Before we dive into today’s post about kitchens, let me just tell you about a fun giveaway coming on Monday. I’m partnering with an exciting online decor company that you’ll be reading about then AND they want to give a little something to my readers! So, don’t forget to stop back by on Monday to sign up for the giveaway. You’re gonna love it!
Kitchens are such an important part of a home, the center of living, where all the food preparation and lots of hanging out is done, so isn’t it nice to have a pretty and functional kitchen? While I would be very happy to have any of the kitchens below, mine does not resemble any of them, however, I’ll be happy to do a little facelift in there and have it a bit more functional.
(Southern Accents)
I think this one above is my favorite. So classic and traditional.
(Southern Accents)
And of course, I just love all the open shelving on this one, even though it’s probably not all that practical. Anyone have open shelving and do you like it?
(Coastal Living)
This one is so pretty and inviting too, with the warm walls and the large island. Dreamy!
(South Africa Black) Not sure where this came from
I adore the above black kitchen, take a look at how much light comes in and how open it feels. Ahhh, that is so pretty! And so we come to my kitchen. The one getting a little bit of a makeover that I’m jumping up and down about.
Our kitchen is not all that big. It’s a galley style with cabinets on both sides.
This side has an L shape with a curved corner. We’re getting ready to do a little facelift in here and looks like I’ll finally be able to get granite countertops. The previous owner put down tumbled marble tile over the old laminate and after 3 years, the grout is looking pretty dirty. Tumbled marble is also not a great idea for a countertop, as it has so many pits in it. I never feel like it’s clean. It looks pretty, just impractical to live with. So, hubby says we can do this and I’m so excited to get a little update.
It’s a functional kitchen and it gets lots of use, since I’m in here cooking every single day. I’m really loving the new tracklight in here too. The bright white light is great shining on the counters.
The eat-in breakfast area. Not one of those large and spacious kitchens, but it works for us and I’m grateful for it. Someone will ask, so I’ll tell you the paint color in here is Laura Ashley Olive 4 (from Lowes).
Do your counters look this cluttered? Real life here!
See my little shelf area? I’ve got a little something planned for that too, so can’t wait to share that with you.
I also hate my white sink and faucet. Would never pick that for a kitchen, so I can’t wait to replace these too. I’m looking at the granite composite sinks (black undermount) and it will be so nice to have everything seamless and get away from a dirty white sinkbowl. This one shows every pot mark and is impossible to keep clean. Now, should I get an oil-rubbed bronze faucet or a brushed nickel one? I’m debating that one. I’m leaning towards oil-rubbed bronze, cause I like that look so much. Any of you with the ORB, have you had any problems with it turning colors on you? I want something that will stand up to years of use. I had brushed stainless in my last house and it was easy maintenance. This will never be a true dream kitchen, but it’s just fine with me and I will be tickled pink to get a new countertop. I don’t sit around dreaming of new houses or dream kitchens anymore. I’m just thankful to have the one I’ve got.
This is the granite we are looking at. It’s called Napoli and I like the colors in it. We are keeping the backsplash we have, so I need something that will work with it. I was thinking about going dark with my white cabinets, but from what I’ve heard, dark granite shows every fingerprint and spot and it’s a nightmare to keep it looking good. Anyone have experience with that? I’d love to hear it all. I even got feedback from the granite people that they had so many complaints about the shiny dark granite and he told me that honed was just about as bad. Honed is pretty too, but more expensive and my hubby really didn’t like the looks of honed, so this is what we settled on.
Close up of the granite. This was very similar to the granite tiles I had in my old kitchen and it never looked dirty, so I don’t think I can go wrong with this. It has enough black and white mixed that it brings out the white in the cabinets, yet the black and gold gives it interest and ties it into the backsplash. So, I think this is the one!
Here’s the granite sink I’m looking at, Blanco Silgranite undermount. Home Depot also has a version by Pegasus that is less expensive, so that might be an option too. Anyone have that one?
And this faucet was a favorite of mine from my old kitchen and I had it in brushed stainless. This time I think I’m going for the oil-rubbed bronze. This is the Marielle by Price Pfister.
Also, have any of you bought kitchen knobs on Ebay? I bought some matte black ones 2 years ago that are already changing colors. The black has worn off especially on the knobs we use a lot. So, I’m going to get oil-rubbed bronze ones to replace. Do any of you have any favorite sellers or sources for knobs that won’t turn for a good price?
Can’t wait to do it in the next few weeks! I’d love to hear from all of you who have granite countertops. What color do you have and do you love it?? Do tell, let me hear all about your kitchens, what you have now that you like and what you’d love to change if you could!
Edited to ADD: In case you’re new to my blog, I posted last year about the kitchen renovation we did in my OLD kitchen in Georgia, so this little kitchen update is small compared to that one. You can see the pics here. I was really proud of how that one came out.
Birmingham Girls! I have just found out that the flea market is NOT opening this month, so we will have to reschedule that for another month. Apparently, they are doing construction at the fair grounds, so I’m hoping May will work out if they have it open again by then.
Rhonda,
I don’t have a blog, but I come to yours daily. I noticed your choice of the Marielle by Price Pfister. I have that model in the oil-rubbed bronze purchased in the fall of 2004. I like the looks of it, but if I were purchasing again I would go with Delta that carries one like the Marielle. I have replaced the “guts” of mine twice which has cost me around 150.00 to200.00 each time I had a plumber to come to the house. The Delta costs around 500.00 in my area, but what I paid for the Marielle and the two repairs I could have bought the Delta. Just thought I would share my experience. Good luck with your kitchen.
Mary
I have St. Cecelia granite and I love it because it doesn’t show all the finger prints. A friend has Uba Tuba and it shows EVERY fingerprint (she has three sons, so it gets lots of fingerprints). I have a bronze Delta faucet I got from http://www.faucetdepot.com. I shopped around and they had the best price on the one I wanted. It was much less than Home Depot or Lowe’s. I also bought my undermount sink on eBay. It was new in the box. Some builder had apparently purchased it for a project that didn’t happen. That was a great deal.
I love kitchen renovation! We just remodeled our kitchen last summer. I LOVE it! Please visit my blog and view all the pictures -including a before and after! And I love my granite! Then again, any thing is a step up from country blue formica!!! Thanks for sharing yours!
http://theclarkinfamily.blogspot.com/search/label/kitchen
How exciting! I can’t wait until a kitchen redo is in the works here!!
One thing I did do when we bought the house was change out the knobs in our kitchen. I purchased them from ebay from: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZcabinethardwaredesignsQQhtZ-1
I found the exact knobs for almost $4 a piece more at Lowe’s. I did get the polished nickel and ours have held up fabulously. He has super high ratings and has SOLD TONS!! I think you would be happy with him, though I haven’t checked his stuff in a while.
As for the Black kitchen…I love it! It was in either Southern Accents or Traditional Home and they showcased that black kitchen and a totally white traditional kitchen back to back. If I get the chance I will look back through my issues.
Good luck on your undertaking, I know you are excited about the granite countertops. Can’t wait to see updated pictures after you put your magic on it.
I love the granite you chose. it has enough color and movement to keep it interesting but still neutral. Any darker and honestly it’s a nightmare to see if it needs to be cleaned. I think mine looks clean then I see it from anothe room with light bouncing off it and see crumbs, smear marks, etc. I really like the one you chose. If I had my druthers, I’d have something just like it!
i love oil rubbed bronze! when we bought our home abotu 8 months ago i purchased all of our hardware from ebay (i think i paid $80 compared to $200 i saw at lowes!) i got a very similar faucet and i LOVE it. here is a link to my blog if you want to see
http://mopsmommyof4.blogspot.com/2008/08/house-update.html
oh and here is a finsihed before and after if you are interested
http://mopsmommyof4.blogspot.com/2009/01/weekend-ready.html
love reading your blog and you have some great ideas keep it up!
Hey Rhoda~
The granite is pretty, but I love the dark granite with white cabs, too. Either one will be nice after having the tile. It will sure change the look of the kitchen a lot!
Donna
Rhoda,
The first kitchen picture you shared is very close to my kitchen at the lake house (still under renovation) with white on white open shelving. I am going to display good white ironstone dishes on the shelves and keep the everyday dishes in a lower cabinet. That way all I have to do is wash the white ones up when we use them sporadically. I hope it works because I have wanted it for so long.
I have white subway tile below the shelves and a stone floor. I looked at every countertop available and decided on silestone in white with some specks of color. The lower cabinets have beadboard fronts and they are painted a dark green. I’m using the C cup pulls and haven’t picked out the knobs for the doors. I have also picked out some pendant lighting.
I will post pictures when it is all finished!
xoxo
Jane
Well, I do have absolute black honed granite with white cabinets. I wanted a matte black and really wanted soapstone, but too expensive. So, I do still love it after 4 yrs. I just clean it with alcohol or windex. Looks fine. But I’m not too anal about it. You can see pics at brownhouseforsale.blogspot.com
b/c my house is for sale. I’ll try to email a better pic b/c this does not do the kitchen justice.
:)Keri
Can’t wait to see it Rhoda!
~Misti
Rhoda, I don’t know anything about Granite counters because I have Corian. I just wanted to make a suggestion regarding your kitchen hardware/knobs. How about removing what you have an painting them? I’m going to e-mail you a picture of our Powder Room that has the oil rubbed faucet we recently installed and all the accessories that I PAINTED with the Rustoleum paint. I painted our knobs in our old house with this stuff and it was awesome! Just remove your knobs, place in a styrofoam block like floral oasis (having placed the screw back on the back for something to stick into the styrofoam) then paint away. The can of paint (I brush it on, is about $10 – $11)
Blessings,
Sher
Oh I love the kitchens! I am also looking forward to seeing your kitchen facelift. We just finished a makeover of our main bathroom, and the kitchen is the next thing on my agenda. After this inspirational post
I can’t get to it quick enough!
Have a great weekend!
Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee
Rhoda, Your kitchen is so pretty, and I know you will love the granite. We chose Silestone a few years ago and love it. There is no maintenance with it and it is beautiful. We have ORB fixture in our bathroom and love them…so that would be my choice for your kitchen. Love the embellishment on the cabinet doors, too. Linda
I have black granite in my kitchen with white cabinets. It does show water spots, but not fingerprints. I never really thought of it as a big problem. I want my counters to be clean and so I like the fact that I can see the dirt if it is there. I wanted honed, but the builder didn’t offer it. So, I got the closest thing. You can see it on my blog, probably under the decorating label. I’m wondering if you might like the black counters with the black sink. I have a brushed stainless sink and faucet because again, there weren’t many options. Little changes make a big difference. Whatever you do, you’ll love it.
My husband is a 2nd generation tile setter/business owner so being married to him, I have learned a lot. It amazes me how the tile that you have chosen can easily go under several different names and be pretty much the same thing. We have giallo ornamental or santa cecilia that look the same. I totally agree that the tumbled stuff for the countertops is so entirely impractical. What were they thinking. So normal as a backsplash. Have you looked into a blacker granite with larger deposits in it. My parents installed something similar and let me tell you, their stuff hides the dirt and grime sooo easily. I would agree that the more solid blacks would show a lot but the stuff with deposits is great for that. Baltic Brown is one good example. Browns would also work well with your backsplash. Autumn Harmony is a new favorite of mine.
I know someone that has ORB faucets and they show the mineral deposits so badly. They just appear dirty all of the time.
Good luck with you makeover. Can’t wait to see the final picture.
Hi Rhoda…I like your granite choice. I have the Baltic Brown granite and love it. It’s a darker granite but doesn’t show all the finger prints etc that the black granite does. They are easy to care for…just use a cutting board because you will make marks over time if you don’t. I love that I can put my hot pans right out of the oven on the counters. They sure are durable and they make your kitchen so pretty. Can’t wait to see your finished kitchen. Connie
Rhoda, I like that choice! I have dark granite (came with the house when we bought it), but I really prefer a lighter color. That will be great. I would like to upgrade my sink fixture and sink itself. They put in one of those acrylic sinks which makes NO sense in a kitchen. I hate it. I would prefer either a stainless steel or a porcelain sink either one rather than this thing. I also have white fixtures, and I hate them, too! LOL! I plan to upgrade to a much fancier fixture (my cousin’s an architect, and I will go on his recommendation… I don’t mind spending money on something great because a faucet is major jewelry/eye candy for your kitchen).
Now, the getaway in St. A doesn’t have a fancy kitchen, but at least we have a decent sink. Also really cool knobs and a hardwood floor. But there I go on my stuff. LOL! Let’s get back to yours… I like what you’re thinking for yours and can’t wait to see where you go with it. 🙂
Love you…
XO,
Sheila
I have the exact same granite in my house. I currently have stained oak cabinets and want a cream with a glazed finish. I thought the granite would look great with light colored cabinets. Glad to know I wasn’t the only one! We’ve only been in this house for 7 months, but I haven’t had any trouble with keeping the granite clean. I really like the method granite cleaner. Works well and smells amazing! Also, I vote for the oil rubbed bronze faucet. Normally, I’m a matchy matchy person and would say go stainless to match the appliances, but I think ORB would look wonderful with the rest of your kitchen! I had those in my previous home in the bathrooms and loved them! Had them for 5 years and no problems keeping them clean. Enjoyed reading your blog!
Wow, girls! You have really given me a ton of things to think about. I've read each & every comment & suggestion and believe me, I'm listenting!!
In fact, I've already changed my mind on the ORB faucet, after Chris at Just Beachy emailed me a pic of HER faucet, which is exactly the one I was looking at & hers has not held up well at all & the finish is coming off. I don't want that to happen in 5 years, so I must make decisions that will last a long time for us.
So, I think the faucet choice will be brushed nickel, now to find just the right faucet!
I am going to bring home the granite samples again too just to be sure I'm making the perfect choice for me. They had New Venetian Gold too that we initially ruled out, but after seeing a couple of you with that one, I'm going to bring home the samples again and live with them a few days. It will be at least 3 weeks before we get started, so I should have all my homework done by then & have a new sink & faucet in place.
The sink is pretty definite, I'm going to go with a double bowl black granite sink & I really think I'll enjoy that.
A few of you asked questions, so I'll answer those here:
MJ, the space above my cabinets is 18" from the crown to the ceiling. The cabinets are probably 3 to 4 inches below the crown, so there is at least 22 inches or so to put things up top & I do enjoy having stuff up there.
Touch of Country mentioned adding trim to the bottom of my cabinets, but that's not a possibility since the cabinet doors come all the way to the bottom of the frame.
Dawn, you were asking about how I like wood floors in the kitchen. Love them! They are great to work on. I had tile in my old kitchen & yes, the wood is much easier to stand on. And it's easy to damp mop & keep clean. Not to mention, it's pretty!
Thanks to ALL of you for taking the time to stop by & give me your ideas and opionions. Believe me, I'm taking them to heart! I want to make the right decision on this since it will be done only ONCE. I want to pick the best for us.
I'll keep you all posted as you know by now!
Hi, this is my first visit to your blog and it is really wonderful! Seen you over at Nesting Place and such so I am glad I visited today. How exciting to do a kitchen re do!! There are so many choices for the kitchen and as we spend so much time in that room, wow, it can be overwhelming. So many beautiful choices to make. The granite you picked is my favorite although we ended up with the black granite with the green and gold flakes because it was cheaper. My husband is a homebuilder and he uses the one you chose often and it has never looked bad yet. Great choice. I’ll keep checking back, can’t wait to see what you decide on with everything. If you’re like me you’ll change your mind several times ha ha.