8.24.2012

{renovate} cabinets and counters and ovens, oh my!

Friends! How has it been over a MONTH since we've talked kitchen remodel? You are long overdue for an update. When we last left off, we were busy painting walls and assembling cabinets. Well, we took some time off in there to go rafting and celebrate our birthdays, but we have made some solid progress.



Look! It's starting to look like a real, live kitchen! We actually changed our plan-of-attack a couple weeks ago. Instead of installing all the cabinets (wall + island) at once, we're going to finish the wall side and then move onto the island. There were some spacing issues, and when it came right down to it, I really want my sink back! 


So at this point, and from this angle, the kitchen pretty much looks exactly like it did before the renovation. But as long as it looks like a kitchen at all, I'm a happy camper.

Let's take a closer look.

Kitchen Cabinets.



The majority of the cabinets are in (!). We chose the Adel cabinets from IKEA and so far I'm loving them. I'm working on a post detailing why we chose IKEA cabinets and the pros and cons that we've learned from installing them, so stay tuned. 

Customizing IKEA cabinets.

The only weird thing about this style (or maybe all IKEA cabinets? I don't know), is they aren't meant to reach the ceiling. Say, what?

Technically, this is finished. I do not love this look. So, we'll be adding moulding, which will be the same moulding we install all around the entire room.

The other customization is the cabinet bases. IKEA provides standard legs, which are then covered to look like a base.

One of the very few requests Chris had for this kitchen would be that the cabinets were a little higher than standard. Friends, he's crazy tall and working at a normal size counter is hard on his back! (And yes, that makes him sound like he's 80. He's not ;) So our cabinets are actually installed on a 5.5 inch base, instead of a 4 (ish) inch base.

Lesson. Learned.

Talk about one step forward, two steps back. When we had the drywallers come, we forgot that we were installing a backsplash. So, we had drywall where the backsplash is going. Which, as I'm sure you know, is a big no. We cut out the drywall and retro-fitted a piece of concrete board.

 Sneak peek at our tile!

We can cook now.


Our oven and stove are installed. And, they work! This is completely exciting for two reasons. First, I haven't had a microwave in 5 years. Not that I use it all that much, but still nice to have. Second, the obvious, I CAN COOK! And yes, they've both been used a number of times. Pretty much just cuz I can :).

Countertop.



It's installed. It's sealed. It's ready for sink installation! :) On the wall side we chose to go with an IKEA oak butcher block (the island will be different ... I know, I'm keeping you in suspense!). I am so in love. It's simple, but I know it'll add so much warm to the kitchen -- especially when paired against our tile backsplash.

Do you guys want to see a really fun "sneak peek" type of photo?




We set the sink in last weekend to make sure that it fits. And, I might have squealed a little. I was pretty frustrated with our {lack of} progress over the end of July/beginning of August, so it's almost a relief to see major things happening again. 

And, on an unrelated note, just in case you were questioning our appliance-buying skills -- our dishwasher won't always be black. We have an insert that will make it look like one of the cabinets :).

Happy friday friends! Hope you all have a great weekend :)

17 comments:

  1. It's really coming together and that backsplash tile is awesome!

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  2. Jenn! This is so exciting! I know you're stoked to be able to cook. I can't wait for the post on the cabinets...we've finally decided on a time for our kitchen reno (next summer) and I'm definitely interested in IKEA.
    Love the tile! And the butcher block is gorgeous!

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  3. lovin' the choices! Excited to see the end results!

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  4. It's really coming along! I think it's pretty common for pre-built/non-custom cabinets to not reach the ceiling (at least in my experience) but with the addition of some moulding I doubt anyone would be able to tell (except you & maybe those who read the blog). Love your butcher block counter tops! So warm and inviting.

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  5. Can't wait to see that tile installed! And I totally never thought about raising the cabinets so the counter top is higher. My husband is 6'11" so I know all about the "crazy tall husband" part...the only difference is that mine doesn't cook so maybe that's why it never crossed my mind;)

    Lovin' how everything is coming together! Keep up the good work:)

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  6. Awesome updates Jenn! It's looking great and you guys have made a ton of progress. I love the butcher block countertops - like want to touch now. And one of things that I don't like is that our cabinets don't have any decorative molding and they don't go to the ceiling but oh well. It was a tight renovation for us so we had to make some decisions there. In our next house I know what's on my wish list ;) Have a great weekend!

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  7. I thought cupboards were like that in case your ceiling wasn't even? If they butted against the ceiling and everything wasn't perfect, you'd get gaps that would visually stick out.

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    1. Oh and I forgot to say how much I enjoy following your updates. We just bought a house in april, so we're slowly renovating things here and there and you've got some great ideas. Thanks for sharing!

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    2. Fatwreck, is that why? So interesting. But, it makes sense because our walls and ceiling are anything but straight! And, thanks for reading along :)

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  8. Jenn!!! I LOVE THIS! I love the counter top, and the cabinet fronts, and the higher counter! Great work!!!

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  9. Ooooh, I'm looking forward to your IKEA cabinet post! The ones you chose are the ones I want. Would you hurry up and finish that kitchen already so I can see the results?! LOL
    Is the fridge new?
    I can't wait for more pictures!!!!!!!

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    1. BAHAHAHAHAHA! Mindy, I feel the EXACT SAME WAY!! :)

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  10. Loving the updates! So excited to see the end result! The counters are beautiful, and I love the cabinet choice.

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  11. Love the update! And it's looking awesome- love the wooden counter-tops!

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  12. Jenn, it looks awesome! And I love those countertops! In fact we were totally going for those in our kitchen, but our local IKEA were out of stock and they weren't available for ordering online, so we ended up going with stainless steel. But I definitely have a spot for them and they look FAB in your kitchen! How wonderful to finally have an oven, I know the feeling. All your work so far is paying off. Looks really, really nice!

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  13. Ahhh, I singing with glee at your tall countertops. I need those! And the countertop, well shoot I seriously gasp with joy when I saw them. I recently fell in love with those dark butcher blocks and I am very much in that "you can do no wrong" infatuation stage, but hello, so gorgeous!

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Your comments make my day! Thanks for stopping by and sharing! :)