Kitchen Remodel Experience

[ifloat]

We DIY'd a complete Kitchen makeover a few years ago, which included knocking out a wall and pretty much taking the whole thing back to the studs and decking.

It was pretty stressful while it was going on, but my daily happiness is improved just by having a nice peaceful looking space to work in, with decent appliances and easy access to all my tools.


Before (note the cool tiki shingles ala Donkey Diner) After





We still have to trim it out.

Hope you enjoy your new granite!

[Pia]

Oooooohhhhh, I love seeing everyones kitchens (I am addicted to the gardenweb forum almost as much as this one) great job everyone - they all look fantastic

Pia

[chicagoans]

Pia, did you pick a backsplash tile? I loved your two choices.

[Pia]

I just updated the blog tonight I came home with 8 more samples this is probably the hardest choice so far - a "tile update" entry will probably happen tomorrow

Pia

[Terry]

Since my better half is in the business...we can vouch that kitchen remodels are the most rewarding and satisfying remodel one can invest in.

Thanks for showing your remodeling work...it's inspiring to see the different designs.

[sherban]

Yea, sink is working again!

Got some tile work to do though...

[California Girl]

I love your new stainless sink, and the faucet is awesome!

[sherban]

I love your new stainless sink, and the faucet is awesome!

Thanks...and, of course as ya'll know, now the old appliances look out of place. Yeah, it is the domino effect....but I will NOT get sucked in...will NOT.

These tired old white appliances look fine....really.

[California Girl]

Thanks...and, of course as ya'll know, now the old appliances look out of place. Yeah, it is the domino effect....but I will NOT get sucked in...will NOT.

These tired old white appliances look fine....really.

Uh huh. Sure. I believe that. Really.

So do you prefer stainless steel?

[Gromit]

Everyone's kitchens and remodels look AWESOME!

I am proud to report that we finally grouted the bathroom this week-end and are off to pick up the bathroom cabinet and sink tonight!!

This week-end we seal the grout and hopefully son afer we start reinstalling everything,

I imagine we'll feel pretty good when it's all DONE!!

[linne]

So interesting to see American kitchens. Not so different from Danish kitchens but yet not the same. Untill now I have only seen kitchen tables with granite. Is that the most used?

And I have learned a new word: "mudroom". Is that the same as "utility room"?

CA girl- what an improvement your house have had with your new kitchen. I think I can see your Danish genes in it , Is it a Quooker you have?

Pia - I like your white kitchen, and I fully understand how difficult it is to choose tiles etc..
But what I have experienced is that even though you use a lot of time to make the house perfect, and to find the perfect materials there will nearly always be something you regret afterwards.

Linne

[sherban]

Uh huh. Sure. I believe that. Really.
So do you prefer stainless steel?

Yeah I think we would much prefer black/stainless (like everyone else has....**envy**).

Now that we have decent Granite the bar has been raised and the white stuff looks a bit more "blah".

I have to resist the urge, we are likely to move. If we find we are not relocating them maybe it becomes another project...

For now, it is what it is....is what it is...is what it is...

[California Girl]

CA girl- what an improvement your house have had with your new kitchen. I think I can see your Danish genes in it , Is it a Quooker you have?

I don't know the word "Quooker".... please explain.

Oh, wait! I Googled it. No, it's a water purifier! We have always drunk purified or spring water from a bottle, so when we remodeled, I insisted on a purifier, which is under the sink. I love it! Even though it was fairly expensive (I got the best one I could find) it has paid for itself over and over!

[flip-flop]

You guys are making me feel like a serious underachiever. I have been talking about PAINTING my guest room forever and haven't even managed that!

Beautiful kitchens!

[chicagoans]

And I have learned a new word: "mudroom". Is that the same as "utility room"?

Hi Linne,

Mudrooms (at least the ones I have seen) are typically rooms at the back or side of the house that are accessed directly from outside before getting to another space (usually a hall or the kitchen); or they are placed between an attached garage and another space (again usually a hall or kitchen.) So basically, they are rooms that you walk through to take off your outerwear (shoes, coats, etc.) when you first come in (if you're not coming in through the front door.)

Often mudrooms include laundry facilities, but not always. I've seen many that consist mainly of benches, cubbies and hooks for shoes, outerwear, etc. Some of the newer houses I've seen have pretty impressive mudrooms - like the size of my childhood bedroom! - with beautiful cabinets and counters and space for the kids' sports equipment.

I think I first heard the term "mudroom" about 25 years ago when I was visiting a friend whose parents had a huge house. At the time I thought it was pretty indulgent just to have a room for taking off your shoes and coat... but now it's one of the most used spaces in my house!