Sunday, August 4, 2013

Kitchen Prep


I've been cleaning out the kitchen and getting ready for the big renovation.
A lot of people love my kitchen and I agree it turned out really quite
pleasant from where it started out.


This is what I started with.  It's a great example of the transformative
powers of paint.  I didn't want to change the floor so I chose a neutral
color palette and added the dark blinds and mirror with a black and gold
frame to draw your eye up.


I also replaced the disintegrating sliding doors with a pair of
old four-panel doors on the pantry and old bathroom that will now
be demolished to expand the kitchen.


I've removed the doors and pulled off the casings.  I still need to cut out the jambs
that Sam made to fit the doors.  They'll get reused on my closet and bathroom upstairs.


Behind Door No. 1 is the pantry.  A lot of people think I should keep it but
when you consider about two-thirds of the space in the center never gets
used, it's really a waste of space.  The pipe on the right provides heat to the
bathroom upstairs.  


Behind Door No. 2 is the old bathroom.
It was made handicapped accessible in the 1980s as evidenced by the
pink and gray tile.  Although it's a very spacious shower, you then have to 
walk back and forth across a wet floor to use the rest of the bathroom.

This is the only shower in the house and I can't believe I've
lived with this for so long.


This is the rest of that bathroom.  Nothing horrible by any means but
now that I've created the new bathroom, this is space that will be better
incorporated into the kitchen.  Actually, in an urban area where it's impossible
to expand the footprint of a house, this was the only way I could add
square footage to the kitchen.


Here's the floor plan of the future kitchen again.  The area in green
is the space being added by incorporating the pantry and bathroom into
the room, about 60 square feet.  The counter space along the back
alone is more linear feet than I have in the old kitchen.


My dining room shelves which have been very popular on Pinterest
have all been packed up to make way for my temporary kitchen.


They're my temporary pantry.


And the other side.

I'll move the refrigerator in here and between grilling and a
hotplate, I'll enjoy the challenge of making meals with a very
limited kitchen.  As a Boy Scout my favorite part of camping
was cooking my meals outside on an open fire.  This is a little
more like glamping so I have no complaints.

People like to ask how long the renovation will take.
I have no expectations.  I think expectations only set yourself up
for disappointment.  As a Boy Scout I also learned to be prepared
so, this Thanksgiving, the only thing I'll be making is a reservation.   

90 comments:

  1. I am so excited for you. At lease you have a gorgeous new bathroom to wallow in. If all else fails, I'll send you some home made baked beans.

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  2. This is awesome. We tackled our kitchen remodel in much the same way. Glamping and no expectation. Dare I even call it "fun" :)

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    Replies
    1. Why not make it fun? I hope to bake biscuits on the grill.

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  3. What a great plan and adventure ahead! I love a good remodel and blog posts about it every step of the way, so I can't wait! Best of luck Steve, and have fun glamping! love that word.
    xo Nancy

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    Replies
    1. Let's hope it's a good remodel! i'm flying by the seat of my pants.

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  4. geez. looking at your temp pantry, I see you even do reno with great style...donna

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    Replies
    1. It seems less tragic if it looks stylish, I guess.

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  5. Get a crock pot too! We did the same thing for months!! Wasn't so bad! I like your Thanksgiving idea! I'm looking or ward to sneak peeks!

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    Replies
    1. Mary,
      I was the victim of a crock pot childhood but I bought one a few years ago and never used it once. I guess I shouldn't have sold it at the yard sale last fall.

      Delete
  6. Just demo'd my kitchen (myself!) and have set up a temp kitchen in my dining room as well. Mine is a DIY remodel on tiny budget. I have no idea how long it will take. Think I won't plan to cook for Turkey Day either. Good luck to you. Good luck to both of us!

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    Replies
    1. How exciting! It seems like everyone is doing their kitchens right now. You're about the fifth person I know. Good luck!

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  7. Well...add me to the "happy homeowner remodel," too. I've waited 29 years for a kitchen in our (handbuilt) cabin and we're doing it all ourselves. I'd like to know who came up with the word..p*a*t*i*e*n*c*e. Race ya... :) franki

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    Replies
    1. Franki,
      Sounds like I should collect photos and do a "Readers Renovations" post. Good luck!

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    2. Thanks and "backatcha!" fmp

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  8. Well well well Boy scout....There must be a badge for kitchen renovations, no? And prey tell....are you getting one of those fine six burner commercial like ranges??? Jelly.

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    Replies
    1. A six-burner commercial like range is in the plan but not necessarily in the budget. #taxrefund #gottadreambig

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  9. the pain of my kitchen remodel/addition.....THREE YEARS.....(my husband was doing) was well worth it in the end. cooking is over rated.

    looking forward to this project steve

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    Replies
    1. THREE YEARS and you're still married! You must LOVE the man!

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  10. I'm jealous! You're temporary kitchen storage looks so good...mine, on the other hand, looks like I'm living in an episode of Hoarders! Can't wait to see your kitchen progress :) A rice cooker will come in handy too.

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    Replies
    1. AM,
      I need to keep some semblance of order or I turn in to a miserable bitch.

      Delete
  11. Very excited to see the finished space! On the pantry topic.. I love the idea of a walk in pantry, but then I remember it's only two people in my house so only a 1/4 of it would ever be filled anyway.

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    Replies
    1. I don't really have anything against them but I think they're kind of a luxury of space that I can't really afford. I'm hoping to have a pantry closet tucked into the wall that provides me as much storage as the old pantry.

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  12. I can't wait to see what you do. Who cares how long it takes!!

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  13. Very excited about your kitchen renovation. Everything you have done to the house has been so classy. Keep us posted on the progress. Can't wait to see the final product!

    So sorry about people stealing your photos, etc. Good grief! Where do people get time to do such things. There are so many good ways to spend our time and efforts. Just don't get it.

    Kim

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for saying what I've done is classy. That's a great compliment!

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  14. Oh boy! Have you already figured out your color scheme? Your bathroom looks great.

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    Replies
    1. I've figured out the color scheme at least twice a day! So, no.

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  15. You are absolutely right about not boxing yourself in with deadlines. I painted my house working no more than four hours at a time, and while the job took twice as long, it was a downright pleasurable experience!

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    Replies
    1. Mark,
      I'm impressed you painted your house yourself. That's a big job!

      Delete
  16. The yellow before and white (etc.) after is a terrific example of the power of paint, and you created a charming cottage kitchen. I look forward to the next transformation. Your relaxed attitude is the only way to go with a renovation.

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    Replies
    1. If you can imagine, the real estate agent painted the kitchen yellow before putting the house on the market. The yellow might not have been bad on it's own (although it's my least favorite color) it was exceptionally horrible with the band-aid brown.

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    2. Ouch. That's brutal. She probably thought it would look "sunny".

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  17. Very exciting...everything you do is exceptional.

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  18. Your kitchen has already came a long way. Can't wait to see what's in store!

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    Replies
    1. A little lipstick went a long way, Tim. This will be an extreme makeover.

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  19. I wait with excited anticipation for the "big reveal".

    My renovating adventure (of a large art deco house) ended in 2001, so I'm loving watching yours in progress. Thanks for sharing - your blog is real delight.

    Spud.

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    Replies
    1. An Art Deco house sounds like a big challenge. Thanks for watching!

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  20. I will be living vicariously. I really would love to redo my kitchen. I keep trying to tell my husband that I am too busy to cook anyway so its the perfect time.

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  21. Don't be jealous of hot plate, Kerry.

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  22. I just finished a total kitchen renovation/expansion.It is not fun,but well worth it in the end.Love,love,love my new expanded kitchen!
    Besides the microwave,the crock pot and the grill,an electric frying pan helps,too.Remember that the dust will soon go away.
    Good luck!

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  23. I don't have a microwave and I think I'll be okay with out it. I was thinking of an electric fry pan but thought a hot plate using a frying pan would be easier to wash. Glad you're happy with your new kitchen!

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  24. Well, I will be VERY excited to see what you will do.
    I'm in awe of the bathroom and the kitchen will probably make me green with envy. I don't have cable and this weekend I've been watching a marathon of "Flipping Out" on DVD's. I've never seen it before and now I've changed my mind with every re-do that guy does!
    As far as the cooking situation, I'd say "Carry-Out" and "Drive-thru's"
    :D

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    Replies
    1. Cynthia,
      I like "Flipping Out." If my house was modern, I would certainly be copying just about any house Jeff Lewis does.
      How about a "CARRY ON and CARRY OUT" poster? I'll bet there already is one!

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  25. Steve knowing you, your new kitchen is going to be a masterpiece of craftsmanship!
    Bravo!

    xoxo
    Karena
    2013 Designer Series

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Karena. I appreciate you confidence in me.

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  26. Looking forward to the progress shots. You have such a wonderful style.
    I think all you really need in the mean time is a 2 burner camping stove. With the reno being in August/September, I image hearty salads like Nicoise will be just the ticket anyway.

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    Replies
    1. Melissa,
      Certainly lots of grilling can be done for a few more months.

      Delete
  27. We managed fine with just an electric hot plate ... for 6 years :)

    Spud.

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  28. A friend of mine started a kitchen renovation last summer in late July...and the plan was it would be ready for Thanksgiving. It was barely ready for Xmas. She cooked in it but there were still many things that needed to be done. I know your kitchen is going to turn out fantastic...but I did love the old one you created too.

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    Replies
    1. Nita,
      Thank you, I know you love the old one but with very little countertop, I'm hoping to make something that's a little more functional. Christmas would be nice!

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  29. May I have your old kitchen?

    And it goes without saying you can make a plane reservation and come to Virginia for Thanksgiving.

    Then you can spend all the next day helping us decorate a big office for Christmas.

    You in?

    xo Jane

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  30. I can't wait to see how your kitchen renovation goes- you take such great care and detail with your planning decisions. I love reading and learning from your work!

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    Replies
    1. Megan,
      I know you've got great historical chops so I appreciate your comment.

      Delete
  31. I am new to your blog but what great timing!
    Excited to follow along. I can tell it is going to be great!
    I love your attitude. Patience is the key.
    We slept in our living room for months when we remodeled our master bedroom and bath.
    But now it is a distant memory and our new bedroom is perfection and was worth the wait!!!
    Enjoy the journey!!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi La Dolfina,
      I've been to your blog and your etsy shop! I believe you know Kevin Beer, right? I say I'll have patience; I may need reminding. Thanks for stopping by.
      Steve

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  32. Good luck with your kitchen reservation. I am sure it will be exceptionally wonderful like everything else you have done.

    Shirley
    Atlanta, GA USA

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Shirley. I'm happy to have a little extra luck.

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  33. Do you ever relax? You just finished your bath reno!!
    BTW...whenever I see pics of an unfitted kitchen, I now think of you.
    And for my tip of the day: Don't make decisions when you're tired.

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  34. Mary,
    Haha. I do like to keep things moving. And since I'm not using traditional cabinets for the kitchen, I'll have to take some time and putting the pieces together once the space is opened up.

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  35. Steve,
    I'm pretty sure you are not "flying by the seat of your pants" as you said in one of your comment replies. With those well laid out plans, I am most certain it will be perfect! I'm on day 11 (excluding weekends) and we are close to being finished! Cabinets installed today, appliances wednesday and probably cooking by late next week. And my plans started with sketches on a yellow legal pad and a lot of talking with my hands! So I'm pretty sure your remodel will go off without s hitch!
    annie

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    1. Annie,
      That's amazing that you're almost done! Mine will certainly take a lot longer since we're moving walls, moving doors, moving windows, moving plumbing and I have absolutely no plan for cabinets other than having a 12-foot antique store counter sitting in storage. I might also be replacing my back porches which uses the money I've earmarked for appliances. But it's all good fun.

      Delete
  36. We wait with baited breath for the progress. You know, this is the most fun, the process. Just as soon as the kitchen is done will you be doing the porch? And when the porch is done will you be looking for a new house? Don't be too quick to say "No". Ann

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    1. Ann,
      You're maybe telephathic. I think I need to do these porches at the same time. I'll explain next post.

      Delete
  37. OMG - I can hardly wait. I think you are my favorite interior designer of all time - you have fabulous taste. :)
    Impeccable taste + the Amazing Sam = Perfection
    xo Terri

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    Replies
    1. Terri,
      Have you been hitting the sauce? You're in a silly mood.

      Delete
  38. Hi Steve! I'm a brand new follower. After shelter-blog reading since the beginning of time (or like, 2008), I'm mildly annoyed it took me so long to find you! And I even see that some of my favorites are regular commenters/followers of yours. Shame on me. Well I'm all caught up now after going through your archives over the past several days. It looks like I've joined at just the right time to follow long on another exciting reno!

    Also, I feel like your kitchen as it stands now and my kitchen could be long-lost cousins. It seems we both fell for two-toned cabs to coordinate with inherited floors, a bit of open shelving, and even the same blinds! I hope to pick up style tips from you as we go along!

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    1. The blog world seems to have several parallel universes and every now and then you fall through a black hole and run in to a whole new crowd of aliens.

      You read my whole blog from the beginning? I should start a reward program for people that do that! I hope I didn't put you to sleep. I'll have to go see your kitchen when I get a few minutes. Thanks for letting me know you were here!

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  39. I do like your kitchen as is but I also love your new plans so I'm anxious to see the results, probably not as anxious as you are! That is a strange bathroom though, the thought of having to walk on the wet floor to use the rest of it sounds bizarre and uncomfortable, especially in the winter.

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    Replies
    1. Amelia,
      Nothing a pair of flip-flops didn't fix. The cats seems to love it for some reason.

      Delete
  40. Steve,
    We thought our house renovation would take 5-6 months, and it took 1 1/2 years! Had to move 3 times...all short term leases. Adding more square footage in the kitchen is always smart. Have fun and eat out often :)
    x Loi
    PS - Glad to see you water marking your photos.

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    Replies
    1. Loi,
      That must have been a total drag to move that many times! I guess it's good to keep your eyes on the prize and not get too caught up in the everyday.
      Yeah, I guess watermarking is part of the job now but I wish it were easy to go back and do all the old photos.

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  41. Your kitchen is beautiful. I like the cat as well. :)

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    1. Thank you, Linda. One of the cats always seem to end up in the photos.

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  42. It's going to be beautiful when finished! And glamping can be completely fun. We went 3 years, 3 months and 13 days without a functioning stove or oven during our renovation. By the end, we were baking casseroles and from-scratch cakes in our Black n Decker toaster oven. I don't miss those days, but they did produce some good memories.

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    1. That's hysterical that you know it was 3 years, 3 months and 13 days. I toaster oven might be a good idea too!

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  43. Although I already love your small kitchen, I totally agree with you about opening everything up for a bigger one. I'll bet it will be so beautiful, call back the magazine photographers! Very wise of you not to have any expectation dates.

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    1. Hi, Lana,
      The old kitchen was quite workable but I'm hoping to have room to roll out a big square of pastry. Maybe on a slab of marble!

      Delete
  44. OMG, another one of me! We started what has turned out to be a kitchen remodel turned out to be a whole house remodel almost two years ago. It's rather like living a rubik cube or rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Part of the delay has been some health issues of my first carpenter who had to retire and then waiting for his replacement to become available. Part of it was a way to stage in some of the costs. All of this time I have been cooking in the basement with a portable induction cooktop, a crockpot, a toaster oven and a Cadco convection oven. I've even cooked a huge Thanskgiving from this set up. When this is all done, it will be like Christmas opening up all of my stored cooking stuff. But just between you and me, all of the spiffy tools are nice but not necessary. Don't tell my husband!

    You have a good attitude. It will serve you well. Not every thing can be designed up front, especially when working with older homes. Enjoy the experience. Looking forward to your stories!

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  45. I'm amazed by all the stories of adversity when it comes to kitchen renovations. I'm thankful to have my temporary kitchen set up in the dining room. It would be a drag to be in the basement. I'm hoping not to beat your record of two years. God love ya!

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  46. Soooo exciting Steve! What will be in the space to the left of the door into the kitchen? Will you have a table and chairs in the kitchen also?
    You seem to always have good contractors, so I think it will go super fast!
    Wishing you lots of luck and fun;)

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  47. You did a great job on your kitchen...cant wait to see what you will do with a bigger kitchen...

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  48. The dining room shelves look great. About the pantry/bathroom- one thing I've learned is you have to do what's functional for you despite the (MANY) opinions others give you! Glad it's what you wanted!

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  49. What cracks me up is the picture hanging on the outside of the new "pantry".....gotta have a little beauty I guess:)

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  50. The kitchen is just awesome! Loved it all. Nice blog.

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