Kitchen Opinion

Well, since I don't have anything else to post today I thought I'd throw in some pics of my new kitchen. First, some old pics. I'm sorry that I didn't take any of how it looked when I moved in. Imagine everything covered in contact paper - EVERYTHING! Fruit prints... very large. And I bought it anyway!

First I took off the nasty cabinet doors and peeled all of the contact paper off every surface. Disgusting.

I eventually added some orange paint and a corrugated metal backsplash... including the tinsnips the whole thing cost $20. It turned out well enough - fun, funky and relatively cheap. But what you can't see in the photo is the uneven counter, disgusting sink and rotting lower cabinets.

So I had it gutted and replaced everything - even had the sink moved and added a dishwasher. Took up the cheap old laminate and put in a dark engineered wood floor which will eventually go throughout the whole house. I did a lot of the work myself but paid (dearly) for the plumbing and electrical work and decided to save my knees and let someone else do the floor.

The random objets d'art are not necessarily permanent but the 'm' provides a nice orange glow at night. It may eventually hang on the wall.

Cabinets from Ikea.

White Corian countertop with integrated sink.

Floor by Lumber LIquidators.

Carpet tiles from Flor.com.

Black appliances - I considered stainless but couldn't get beyond the smudges and I saved a ton of money on the black.

Every woman I asked said to avoid the side by side refrigerator. Apparently there is an issue with fitting large trays or other larger items inside. However, this one cost significantly less and I've never in my life had the burden of refrigerating a large tray of anything! I like the idea of a pull out drawer but I'm 6'3" and the idea of bending over to reach the vodka isn't very appealing!

There's an awkward corner which I'll get around to soon, probably with open shelves. Right now it's perfect for the cat's food and water. 

 

It's just about finished but there are a few details to deal with. At the risk of adding more choices to the mix, I'm going to ask your opinion... but don't be surprised if I don't take it! I sort of think I know what I'm going to do but if I hear a better idea, maybe I'll change my mind.

The issue is the backsplash. As you can see, the back wall needs something. I wanted a solid piece of colored glass but the price is ridiculous so it made me think twice and I don't want to do it myself. I'm not really interested in the typical solutions but on the other hand, I'm hoping NOT to die in this house so it can't be too crazy if I ever expect to sell it. Ideally, whatever I use for the backsplash could be used on the bar but it's not imperative that they match. I want the bar to be different from the counters but again, not too wild.

Another addition will be under cabinet lights which will be motion activated. When I was in Germany, I went into a restroom where the lights automatically came on. Everything was automated which was sort of creepy but also really inventive so I think it will be the perfect solution for those late night trips to the kitchen.

So that's it for now. I'm looking forward to the day when I don't have to think about any sort of kitchen issue - not sure that will ever happen!

Comments

[Patti J.]

I sort of liked the thought of contact paper.... JUST KIDDING! Been there, done that, OMG! Mark, I really like the new look. You have pulled off a great kitchen! Your floor looks beautiful, your cabinets are very rich and at the same time simplified, and I totally understand about your appliances. Bet you love having that dishwasher! Looks great, sir! OH...the M must stay - it makes me happy :) Have a good week.

[Carolyn Kropp]

The glass tile look is amazing. We went with 1 1/2 x 2/1/2 subway style tiles of glass with a colored backing. Same great look, reflective fabulousness and less expensive than a full sheet. Its worth the cost, the look is stunning!

[Chris F]

Yeah those sheets of glass tile that come already on a backing aren't terribly hard to install and you can get any color combo you want really. As Carolyn says, reflective and a lot of bang for the buck.
BUT I would reconsider the motion activated undercabinet lights.
I found that although I use mine a LOT, with all the light in my remodeled kitchen they mostly add to the electric bill. Give it some serious thought.

[Renee M.]

Yay! Before and after pics--thanks for sharing. Your kitchen looks fantastic! So the rug is not really a rug, but carpet tiles you put together? Great idea--like how it looks woven. There are some gorgeous glass tiles available for a backsplash. Have also wondered about using that sealed cork flooring for a backsplash. We have black appliances and I really like 'em. Bet you're so glad to have that kitchen window. (And to be done with the renovating!)

[Curt O'Brien]

Gorgeous kitchen Mark! The before and after is awesome. Love the sink at the window. My first thought about your back splash was the same as those before me. I LOVE glass tiles. The mosaic would be awesome in black and silver. It is a breeze to install and really inexpensive. I was also thinking that I loved what you did before with the corrugated metal. What about doing that again only in high gloss black? Whatever you do, I'm sure it will look great. I'm sure you are loving the new look. BTW, laughed out loud over your Navy Seal comment. You are such a funny guy! Best, Curt

[Quality kitchen cabinets]

Hey that's Amazing...!!! I just loved your kitchen...!!!

[kitchen countertops]

And even the best primer made specifically to stick to laminate doesn't stick all that great. Plus you have to rough sand the kitchen countertops before you prime, meaning you can never really strip it and leave it plain again.

[Tina]

Love the new kitchen! Thanks so much for sharing the before and after pics!

[Karen Rosier]

I saw where someone, maybe Rachel Ray, used plexiglass as the back splash. You can install it so you can change the paper, etc behind you when the mood strikes. Or if you need to change it to sell the place

[Emily Foley]

I love the kitchen! The idea of under cabinet lights is brilliant. There is nothing worse than a dark kitchen. And the motion detected light is wonderful for night time -- especially if you have guests. Take care, Emily

[Commercial carpet]

I like the interior design... Looks simple yet very polished and cozy.... Plus, the carpet tiles look stunning on the floor!