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Friday, November 21, 2014

Kitchen Reno Reveal


The kitchen reno was finished last week!
If you put all the hours into it, I think it turns out to have
taken 20 days of work.  Add weekends and other contractor 
obligations in there and it ended up taking about 6 weeks.

 I had envisioned something much more casual when we
 started planning this reno, but I like how this
space turned into a blend of vintage and contemporary.
 It's a good balance of The Mister and me, and I have
 to tell you that he picked out most of it!
  Didn't see that one coming, but love the end result
even more than what I thought I wanted.

We sure are pleased with how it all turned out!
Here's a little slide show documenting the progression....



And a few before and after comparisons...














Had to laugh now that I'm editing this and see the cupboard
door open.  Anyone else have kids that leave them open? ha.
Our old ones wouldn't close and now that the new ones do,
I can't keep them closed long enough for a photo shoot! haha.

Even though we went from white to black with the cabinets
and white to grey on the walls and enlarged the island, the 
space feels much bigger, almost as if we knocked down walls.











We don't miss the carpet or the ceramic tile.
This floor is soft, easy to keep clean and surprisingly warm!








We didn't replace the oven.
She's a 26 year old Jenn Air and we love her
  grill with under-the-house exhaust vent.
She's still going strong and when she finally does
die, I'm sure we'll replace her with her next generation.





So, there you have it!
I'll show you the family room some time soon.
It's before and after is almost as shocking as the kitchen! 

Now...some special credits and thanks are in order...


  1. Kris, our contractor, from Williams Handyman Service.
  2. The Mister, and his brother, who hung the lighting.  He also installed the hardware, cabinet fronts, dimmers and did some ceiling repair.
  3. Cabinet hardware is from D Lawless Hardware.
  4. The cabinets black and white, sink, faucet, rug, quartz counters, and sofa table holding the ship are from Ikea.
  5. Backsplash is from The Tile Shop.
  6. Lighting is from Pottery Barn.
  7. Window blind is from justblinds.com
  8. End chairs and slip covers from World Market.
  9. Flooring is Nirvana from Lumber Liquidators.
  10. Copper Boot Tray in the pet station is Smith and Hawken.
  11. White square dishes are from Target.
The runner, ship, bar stools, artwork and anything else I didn't
mention was already in our home, mostly vintage 
 auction finds and thrift store rescues. 

And now you can all applaud because I promise I won't
show any more kitchen reno photos! haha.
Thanks for letting me share and for all the encouragement
over the last couple of months!



84 comments:

  1. What a grand and glorious transformation!
    I wonder what will happen to mine if it ever undergoes a change?

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    Replies
    1. Well, since you live with your contractor, I'm sure it will be a grand and glorious transformation, too!

      This is quite an improvement, don't you think? ;)

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    2. Oh....me too Betsy! Fantastic makeover....very traditional....I like that!
      Bravo to The Mr for his input....great choices!
      Now....get busy in there! Thanksgiving is just around the corner!
      Enjoy your evening.....snowing there?
      Cheers!
      Linda:o)

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    3. ps...did not see a slide show :o(

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    4. hmm...the slideshow works for me. Anyone else have trouble?

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  2. I quite liked your old one actually but the new one looks so sleek and smart - and yes, bigger somehow. I'm sure you'll enjoy being in there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I liked my old one, too! But it was becoming a danger in many ways. ha.

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  3. The kitchen is fabulous. I love the new look. You have so many areas to share your pretty collections, too. So very happy for you AND just in time for the holidays!

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    Replies
    1. Yes..you're right...lots of display space...I wasn't expecting that! And lots of storage, too...perfect for someone who loves dishes. ha.

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    2. I love that your pretties are displayed behind glass. I have one sideboard/buffet with open display space. Blue the cat knocked one of my late mom's pieces of 1948 china off and broke it this week. frown!

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  4. Lookin' good. Love that you kept your writing area. Such a great window.

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    1. The Mister asked me if I wanted to move my desk out...no way. That's my favorite spot in the whole house!

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    2. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. And, as it should be. The Mama bear should always be able to keep her favorite spot in the whole house.

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  5. I always thought you had a beautiful kitchen but its even more beautiful now,

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    1. Thanks, Laurie...that's kind of how I feel about it, too! :)

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  6. Oh Betsy....This is just beyond words beautiful. Every inch is perfect. Love the cat dishes, they are truly part of the family. Happy cooking for Thanksgiving and Christmas. How perfect to have a new kitchen and dinning room for the Holidays. Love it!

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    1. I'm so glad it got done before the holidays! So thankful for it, too....

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  7. I've really enjoyed all your reno photos. It turned out beautiful! As I went through the photo's, I was thinking "I really like that", and "I really like that". I can't pick a favorite!

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    Replies
    1. haha...thanks...we keep naming things we don't miss...the broken this and the broken that....

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  8. It's beautiful, Betsy. And I really love your new sink. It's just what I would want.

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  9. What a transformation and many congratulations for a fabulous choice and finsh and attention to detail . . . . :)

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  10. It is beautiful!!!!!!!!!! A wonderfully stylish and comfortable looking room. I hope that you will keep on loving it for many years and having great family times in there!! Loving your lights too!!!!! xx

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    1. Thanks, Amy....we have been enjoying it...quite an improvement and comfy, too!

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  11. It's turned out beautiful Betsy.
    So fresh and chic, with a distinct feeling of classy and practical.
    My favorite would be the farmhouse sink, and your incredible lighting !
    Full marks to all who made it possible I can imagine great times and many family dinners being created in that space.
    ,~Jo

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    Replies
    1. I'm loving that sink, too....might be my favorite thing!

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  12. Wow! It looks MUCH sleeker and more sophisticated! Good choices all around.

    I have a problem with cabinet doors not being closed, too. I think it's a male genetic defect :-)

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    Replies
    1. It most certainly is a male thing. Even the big one leaves drawers open and cabinets open....it's become quite the joke around here!

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  13. Looks fabulous!! Now find your spot, sit back with a cup of coffee, and put your feet up and just look at it all. Take it in. You two can be very proud of what you've accomplished! And tomorrow, you can move on to the next project!

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    Replies
    1. I'm ready to start on a bathroom! The Mister? Not so much. haha...

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    2. HAHAHA... I understand about the Mister! I've had a bathroom staring me in the face for over a year now... just can't seem to get to it. Uh, OTHER projects keep jumping in line ahead of it.

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    3. Well, at least you've let it get on your list! I don't think anyone here but me wants a project list. haha. Maybe by next summer the guy will warm up to the idea. :)

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  14. This is so fantastic. I love the way it turned out!

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    1. Thanks, Michelle....I'm so glad it's done and even happier with the way it turned out. It's actually fun to keep it clean. haha...wonder how long that will last!

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  15. Wow, this has been a fun thing to watch. I am so happy you have such a beautiful space to work. My favorite things are the lighting, counters and sink. I so wanted a farmhouse sink but it was one of those things I had to let go on. Report back on how you love yours after a bit? You and your mister make a great design team. Gorgeous space you have put together. On a side note, I have those very slipcover chairs. I bought a sale slipcover and made a pattern out of it to do my own chairs. (they were a test in giraffe look chenille) Anyway, I need to make some more that are a bit more serious. Have some beautiful fabric but have spent 3 weeks looking for the pattern. It is driving me nuts. If I ever find it and you ever need replacements give a holler and I can help. lol I hope you enjoy your new space for a long time! Taria

    ReplyDelete
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    1. What a great idea to make a pattern....hope you find it! I love the chairs and slipcovers...and there were lots of choices in patterns, too. It kind of dressed up our old table to fit in the new space. OK...I want to see the giraffe chenille! :)

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  16. I have been looking forward to this post. Couldn't wait to see everything. I truly like it all - everything - it looks so good. Your new sink is so nice. I would love to have one like that. And the light fixture over your dining table is divine.

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    1. I'm loving the sink! I had a cast iron one before but after 26 years, the protective finish had worn off and every speck that fell in it left a stain that had to be bleached. The upkeep was ridiculous! In fact, I said I wanted a stainless steel one this time! haha....like I said...all of my initial ideas changed. This one just rinses clean for the most part...or a little dish soap and it's done.

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  17. lmao good grief
    Now we finally get some reno relief lol
    Looks waaay shinier and new
    Works for the ocd at my zoo
    A big feeding station as well
    Bet they all find that swell
    Everything just fits in perfectly indeed
    And finally no more added dust at your feed

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice and clean
      and everything has a sheen.
      No more dust
      or any must.
      Reno relief?
      Don't give me grief! haha...

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    2. lol you brought it up
      Had to tip the cup

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  18. So glad I checked blogs this evening ~. One word ... and it is SPECTACULAR,

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    1. (I think so, too!) ha... so pleased with how it turned out...surprised at how wonderful it is..and still stop and stare when I walk into that part of the house....so very thankful. :)

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  19. It's breath takingly beautiful and classy - just like you. LOVE.IT!

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  20. I'm applauding, but only because it's SO beautiful- not because it was ever tiring! This has been so inspiring. I love seeing what the combo of you and the Mister came up with and I love that it's the best because it reflects you both! There is so much I love, but I admit the kitty feeding station has kinda stolen my heart. They have such an elegant dining area! :)

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    1. When we were planning the kitchen I kept saying that I didn't want their food bowls out in the open and under our feet where they would get kicked and knocked around. The old kitchen had shelves attached to the wall and it make a nice spot on the floor under them. Pinterest shows some cool pet stations built right into the island but we couldn't make it work with our set up...so when I got that ship at the auction and we picked a table to hold it, the open part on the floor made the perfect spot. So glad it worked out that way....a necessity that ended up looking really good! So glad!

      When you get to do your kitchen some time, I can't wait to see how it unfolds....the process is so fun and your taste is so wonderful...I know it's going to be awesome!

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  21. Huge CONGRATULATIONS to you and the Mister. It is so beautiful and stylish. And how fun to see the video. Can't believe the transformation. As I mentioned before, I liked the former kitchen a lot but this one is so sleek and gorgeous. Looks like your kitchen went on a diet! Ha! Yet there seems to be so much more space. The lighting and cabinetry highlight your beautiful collections. You must be so proud. And what a great way to start the holiday season. I enjoyed the little slideshow trip. You both deserve this so much and I know you have waited a long time for it. ENJOY! xox

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    1. Yep...we sent our kitchen to a weight loss spa treatment/makeover. haha....the old white haired, tired looking gal came back as a gorgeous, skinny brunette! lol....

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  22. Hi Betsy - Congratulations .. I'm sure my thoughts are expressed above too .. I'll be back to have a good look around - need to be nosy now! and have my personal inspection .. looks amazing and no wonder you're so pleased ... happy weekend with the snow .. hope all is safe and well - cheers Hilary

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    1. We are safe and well and looking forward to the weekend! Temps are supposed to warm up and the snow washed away with rain. A good time to stay inside and enjoy the new space!

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  23. Stunning! Love everything about it...even the open cabinets! Great job!

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    1. haha...that open cabinet really threw me....I cleaned up and took photos while the boys were gone and that was the last photo when they had just arrived home...they had only been here a few minutes and look at that...someone got in there already. haha...you just have to laugh!

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  24. Looks awesome, Betsy! Now that it's over, I'm sure you would say that it was all worth it.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Oh, absolutely....the space is enjoyable and we waiting a good long time to be able to do it....very much worth it all.

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  25. Just lovely! How exciting to be finished and enjoying the new space. So nice the Mister was able to help out in the design also, our guys do enjoy this process and it's so nice that we include them, since it's their house too! Just a question...are you going to re-purpose those beautiful white shelves you used to have in the kitchen?

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    1. the white shelves went into the attic ...maybe they'll be needed some day. :) The shelves on the dining room wall went into my studio...which I'm really enjoying in there.

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  26. I'm astounded at the transformation of your kitchen and am looking forward to seeing the family room reno. I liked it before but the after is so much more cozy. What blew me away was that beautiful ship! I also love the copper boot tray with the square dishes for the kitties. Just lovely!

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    1. I saw that ship at an auction I was working right at the beginning of the reno. We were already doing a nautical theme in the family room and the mister loves model ships...so it ended up being the perfect accent piece for that wall. Love it when things just fall into place like that.

      Thanks, Janelle...we are so pleased with it...it's just an enjoyable place to live in!...so thankful.

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  27. Wow! Quite an impressive difference. Well worth the wait.

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    1. absolutely....good things are always worth waiting for! ;)

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  28. It is a wonderful final finish. It is interesting how the finishes and flooring have all evolved in the industry. The cabinets are wonderful to see and I bet you like the new island. I bet the kids were young when you first had the smaller island. This will work great for the older family now. All of it just looks so polished and well done.

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    1. Thanks, Larry....yes, there weren't even any kids at all when we built this house. The smaller island was just fine when they were little. Now it will seat the some-day grandkids at some future point. :)

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  29. Beautiful!!! Well worth the hard work and mess : ) Everything looks so fresh and stylish.

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    1. Yes, the mess is a distant memory and the pain has been forgotten....kind of like child birth. haha...

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  30. I love it!! Wow, what a difference! My favorite is your nook, and the living room. Modern and chic!

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  31. I love your kitchen re-do. I really like the dark cabinets, but I think the farm sink is my favorite feature. You and hubby have great taste.

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    1. I love that sink....and it's so easy to keep clean, too, which is a plus!

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  32. A bit late. But I meant to say how much I like your new kitchen. And how much I covet some of your lovely jugs and that amazing yacht. It's a wonderful looking room and I hope you enjoy it for years to come.

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    1. Thank you Georgina...we are really enjoying it, too. So nice to have things that work and a floor that isn't cracked! ha.

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  33. Love your kitchen reno..so lovely it turned out...amazing!!!

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  34. I really like the long drawer pulls-they are something I would use them for sure-I went to the the hardware site you listed and I can't begin to figure out what size you used--can you share which ones you actually bought? Love the whole remodel!

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    1. Hi jeanne! The majority of them are the 11.5" pulls. That is the measurement from screw to screw. Then there are some longer ones and shorter ones to fit the wider and more narrow doors and drawers. The measurements on the site are screw to screw....not the entire length of the pull, just so you know. They are beautiful pulls and I'm still very happy with them!

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