Hey Good Lookin', What You Got Cookin' ?

 Well, we suffered through the torture that is called a kitchen remodel. It took FOREVER, unlike promised by the contractor, but we are getting ever closer to the finish line. The first day, little Pandi was very scared and protective of her territory:

She hid in her crate.

First, the entire area was shrouded in sheets of plastic.

The work site encompassed the entire kitchen and dining area.

The windows were left open to allow the enormous amount of dust and fumes to escape.

All the appliances are fairly new - so they were ripped from their moorings and stored in the dining room.

Then the ceiling light fixture was removed and the counter tops torn up.

Here we are, halfway through the demolition. The old kitchen had black cabinetry that was chic 15 years ago. I went from the dark side to the light side. The new cabinets are white, with Black Galaxy granite counters, black appliances, and tan tile backsplash.

The cabinets were refinished, and formica lining was put down in each one.

That process took a few days. Then they were primed and painted.

Then, a layer of plywood was put down for the new granite tops.

Here are the cabinets, halfway through.

The flooring under the kitchen sink was replaced, sealed, and all new plumbing fixtures put in.

After a week or so, it was time for the counter tops to be put in.

This was the scene very evening - a little progress, and lots of Husky tools laying around.

After the counters went in, I had my antique gas cooktop reinstalled. It is the original, from 65 years ago. The contractor hated it, but his assistant (who loved our antiques throughout our house) and I loved it.

Then a black range hood went up.

 

Then a brushed nickel sink and new faucet were installed.

Next, our dishwasher was replaced - it is stainless steel with black accents.

After that, my black double oven went back into place.

Here's a closer look at the new sink. And all the drawers were outfitted with soft close drawers and doors.

The door that leads to the garage was replaced and recessed a bit more than the old one.

It finally got a doorknob, and I was able to hang my little decorations back over there.

Then it was time to pick the material for the cabinet facings. I went with this white with gray/light black streaks on it.

I was able to put all my stuff back into the cabinets and finally clear a path through the garage.

All my fancy glassware and bar ware and vases went back into their homes as well.

The kitchen was semi-functional at this point.

The inaugural meal - roast chicken!!

I was also able to redecorate my dining bar area.

Then the cabinets were refaced.

I selected a modern brushed nickel style of drawer pull.

The striped formica goes well with the black appliances.

Then it was time for the fancy stuff. Underneath everything, there were several layers of wallpaper - after all, this is an old house.

This is the second layer.

The gas line to the ovens was weird, so the contractor lowered it and rerouted it.

Here are the third and fourth layers of wallpaper.

After all of that was ripped out, it was time to plaster and paint that wall.

After it was all smooth and pretty, I put my decorations up in a new arrangement.

The same thing goes for the far corner of the kitchen.

Then the wall that leads into the living room got the same rip, plaster and paint treatment.

Once repainted, I decorated that wall also. I am going to paint the doorjamb myself, as soon as I decide on a color. I am leaning towards a tan shade that matches the tile.

One of the last things was the garden window. It was sanded down and prepped for a finish that matches the countertops.

Here is the sparkly granite base.

And all redecorated with the many bunnies that I have collected over the years - most have been gifted to me, since I used to raise rabbits in our old house .

I got a few new little things for the redesigned kitchen. I mostly got rid of a lot of crap and purged. I did get new towels and new Van Gogh Light switch covers in the Sunflowers pattern.

And Doc's bathroom also got all new fixtures - we had oil rubbed bronze, but it does not age well in hard water areas. So it was switched out for brushed nickel.

And my bathroom got just a touch of love - it is all white, with this beautiful light fixture and an antique mirror that was my mom's. I wanted new drawer pulls to finish the look to perfection.

Crystal and silver that lends the perfect touch to this beautiful bathroom.

As I was rearranging all the artwork, I moved a lot of pieces around. Some ended up in our bedroom.

Then, last weekend, I was finally able to cook both meals - I am a good cook, and both Doc and I missed home cooked meals.

On Saturday, I made bratwurst with veggies and red cabbage and rice.

On Sunday, I got two frozen pizzas and dolled them up with lots of extras.

They turned out great !!

So that's about it - the light fixture is still only halfway done. I didn't like the glass that the contractor chose - too ornate. So I ordered a different piece and will show you after it arrives. And I will shoe you the doorjamb after I finally decide what color to paint it.

This entire experience was torture. I am so happy that I will never have to do it again.

Stay tuned for more shenanigans!!