Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Kitchen - Final Reveal

Last week I introduced you to our "beautiful" kitchen.

If you missed that post you can find it here - My New Kitchen - Part 1


As a quick review this was the kitchen when I looked at it almost two years ago.  Mountain Man and I were full time RVer's and we loved it.  In May, 2010 I flew home to see my youngest daughter leaving Mountain Man in Alaska for a week.    We had talked and thought it would be a good time to buy a house due to the low prices of houses and low interests rates.  So, while visiting Lake Placid, I found this house.  It was a foreclosure and in pretty bad shape BUT the bones were good.  It was on the second canal off the largest lake in town which Mountain Man LOVED.  I took many pictures of the house and sent them to MM in Juneau.  After long talks on the phone we decided to make an offer on the house, which the bank accepted just three days later.  We knew that there was going to be a lot of work that would need to be done - but we thought we would do one project at a time while we "wintered" in Lake Placid for three months of the year and travel the rest of the year.

Well, it is amazing how things work and how the good Lord has different plans for you.  Right after the bank accepted our offer my daughter and I drove to Atlanta to visit my mom (her grandmother). I was going to fly "home" from Atlanta instead of Ft. Myers.  

As some of you know, my mom lived on the main level of a HUGE house in Atlanta while my brother and his wife lived in the walk out basement.  Well, to make a long story somewhat short, while we were visiting my brother passed away unexpectedly.  That changed everything!

Mountain Man and I had to come off the road and we settled my mom here in Lake Placid.  So, instead of taking our time with the remodeling project,  we decided to tackle the whole project all at once!

Now that you have a little (okay, you have a lot) of the background of how we got to this point - let's move on to the project.  I will warn you now -  there are a TON of pictures in this entry - (even more than I usually do) - so if you aren't into looking at all these maybe you could just jump to the end of the post.  

If you are not scared off let's get started.

Last week I showed you how we gutted the entire interior of the house - down to the studs and then started to rebuild.




 Some people have asked how we got everything done so quickly.  Well, I will confess that we did not do it all ourselves (remember Mountain Man is not a spring chicken anymore ha! Ha!).  After talking seriously about the project - we decided that we would hire outside help to do the actual demo.  We also hired someone to do the electrical work and the plumbing.  (Mountain Man did not want to climb up into the attic to do the electrical work - and he HATES to work on plumbing!)   However - after the shell was put back together he did the rest of the installation of the kitchen.




The picture above shows where the new pantry will go.  To the right is the laundry room.



To save on money we did not change the footprint of the kitchen - the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and sink all stayed in the same location as before -


Week 8 - Mountain Man working on the installation of the cabinets





The electrical work is being done - see all the wires hanging down under the cabinets.


Week 9

Granite counter tops are installed, floor is installed,  and the kitchen is FINALLY operable!



My kitchen today - 






This was actually a mistake that we made work.  When we bought the cabinetry for the pantry the wall was extended during the construction phase by 18 inches to accommodate the pantry cabinets.  However, we didn't think about that when we bought the drawer cabinetry - until we started to install the cabinets and had an eighteen inch hole between the last cabinet and the wall.   OPPS! 


What to do, what to do?

Well, I had this brilliant idea to add a wine rack above and cook book shelves below - perfect!    While these units were not the right size -Mountain Man trimmed the cabinets to fit the space - So, the mistake turned into a golden opportunity to add a little extra storage.  (See my Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks?   Love them!)  Once again - if you think out of the box beautiful things can happen.



One of the things that I REALLY wanted in our new kitchen (other than my pantry and some pull out drawers that you'll see later) was a farm sink.  Ta-daaa!  I "heart" this sink - it is -
 Perfection!

Yes, that is Pass Christian hand soap and lotion on the sink - thank you for noticing.

Our new island - lots of storage and where MM and I sit for every meal when we don't have company - another GREAT addition to our new kitchen!


When constructing the island we connected a base cabinet and a drawer cabinet, put them on a base to make them tall enough to accommodate the bar stools, backed them with beadboard and extended the granite counter top for the overhang.  They are also attached to the half wall for stability.  


Next -

My wonderful, beautiful pantry!
Oh, and my "little grocery list" project.





I absolutely adore all the storage that this pantry gives me - the drawers pull all the way out - it is fabulous - I would have to say it is one of the best things we have ever done in any of our many remodeling projects. 
(and there have been MANY!)



 The drawers are a fabulous feature also.

(See my great Kitchen Aid Mixer - my Christmas Present from Mountain Man - isn't he the best!)




I have so much pull out storage - pantry, 
drawers for the pots and pans
and


this.

  You know how you always lose stuff when you have one of those things in the corner - your stuff falls off in the back and you can't reach it.  Well, that will never happen with this little jewel.

  Why?  

Well, take a look


It pulls all the way out!


GENIUS!

 Now,  while we have done a LOT of work on the kitchen - and I love what we have done, I have a confession to make -


Gasp----


It's not finished! 


Nope, we have not installed the back splash yet or the trim work on the cabinets.

We were ready to do the back splash when Mountain Man had his heart cath - and that put everything on hold.  We are hoping to finish it  in the next month or so, trying to save up the money for the tile.  We are planning on using white subway tile.  I know that some people do not like white kitchens, but I love it!  It always looks so clean ( maybe because I clean it more often?) and to change it for the seasons/holidays - all I have to do is use different dish towels and change the curtain.  
Done!


Now that I have overloaded you with pictures I'll leave you with a couple more.


 Remember 


we went from this:



to this :



and while we still have things to do 


I love what we have done so far.

What do you think?



Hugs -


Carol




I was featured at:







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Linking Up to:
  
http://onechattychic.com/2012/04/03/your-turn-wild-wednesday-5/
http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2012/04/show-and-tell-linking-fun.html
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/wow-us-wednesdays-60.html
http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/swing-into-spring-its-party-59.html
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/04/time-travel-thursday-91-talented-time.html
http://verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/vintage-birthday-cards-share-love.html
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/04/show-me-what-ya-got-68.html
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/2012/04/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-10.html
http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/2012/04/whimsy-wednesdays-5.html
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/201http://www.impartinggrace.com/2012/04/grace-at-home-no-3.html2/04/transformation-thursday.html#more
http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-party-48.html
http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/04/show-me-extraordinary-49.html
http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/2012/04/share-your-creations-party-32sharing.html
http://katherinescorner.com/2012/04/05/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-linky-party-30/
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/04/lemon-raspberry-coffeecakea-spring.html
http://theivycottageblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/cowgirl-up-link-party-9.html
http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/2012/04/thrifty-thursday-54.html
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/04/flaunt-it-friday-98.html
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/04/inspiration-friday-no-59-and-giveaway.html
http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/04/vintage-inspiration-82-easter-party.html
http://www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/04/feathered-nest-friday.html
http://www.redouxinteriors.com/2012/04/friday-feature-party-50-and-mes-preferes/
http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/2012/04/fridays-unfolded-60.html
http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/2012/04/fridays-unfolded-60.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/04/show-and-tell-friday.html
http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2012/04/feature-friday-free-for-all-14.html
http://www.addicted2decorating.com/addicts
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2012/04/sat-nite-special-127-party-ideas.html-not-so-anonymous-link-party-12.html
http://www.simplyklassichome.com/2012/04/simply-klassic-sunday-and-few-features.html
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2012/04/home-sweet-home.html
http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/04/04/hookin-up-with-hoh-94/#more-11126
http://www.theroosterandthehen.com/eclectics-the-key-rrr-transformation-party/
http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2012/04/overflowing-with-creativity-16.html
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2012/04/uncommonly-yours-link-party-22.html
http://www.arosiesweethome.com/2012/04/sunday-round-up-4.html
http://www.askannamoseley.com/2012/04/weekend-warrior-47-features.html
http://soverycreative.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-creative-party-time-32.html
http://www.thegunnysack.com/2012/04/whats-in-gunny-sack-link-party-32.html#more
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/2012/04/more-merrier-57.html
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/04/waking-up-porch-and-decks-for-spring.html
http://becolorful.typepad.com/becolorful/2012/04/motivated-monday-april-9th.html
http://etcetorize.blogspot.com/2012/04/make-it-great-monday_08.html
http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-me-monday_08.html
http://www.threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/2012/04/features-do-it-ya-self-monday-link_09.html
http://teaganstravels.blogspot.com/2012/04/destination-inspiration-linky-party-10.html
http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2012/04/tuesday-to-do-57.html
http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2012/04/april-showers-brings-guest-bloggers.html
http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-410/
http://cozyhomescenes.blogspot.com/2012/04/your-cozy-home-party-14.html
http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/04/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-100-awesome-crafty-prize-pack.html
http://herestohandyandy.blogspot.com/2012/04/pinteresting-link-party-week-34.html
http://verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/share-love-wednesday-link-party.html
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/04/show-me-what-ya-got-69.html
http://alderberryhill.blogspot.com/


65 comments:

  1. Beautiful transformation! And I really love, that you where able to see the potential in the house.
    Have a wonderful Easter weekend,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks Sue - sometimes you just have to by pass what you see and open your eyes to the possibilities!
      Hugs-
      Carol

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Thanks for the link to some pretty cool kitchens - our design came from our heads (and IKEA, of course). They have so many designs and will help you design YOUR own kitchen - it was something that we liked.
      Thanks for sharing -
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  3. That looks amazing! The before and after are so different, you both did a great job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much - it was a labor of love and we love it (I'll just love it more when we get finished!)
      hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  4. Hi Carol, thank you for the comment, and following me. I'm now your GF friend too. I love love love your new kitchen, I just wouldn't know how to act with all that space. It's lovely. And that cupboard is Genius!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Connie - welcome to the craziness! Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  5. OH MY! Your kitchen transformation is fabulous. Y'all did a great job.

    Thank you so much for following and commenting on my blog. Also for the book suggestions, I appreciate it.

    I am now following you.

    Have a wonderful day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks so much Tina - I hope you will come back often and welcome to my little corner of the blogworld!
      Hugs-
      Carol

      Delete
  6. It looks fabulous!! You did an amazing job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I'm glad you like the kitchen.
      Hugs-
      Carol

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  7. This transformation is amazing! Thank you so much for stopping by The NY Melrose Family and leaving such a sweet comment on the bag essentials. I'm following. I host a weekly link party going on right now and I'd love for you to link up your latest projects at www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/2012/04/whimsy-wednesdays-5.html.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jenny - I would love to link up - thanks for asking!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
    2. Thanks so much for joining Whimsy Wednesdays Carol. Have a wonderful Easter.

      Delete
  8. Holy smokes! What a difference. You have me drooling!!

    Amber
    Www.veryhomemade.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Amber! Glad you like it - we do too - I just wait until it's actually FINISHED! LOL
      Hugs-
      Carol

      Delete
  9. It's beautiful! You've done an amazing job--what a difference! I know you'll be glad to have it completely finished, but it already looks beautiful. What a blessing to have such a lovely, WORKING kitchen!

    Thanks for joining Grace at Home! I really appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Richella - thanks for hosting!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  10. that is amazing! i love all the drawers and extra storage components-my kitchen has those wonderful extras, and i am so grateful for them. it doesn't LOOK as nice and updated as yours, but at least the bones are good. thanks for this great inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks "Cape on the corner" for the kind sweet comments - I hope that my kitchen can be an inspiration to someone - I know that I enjoy being in there and for ME to say that - well, let's just say that is saying something!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  11. Gorgeous! Your kitchen is amazing... I have pantry envy! Have a wonderful Easter and thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday!
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pantry Envy! What a hoot - love that! Really, thanks for the kind comments and thanks for hosting!
      Hugs and Happy Easter!
      Carol

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  12. It's a wonderful transformation, Carol! You & your hubs should be most pleased with yourselves.
    Happy Easter from one Carol (aka CAS) to another!
    CAS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Cas (AKA Carol) - thanks so much for the kind comments - it was a lot of hard work, but we are really pleased with the way it turned out!
      Hugs and Happy Easter to you!
      Carol

      Delete
  13. I love the kitchen and especially the part that wasn't planned. Perfect for your wine rack and cookbook shelves. Isn't that just like life. Things just take a life of their own and it turns out just right:)

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    Replies
    1. Evelyn - You are so right about life throwing you curve balls - but things always seem to work out in the end.
      Hugs and Happy Easter!
      Carol

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  14. A true labor of love, great results, well done!!! Hugs and thank you for joining the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Katherine! I really appreciate it!
      Hugs - and Happy Easter!
      Carol

      Delete
  15. Carol,
    Wow - what an adventure - from finding this amazing house, moving from Alaska, your brother's death (so sorry for your loss), to finally settling for awhile and renovating a house!

    You did an amazing job! Love the little "mistake" that turned into extra cookbook storage - gotta love when that happens!

    Hope Mountain Man is feeling better - so he can start work on that backsplash!!

    I too love white kitchens and yours is a gem.
    New Linky follower.
    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Kelly - it has been quite an adventure the last year and a half! Stay tuned for the rest of the house reveal - I hope you'll like what we've done with everything else!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  16. The transformation is beautiful! I absolutely love all of the materials you've chosen. I think white kitchens are all the rage right now. And they are classic!

    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Sharon - we love our white kitchen - I just can't wait for it to be really FINISHED! LOL!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  17. Love what you have done in your kitchen! It looks wonderful! So glad you joined the party...Kristen

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kristen - I love linking up to your party! Thanks for hosting.
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  18. Wow you guys really know your stuff! I love the renovation so far, especially how you took mistakes and made them work for you...awesome. So glad I found your blog via Three Mango Seeds. I'm a new follower so we can stay connected. I would love if you stopped by and followed too. Lori

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Lori - I'm so glad that you found me too! I'll be sure to hop over and visit you too!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  19. Wow that looks fantastic! I hope to remodel my kitchen someday soon. I love all of the cabinets and drawers- it must give you much more space.Good Job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Love It - it has given us so much more usable space/storage.
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  20. It looks awesome. I will be featuring it tonight at my Swing into Spring party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I've Been Featured button. Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Wow! I am so honored and excited! Thanks so much and I'll be sure to come pick up the "feature button".
      Thanks again -
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  21. I'm so sorry about your brother, Carol! It must have been quite difficult for all of you.

    Your kitchen - even unfinished - is fabulous! I'm envious of all your storage space. Insufficient storage is a battle I fight DAILY...throughout my entire cottage. ;)

    Thanks for joining Time Travel Thursday. I hope you'll be part of the fun each week.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

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    Replies
    1. Liz - Thanks so much for the sweet comments. The new kitchen does give us soooooo much more storage space. I wish I had been able to take pictures of the crazy corner "pantry" that we had before (in the Laundry Room)! It was ridiculous! I will be happy to join you on Time Travel Thursday again!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  22. Your kitchen looks awesome! Did you get the corner cabinet thingie at Ikea? I have two totally useless corners in my kitchen and this would be a great solution!

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    Replies
    1. Yes Tina - we did the corner thingie at IKEA - it is fabulous! I was so tired of "losing" stuff in the corner cabinets, so when MM and I saw this at IKEA when we were doing our research for the new kitchen - I knew I had to have it. I don't know if you can tell in the pictures, but there are two shelves that pull all the way out! Absolutely love it! I hope that you can go to IKEA and check it out and see if it would help you and the issue you are having in your kitchen. Thanks for coming by and I sincerely hope you will come back!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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    2. Thanks Carol! I was just at Ikea this past weekend - took my aunt as she had never been to one. I'll have to get hubby to take me back so I can check this out! (I don't drive on that side of Houston)

      Delete
    3. Tina - I hope that it works for you! Let me know, please, what you think of it after you see it at the store.
      Thanks and Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  23. How beautiful it all turned out! Love the finishes! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sherry - Thank you for hosting every week!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  24. Your kitchen is so beautiful--I just saw it on Kristen's Creations and I really love everything you've done! I was just wondering what color are the walls in that room?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Shar - Thanks for coming by - the wall color is called Sunwashed Linen by Sherwin Williams. We love it!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  25. You have a beautiful kitchen, Carol. It must be nice having a place for everything and everything in it's place. Makes me want to get better organized. Thanks for joining Your Cozy Home Party. ---------- Shannon

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Shannon - I do like having a place for everything! Of course, I'm always "tweeking" things - will have to share that sometime soon.
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  26. Hi! I'm new to your blog, found you from Kristen's Creations.
    I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. I'm sure that was a very difficult time to go through. I wish you and your family all the best in this home.
    I love your new kitchen. I think that mistake made was a great mistake to make. I really like the cookbooks there. LOVE the sink! The pantry is awesome too! Everything looks great. I look forward to following along.
    Blessings!
    Gennie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gennie - Welcome to the craziness - I'm so glad you decided to follow along! Also, I appreciate the kind words regarding my brother's passing.

      I'm so glad you like the kitchen - I hope that you'll be able to go back and check out the other rooms that I've shared (especially the master bathroom and the fireplace).

      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  27. Whoo hoo!!!!

    What do I think?

    I THINK YOU BOTH DID A FABULOUS JOB - attention to every detail, it is perfect - so clean and fresh and inviting!

    I am so sorry about MM's cath, and most certainly the loss of your brother. My heartfelt and most sincere sympathies to you and your whole family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michele - Thanks so much for your kind comments - I appreciate them so much.

      I will be very happy when we get the kitchen finished -tile and trim on the cabinets (that we can't install untill the tile is up). MM said today that as soon as the neighbor gets home he will get the tile saw and get U' done.
      I hope so but we shall see!

      Have a great weekend -
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  28. Oh wow! I LOVE your kitchen and pantry! And I am swooning over your spot for cookbooks so it's funny that it was a fix! Looks custom designed and like it was always supposed to be there. Thanks so much for sharing on Teagan's Travels!

    I hope you can join us again this week. I just love the name of your blog, by the way. It makes me smile!


    Here's the link to the party going on now....
    http://teaganstravels.blogspot.com/2012/04/destination-inspiration-linky-party-11.html

    Cheers, Michelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle - Thank you so much for the kind words about my kitchen and pantry. I love the cookbook area myself - and that little mistake is a very good example of turning lemons into lemonade!

      I'm glad that the name of the blog makes you smile - it always makes me smile too - ;)

      Have a great day!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  29. I Heart my farm sink and wouldn't trade it for anything! We are looking forward to getting the back splash done, but it isn't a priority right now - we have some other things that are on the front burner and things are working out just fine right now without the backsplash. Yes, we will add it later but we aren't worried about it right now.
    Hugs -
    Carol

    ReplyDelete

Where does time go?

I have really fallen off the blogging wagon I guess.  I can't seem to get a schedule down so I don't post - but it's been almost...