memories!

 BEFORE THE KITCHEN RENOVATION

 TV shelf and backsplash. (Photo from previous owner)

 

Built-in oven and microwave cabinet.

Two-tiered island with gas cooktop.

The gas range was in need of replacement. I like all of the burners to work!

Front island.

OUR KITCHEN RENOVATION PROJECT

We had the walls, ceiling, pantries--inside and out and all woodwork including doors and trim painted. This gave everything a fresh new look and smell.

Two can lights were removed over the island and replaced with three pendants. We also had a matching chandelier installed above the kitchen table.

Demolition of the old island resulted in us being able to add an additional 2 feet to the length of the new island footprint giving us a great work/entertaining space.

 

AFTER--New island installation of Electrolux 30" Induction Cooktop and downdraft fan. Giallo Ornamental granite was installed on top. Granite compliments the existing black granite exterior perimeter already in place. During this process the placement of the existing ductwork below for the downdraft fan dictated what size cooktop we were able to install.. These are all things during renovating that sometimes arise and as a result I had to make a concession. I would have loved a larger cooktop, but it wasn't meant to be. Oh well.........not a show stopper.

                           

               FINISHED KITCHEN RENOVATION

I was able to re-design the kitchen valance that I had used in the Houston house and use the same carpet runner too! Recycle--re-purpose!

The existing cabinet was cut to fit the Designer Icon Electrolux Oven and Microwave that I had chosen. The existing doors had to be removed to accommodate the new appliances which left a nice space above allowing me to display my cookbooks. I usually have a double oven, but the footprint of this kitchen did not allow for it. Instead, the microwave I chose bakes Convection as well as performs just like our regular microwave. That with the additional convection oven below---enabled me to have two ovens......how great is that?

A new french door Kitchen Aid refrigerator and Bosch dishwasher were installed. New island cabinetry-- Cherry wood (Mahogany stained) was added to compliment the existing Maple exterior cabinets. I chose deep drawers making it easy to grab items quickly. The base cabinets contain roll out shelves for pots and pans. The walls were painted Benjamin Moore HC-35 Powell Buff
 The ceiling, trim and pantries are my tried and true, Benjamin Moore Super White 02.

Remember that Old TV shelf? Well we transformed it into a beautiful display area for my china. By using some of the left-over cherry wood from island, it now looks like this. It also brings the two different color woods together for a more cohesive look in the perimeter. Lighting was added for night display. The backsplash tile is sealed cultured marble subway style---3x6 Aventino.
Under cabinet lighting was installed under all of the cabinets--it may be adjusted to be very bright or just a dim mood lighting. 

I chose 3 larger corbels for under the island overhang. This gives the front of the island a little more of an elegant look. I also used a thicker base trim to achieve the same affect.The ceramic tile floor was professionally cleaned, grout was colored to match the tile and sealed. The bar stools are from Frontgate. They swivel and are very comfortable for conversation at the island.

The extra length (2 ft.) added to the end of the island allows  for more work space and entertaining area. Drapery on slider door is from Restoration Hardware, Textured Belgian Linen, color is straw. Rod is from Pottery Barn.

This is the final result of our kitchen renovation!

 I hope you have enjoyed our labors of love and are inspired to tackle a kitchen renovation of your own!

ENJOY!
     K