Tag: kitchen remodel

Kitchen: Prepping for Paint

Written by Jenna on December 13, 2017. Posted in Brick Ranch Fixer Upper.

It’s kinda crazy, but it’s been 10 weeks since we closed on our new-to-us home and just over a month since we moved in. Due to budget and timing, we had no plans to remodel the kitchen. The space is very large and duals as our kitchen + dining room. From the day we stepped foot into the house, the kitchen space really through me for a loop and I was unsure of how it would function and how we would use it best. I want to live in the space for a while to know what works and what doesn’t. That being said, I couldn’t leave it as is. A makeover was a must.

In our last house, it was a year before we took the plunge to tackle a DIY kitchen remodel with paint on the cabinets, new hardware, appliances, etc. The result was pretty awesome and within a few years, it ended up being featured in Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen + Bath Makeovers magazine – how cool?!?

For our new home, I didn’t want to wait. While we had a month of construction, I took on the task of making over the kitchen on my own. It was quite the endeavour (since we weren’t living in the house AND there were boxes everywhere), but it was SO worth the crazy, hectic moments to get the beautiful, updated result for little cost.

Let’s take a step back and look at what the kitchen looked like before we moved in…

BEFORE

When we closed on the house, most of our boxes were stored in the garage and in the kitchen since it was the only space not being renovated. From our mattresses, to sofas, to chairs, to our dining room set, the kitchen was packed from floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall. Thankfully there was a 3-foot path in front of the cabinets for me to work and makeover our kitchen…

I started out by removing all the dated, ornate brass hardware from the stained cabinets. I ditched the pulls, but kept the hinges to possibly reuse (after spray paint).

Removing the hardware made a huge difference on how the cabinets looked.

The cabinets are made by Woodmode, which is a good cabinetry company and I have used before for Client projects. They were stained a deep cherry hue, which I didn’t love, but they are made well and are actual wood cabinets (versus a cheap composite).

Once the hardware was removed, I labeled each cabinet using a sticker on the inside of the door, then detached the cabinet doors from the face frames.

I was blessed with a work space to use to paint the cabinets. This was key to successfully painting 20+ cabinet doors and 6 large drawers. I was able to spread out and work at my leisure to transform each piece.

Once the cabinets were in the shop, I started off by filling the holes from the hardware. The hole separation from the previous hardware was an odd measurement and I couldn’t find any new hardware with the same center-to-center measurement. I also wanted the updated, remodeled kitchen to be more modern and reflective of my style. That being said, a simpler knob would be best.

I used this wood filler to fill the holes.

The doors were really dirty with layers of grease, grime, and gunk. Once the wood filler dried, I sanded the overall face of the cabinets with my favorite orbital sander. An orbital sander like this will save your countless hours and really sore arms – its a life changer and hands down, my most used tool!

Sanding the wood eliminated the top layer of finish (the sheen) and in some areas around the cabinet edges, the raw wood was exposed. Once the holes were filled and smooth and the face of the cabinet doors + drawers felt clean, they were complete.

All ready for paint!

Before painting could begin, I had a lot of particle / dust build-up in the corners. I first thought about using a wet rag, but I didn’t think it would get all the dust out. The mister suggested using Flarp. Flarp? What the heck is that?!? I put him on the mission to find it and he did. I think he got it at Walgreens. Anyway, it was the answer to my prayers.

It’s sticky, but not messy. It was perfect. I clumped the Flarp into a ball, stuck it into the corner of the cabinets, then removed it. Voila, the corner was dust-free. Magic!

Check it out…

Prep is complete. Next steps… Prime & Paint.

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN REMODEL IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN.

Choosing Kitchen Appliances

Written by Jenna on February 4, 2016. Posted in Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 2 Comments on Choosing Kitchen Appliances

Appliances are a pertinent component of the kitchen.

Not only are they the primary purpose for cooking + food prep, but appliances contribute a large part to the overall aesthetic.

Basically the appliances have 2 major roles… they have to be highly-functional AND look fabulous! They’re a big deal!

When it came time to choose appliances for our kitchen remodel, I chose Frigidaire. I had just finished up a client project and after scouring big box + local appliance stores for appliances ranging from budget-friendly to commerical-grade, we both fell in love with the Smudge-Proof collection.

For about the last 15 years, stainless steel finish has been the top choice for kitchen appliances. The utilitartian look makes us feel like we’re in a commercial kitchen – and doesn’t that make you cook better? Maybe in my mind… Restaurants have always turned to stainless because it stands up to wear + tear and it holds up to high heat, better than paint.

The downside of stainless, the smudges. A small issue for some, but with a load of kids (like we have), it can seem like the solid stainless surface is never clean. Enter… SMUDGE -PROOF. The solution to all world problems. totally kidding. well kinda.

Appliances in my kitchen: Gas Range / Hood / Refrigerator / Dishwasher / Microwave

Aside from the surface – stainless, white, black – of the appliance, here are a few tips when choosing appliances to suit your style + budget.

TIPS BEFORE YOU APPLIANCE SHOPPING

> The Layout. Before setting out to choose appliances, finalize the layout of the kitchen first to determine what you’ll need + the sizes.

> Budget. Appliances come in a range of price-points and are dependent on the power they provide + the look you want. Determine a budget what you want to spend, then SHOP.

> Microwave. In many kitchens, the microwave is over the range. For compact spaces this is a great solution to maximize on space. BUT if you have the space to locate the microwave in another spot (ours is in the island), I would. The range is more often or not, one of the major focal points of the kitchen that your eye is drawn to. No matter the size of the range (ours is 36″ wide, which is typical), you can make a statement above.

I chose an exposed hood for above the range. The impact on the overall look outweighs the small lose of storage by eliminating a cabinet. Need storage above the range? Consider a concealed hood with a decorative mantel which provides space for a cabinet above.

> Refrigerator. Choosing a refrigerator can be overwhelming. The selection is vast! Refrigerators from years past are deep (32-35″ +), which makes them stick out way beyond the countertop depth (typically 25″). I would recommend a refrigerator that is counter depth or a style that is no more than 27″ deep. The door of these models sit forward of the counter, but the overall depth compared to older refrigerators is much less.

Having a refrig that isn’t as deep leaves more area form traffic flow – bonus!

> Range. Are you a baker? You need a convection oven. My new oven has convection bake + roast capibilities, which means heat is distributed throughout the oven more evenly rather than heat being emitted from the oven walls only as with a conventional oven. It took some getting used to because when suing the convection setting, the oven auto-adjusts, but overall I am loving the results.

Also with the range, look at the cooktop surface. Again, lots of options in this area. I chose a model that has a continuous grate top versus 4 separate burners. This allows me to move pots / pans easily + to fit more. Additionally, there is a 2-in-1 burner + griddle, which is ideal for simmering sauces, as well as flipping pancackes.

> Dishwasher. To me a dishwasher is a dishwasher. Consider what you like / don’t like about your existing style and start from there. Does it make too much noise? My new dishwasher is quiet-as-a-church-mouse and actually reflects a blue light onto the floor so you know the cycle has ended. Or do you not like the inside configuration for plates and glasses? Look for a model that has flexibility for the top + bottom racks.

> The Handle. A small detail to some, but a huge detail to me which reflects the overall look of a kitchen… The Handles. Remember, it’s all about the details. When choosing appliances, *try* to find a collection you like – like the smudge-proof collection – or one manufacturer so the handles on various appliances match. You wouldn’t have various pulls and knobs on your cabinets, right?

> The Finish. Whether stainless or painted, every manufacturer has a variation of stainless or white. Again, try to choose a collection so the finish is the same for each.

Appliances are a lot of money. They are an investment. And a lot of time + research can go into choosing the right model for your style + budget. It can be quite daunting, but hopefully with the tips I’ve shared, it makes the process a bit less stressful.

If you want to see all the posts documenting the kitchen renovation, here they are from start to finish:
Wonderful White Kitchen Inspiration
Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action
Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen
Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors
The Cabinets Arrive + Get Installed
Natural Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen
10 Countertop Materials to Consider for the Kitchen
Subway Tile Installation + Choosing the RIGHT Subway
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspiration
Choosing a Paint Color + Wallpaper for the Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Renovation: The Appliances
Dissecting the Details
Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + RESOURCES

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S AND FRIGIDAIRE. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWEâ€™S DESIGN TEAM.

Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + Resources

Written by Jenna on January 21, 2016. Posted in DIY, Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 15 Comments on Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + Resources

In less than a month, we’ll be living in our home 6 years. 6 years. The fastest 6 of my life. More than double the time of any place we’ve lived before.

We moved here as a family of 3 and now we’re a family of 5 + a cute white little kitty. Life has changed so much and as much as our family + lives have evolved, so has the house we stepped in to – and almost walked away from – 6 years ago.

The shell that was a vacant house, has been transformed into a home. A chaotic, crazy, bustling HOME. Every surface has been touched. Walls has been repainted + wallpapered (some a few times over). Floors have been recarpeted + retiled. And most importantly our home is now adorned with key elements that show who we are, what we love, and where we’ve been. Our mark has been made.

The kitchen, the hub of our new house in 2010 seemed fine. The cabinets were in fine shape, the counters weren’t pretty but functional. A few months in, we changed the hardware + the sink, and called it done.

Until… 2 years later and I was itching to freshen it up. A $300 kitchen revamp + new appliances left us happy campers. We were in love. The do-it-yourself upgrade on a budget was perfect. At that moment it reflected us.

>>> TO SEE THE DIY KITCHEN MAKEOVER CLICK HERE

In the 3 year time gap from then to now, our lives have turned upside down – all for the good! When we bought our home, we had just came off a really rough patch with the economy affecting our jobs.

Thankfully things have changed a lot…

Fast forward… the Misters job has been stable & growing + I’ve been able to continue expanding my blog + business – designing LOTS of other peoples homes. Life has been good. Real good. And truly grateful. And the time had come for US to get the kitchen of our dreams. It was finally our turn. Surreal, but true. I wanted – and needed – a gourmet kitchen of my own. And here it is. Finally complete and still pinching myself with excitement.

WELCOME to our kitchen

This kitchen could not have been possible without the assistance + backing from my friends at Lowe’s, Kraftmaid, and Frigidaire. I’ve collaborated with Lowe’s countless times over the years and I am blessed that they never ask questions and always believe. I strive to execute outside-of-the-box creations which in turn inspires you, my amazing & dedicated readers. That’s what I’m here for. That’s what I do… Inspire. And that’s what I hope the take away is with the new kitchen space I designed.

Enough chit-chat, come on in…

Where to begin, is the question…

The inspiration for the color palette came from a piece of art. I snagged this canvas from Ikea last year and at the time it was meant for the living room, which I had been in the process of remodeling. I loved the white background layered with bold pops of color – yellow, blue, raspberry, green, turquoise.

I was drawn to it’s simplicity, yet intricate focus on detail. And that’s exactly the vision I wanted the kitchen to evoke – clean, simple, and BOLD.

This was the mood board I created…

… And months later, I feel I’ve achieved just that. I’m content. This new kitchen truly evokes everything I am and everything my style is.

From edge to edge, here it is…

The cabinetry in the new kitchen is by Kraftmaid, one of several cabinet companies displayed at Lowe’s. I chose the Kraftmaid line of cabinets for a range of reasons. Not only does Kraftmaid have an extensive selection of cabinet styles + colors, their attention to detail is exquisite, as well as the craftmanship of their product. When I started the design process for this renovation, I was quite impressed with all the â€˜bells & whistlesâ€™ that they offer (many of which come standard with their cabinetry) + the variety of storage solutions they offer.

More on the details of the kitchen + cabinetry in a post coming soon.

When the process of the remodel began, the intention was to remove the soffit above the upper cabinet and the soffit above the window. Unbeknownst to us in the beginning stages, the soffit above the window is a beam that is holding up the back of the house and couldn’t be removed – obviously. What we WERE able to do was have a higher ceiling in the window section, which allowed the new subway tile to continue up and around the entire window, which really heightens the space.

Instead of having a lower cabinet under the soffit, it was decided that open shelves would be best – for aesthetics + function.

I love the open + airy feel that the 10″ deep thick shelves give to this section of the kitchen. Plus the 3″ thick shelves are ultra beafy (I confirmed this many times with the contractor) so they hold all the large dishes + small plates and bowls. Super easy to access and grab.

On the other side of the window, the left side, there are two additional shelves with decorative corbels. These shelves are only about 7″ deep and can’t hold as much weight, so they’re perfect for glasses + smaller light-weight bowls. Again, so easy to access.

As we continue around the kitchen, the range + exposed hood are flanked by 2 closed upper cabinets that now are full height to the ceiling and hold the glasses (left cabinet) and pantry food (right cabinet).

Continuing the subway tile backsplash up the wall behind the hood was an absolute. Again, another way to heighten the overall space and not have the wall start / stop at a certain point.

In the new kitchen, the refrigerator moved about 18″ to the left to create a full depth pantry that touches the side wall. Ahhh, it’s wonderful. Singing-from-the-hilltops incredible! I love it because there is so much storage.

The 24″ deep pantry is the same depth as the refrigerator + cabinet above and holds some of the small appliances like the coffee maker + toaster. The coffee maker sits on a roll-out shelf and there is an outlet in the cabinet back, which makes mornings so easy for brewing our cup of joe.

Also in the bank of pantry cabinets is a charging station for our various electronics including the cell phones, ipads, etc. Another outlet was installed for these components in the back of the cabinet and a grommet was drilled in the back of the drawer for the wires to pull through.

Having a ‘home’ for all these kitchen essentials has really cleared off the counters to leave open space for what a kitchen is really used for… cooking.

Talking about cooking, I basically prep + do everything for our meals on the island. The Island. The huge island that I always dreamed of and still can’t believe I have.

It’s wonderful.

The Kraftmaid cabinetry on the perimeter cabinets is Dove White and on the island is a deep + rich grey/blue hue called Greyloft. Never having an island before, I didn’t know what to do with myself when it was installed. It provides so much storage and in the island is also where the microwave now sits.

On the far end of the island that faces the living room, I chose to have open shelves instead of closed cabinetry. I thought it would be the perfect spot for my many cookbooks + basket storage for dishclothes, cloth napkins, etc.

Having open shelving also allows the ability to bring color into the kitchen. Instead of the solid, one-tone look of cabinets, open shelving adds depth and a way to introduce color.

Another way to bring in color amongst the sea of white was on the walls. The old kitchen paint color was yellow and for the new wall paint I chose a light gray. Wrong choice. In the end, I went back to yellow, but this time the sunshine yellow color is a completely different hue – much more lighter & brighter.

And check out the colorful + bold wallpaper in the dining room. It adds a gorgeous focal point to the overall open space.

The marble-looking countertops are quartz and truly complete the clean + simple aesthetic of the kitchen.

And let me not forget to discuss the lighting…

I am a major light-aholic! Lighting is SO IMPORTANT. Lighting makes a statement and with my home, I wasn’t going to skimp.

Go Big or Go Home!

Being completely honest, I had a difficult time choosing the right lighting. With the cabinetry hardware being polished nickel, I questioned the lighting style + finish. In the end, I chose these amazing matte black dome style pendants from Rejuvenation for over the island.

And for the light above the sink, I decided on this open style glass pendant from Shades of Light.

They are both amazing, compliment each other perfectly, and overall I am in love with the many different finishes in this kitchen.

There you have it…

We have to look at a before & after comparison. Check out how far this space has come in 6 years…

Do you see how / why I’m in disbelief that this makeover really happened?!

Here’s another walk down memory lane view…

This has been a strenuous – what big renovation isn’t? – but wonderful renovation process. I won’t lie, I’m glad it’s DONE, but I can’t ask for anything better. And that is a project labeled SUCCESS.

RESOURCES

I’ve showed you what the kitchen looks like, and now it’s time to share the scoop on the sources…

Cabinets
Perimeter Cabinets: Kraftmaid, color – Dove White, door style – Cayden
Island: Kraftmaid; color – Greyloft, door style – Cayden

Appliances
Frigidaire: Smudge-Proof Stainless

Countertop
Quartz: Silestone, color: Lagoon

Cabinet Hardware
Kraftmaid, Fordham Bin Pull, Polished Nickel

Backsplash
Tile: Allen + Roth 3×6 white subway tile; Grey grout color

Paint Color
Wall Paint: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, color – White Citrus, finish – satin

Pendants over Island
Rejuvenation, Haleigh Wire Dome Pendant 12-inch, oil rubbed bronze

Pendant over Sink
Shades of Light, Clear Glass Prism Pentagon Pendant

Sink + Faucet
Lowes, Vigo 32″ x 19″ Stainless single-basin Undermount with Industrial Faucet

Wallpaper (in dining area)
Anthropologie, Frosted Kaleidoscope

Accessories
Pineapple Art – Hobby Lobby
Blue Geometric Rug – Target
Sisal Runner – Target
Bowls – Crate & Barrel, Homegoods
Cutting Boards – World Market
Yellow Industrial Barstools – Target

I think that wraps it up. Something you liked and want details on… email me!

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S, KRAFTMAID, FRIGIDAIRE, AND HGTV HOME BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWEâ€™S DESIGN TEAM.

Kitchen Renovation: Paint + Wallpaper

Written by Jenna on January 13, 2016. Posted in DIY.

You know if we’re at the point of talking about paint, it has to almost be complete.

That’s right… we are mere days away from wrapping up the kitchen renovation and I still can’t believe it’s real. When I look over to our kitchen area and my eyes see an entire new space, I want to cry. It’s so good!

One challenge I had when creating the plan of action for the kitchen was the paint color for the walls. After living with the mustardy-yellow for 5 years, I new light + neutral was the right direction – but then along the way my thoughts changed. keep reading…

This is the old color.

The first floor of our home is an open concept plan, so basically it’s one room that leads to the next, that leads to the next. There has always been a different paint color in each room, which I feel defines each of the spaces bringing uniqueness and character.

Creating definition, but at the same time a flow with various paint colors can be challenging, but if a color palette is set that works well together, the result can be gorgeous.

Of course, that’s what I was striving for >>> VARIATION + FLOW

THE PAINT STORY

After the kitchen cabinets were installed, the Lowe’s independent contractors got to work on painting the kitchen + dining room walls because it’s one large open space.

I chose a paint color that was a light grey tone. It was a pretty hue, but once all the walls were covered, I knew it wasn’t right. Because the kitchen flows straight to the family room that also has grey-toned walls, the definition that I wanted to achieve was gone.

Big Mistake – eek.

What to do? Leave it + live with it for a while?

I knew leaving it wasn’t the answer. After a few days, of living with it, I chose a new color. It was the first time ever that I got small color sample pods to put on the wall. It was the right decision and seeing the colors at various times throughout the day was key to choosing the best paint hue for the space.

Color Change…

As soon as the ‘new, new’ color went up, I felt at peace. Yes, that’s it. And who knew, back to yellow – but a very different hue of yellow – would be the right color?!

For the walls in the kitchen + dining room, I chose to use the color White Citrus HGSW1237 by HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, which is available at Lowe’s. The sheen is eggshell (one step up in sheen from flat) and I used their Showcase line of paint.

The color on the wall is just gorgeous and brings all the spaces together. It’s not very far off from the last yellow paint color, but at the same time, it feels so new + fresh. To sum it up, this White Citrus paint color is a light buttery + sunny hue with subtle green undertones.

Sherwin Williams has always been a favorite paint of mine to use. The quality is like no other. I’ve used a lot of paint in my day, and have come across a lot I will never use again. When I was introduced to the HGTV Home collection by Sherwin Williams, I was intrigued because it was available at Lowe’s, a place I always shop. So the big question I had… Is the quality the same as the Sherwin Williams brand it’s always been or did they ‘change the formula’ for the big box store?

I had the opportunity to speak with a rep for Sherwin Williams, who has worked with them for over a decade and he assured me the quality is the same and their collaboration with Lowe’s was a ‘next step move’ to continue their growth and brand awareness to a new market. Basically, they want to reach even more people and by being in Lowe’s (versus just their own stand-alone store), they hope to do that!

I was skeptical about the quality, but I will say I had a great experience using the Showcase line of HGTV Home paint. It went on smoothly with a roller AND a brush. Most paint takes 2, maybe 3 coats, to get full coverage on the wall, but this paint went on in one coat yet it wasn’t thick and goopy. Of course, I went over it with a 2nd coat, but it really wasn’t needed.

THE PAINT RESULT

The yellow hue defines the kitchen + dining room space, yet flows with the neutral colors in the family room beyond…

Next to the kitchen is the living room / office which is a deep navy hue, and the yellow works beautifully with that as well…

THE WALLPAPER

I heart wallpaper and really wanted to use it somewhere in the new kitchen space. At the same time, I always wanted to define the bay area in the dining area with a different paint color.

How about ditching the paint idea and instead add wallpaper in the bay nook? YES, perfect solution.

I found this incredible bold + colorful wallpaper from Anthropologie. The rich colors of orange, blue, yellow, gray, raspberry perfectly summed up all the colors in my home… I had to have it!

Once it was delivered a few days later, I got to work.

I primed the walls first.

Then installed the wallpaper which took about 3 hours total for this bay area.

Want to know how to hang wallpaper? Check out these WALLPAPER TUTORIALS

Hanging a Bold Wallpaper in the Bathroom

How-To Hang Wallpaper Like a PRO!

How-To Hang Wallpaper using Paste (in the powder room)

I’ve shared enough wallpaper tutorials, so I’ll spare you the details of the process, but this is the result…

And there you have it. Mistakes were made. Sleepless nights were had (well kinda), but the Paint + Wallpaper ARE DONE!

Another checkmark on the to do list. Next up are the final details and then the reveal…

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S USING HGTV HOME BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWEâ€™S DESIGN TEAM.

Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors

Written by Jenna on November 18, 2015. Posted in DIY, Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 4 Comments on Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors

We are still full-force ahead with the kitchen renovation through Lowe’s.

Last week was equal to a roller coaster ride with lots ups & downs, but we kept chugging along and now another week is upon us. I *think* I can say, I see the light…

Since I left off last, a lot of progress has been made. Day one of Demo was very exciting + eye-opening. It was amazing how we woke in the morning with a full working kitchen, but by the days end, it was completely taken apart with only the shell of the space remaining…

The remainder of week one was filled with patching and repairing the walls, moving electrical openings (in the walls + ceiling), and sanding the walls to prepare for the cabinet installation.

Once the vertical surfaces were complete, the next area of focus was the hardwood floor, which started out week two of renovations.

Because of the new cabinetry layout, there was an area of hardwood where the dishwasher used to sit that needed to be patched with new material. Once patched, it would all be sanded, then stained…

The major stresser started with locating material… Our existing hardwood is 3-1/4″ wide maple and it was challenging to find material in a short amount of time – literally we had less than 2 days.

Hardwood should be in the home 3- 7 days before installation so it can acclimate to the setting. After locating enough material at Lumber Liquidators, we were good to go.

It took about 3 hours to weave in the new hardwood material to patch the vacant area.

The new material is lighter than the existing, but no worries, because it would all be sanded down to bare wood…

At this point, we ‘moved out’ of the house because despite it smelling bad, all of our furniture was piled high in the family room & it was like walking through a maze in the foyer…

Next step for the floors, sanding…

We hired out for the floors through our Lowe’s independent contractor, who used an industrial sander to sand all the floors down to the bare wood. When finished, the gorgeous maple shined through, but in my taste they had to go darker especially with the new white cabinets.

Here were a few samples of stains that they applied…

In the end, I chose a stain called COFFEE and it’s the 2nd board from the left. It was the perfect medium brown hue with no red or orange.

After the floors were sanded on day 2, they stained the floors, and applied a clear coat of oil sealer in a glossy finish.

It looked like a gym floor with the high-gloss finish but this wouldn’t be the final finish. They apply this high-gloss finish (2 applications) because it is most durable. Once dry (2 days later), the floors were lightly sanded again and the final coat of sealer in a satin finish was applied.

After 5 days we moved back home – yay – and this is how the floors look now…

I just can not contain my love for them…

The before & after is breathtaking. It looks like a completely new space!

They are so rich + warm.

I’m in love.

The floors will take 30 days to fully cure, just like paint on a wall, so for now all the furniture is placed on blankets, craft paper, or felt. I want to protect these bad boys!

Look how beautiful the front room looks with the new floors (ignore the bright red blankets, lol)…

And there you have it. Walls complete. Wood complete.

Next up cabinets + appliances! They will be arriving in the coming days…

RECAP

Before I leave you, here is a recap for staining hardwood floors:

Staining hardwood floor can be quite an undertaking. It’s not difficult, but time consuming and involved. A good sander + high-quality product is key!

THE PROCESS FOR STAINING HARDWOOD FLOORS

– 1 – Clean + Clear out the room(s)

– 2 – Sand floors to bare wood – coarse grit sandpaper to fine grit sandpaper

– 3 – Stain floors (a roller works best)

– 4 – Polyurethane floors (3 times using a roller)

– 5 – Let the poly cure for at least 48 hours

– 6 – Move back in!

>>> Polyurethane takes 30 days to full cure, so no shoes. Be Remember to place furniture down, don’t drag!

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWEâ€™S DESIGN TEAM.

Stunning Stained Kitchen Reveal

Written by Jenna on November 11, 2015. Posted in Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 4 Comments on Stunning Stained Kitchen Reveal

While I am in the midst of renovating my own kitchen, I’ve been immersed in designing + project managing a few client renovations as well. One that just wrapped up is this stunning stained kitchen…

As of late, I am seeing that 90% of new kitchens have painted cabinetry – 85% of which are white – so when this client was adamant about wanting stained cabinets for their new kitchen, I happily obliged. For this project, the client had a clear vision & many decisions were already made when we started working together. It made my job easier + my role less than typical compared to working with clients that need more ‘hand-holding’. With my assistance, I was able to steer / direct them in making design choices that suited their style to achieve the kitchen they envisioned.

Before I share more of what the kitchen looks like now, you’ve gotta see what it looked like prior to demo…

Like I always say, you have to see the before to really appreciate the after. And the kitchen before really needed some TLC.

BEFORE

The construction of this kitchen was a bit unique and easier than most because the renovation took place before the clients moved in. This home was a new purchase for them and during the time before the closing, the design process was started. Yes, a bit risky in case “the deal” fell through, but once they closed on the home, construction began the following day. All the prep work + purchases were complete and we were ready to move forward.

The client had about a month before they needed to move in, so everything was scheduled on a tight timeline. Aside from some hiccups with waiting for the countertops to be installed, demo + repair + installation of the new cabinets went fairly smoothly.

Aside from the old kitchen being worn + dated, the space was also not being utilized to it’s maximum potential.

As the new plan evolved, there was no question that first to go was the soffit above the existing cabinets. The new upper cabinets would be taller and continue to the ceiling, then be finished with a decorative crown moulding.

The next area of focus was the island – a larger, more substantial island with lots of storage + space to eat-at was a must.

Following that, the refrigerator area needed updating to maximize storage.

THE VISION

Upon working through the updates that were needed to create a better flowing space + listening to the clients desires, I created the proposed plan + Vision Board…

CONSTRUCTION

After months of designing, fabricating, and building, construction began…

And then it was complete. The result…

AFTER

Welcome to this stained stunner…

This is the view as you walk into the kitchen from the entry foyer and it’s gorgeous. Light shines in from the exterior and the space feels bright & fresh.

The cabinets are a mix of a few stains, which took a several tries to get just right. The hue we wanted to achieve was a light-medium brown with no orange or red undertones. In the end, the result is rich and warm.

The cabinets are a full overlay door style (which means the door sits proud of the frame instead of being inset) with a recessed panel door. The door itself has a decorative edging on the outer perimeter + at the recessed panel.

The lighting was chosen by the clients and even though I had suggested other fixtures, these look great.

Cream colored counter stools beautifully compliment the stained cabinets.

The home is a combination of hardwood, carpet, and tile. The tile for this kitchen continues from the foyer and it’s a 18 x 18 ceramic with a staggered layout. It’s lighter tone is the perfect backdrop to the darker cabinets.

When it came time to choose the countertop and backsplash, it was important to select something that enhanced the beauty + tones of the stained cabinets. We decided on a granite that has flecks of caramel, black, and taupes – it’s so rich with lots of depth. For the backplash, a mosaic with varying-sized square glass pieces was what suited the clients style best.

The cooktop is set into the counter and 3 roll-out drawers were added underneath which gives ample storage for pots, pans, and cooking utensils.

A double oven sits to the left of the cooktop. Above is full-depth vertical dividers for large trays and platters.

Where the non-functioning refrigerator space was before, a new refrigerator + pull-out pantry storage was added.

These slide-outs with adjustable shelves have been a wonderful update and the amount of storage is incredible!

Taking a step back, this is another view of the overall newly revamped kitchen.

I am so smitten over the island legs!

This new space doesn’t only stop at the kitchen cabinets, but a desk was also added. With a combination of open & closed cabinetry, this desk space is the command center for this family.

Another hidden gem + must-have in the kitchen, a trash bin pull-out! This is a double for trash + recycling and in the island was the perfect placement.

And there you have it. The before & after of this kitchen renovation is pretty incredible!

It was such a wonderful job to be a part of. Another project complete!

Do you like stained cabinets or do you prefer painted?

Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action

Written by Jenna on November 2, 2015. Posted in DIY, Kitchen Renovation. 5 Comments on Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action

Last week I filled your feed with over-the-top gorgeous white kitchen inspiration!

Today, I’m sharing the PLAN OF ACTION for MY kitchen makeover.

You heard it right, I’m renovating my kitchen. It’s true and I couldn’t be happier.

I’ve had the awesome opportunity to design many kitchens for clients and now it’s my turn to create a dream kitchen space. To be honest, I have 100% been the worst client ever – too many changes, lots of drawn-out dramatic decisions – trying to fit every best thing into this space (which didn’t happen by the way), BUT either way I know it’s going to be fabulous when it’s complete…

THE BEFORE.

Before sharing what’s to come, let’s take a step back to look at the current kitchen (soon-to-be ‘before’).

You may think the kitchen looks great in this shot. And you’re right… here it does because this picture was snapped right after the DIY makeover 4.5 years ago. The current state of the kitchen at this moment is a mess and I couldn’t find any other before ‘pictures’.

Anyway, in 4.5 years we used + abused this space and overall some elements have worked well, but more HAVE NOT worked! For the new layout of this kitchen, it was key to figuring out how to make a better flowing, more efficient new kitchen.

THE PROCESS.

I started off this kitchen makeover as I typically would with my clients by creating a Vision Board with elements + inspiration to capture how I envision the overall space to look + feel.

By flipping through magazines + gathering images from the web, I set out to find overall spaces that I would love to live in + specific elements in rooms that I am drawn to. When working with a client on a room refresh, these are the same steps we take to capture the vision + aesthetic direction to then create the unique-to-them magical, dream space.

Here are a few favorite kitchen spaces…

Overall, there is a commonality with all these spaces.

They are all… Crisp. Clean. Classic. White. Open Shelving. Layered with Pops of Color.

All elements I want for my new kitchen space.

Since DIYing our current kitchen a few years back, I knew I wanted painted cabinets instead of stained. I also knew with our open concept floor plan, I wanted + needed the new kitchen to feel light, bright, and most of all timeless; classic was key! After contemplating about one or multiple colors for the cabinets, I knew white (how much more classic can you get than white) would be the dominate cabinet color choice. As always, I feel it’s important to add depth + contrast in a room, and so for this space the perimeter cabinets will be white, the island will be a rich deep charcoal, and many layers will be introduced atop to make the space pop with color.

THE PLAN.

For this kitchen makeover, I am thrilled to be collaborating with Lowe’s and their design team. After I created the initial layout, I met with a design team member at my local Lowe’s who assisted me to create the most efficient + beautifully aesthetic plan possible.

At Lowe’s, they have multiple cabinet companies in a range of price points. I decided that the Kraftmaid cabinetry line would suit my design aesthetic best and their selection of cabinet design styles + colors are extensive.

I shared with them the following to get the project started:

> Overall existing measurements of the kitchen area

> Vision Board + Room Inspiration to convey overall design direction

> Appliance selections (so they fit correctly in the new plan)

As the design evolved over a few weeks, there were several renditions, but this is the final proposed plan. A large center island (which will have counter stool seating) anchors the space with continuous flow around. The red dashed line shown in the plan below is where there is currently ‘peninsula’ cabinetry, which will be eliminated.

Check out these fabulous 3-D images of how the kitchen will look when complete.

I wish with a snap-of-a-finger it would be done and looking like this. I can see myself cooking right there on that island. soon…

Seeing these perspective images really helps visualize how the finished space will look. So different from it’s current state.

Part of the soffit above the current cabinets will be removed so the new upper cabinets will be full height to the ceiling. Unfortunately, the soffit above the window can not be removed because it’s a structural element supporting the house. It was a bit of a bummer, but THANKFULLY we cut a whole in the sheetrock to find this out BEFORE the cabinets went into production!

Tip: If you are renovating a kitchen and have soffits above your current cabinetry, cut a hole to see if there is ductwork or plumbing inside before ordering cabinets! Pipes or supporting beams may be rerouted, but it could be costly.

A new full-depth pantry will be added to the right of the refrigerator which will house the small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, etc) + mobile gadgets.

The overall finished space will have a balanced mix of closed cabinetry and open shelving (on the walls + in the island).

THE PALETTE.

Using my inspirational pictures, I created my materials palette. As with most spaces (for myself & clients), I feel it’s best that the main elements that you want to “live” for a long time should be more neutral; not plain jane, but classic. THEN color + texture can be layered in through accessories, window treatments, a rug, wall decor, etc – all elements that aren’t overall expensive & can be changed when you want a refresh.

– 1 – Painted white (Kraftmaid dove white) for the perimeter cabinets; Painted dark gray (Kraftmaid greyloft) for the island

– 2 – Polished Nickel cabinet hardware

– 3 – White subway tile on the backsplash with dark grout

– 4 – Stainless appliances (Smudge-Proof by Frigidaire – genius)

– 5 – Silestone (lagoon) for the countertops

– 6 – Organic elements, layers with texture + visual engagement

– 7 – Lighting, pendants over the island

– 8 – Sink + Faucet. modern + functional

– 9 – Wood Floors to be refinished in a medium brown tone

– 10 – Counter stool seating at island

– 11 – Paint on the walls in a neutral light gray tone

– 12 – Pops of color with cookware, accessories, cookbooks, and more

STORAGE.

The inside of the cabinets will be loaded with smart storage solutions. Aside from the overall aesthetics of the kitchen, the organizational component has this gal smitten. More often than not, homeowners create a gorgeous new kitchen and regret not maximizing the interiors of the cabinetry with built-in storage.

The interiors of the cabinets ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT as the exteriors!

Kraftmaid has an extensive selection of storage elements. Here is the plan for the cabinet interiors…

And there you have it! Isn’t it incredible?!

Designing + Renovating a kitchen is, hands-down, the hardest space because it’s the ‘hub’ of the home. We want it to look + function the best way possible. The expense + time without the everyday essentials is difficult. BUT, remodeling a kitchen to fit your wants + needs is the BEST INVESTMENT EVER. For our family, morning till night, we live in our kitchen & it’s where everyone – our family & guests – congregate. It’s going to be a rough few months to come, but I’m prepared. i think, i hope…

Of course more details to come soon, so I’d love for you to follow along on this journey while we renovate our kitchen!

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWE’S. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Eclectic Style Kitchen + Living Room Tour

Written by Jenna on April 2, 2015. Posted in Decorating.

Last year I had the opportunity to work on a kitchen renovation project with a client and the result was incredible. I recently was asked to return to make some updates to the living room and I’d love to show you the before & after of each space.

The house is very charming & unique with high ceilings, wood beams, and an eclectic aesthetic.

On my first visit to the house to discuss the scope of work with the client, I immediately realized that the kitchen layout was totally wrong. There was so much potential, but the dated cabinets and flow of the space was taking away from it’s true potential + function. The space itself was of a decent size, but the layout with a ying-yang peninsula made the kitchen awkward & tight to maneuver.

the ‘before’…

With the kitchen sandwiched between the living room and dining room + with only 2 small windows facing the north, the space was dark and drear – all day the client would leave lights on to make the space look + feel brighter & airier.

Aside from reworking the cabinetry layout, I also needed to figure out a way to bring in light. This space needed it’s moment!!!

another ‘before’ picture…

We were originally thinking about painting the existing cabinets, but upon further inspection and confirmation from my cabinet guy about their durability + that we had to reconfigure the cabinets, we realized the painting route wouldn’t be worth the effort + cost, so everything got ripped out!

We chose a new palette with a mix of soft gray, light teal, and quarter sawn oak for the cabinets + a gorgeous danby marble countertop. This was the creative vision board/mood board I created for the proposed kitchen…

New cabinets were built for the perimeter of the kitchen, the refrigerator was relocated, and the sink + stove were moved to locations that made better sense for the function + flow.

The biggest addition was creating a giant opening between the kitchen and dining room to let the natural light shine through! There was previously an opening pass-through to connect the 2 spaces, but it went from 3′ wide to 9′ wide + 2′ higher.

We also added a faux beam above the opening which ties in to other door openings in the home. Continuing the style + making new look cohesive with the existing is very important!

The center peninsula that made the ‘before’ kitchen like a maze was eliminated and in it’s place we decided on a big island that houses the microwave & lots of cabinetry storage. The island countertop was extended to create a seating spot for stools.

So it went from this to this…

It’s difficult to even believe you are looking at the same space, pretty much from the same angle. Here are more ‘after’ shots.

the ‘after’…

A smaller sized rectangular glass tile in a gray/blue hue was chosen for the backsplash and continues up to the ceiling behind the hood. The section of wall behind the commercial-style range + hood was built out about 6″ to give the wall more depth and prominence.

New sconces were installed above the existing windows & new roman shades were hung high on the wall to give the appearance of a taller window.

It is incredible how much brighter this space is with the lighter hues on the walls + cabinetry & the new larger opening.

Shelving storage was a must for this kitchen and when it was decided to close up a small passageway between the living room and kitchen, it allowed space for shelves. The shelves are 1.5″ thick and made of quarter sawn oak, which has the most gorgeous grain. The refrigerator now sits on this side of the kitchen – a spot that is much less dominant.

Let’s talk about the island lights since they’ve been in almost every picture. Aren’t they spectacular?!

The pendants are overly large – YES, but this space needed it. The ceilings are high (over 12′) & the kitchen space is big, and there is nothing more near & dear to my heart than adding drama with lighting. These show-stoppers make the kitchen. The space would have been okay without, but they give it the edge needed to stand out & be dramatic!

Way back a long time ago, I shared a sneak peek of these lights on IG & many of you loved them too. The lights are from Shades of Light but unfortunately aren’t available anymore – sorry.

The view from the dining room looking into the kitchen…

On to the living room, the room we recently worked on & wrapped up just a few weeks ago.

The living room has the same high ceilings with cable lighting above, wood flooring, and an eclectic style. The space was challenging the client because the layout (again) of the furniture wasn’t working. The room is not a stand-alone living room, but is the space where you enter in from the front door, the traffic flow that connects to the second floor, and the only real spot for reading + “hanging out” in (which = a need for ample seating). A better layout with more function was needed!

The wall that began with one mirror, now holds a dozen. Stairs can be challenging, so this eclectic mix of mirrors in varying sizes that reflect the light shining through from the windows opposite the wall, was the perfect solution.

The revamp for the living room was a mix of reusing the old, refurbishing the worn, and layering in some new.

The settee, which the client had mixed emotions about keeping, was given new life when we chose a new vibrant colored rug for it to sit on. Then layers of new pillows were made in fabrics of bright hues including blue, red, orange, and green to give a pop of color & warmth.

One of the many challenges in this space were the windows. There were 4 windows with differing heights, so to tie them together we decided on a common height and had new roman shades made in a geometric pattern of green & white.

It’s amazing how this room feels + functions so much better now by simply rearranging the furniture and adding in new layers – a rug, pillows, lighting, mirrors, etc. It truly is a relaxing + inviting space that I would personally love to just sit, read, and soak-up-the-sun in all day.

A chair that had been covered with blankets because the fabric was torn underneath was recovered in a deep navy velvet fabric and is now Oh So luxurious!

We also brought life back to another chair in the room by reupholstering it in a fun Ikat pattern of navy + white.

I adore the result of these beautiful new rooms (especially the kitchen), and I hope you did too! Thanks for taking time out of your day to take the tour 😉

Kitchen Revamp: Before + After

Written by Jenna on March 5, 2014. Posted in Decorating, Kitchen. 9 Comments on Kitchen Revamp: Before + After

Oh My, where are the days going? I swear, I wake up and 5 minutes later it is night time. I can not keep ahead, but thankfully all is good – NO complaints, except for the bitter cold temps. Some fun news to share… I was in NYC for a quick trip late last week and met up with some blogger pals – Diane, Kelly, and Denise – for a Better Homes and Gardens event. BHG, along with BrandSpark, invited some local bloggers to the Best New Product Awards, where we got to mingle with representatives of some big brands. It was so fun to “get out” and meet others who are just as passionate as I. I’ll have more to come soon on the products and a chance for you to win some cool stuff.

While I should have my feet up resting (at 5 months prego, my body is definitely feeling aches + pains), I’ve been busy busy with a few client kitchens – all at different phases of construction. One I just started and have a design meeting for later today, another is mid-install, and another I just finished. I shared a peak of it the recently completed kitchen the other day, but now it’s time to show more + it’s evolution…

This kitchen was really wonderful to work on, but a definite challenge. For privacy sake, I can’t show the floor plan, but there was a large area of the “kitchen area”, which I would say technically was the eating area, that was unused. Then the space for the “kitchen” with the cabinets was very small + tight. When the client brought me in, she really expressed the want + desire to reuse much of the existing cabinetry. The challenge? They were faux wood/stained cabinets from Ikea and to match them exactly isn’t the easiest objective! My carpenter/cabinet fabricator was up for a challenge… Could he do it??

Here are a few before pictures…

Once we discussed the scope of work + the clients needs + style, this was the Creative Vision Board that I created…

The “known” of the space was the cabinetry. The client wanted to match the new with the existing. I spiced it up with the layers + details

>Lighting

>Fabric

>Tile

>Open shelving

These 4 elements brought the kitchen to the next level!

Lighting: The lighting before was very contemporary and did not fit the style of the house, which is old-world eclectic. Yes, it has modern features, but certainly is not contemporary. I wanted to bring in a sense of the handcrafted look and chose new fixtures for the space.

Fabric: It’s often a challenge in a kitchen to bring in color, but fabric on a window can be the needed element to soften and liven a space. The client and I looked at several options for window fabric and chose a modern pattern with colors of teal, mustard, and taupe.

Unfortunately, the window treatment is the only area of the space that is still incomplete. We are awaiting the roman shade for the window. Here are a few options we looked at before choosing #1…

Tile: Along with the cabinets, the countertop which is soapstone, was also staying. To balance the darker hues of the cabinets and counter, I knew a lighter natural stone would be the perfect compliment. The client and I visited a local tile shop and found this beautiful natural tile with light gray veining – the size: 2″ x 8″ – which was ideal.

Open Shelving: To break up the monotony of the stained cabinets, I wanted to bring in an opportunity of open shelving to give the space more openness. We chose for the shelves to be minimal and painted them to match the crown moulding that was added around the room. The backsplash tile was also continued behind the open shelves to give a cohesive look.

With a few more tweaks + tricks throughout the space, it came together amazingly. My carpenter is incredible and not only did he match the new with the old, he also used a few of the existing doors and reworked them to fit in new spots. For example, using one of the old doors, he used part of it to create a pull-out spice rack which now sits next to the new dishwasher.

I love when clients want to work with what they have! The outcome of this kitchen made me so happy. Here are some more after pictures…

Lastly some Before + Afters – sorry for them not being at the same angle…

There you have it. A few more details and the kitchen will be complete! In the meantime, want some more ideas for upgrading a kitchen? Check out this post of mine on 5 Upgrades for a Killer Kitchen…

more client kitchens coming soon…