9.12.2012

{renovate} kitchen update: sinks and islands

I feel like we're making some big progress lately, which is nice after have made so little progress for so long. This weekend friends came over to help (the same awesome ones that helped us assemble our cabinets on the 4th of July), and we got so much done!

Sink and Faucet

First, we officially installed both our sink and faucet. Our dishwasher and garbage disposal are also hooked up to the water -- but they still need to be wired before we can use them. We're close!

I am completely in love with this sink. It's IKEAs DOMSJO (no idea how to umlaut!) farm sink. We went with the 36" version and it's so awesomely huge. It's also solid, heavy and feels like really good quality ceramic. I'm completely in love. Oh, did I already mention that? :)

The faucet is Danze's Parma faucet, which we ordered from Lowe's. Isn't it amazing?? You might remember it from my original kitchen moodboard. At first I was a little surprised by how HUGE it is, but it the scale is actually quite perfect for the big farm sink. They live together gloriously.

The nozzle lives for the most part in the little arm clamp (right). But it also comes out and moves any direction. Love.


At this point though, for me, the most exciting thing is WE HAVE WATER! Seriously, not having water in the kitchen has been the hardest part of this remodel, by far. It's never bothered me that we lost the stove and oven. But, not having water in that room for three+ months? Saying it bothered me is an understatement. Anyone else who has been through a kitchen remodel -- do you agree??

We had a plumber come over and hook up the faucet, garbage disposal and dishwasher. Friends it took about an hour. That's the best $85 dollars I've ever spent. And, I'm pretty sure that figure included a couple parts.

Kitchen Island

Next, we also installed our island! Which means that ALL the cabinets are officially installed!

Instead of going with an standard IKEA island, we installed three IKEA base cabinets together to make a custom 6-foot island. Our stovetop will go above the middle cabinet.

For now, we have a piece of plywood serving as the counter. We did this for two reasons. First, we want to use the island! But, most of all, we're trying to decide how wide we'd like our overhang. We cut the plywood to the largest it would be -- a 12-inch overhang. I think it's too much though. Anyone out there have thoughts on island overhangs?? Is there a standard? I'm thinking for the width of the island cabinets, an 8" overhang would look more to scale. We're trying that next. :)

The chairs are from World Market. They were also on my original moodboard. I LOVE them. But, sadly, they're bar height, and we need counter height. So, back they're going. Sob. I have to start my stool search again. And tips on affordable, counter-height stools ... that are awesome?

We created the base the same way we created the rest of the bases, but from this angle, it looks quite skinny and almost unsteady. We'll be bulking it up just a little and bringing the base out so it's flush with the cabinets on three sides.








It's coming together! Once we finish the floor, tile, finish the trim, hang the cabinet doors, install the island countertop and install the lights we'll be done. So, you know, by next weekend. HAHA! :)

I do want to thank you all for hanging in there with us through this remodel. I'm sure you know it's taking us longer than originally planned, but you all have been so encouraging and I'm loving sharing our updates. Thanks for all your kind words friends! :)

20 comments:

  1. I am loving these updates. The kitchen is coming together in an amazing way! I love the island, and the stovetop is going to be so great right there. Oh, and the sink and faucet are perfect!

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  2. At first glimpse, I thought the overhang was too much as well, then I measured ours and it's 12" too and is great for us. Maybe it's the plywood that's throwing us off--your countertop is going to be more substantial than that thin plywood. I think I remember your saying that you have a tall husband--keep that in mind if you go any shorter on the overhang, especially if you're going to be putting decorative brackets underneath. He will be hitting his knees on them. I still do at times and we have the 12" overhang.

    As far as stools go, I may have suggested these before, but Overstock has these awesome knock-off Tolix ones that we purchased a while ago. They have them in different colors (gray, black, white,etc) and they add that industrial feel that I love. Here's the link. http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Tabouret-30-inch-Black-Metal-Bar-Stools-Set-of-2/4250367/product.html

    Good luck! And everything looks great! Especially love that faucet--how fun:)

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    1. Thanks for the input about the overhang and for the recommendation about the chairs. I really like them! I'm trying to find something with a back, but those are top of my list if I can't find any :)

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  3. The kitchen looks great! I think 12" is about normal for an overhang with some getting even bigger. I think with your cooktop being on the island, having that 12" will give you plenty of room for plates, glasses, etc. and enough leg room while eating.

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  4. Oh Jenn, this kitchen is really coming together, loving your industrial touches, especially the faucet! Too bad the barstools are not the right height. What about these:
    https://www.schooloutfitters.com/catalog/product_info/pfam_id/PFAM4033/products_id/PRO3369
    perfect for a little DIY!
    The depth of my overhang is 10" and I believe if you do anything past that you need working (not just decorative) support.
    Hope it is all finished soon so that you 2 can sit back and enjoy it!

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    1. Cathy, I always forget about those! Thanks for reminding me!

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  5. I am drooling over that faucet and sink! Love love love!

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  6. Looking good, it's really taking shape now, how exciting :) Love the sink and trendy tap too- it is so big!

    All things nice...

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  7. The island (and kitchen) looks great so far, I'm sure once you get your overhang depth figured out you'll be moving right along!

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  8. Loving how things are coming together! Is there anyway you could have the stool legs cut off to be shorter? Excited to see the stove when you get it put in!

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  9. Amazing job! I would prefer a shorter overhang. Though some make like it that big.

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  10. Love it! You have great taste!

    One thing to think about with the over hang... Will you be wanted to eat meals there? Test it out with your typical place setting and see if 8 inches gives you enough room.

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    1. Hi Sarah, that's a great idea. Especially because we want make sure we can fit a place setting behind the stovetop.

      Thanks! :)

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  11. It is coming together and yes having water is HUGE. Love the faucet. I really like the depth of our overhang. I'll measure it tonight and let you know how much it is. Our contractor suggested getting support which we did. And bummer about the stools. I know counter height can be tough. I'll let you know if I see or think of anything.

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  12. Holy moly! Its all so beautiful and exciting!! Love that farmhouse Ikea sink with that faucet. Random question...with the faucet being that high and the sink being so shallow, do you find a lot of water splashing around off onto the counter? Maybe you haven't used it enough to find out. We have that problem at my mom's kitchen and I always liked this look, just wasn't sure about the huge splash thing. Such a bummer about the stools. Great idea about the custom island out of base cabinets!!

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    1. Haha! That's a great point Sarah! We actually aren't having trouble with water splashing - yet- and I think it's because the sink is so deep. Hopefully that'll continue to be true as we use it more!

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  13. Ugh, yes the water part is so essential. It looks great, seems like you're almost to the home stretch!

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  14. I'm in love with that sink & faucet! Lovely. So excited for you that things are coming together.

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  15. Jenn, I LOVE that faucet! So sculptural and pretty. I also totally want those stools you have - where are they from???
    -Kristen@Inspired Whims

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  16. OMG!!! 100% in love with your faucet, your sink, your stools... oh ya, the whole thing! You guys have been working your butts off and the effort really shows! Totally stunning Jenn! Can't wait to see the final reveal!

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