Sunday, March 9, 2014

Moving Back In


The grouting is done...and it's white.  I have no photos of the process
because it was tough.  It's been several years since I last grouted anything
and I've never done such a large area.  I wasn't sure how long I would have
the time I started grouting until it set up so I moved quickly.  It was difficult.
It was messy.  I broke out in a sweat.  And I might have cried a little bit.  

Once I had about one-third of it done, I stood back and was certain I
made a mistake using white.  It should have been gray, I thought.

But once it was all done and I'd wiped off the white haze, the subtle
color difference and texture looked beautiful and my attention went back
to the cabinets which is where I thought it should be.

(I should note I'm not done painting the cabinets.)

This was what the kitchen looked like on Monday night after I'd finished the
grouting and I started contemplating what I'm going to do with the window
casings and sashes.  I'm going to paint the French doors on the opposite wall
the same as the cabinets so I think I need to have some of that darker value
on the windows to balance them.  Having the dark gray above the white sink
will also make a nice composition I think.

Everything needed to be cleaned out of the kitchen for a final coat on the 
floors.  I understand that it makes a lot of sense to leave a final coat until
all the work is done--there were a few scratches that happened--but it was a
drag having to keep the cats barricaded from the room while the floors dried.


But all the workmen are out the house and I can start moving back in. I had
to wonder, after living with the bare essentials for the past seven months,
what was in all the boxes that were stacked in my front hallway. I'm taking
a critical look at everything and making tough choices about what I keep.
I'm a hunter and gatherer by nature and giving away doesn't come easily.



I recently discovered my neighborhood had a "free table."  Anyone can
drop off or pick up from the free table.  It's a great place to drop things off
that wouldn't really warrant to trip to Goodwill or selling at a yard sale.
People leave books, clothes, boots, housewares, artwork, all kinds of things.
Even the worst of things seems to find a new home.

I have some vintage stuff I can send off for sale but a good deal of this
stuff will be going to the free table.


I've never really been an organized person.  The house
might look presentable but I have screwdrivers in my sock drawer
and paint cans in the dining room cupboards.  I want that to change.

I gathered up all my gift cards and headed to The Container Store
where I got all kinds stuff to pimp out my cabinets.  I got several
of these pull out drawers so I can make better use of the space.


In some of the cabinets, I can fit two.  I thought
the lid racks would also be good for cookie sheets
and cutting boards. 


I wanted to have a pull-out trash and recycling combo 
but the bins were so small, the really didn't make sense.
So I got a trash bin and there will be room left over for
a paper grocery bag to sit next to it for recycling.

And I got a few of these dividers for the deep bins
to store smaller pans and cutting boards.

I'm kind of spring cleaning as things move around. After
several months of renovation, the house is just filthy and I
can't take it anymore.

My armoire will be delivered this week and I'm really looking
forward to getting all the dishes, serving pieces and glassware put away.

74 comments:

  1. I have organizational envy. I love for things to be organized but they aren't always. I have been wanting more specialized organizing gizmos. I can say that I have no screwdrivers in my sock drawer. Happy spring cleaning!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Really love the white grout. The subtle difference between it and the tile is striking.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congratulations on having your kitchen back and a showpiece at that! I love the white grout and your cabinets and finishes. How envious to have all those pot racks and sliding drawers. Can't wait to see it all situated and with your armoire! It's been a blast following you during this reno and I know it's great to be done with the mess. When are you having us all over for dinner? xo Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  4. First, OMG! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. The white is PERFECT!
    You are not organized? Wow, that one surprises me.
    But I get the screwdrivers in the sock drawer thing. I have so many tape measures, scissors and hammers that I can NEVER find. So I've been doing the same thing this weekend.
    I'm going drawer by drawer, shelf by shelf and hopefully I will have my house totally cleaned out and organized in the very distant future.
    I can't believe all the stuff! Maybe I will just hide it in the basement.
    I wish you good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a tape measure collection too. And probably three hammers.

      Delete
  5. I love the white grout!! So clean and fresh!! In an effort to get moved in my drawers are a complete Pile of things ... I need to go to the Container Store!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Steve, it just looks magnificent. I LOVE it all, the tile, the paint for the cabinets and the window above the sink, just all of it. It's just so incredibly refreshing to see what everyone else doesn't have!! Bravo that you painstakingly, albeit with a few tears, as you hinted, made a kitchen that is so undeniably you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh wow... it just looks amazing. Completely green-eyed right now! And won't you please think about having an open house so all your local fans can come parade through your house and ogle. My gosh... I think I would have died and gone to heaven. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the white grout with the tile-I think it turned out beautifully! You have helped me make the decision for white on white in my own kitchen ( in my 90 yr old house). Though, my kitchen won't look anywhere near as stunning as yours. Looking forward to seeing the final shots when it is all completed with armoire.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is such the fun part! The kitchen looks amazing and I'm impressed that you grouted all of that by yourself. Arm work out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Casey, I'm sure you know. Arm, hands, elbow and shoulder were sore for a few days.

      Delete
  10. It all looks amazing :) Two more months and it would have been like giving birth!! I think the white grout was a good choice given the wood drawers and painted cabinets...I still light like grey grout though...you must be a New Englander...Spring cleaning...Fall cleaning...do other parts of the country do that too?
    am

    ReplyDelete
  11. Bellissima! Love the white on white. Glad you could move back in.
    Are the kitties impressed at all? Or just looking to get back on top of the fridge?

    Screwdrivers in the sock drawer!!! I believe I live with your doppelganger here in SD-my husband, the saver of things, has a very hard time with organizing because it usually involves giving something away, LOL.

    As a teacher, I used to show my students how being more organized would give them more free time, and explain to them that it is actually a skill that anyone can learn. It really does make life easier if you always know where you stuff is, IMHO.

    Read a bit here: http://www.peterwalshdesign.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your kitchen looks amazing!! The white grout is so pretty with the white tile and dishes. And I LOVE the open shelves! I will have to check out the container store for those pull out drawers... Even though I don't have much in my drawers, I'm so not good at organizing. I think it's just my personality though :)
    Yuko @ northfield gate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. There are several different options for pull out drawers. The bamboo ones are really nice but they were too deep for my cabinets.

      Delete
  13. The final moment has come and it is breathtaking. Those tears, blood and sweat that you mentioned were well.worth the time and vision you invested. Well.done, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  14. The different patterns, colors, wood, textures are great together. I pinned a number of ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Gorgeous--those cabinets take my breath away. I love the color you ended up painting them. And your faucet is lovely, like a ballerina. Those open shelves are perfect. Everything looks so good!

    ReplyDelete
  16. the kitchen blood sweat and tears went into! It looks great and I know you're just relieved to be back in!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am so impressed with the hard work you put into this project. The painting, the tile, the grout. It all looks amazing.

    Now, after 7 months, consider every item you return to the kitchen. Live simply at first. You don't need to get rid of things--just repack them and see how long it is before you need or miss the items. I personally don't think I need 7 frying pans. But..............

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Repacking them for a while is tempting but not sure I want to give in to holding on when I'm prepared to let go. What's a good number of frying pans?

      Delete
  18. It is a thing of beauty, personal and perfect. My arms aches to think of doing all that grouting. Oh wait, am arm just aches.

    7 months is a long time to live without a kitchen, but you'll have so many years of enjoyment out of it than in the end the price will seem low. Kind of like birthing a baby.

    xo J

    ReplyDelete
  19. The home stretch is in sight. It must feel so good!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've been in an organizing mode too- yesterday I purged almost every room and it is such a freeing feeling! Trying to be more minimal. I think the choice of a dark gray on the window sashes will look fabulous- everything so far is looking amazing!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your kitchen is beautiful. It will be exciting to have your armoire in place. I love that you have shared your project.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Looking great! The dark gray window sashes will be very nice. We actually have red ones in our kitchen, and the dark color frames the view really nicely. Can't wait to see it all done up with your nice things.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If your window casings will be the cabinet color (grey) then I think you need to introduce a third color on the sashes - how about black?

      Delete
  23. That's a handsome kitchen. I hope the cats have forgiven you.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow, this looks really nice. It kind of reminds me of Nicole Johnson's (aka Rehab Addict) approach to antique kitchens. She recycles old kitchen cabinets from salvage places. If I had mine to do over, and I was very brave, I would use this approach, also.

    ReplyDelete
  25. So rewarding to reclaim your home after so many months of the trades on site. Your tilework is truly professional, the re-purposing of the old store counter is amazing, and the whole project shows your phenomenal vision -- had to re-visit the original post "Kitchen Prep" http://anurbancottage.blogspot.com/2013/08/kitchen-prep.html to really appreciate the changes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's almost hard to remember. I do think my old kitchen was "cute" and I miss it a little bit. There were some good memories there. I'll have to do some before an after shots using those same angles.

      Delete
  26. I have been stalking your blog looking for a new post! Whew, at last!
    Your humor kills me !
    The kitchen is looking fabulous. I love the drawers as is .However , I am a fan of the gray grout (cover your ears and repeat la la la ). Good thing you just get to please yourself.
    Once upon a time we lived in the same house minus the third floor. I have really enjoyed the transformation..Especially how well thought out your decisions are.You da man , Steve!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What great progress. I'm so impressed that you have done the tile work yourself. It looks terrific. I really love your wood floors too!
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  28. It is looking beautiful and I think the white grout was the right choice. I am happy for you that the messy construction phase is over. Looking forward to more photos of the finished product.

    ReplyDelete
  29. OMG! It is good wonderful for using my grown up words! You have done a wonderful job and it is all pulling together beautifully. You will love the pull outs - that was the best investment we ever made in our kitchen. Now, I can actually find things!

    Know it's been a LONG seven (seven?) months, but wow. You did it right. (Grout and all!)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Absolutely OUTSTANDING job you have done on this. Your patience to take time to do it right is sooooooooooooooooooo commendable. I have enjoyed seeing you work on this and simply cannot wait to see the complete reveal.
    I think magazines should be lining up at your door, because this is way more than magazine-worthy!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. It's ALL about the frosting!! fanki

    ReplyDelete
  32. This is going to be one of the most special kitchens I've ever seen. Congratulations on the grout, white is perfect. Really, that gray would have been depressing. I'll bet everyone who reads your blog is sighing with relief that the renovation is approaching completion. I love what you have done and I am so grateful for the opportunity you gave us all to share in the decisions. I learned a lot and I had fun. Ann

    ReplyDelete
  33. You did a wonderful job. You should be very proud. Now comes the fun part. Loading the cabinets and reintroducing yourself to the "stuff" you love. Enjoy.
    XO, Victoria

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love everything you have done. Your blog is one of my favorites. Thank you. Cindy Huxtable

    ReplyDelete
  35. Steve,Although we've never met,I feel as if you are a good friend.Thank you for sharing this incredible kitchen journey.I can't stop looking!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Yahhhh! I can't wait to see the photos when all is moved back in. Take one or two boxes and pack away what is special to you. Then keep it simple! It really looks splendid.
    Cheers,
    Nat

    ReplyDelete
  37. Gorgeous! You must be so happy to have that over with. Seven months, I would be crazy by now, oh wait, I am.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Was it 7 months, really. I guess since we saw snippets here and there it didn't seem that long. I'm sure you disagree. Either way, time well spent. It is absolutely gorgeous! Great job.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wonderful . . . I love it! Perfect . . .
    I like the white grout.
    Most of all the new kitchen looks authentic to you, could that have worked any better.
    Enjoy the finishing touches.

    ReplyDelete
  40. It all looks fab. I love your bridge faucet. Are those tortoise shells on the counter in the third pic.?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, they're vintage tortoise shells I've been collecting for a few years and just packed away. I didn't realize how perfectly graduated they are. Not sure I'll use them in the kitchen. I think I have the perfect place for them in the living room.

      Delete
  41. I'll bet it's just like Christmas, opening all the new stuff, and also the things you had packed away. This is a room you (and guests) will always feel welcomed by, as well as proud of. Just wait until the spring sunshine streams through those pretty windows and lights up the tiles. Lovely.
    - Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
  42. looks so good steve. have fun putting it all back together. i think the perfect number of frying pans is 2. :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. The kitchen looks great. I'm particularly loving your faucet, it's beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  44. You are so talented. Your house amazes me.

    I love the white grout. If it were me (which it's not), I would try some dark objects mixed in on the floating shelves? Some pretty shapes to silhouette against the white up there?

    Judy Brown

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi, Steve,

    I hope you have more than that one stool for your kitchen because it's clear to me that this room is going to become a major gathering place! I like that glossy white ceiling. I've been thinking of putting a beadboard ceiling in my own kitchen, and your finish is a great inspiration. Your whole kitchen is!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Love the way this is turning out. The detail on the doors is just perfect. Is that the smell of scones in the air?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Happy Happy! Are you going to have a junk drawer still in your beautiful new kitchen? A concession to human frailty?

    ReplyDelete
  48. WOW. That's even better than I thought it would be.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I've been silently following for a long time... love the kitchen, every inch of it !! But promise me you won't paint the drawers ! They tie into the floor soooo nicely and add wonderful warmth only made by time.

    ReplyDelete
  50. This kitchen is pure magic...will you come make all the decisions at my house please? This post has me chuckling. I (and my husband) are hunter gatherers/hoarders by nature and have a hard time parting with STUFF. Here I thought you were organized and meticulous...now I like you even more!! You might find red wine in my oven...who knows. I marvel at Joan's (for the love of a house) drawers. If you cracked open one of my drawers you might find one of Beau's bones. I too am committed to "being better" when I get out of my kitchen mess.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Looking great! Love all the natural light your new window is bringing in! Those old drawers are totally cool and unique.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Well, it appears that things are finally coming together and really, it is all turning out so well. So excited for you to get the armoire and put the finishing touches on the place. And though I know you are clearing out all the excess stuff, I kind of love that picture with the tortoise shells and the turquoise blue lamp. I hope you'll keep some of those things in the kitchen?

    ReplyDelete
  53. P.S. Also a big fan of McCann's Steel Cut Oats here. Doesn't hurt that the packaging is beautiful. We just finished a can, and I made myself put it in the recycling bin. It was hard, but there is just no space for things like that...

    ReplyDelete
  54. Its gorgeous just as I knew it would be :-) well done you. I need some of those dividers for baking trays etc great idea.
    Annie

    ReplyDelete
  55. Wow! I am so happy for you Steve. You've put so much thought and work into this space and it is beautiful. You are going to love being in your kitchen, and so will guests.
    Stuff. I like my cooking pots to be multi-functional. I buy few, but I buy top quality. I particularly love stainless steel - I like slow-cooking. I take good care of them and they are easy to clean. I can't imagine needing more than two frying pans. I buy beautiful to my eye, so I always enjoy using them.
    From what I have observed on your blog you have created a warm home that embraces your unique-ness, and says welcome, come and enjoy my space for a while, to guests. It's a feast to the eye.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Another successful make-over Steve. Your thorough thinking, hard work and artistic eye have collided beautifully. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and workshopping us as you go. You are just going to love being in this fabulous space you have created, and so will guests.
    You have created such a warm home for yourself, and guests must enjoy the feast of interesting objects you have assembled when they are visiting. You a right, guys do like nice houses too, and yours goes way past nice.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Glad to see you chose white grout! You did a fantastic job and think of all the money you saved by doing it yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  58. OMG - it looks amazing. You must be beyond thrilled. I feel some serious styling coming on once all the sock drawers are emptied into the correct containers in the kitchen.
    LOVE....! Only you could pull this together. I would have made everything white...loving that grout. What a merciless job.

    xo Terri

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hands down the white grout was it. It just lets you focus on everything else.....but it adds the texture. Here I am not being able to hang a shelf and you did all that. I'm a loser. I saw those very pull out thingys while I was at CS and thought they would be great under my sink!

    ReplyDelete