the renovation : kitchen reveal - so far!!!

Okay...the kitchen is not really done.
There is actually still a lot more that needs to happen.  The backsplash grouting needs to be finished.  The walls painted.  The library ladder/rails installed.  The huge doors dividing it and the living room put on barn door hardware.  The fireplace wall...well, something needs to be done, but we are not sure what.  Plus, we still haven't decided 100% on what we are doing as far as painting the wood trim, or leaving it how it is.

Buuuuuuut...my pregnancy and impending due date dictate that the kitchen needs to pause in order to prioritize the bedrooms in the back half of the house, which is now vacant/no longer a rental.  The two upstairs bedrooms back there need new flooring and definitely a fresh coat of paint!  We also need to open up the doorways that lead to the back of the house.  Phew.

In this post I gave everyone a look at our 'dream home' that we purchased a year ago and moved into in September {right after I got pregnant unexpectedly!}

Since moving in all we have worked on is the kitchen...which, in my opinion, is the most important room in a house. We had the cabinets and granite professionally installed, while Hubby did the plumbing, electric, appliance install and backsplash.

I am excited to reveal the renovated kitchen!  In it's current, somewhat finished state.

The kitchen BEFORE - set up to accommodate a rental, and a business rental at that.  So - boring and very basic.  We were able to easily sell all of the appliances and cabinetry (and fireplace!) on Craig's List to add to the reno fund:

BEFORE - a space just begging for more cabinets and new appliances:

AFTER - a little open shelving and wine storage for visual interest:

that candelabra was a $14 antique store find! not sure if that is its perma-home...but I am in love.

There is that eyesore of a fireplace wall!  What would you do?  We are thinking we will either expose the original brick underneath, remove the green tile and create a more updated tile fireplace with a new mantle.  Maybe hang an oversized piece of art above and/or a metal pot hanger.  Or re-drywall it and paint.  Maybe a huge statement chalkboard wall?  I'm open to suggestions.

the cabinets to the right of fireplace are our pantry area, since we do not have a walk-in pantry.

BEFORE - Just a whole lotta boring empty space:

AFTER - More cabinet storage space than I will ever need...which I love!

BEFORE - So much wasted space!

AFTER - I'm in love with the island.  Huge, square and with seating for four:

So there is what we have so far.

Moving on now to the back unit of the home, to open up the doorway on the second floor and unite the home.

Tour of that space (the before!) coming soon!

g

design journal : kitchen accessories

The kitchen is, dare I say it, almost done.
I have been able to actually cook in it for weeks - which has been such a relief. {You can only microwave and take-out order your meals for so long.  Yech.}
The dust has settled and been wiped away, from every nook and cranny.
Hubby's tools now take up only a small corner of the counter, rather than the entire island and every bit of counter space possible.
Backsplash is almost done.
Just need to paint and figure out what to do with the fireplace wall!!!  Check out this post if you want to see the 'before' area that we are working with.  Hoping to do a full kitchen reveal in the next month!

Hubby is nearly done with his part of the job - the hard labor.   Next comes my part - the fun stuff.
Decorating!  I need to pick a paint color for the wall space that is not cabinets and gorgeous white subway tile.

What's more important - I need to accessorize!

My style is pretty simple.  I want the kitchen to be super functional, a little industrial, with maybe a tiny hint of vintage.

I don't like a lot of extra stuff in the kitchen...so I prefer my functional tools to also be pretty and decorative.

So the kitchen will maintain a pretty neutral color scheme - dark chocolate cabinets, lots of stainless steel, a brown/black/cream granite, natural woods {think utensils in caddies and bamboo cutting boards} and...a pop of color!

What pop of color, though?  Contenders have been mustard yellow, bright yellow, and cobalt blue.  But...

I am pretty much leaning toward turquoise - which is, and always has been, my favorite color.  Plus, it would add that vintage element I want.

Below are some kitchens that have been my inspirations for one reason or another.

In this one I love the hanging pots {which will be hung on our fireplace wall} the industrial look, and the beautiful white subway tile...

Source: cococozy.com via Greta on Pinterest

Here we have some pops of turquoise and yellow...and the stainless steel sink!

Source: countryliving.com via Greta on Pinterest

I love, love, love this open shelving display!  We don't have an area of open shelves quite like this...but I've been mimicking this one with what we have...

Source: 16house.blogspot.com via Greta on Pinterest

Subtle turquoise accessories with white subway tile...

Source: justinetaylor.tumblr.com via Greta on Pinterest

Love this yellow, the tall dramatic cupboards, and, of course, the subway tile...

Source: thefathydrangea.blogspot.com via Greta on Pinterest

More turquoise lovelies...

Source: tumblr.com via Greta on Pinterest

These are just some vintage-y Pyrex mixing bowls in the perfect turquoise color that I wish I had.  Any ideas anyone?

Source: flickr.com via Marleen on Pinterest

Other exciting decor news...I was given the 'go ahead' to buy a rug!  Found an amazing, huge, beautiful rug at Home Goods over the weekend, and Hubby gave me the green light because the price is fabulous for the quality and size of the rug.  It is actually for the "decor redo" I am doing in our master bedroom, which is currently without any personality whatsoever. Anyone else purchased a rug at Home Goods?  Happy with the quality for the price?  Disappointed?

Anyway, decor rant over.  Can you tell I am excited to actually start decorating this place????  I am like a little squirrel stockpiling 'nuts' {decor items for the master, nursery, and toddler room!!!}

What room are you decorating/revamping at the moment?
g

the renovation : kitchen progress poetry

'Twas a month before Christmas and all through the house
So many power tools were stirring you couldn't hear a mouse.
The mantle was removed from the chimney with care
In the hopes that someday there would be some new decorative tile there.

The baby was nestled all snug in his bed
The whirring of drills and air compressors ringing in his head,
With mama in her maternity pants and dada in his UK cap
Wondering when, oh when, would they ever get a nap???

Over the past few weeks there has so much been clutter and clatter
And so many tears from the preggo wifey that hubby didn't know what was the matter.
So away to Louisville last weekend he flew (with baby) like a flash
To escape a hormonal mama, who immediately went to the mall with a dash.

The cabinets are almost completely hung in their places with care.
The granite picked out, not much more to do there.
Appliances delivered, all shiny, stainless steel and new.
When plumbing and electric are finished, installation shall ensue.

I'm excited to cook, and unpack all my kitchen stuff!
Wow, this kitchen renovation sure has been tough.
I'd be lying if I said I'd do it over again.
At least not pregnant.  I'd never do it then!

Well, this has gone from Christmas classic to Dr. Seuss...guess it is time for me to stop rhyming.

Here are some kitchen pics!  

This was before the cabinets were installed...

Then we removed the oak fireplace mantle {not our style} and discovered various layers of wallpaper and an ingrained pattern on the stone that was most likely from 1859, when the house was originally built.  Actually, I have no idea, but that is the story I am going with.  See the second photo below for the detail...

And...here are some views of some of the new cabinets.  Sorry for the bad lighting.

There will be a ladder on rails to reach those super tall cabinets.  And that cluster of cabinets in the middle is the island, sans countertop.

Okay, so we still need: a ventilation hood in that big space there, potfiller, trim on the upper cabinets, tile backsplash, under and over cabinet lighting, the sink, oven, and cooktop to be installed...oh, and various other things like the granite countertops...so basically there is still a TON to do before this kitchen renovation is complete.  But...it finally is feeling like a kitchen.   I feel like maybe I will be able to cook something in the next month or so.  That, my friends, is a beautiful feeling.

Merry kitchens to all, 

and to all a good night!
g

design journal : stainless steel apron sink

As the kitchen renovation looms on the horizon, I thought I would share our most recent addition to the design -- a stainless steel apron sink.  Originally we were looking at white porcelain farmhouse sinks, which I think look absolutely gorgeous.  But while searching for one we both might like, Hubby came across a stainless steel option and threw it out there to me.  I was smitten.  We both agreed it went better with our vision for the kitchen - which hopefully will capture a warm, yet industrial look.  So the sink was ordered and it arrived the very next day.

While I can't show you exactly what our kitchen will look like, here are some gorgeous kitchens featuring stainless steel sinks...

Eclectic Kitchen design by Miami Interior Designer Pinto Designs and Associates

Traditional Kitchen design by Other Metros Kitchen And Bath Kitchens Unlimited- Karen Kassen, CMKBD

Source: inspirationfordecoration.blogspot.com via Jennifer Hsu on Pinterest

Source: armasdesign.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Contemporary Kitchen design by Atlanta Kitchen And Bath Teri Turan

The image below sort of shows how the sink will vibe with the dark cherry cabinets in our future kitchen, and the lighter shade of granite countertops we are planning on.  I love the look! {Um, and that beverage basin built into the island!!!}

Traditional Kitchen design by Phoenix Design-build Pankow Construction - Design/Remodeling - PHX, AZ

What is your favorite style of kitchen sink? 

In what ways does your kitchen reflect your design style/personality? 

What type of faucet do you think we should go with? 

Super industrial or more traditional?  

g

the renovation : pretty pink door

Somewhere along the line, someone who formerly owned our house

  loved pink.

For one thing, the exterior was formerly a pink.

A faded salmon hue, really.

Then, we recently discovered the former state of at least one of our interior doors.

It was white...and pale pink.

We found this out when Hubby removed the door, which was currently non-functioning.  What I mean is that behind it was simply dead space, and drywall, as somewhere along the line someone decided this didn't need to be a doorway anymore.  

So it was just a random door that didn't lead anywhere, right in our kitchen.

This space is actually a blessing in disguise, as it is what our new fridge is going to slide into, so that it can be counter-depth.  It is kind of perfect.

Whenever there are tools involved, particularly sharp ones, this little guy is there to help:

So when the door came off we got to truly appreciate what the previous owner did to restore these extra-tall, solid-wood doors.  He took them from this....

 ...to this:

Refinishing these doors was a fantastic investment, at least in my eyes, as they are part of what made me fall in love with the house!

Another look at where the pink door was formerly housed. Oh, and do you spy the small child wielding a screwdriver?  (I'm a really good mom.)

 "Wow, that is sharp, mama!"

 Anyway, here is the doorway with the trim removed as well.  Still have to remove the framing to fit the refrigerator in.  Another weekend, perhaps?

So that is the current {only} project going on in the 'dream home' right now - removing trim (and eventually the fireplace) that is currently in our kitchen, so that the new cabinets can be installed.  Install projection: late November!

Finally, some of our reno dreams will become reality - I hope! 

g

the renovation : 'dream home' sneak peak

As I mentioned, we sold our house - hurray!

Even though we won't be closing/officially moving into the 'dream home'/renovation project until end of September, we are contemplating renovating the kitchen fully before we move in.

{Side note - we will only have access to half of the house, as we have a renter in the other half whose lease is not up until end of January.}

Every time I go over to the house I am overcome with how 'at home' I feel there.  My mind races with a million ideas and renovation plans. I am blessed to have a Hubby who is willing to live in old, urban houses that need a lot of work, when he probably would be just as happy in new construction in the 'burbs. 

Thank you Hubby!

 (Truth be told, though, he is just as excited about the kitchen reno as I am...maybe even more!)

Here are some photographs of the current state of the front unit of the home

I realize it is a beautiful historic home, just how it is... but we are excited to design a new kitchen and do various other renovations to make it our style and with modern conveniences.

We hope it is the home we live in for many years to come!

Here we go...

Master bedroom - south view. 

Master bedroom - northwest view with a sweet little one helping sweep.

there are four, yes, four green rookwood-tiled inoperable coal fireplaces in the house.  we will probably re-tile them...sorry rookwood fans!

The master closet is barely big enough to hang a coat or two {apparently they used wardrobes back in 1859} so this will become built-in bookshelves, and a new walk-in closet constructed by taking space from the bedroom that is attached directly to the master.  That bedroom will become an office/guest bedroom someday.  

aren't those wide plank hardwood floors gorg?

Another view of master.  Excuse the pile of painting supplies.  We had the walls painted gray recently because we thought we were going to rent out the front unit.  (They were a really dark blue which closed up the space.) Then our house sold unexpectedly.  YAY!

The future master bathroom.   We are going to reposition the clawfoot tub to be in front of the window, add a tile/glass shower, and a double vanity.  Oh, and put the toilet in it's own little 'closet.'

 Also going to re-do the flooring in the bathroom, as it is laminate instead of hardwoods.  I'm not a huge laminate fan.  We will probably go with stone tile and install floor heating to keep my toes warm!

The walled-up doorway you see at the end of the hallway will someday be another entrance to the back half of the house:

Completely livable for a while though!  I actually adore the bathroom as is, and can't wait to start decorating.   I'm a sucker for super high ceilings and romantic clawfoot tubs.  {The house has another in the back unit!}

View from the second bedroom, looking out onto a small deck that is attached to the third bedroom.  May not seem like that great of a view, but the tentative plan is to construct a rooftop deck which will have a view of downtown and the river.  The fourth bedroom waaaaay in the back does have a view of the skyscrapers...oh, and Mt. Adams, which is where Hubby proposed!

Here is the kitchen - the first major project on the 'to-do' list...

Looking into the kitchen from the front room.  This room will look probably 100% different.  There will be dark cherry cabinets, granite, an island, a sink in front of the window, different lighting, different appliances, etc.  We are keeping the floors the original hardwoods, though.

Looking out from the kitchen to the "front room" - to be the formal living room.  Eventually we will have a casual family room in the back part of the house, which is currently the renter's kitchen.  Also back there on the main floor is the dining room and another small laundry room, which we will convert to a storage closet.

Front staircase, and in the below pic you'll also notice a half bathroom straight ahead.  That wall you see inside the bathroom with the light on it will eventually be a doorway to the other side of the house.  (The bathroom will stay but become smaller.)  We also plan to paint the stair backing white, as well as the spindles on the railing.  Still debating on whether or not to paint ALL of the trim white.  I prefer the look of white trim, but would be a lot of work and the original trim has historic value.  Any opinions?

 This was taken when we first purchased the home in January - give a good idea as to the height of the ceilings and the double doors that separate the kitchen and living room.  Hubby is only 5'8.

Another perspective from the living room looking into kitchen.

So for those of you that were curious as to what the inside of the house looks like,

I hope this helps!

g