IT’S FINALLY HERE!
Hi! So I’m finally here with all the dets, I just couldn’t wait to spill the beans on my kitchen renovation reveal. Trust me, it’s like a culinary paradise you’d find in a magazine, and I’m here to share the hilarious journey with you.
This is one of my biggest projects, and I have to admit, I was nervous. My kitchen was like a time capsule from 2008, and those outdated cabinets were in such bad shape that they looked like they’d seen a century’s worth of wear and tear. Plus, they were all different shades of white, as if they had attended a “Shades of White” party and forgot to coordinate.
But hey, I was determined to turn my kitchen into a space with aesthetics and functionality for my young family. I had grand plans. Picture this: That awkward corner pantry demoed and transformed into a pantry that’s not only functional but also lots of storage, Cabinets with endless shelving space, appliance garages flanking the range, making my countertop look uncluttered. It’s like a cool parking spot for my kitchen appliances, and a cool Fire Clay Sink.
Oh, And the fridge? it’s gone incognito! My fridge is now “panel ready,” which means it’s doing a disappearing act, blending seamlessly into the cabinets.
But wait, there’s more! I decided the coffee nook had to go so I could slide the refrigerator to the right, and That unnecessary opening that connects the kitchen to the dining area Will soon be the future butler’s pantry. I was on a mission to maximize every square inch of space.
And just like that (in Carrie Bradshaw’s voice!) , My kitchen transformation was going to be everything I needed as a Mom, and everything my family needed to handle our everyday lives!
The Pantry Remaster
Our new pantry measures 30×70 inches, with a door opening that’s a generous 38 inches wide. Towering above, the door stands at an impressive 90 inches in height, making for a grand entrance. How could I, go without adding my signiture Indian block print skirt, giving it a touch of personality , while also being functional (hiding any mess).
Now,the heart of our pantry masterpiece was the shelving. Under the skirt, you’ll find a handy shelf, perfect for quick-grab items. But that’s not where the story ends. Above the skirt, we’ve created a shelving system with a total of 6 shelves. Each shelf has a generous 1-foot gap, ensuring ample space for all our pantry essentials. And between these shelves, there’s approximately one foot to 15 inches of space, making organization a breeze.
But that’s not all! In the old pantry, things were a bit awkwardly cornered at an angle, limiting storage space. So, we decided on taking that ceiling off. Now, our pantry reaches for the skies, offering more room up top to store those items not needed for everyday use.
In a nutshell, the Pantry Remaster is a testament to how a dash of creativity and a lot of hard work can turn even the most challenging space into a functional and stylish pantry.
Cabinets
Choosing the right cabinets for my kitchen was a journey in optimizing both functionality and aesthetics. I made a deliberate decision to go with drawers for all the lower cabinets, a choice that has proven its worth in accessibility and organization. The ease of reaching in and finding what I need has made me a firm believer that drawers are the way to go for lower cabinets. But my cabinet selection wasn’t just about practicality; I wanted my kitchen to be a statement piece. To achieve this, I incorporated a Toe kick like detail that transformed the space into more than just a kitchen—it became a piece of fine furniture.
One of the key elements that contributed to both functionality and aesthetics in my kitchen was the countertop appliance garage. By extending it on both sides of the range, from countertop to ceiling, I not only concealed my appliances but also created a visually distinct boundary that made the kitchen appear cozier and more intimate. Customization played a pivotal role in my cabinet design, with angled cabinets adding an elegant height and unique moldings, such as base cap molding, 1×3 round molding, and 1/4 round molding, taking the place of traditional crown molding for a clean and modern look. My choice of a panel-ready fridge was another space-saving move that made the kitchen feel more spacious without sacrificing storage. Its narrower, taller profile was a perfect fit, offering more room between shelves, and it even accommodates tall items with ease. In the end, my cabinet choices, along with a well-thought-out pantry and microwave cabinet, allowed me to maximize storage and elevate the overall design of my kitchen.
Countertops
Selecting the right countertops was a pivotal decision in bringing my kitchen vision to life. For the perimeter cabinets and backsplash, I opted for the timeless look of soapstone countertops. The soapstone is not only beautiful but also practical, especially for someone like me who uses a lot of Turmeric in cooking. Its honed finish has proven to be durable, resisting etching and staining, even from Turmeric.
But it’s the island countertop that truly steals the show. Crafted from marble with an OG edge, it adds a touch of luxury to the kitchen. What makes it even more special is the thoughtful design choice of having one side squared and the other rounded, creating a soft, child-friendly edge and an eye-catching contrast between the white and black. To further emphasize this contrast, the perimeter cabinets have a lovely putty or mushroom color, allowing the island to stand out as the dark walnut-stained maple wood masterpiece it is. These four distinct colors, putty, black soapstone, white marble, and dark stained island, have seamlessly blended together to create a kitchen that’s not just functional but also a work of art in its own right.
The Island
The transformation of my kitchen island has been nothing short of remarkable. From the outset, I adored its size and footprint, but it was plagued with issues that demanded a complete overhaul. Electrical woes, water leaks, and a persistent odor made it clear that the island had to go. This decision marked the turning point of my kitchen renovation journey.
The island’s rebirth involved more than just cosmetic changes. We replaced the entire island, adding new OSB Sub-flooring and addressing the electrical problems once and for all. Strategic placement of electrical outlets became a priority, with one discreetly camouflaged in the front for guests to charge their devices while sitting at the stools, and another on the sink side for convenient appliance use. A small cabinet now houses cutting boards, while a built-in trashcan within the island keeps everything picture perfect, but we didn’t stop there we added and Air Switch garbage disposal: they’re like your kitchen’s secret superhero. Picture a fancy button by your sink – press it, and boom, your food scraps disappear like magic. It’s the superhero costume your kitchen never knew it needed. Capes are out, air switches are in!”
Under the sink, another cabinet keeps dishwasher pods and essentials neatly organized. On the opposite side, where the countertop stools are, three small cabinets offer additional storage, a welcome departure from the previous open and chaotic arrangement. The island, finished in Varathane Dark Walnut with a matte finish, stands as a striking contrast to the Sherwin-Williams Sandbar Satin-finished kitchen cabinets. The island has not only regained its functionality but has become the heart of my kitchen, a testament to the transformative power of a well-planned renovation.
Creating a Seamless Kitchen Hood: A Design Choice Explained
In my quest to design the perfect kitchen, one element that demanded careful consideration was the hood. Many design choices were at my disposal, but I ultimately chose a unique approach for a seamless and sophisticated look.
Opting for a standalone hood would have introduced complexities and angles that clashed with my vision of clean, uninterrupted lines. Moreover, our kitchen’s sloped ceiling at the back would have clashed with a statement hood, making it appear out of place.
To achieve the finished look I sought, I integrated the hood seamlessly into the top cabinets. This clever choice created a straight, uninterrupted visual flow, effectively mimicking the presence of a hood without the need for an extra structure. To enhance this illusion further, I forwent traditional cabinet knobs, instead opting for press-and-open magnetic closures, ensuring a sleek and unbroken surface that gracefully imitated the form of a hood.
To infuse a touch of character into the range area, I strategically placed two decorative corbels on either side. This subtle addition not only served as a focal point but also transformed the range into a stunning centerpiece within our kitchen, seamlessly merging form and function in our remodel.
Appliances And Other Pretty Things
In the heart of my kitchen remodel, the choice of appliances played a pivotal role in shaping the functionality and aesthetics of the space. Generously gifted by Smegg USA, an Italian brand renowned for its exquisite and efficient appliances, these additions truly elevated my kitchen’s appeal. Among the standout pieces, my earlier 13-inch range made way for a stunning 36-inch range, boasting a ton of functions that enhance my cooking experience. This five-burner gas range offers unparalleled efficiency, allowing me to prepare meals with precision and style. The panel-ready fridge, another marvel from Smegg USA, seamlessly integrates into the kitchen, offering both efficiency and elegance. The details on this fridge, as we discussed earlier, are simply remarkable. The microwave, doubling as a speed oven, adds versatility to my kitchen routine. Compact at 24 inches, it fits snugly into its designated cabinet space, replacing a bulkier predecessor while delivering top-notch performance.
While some elements remained unchanged, like the dishwasher, I aspire to upgrade it to a panel-ready model in the future, aligning it with the rest of the kitchen’s sleek aesthetics. Transitioning from appliances to aesthetics, the lighting choices in my kitchen were a source of delight. Although I coveted a vintage brass light from a prestigious French brand, budget constraints led me to discover the Ormond pendants from rejuvenation. These handblown glass fixtures with unlacquered brass accents added a touch of elegance to my space, showcasing a harmonious blend of vintage and modern. In my quest to mix metals and create a balanced contrast, the polished nickel kitchen faucet emerged as a standout feature. Its warm tone beautifully complements the brass accents and marble countertops, and its vintage-inspired design adds a timeless charm to the space. The hardware, all from rejuvenation, was thoughtfully selected, combining various styles like cupboard latches, oval knobs, Macy pulls, and bin pulls. These choices not only reflect my love for unique finishes, but they also prove that hardware is a key element that can elevate any kitchen’s overall appearance. Mixing metals, like the unlacquered brass, brings character and intrigue, and I cherish the patina that has developed on my fridge handle, a testament to the lived-in warmth of my renovated kitchen.
In the end, the appliances and design elements I chose have transformed my kitchen into a space that not only functions flawlessly but also radiates a unique and personal aesthetic that I am proud to call my own.
