Kitchen Reno Thread

[russian blue]

Some of you know that I've been renovating a century old house (like, forever

) and I never get around to posting pictures. I started a thread in the Fur Pics regarding my cats and the dishwasher install (see here --- Steve, Gigi and the Dishwasher ) . Then, I realized I never showed the final before and after pics.

So, better late than never!

We moved into a 'handyman' special house and everything had to be replaced, from the old knob and tube wiring to the roof, to the flooring, to the bathrooms, to the garage, to the plumbing, to the windows. You get the picture?

So, let's just say we've been busy.

We decided to tear out the kitchen and move it from the left side of the house to the right side of the house (since we had nothing better to do

). We removed a main floor bedroom to make space for the kitchen. At the same time, we blew out the back wall and added a glassed in sunroom. So, here are the pics!

We did the majority of the renos (except the sunroom install) and my husband manufactured the kitchen doors/cabinets and drawers himself. Lucky for us! Saved a great deal of money!

The whole house consisted of yellow/white painted walls, green painted floors/counter (yes, you heard me correctly) and burgandy painted kitchen cabinets. Bleh! Ugly as sin.
Original Kitchen - Left side of house

This is where we started to tear down the wall that divided the kitchen from the bedroom:

Final view, with the wall removed and re-supported (load bearing wall):

Looking back to the old kitchen space, with everything removed:

And this is the angle looking into the new solarium and new kitchen (old bedroom). You can see the tubing on the floor of the solarium...this is the installation of the heated floors for that room:

Continued in next post.........

 

[russian blue]

Okay, so here is the new kitchen with cabinets being installed, counter installed and new flooring installed. We removed the original window and have a pass through that looks into the new solarium and lets in great natural light:

Wood drawers with anti-slam hinges (this pic was before the drawer face was added):

My husband, Rob, cutting into the counter to install the sink:

My view when doing dishes.

Since we lived in a century old home, I decided on a tin backsplash in a unique celtic pattern:

The rest of the renovated kitchen:

The counter we chose is from WilsonArt and it's to resemble soapstone:

This is looking back into the room that was the old kitchen, now our dining room. The window blinds are old and will be replaced. Plus, a radiator cover/baseboards still need to be installed:

And looking into the new sunroom with fireplace:

 

[pami]

Everything turned out gorgeous! Everything flows so good together. I didnt know you installed a fireplace in the sunroom, that is super nice!

I love that pass through, too. What a great idea and what a great view!

The tin backsplash just makes that kitchen, I love it, it pulls everything together. And I love your cabinet knobs.

You guys should be so proud of what you have done.

 

[russian blue]

Originally Posted by Pami

Everything turned out gorgeous! Everything flows so good together. I didnt know you installed a fireplace in the sunroom, that is super nice!

I love that pass through, too. What a great idea and what a great view!

The tin backsplash just makes that kitchen, I love it, it pulls everything together. And I love your cabinet knobs.

You guys should be so proud of what you have done.

Thanks so much for all the compliments!

We were so lucky Rob was able to do most of the work himself and get the materials. The whole kitchen cost around $1K. We originally had a $8K quote from Home Depot so I'm very thankful.

The fireplace is so nice in the winter. The cats like it too!

And I think Gigi likes the heated floor a little too much!

 

[trouts mom]

Wow, these pics could be in a magazine. You did an amazing job

 

[ruthyb]

Wow, wow and wow, that is just gorgeous, I absolutely love it. xx

 

[catmom2wires]

$1K for all of THAT?! OMG....I've been getting SO ripped off! LOL

Honestly, that is ab-so-lute-ly BEATIFUL! Enjoy every moment in your new digs!

 

[mbjerkness]

It is beautiful

Job well done

 

[gailc]

My husband and I are big DIY'ers. Its amazing what one learns to live without in a kitchen during a major remodel and alternative places in the house to do the dishes!

Great job!!

 

[vermontcat]

I know you've been working a long time on this project, it's great to see it's finally done!

It looks so nice, I really love your sunroom.

 

[darlili]

Wow! You should be totally proud of yourselves - what a wonderful transformation. Truly, looks like a shoot from a home magazine.

What kind of flooring did you use in the kitchen? I really love the way it looks. And that tin back splash was inspired. Really, you two are very talented.

 

[sarahp]

Wow, the kitchen looks absolutely amazing! Everything looks so modern, while still retaining its charm. I love the view from the sink, I love the countertop, and I LOVE the solarium. And $1,000???? Crikey, I won't tell you what our kitchen cost.... although we absolutely do NOT have the skills to DIY!

 

[russian blue]

Thanks, everyone!

Originally Posted by GailC

.....Its amazing what one learns to live without in a kitchen during a major remodel and alternative places in the house to do the dishes!

Totally agree, Gail! We even used the shower since we were sick of running down to the basement laundry sink.

Originally Posted by darlili

.......What kind of flooring did you use in the kitchen? I really love the way it looks. And that tin back splash was inspired. Really, you two are very talented.

Thanks. The flooring is called country oak. It's a grade below the polished floors (therefore cheaper in price) and shows all the knots and characteristics of the wood.

I really believe the key to good renos is to step aside from the fear factor and just do it but remember to bring in the professionals when you need them. We did some minor renos before this at our cottages but never designed or manufactured a whole kitchen before! We made many errors and had to redo many things but it worked out in the end.

I also love the tin backsplash and it only cost $200! Total steal!

Originally Posted by sarahp

.........And $1,000???? Crikey, I won't tell you what our kitchen cost.... although we absolutely do NOT have the skills to DIY!

Home Depot was quoting $8K to $10K and that only included half cabinets (not all the way to the ceiling). I didn't like what they offered at all so Rob asked his boss at work and they allowed him to design ours on our own time. But, I probably could guess your kitchen price since I see how much Rob's company charges for their furniture systems and how much added labour and knowing your location.

But, I'm jealous of you getting your kitchen finished so soon after you moved in!

I lived like this for a couple of months while the cabinets were being manufactured. Notice, no available kitchen sink....had to run to the basement for months. Ick!

 

[pushylady]

Kass I am so blown away by the amazing job you guys have done. Well done!

It looks stunning, straight out of a magazine indeed. Love how contemporary it is too, and that tin backsplash is fantastic.

at the price. The sunroom is my favourite though. It must make you so happy to see your kitties in there enjoying the fruits of your labour as they toast themselves by the fire and watch birds out the windows.

 

[buttercup29]

I'm really drooling right now. I love that backsplash and wondered where you purchased it from. We're renovating too but not like that. We've almost redone the laundry room and the small bathroom beside it is next.