Last week was another somewhat slow week. We got delayed with the finish of the kitchen cabinets since my parents and I were going out of town. My installer will be back this Saturday to finally finish up this beautiful space. It’s really coming along and looking great, so I did take time last week to get all the drawers properly installed, as well as the doors. The only thing I haven’t conquered yet is the lazy Susan corner cabinets, upper and lower, so that’s a pretty good week. You’ll see what a difference getting these in place has made.
I’ll show you more of the details of my cabinets and why I love them so much.
All the base cabinets are in and the only area left is the above the fridge cabinet.
Here’s a good look at the massive pantry I got. When deciding on the layout, I really hoped to have room to fit a pantry since I don’t have a dedicated closet for this and this one is going to be nice. This area right inside the door was about the only space I could add one and I’m so glad I did. The corner cabinets above and below will hold Lazy Susans and those will come in handy too.
Here you can see the crown molding installed along the top, as well as the trim molding at the bottom of the base cabinets that will hide my under cabinet lighting.
Stove with microwave above will fit in these empty spaces. I still have to find a stainless steel stove, that will be next.
Here’s the blank wall that will be one big beautiful wall of subway tile soon. And my rustic 4’ shelves will be hanging here too. I can’t wait! I’ve got one more little plan to the left of these base cabinets too that I’ll share later.
To the left and right of my window are glass front cabinets. I really wanted some glass and glad I got them. More than likely, my glasses and white dishes will be housed in these cabinets.
Dishwasher will be to the right of the sink and you can see we are still working on the refrigerator panel and a little surprise cabinet above. I had a 6” filler space there and decided to add a pull out spice drawer, so you’ll have to stay tuned to see how it turns out. Cute, I hope and it will get it’s own little door! I ordered it from this online company, after seeing it used in another Ikea kitchen when I was browsing blogland.
A 24” deep upper cabinet will go over the fridge and when done, will look built in. That side cover panel will come out to the edge of the fridge to give it that built-in look. That area has been one that has sent me back to Ikea several times. The details on putting together a kitchen is mind boggling and I went back 4 times to get all the missing and necessary components to get this kitchen together properly. I think at last we are ready for the finale. I should have a few things to return when it’s all said and done. You definitely have to have some patience when doing a kitchen from Ikea, as there are many little things to consider and have on hand, like side panels, extra hardware, and the right size fridge cabinets.
So, you might notice this beautiful new thing! A gorgeous stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator. I am in love with it big time. This month’s Lowe’s challenge was to give an update to our kitchen with the giftcard we were all given as Lowe’s Creative Ideas bloggers. Well, how about that timing? Coincidental again? No way indeed! Just in time for August, my kitchen is coming together nicely and one of the things most needed in this new kitchen is a refrigerator. I had a side-by-side in my last house and I also like stainless, so I went shopping at Lowes to find a great deal and find one, I did. With my giftcard I was able to get this one on sale. It’s not a top of the line model, but will serve me well. You can spend a boat load of money on refrigerators, but I’ve never done that. This one has all the bells and whistles I need and water and ice in the door is a huge plus and luxury. With a 10% off sale and another 10% coupon, final price was just over $800 and the giftcard paid for most of it.
Talk about a blessing! I have so enjoyed my association with Lowes this year and they have helped me so much on getting my house together.
Water and ice in the door. When you get used to that, it’s hard to go back to not having it.
Inside there’s plenty of room to hold all the groceries I will need to make this a real live working kitchen.
I took time last week to get in the slides for my pantry shelves. This thing is going to be great. Ikea really builds their hardware and shelves fantastic and you would have a hard time finding better door hinges and hardware overall.
Once you know where the screws go, it’s pretty easy to install.
I borrowed my neighbor’s screw gun which came in handy. I have one, but it’s not as powerful as this one. That’s on my list to upgrade too.
I spaced the shelves out, thinking that some would need more height than others. I know this pantry is really going to come in handy for me. The shelves pull all the way out.
The glass front cabinets come with glass shelves and they were easy to install too.
My two 36” base cabinets will also be great and they all pull completely out as well. I’m so pleased with how Ikea puts their drawers together. Soft close Blum hardware also comes with these cabinets and that is one fantastic feature. Those were easy to add too.
I can stack all my pots and pans in these big drawers.
Since Ikea was having their 20% off sale, I decided to go ahead and get their hardware too and mixed it up with these 3. I love them! I’ll put the big handles on the big drawers and pantry, the pulls on the smaller drawers and the knobs on the cabinet doors. I love the mix of black hardware on white cabinets, always have. Some go for nickel, but I like contrast.
I also went granite shopping last week and found a great place in Alpharetta that I think is going to do a good job for me and they came in with the best prices for granite and installation. Update: The granite company I’m using is Legacy in Alpharetta. They had the best prices of anyone I found out there and I think they are going to be great. I saw them working in the warehouse on several pieces and they have a huge selection of all colors of granite too.
I found several in the lighter color palette that I was looking for and ended up choosing Kashmir White, above. At $32 a s.f., this one is affordable. I have about 40 s.f. in my kitchen, so it will come in at just over $1,300 and that includes a 10 year sealer. Not bad at all! I really think I’m going to love this granite and I’ve seen it in blogland more than once.
You can see how the crown molding looks here. It’s a simple crown that doesn’t touch the ceiling and this is what Ikea offers in their trim pieces. I’m fine with this look, there’s about a 3 or 4 inch space above and that will be OK with me. Putting in real crown molding is a lot more labor intensive and would cost me more money, so I’m good with this one.
I think it looks very simple and classic. The panels still have their coating on the sides, so you can still see that in the pics too. We will still have to do the backsplash subway tile too and I do believe we will tackle that one ourselves. My dad and I have both tiled and he has a wetsaw.
I’ve got a few more updates to share with you too from around the house.
A few more updates in the house, I got my lantern from my old house installed in the foyer. Love, love it! So glad I brought it with me.
My old $5 thriftstore light find came with me too and this one works great in my office. It has some cute linen shades that will go on there later (once I start unpacking boxes).
I also opted for a ceiling fan in my bedroom. The old one was falling apart. This one is simple and classic too and it’s in an antique brass finish.
I like how it looks and it will be used a lot. As much as I love a chandelier in the bedroom, I like staying cool better. My electrician added a really cool remote control wall switch in my bedroom too, which will be really nice. It allows me to control the fan from the wall, with Low Medium and High settings as well as turning the light on and off. This is great since the wiring wasn’t done separately originally.
Another update that I haven’t reported on yet. All my faucets got replaced! Moen was a sponsor at Haven and they sent me brand new bathroom faucets and that really makes a difference in updating my sinks. Thank you, Moen! This Satin Nickel finish will mix well with the chrome in the tubs.
Hall bath update
I had a plumber come out and he totally fixed both the tubs, replacing all the hardware with brand new fittings. I was so happy to see this done! Now the tubs need a really good scrubbing, I’ll get to that soon. So, you can see we are making some big progress now. I can hardly wait to get this house finished and it’s getting closer by the day.
I caught mom and dad outside last week, working in the garden. My dad even grows his own potatoes. Aren’t they cute? Dad had just come in from picking veggies and mom was scrubbing the dirt off the potatoes.
Check this out! I came outside and found this sight and had to go get my camera. I asked my mom if she minded me taking her pic and she said no. I said, now this needs to go on the blog. She just laughed! I have the hardest working folks in the world and am amazed at all they do. I hope I’m still going half as strong at their age. I’m so, so blessed to have these 2 as my parents and yes, I know that more every day.
So, that’s the latest and greatest with the house renovation. We are making some big progress and this week I’ll be doing a little painting on the vanities. Dad will be back next week and my granite installer will come out to do the template and get ready for that. I’ll do a breakdown on the kitchen costs for you later too when the kitchen all gets put together with all the components. Then, we’ll start working on those stair treads. After that, I’ll get the final things done in the bathroom and then I’ll really be getting closer. We still have to add shoe molding too around the whole house so some of that stuff will take a little time.
I don’t want to rush it and move in with things still left to do, so I’m going to try to be patient and get all those little things done before we start bringing in furniture. It will be so much easier to do projects with the house empty.
I am thrilled to be a Lowes Creative Ideas blogger and Lowes provided a giftcard for a kitchen project. I opted to get the refrigerator. All opinions and ideas are my own. Thanks to Lowes, my house is getting prettier!
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Dianne says
I love when you post pictures of your mom and dad…they are just so cute! It makes me smile…and miss my mom and dad..enjoy them..you are blessed
Sheila says
Love the progress on your house. It’s really coming along now but how about those parents of yours. So very precious. Now those are some real life people. Nothing superficial about them at all. You just gotta love ’em. So sweet.
Tanya says
Love the kitchen makeover and can’t wait to see the finished product. I also love the photos of your mom and dad. They look so sweet together and are blessed to still have each other and be as active as they are.
Theresa says
Rhoda, I am still amazed at weekly updates on house, you and parents have accomplish so much work. Love the kitchen with pull out drawers.
Tip learned on blog: Cleaning bathtub, use equal parts vinegar and dawn, this is helpful for cleaning my bathroom. Thanks for sharing pictures of parents, you know many of your viewers have fallen in love with them, they have good work ethic, enjoy seeing rewards of their garden. I would like to have some of their energy – truly amazing couple!
From middle GA fan
Kathy says
I have followed your blog for years and love your style. Your life story and house renovation are inspiring. Can’t wait for the grand finale. I am shopping for kitchen countertops…can you tell us the name of the granite company in Alpharetta?
Michelle says
Love it!!!
Laura @ the shorehouse says
Of course your dad has a wetsaw, lol. Love it. And I LOVE that picture of your parents! As my mom would say, “that’s a farmer!”
Your kitchen looks great! We are starting to plot out a kitchen renovation and after a huge attic reno (to the studs) last year, I can’t say I’m exactly looking forward. :-/ Your pics are inspirining, though! I’m having fun following your new house adventures.
Debbie Thompson says
Everything is looking great!! I love following your blog and especially love the renovation updates. My daughter, sister, niece and I are coming to Atlanta from Knoxville to do some shopping for my daughter’s house. We are going to IKEA, Ballard Design Outlet, Crate and Barrel, and The Container Store. Do you have any other suggestions for us to be sure to check out that are exclusive to Atlanta? Also, not pertaining to home decor…any good places to eat we should for sure try? We will be staying in Buckhead area. Thanks for any suggestions. We are super excited so if you see four crazies running through the Ballard Design Outlet looking for deals like your $8 lighting fixture you will know its us!
Renee S. says
A great place that is a very old Atlanta tradition is Mary Mac’s Tea Room. It’s on Ponce de Leon Avenue closer to downtown. A great place for some wonderful southern food. You won’t be disappointed.
Martina says
Your kitchen looks BEAUTIFUL!! Can’t wait to see it all put together! Love the paint color too.
Amy says
Rhoda–its AMAZING! You are all such hard workers. I love seeing the IKEA cabinets in action, the kitchen is going to be beautiful! I can’t tell you how impressed I am with what you are doing.
Amy
Betsy(@coastal-colors) says
Rhoda, Your home is lovely! It has been an amazing transformation! Your personality is really shining through your choices! I’m so happy for you! I’m also so happy that Moen sent you new bath fixtures! They’re lovely! Your parents are precious! I wish I had half of their energy! They are amazing!
Alice says
Rhoda, Your house is looking amazing; I’m sooo happy for you!! The progress is moving along very quickly….I look forward every week, like everyone else, to see what new you’ve done to your place…..I love the pictures you take of your parents, that’s something else I look forward to…Take care
Cathy says
Hi there,
Wow! Things are coming along quite nicely! I get excited every time an update comes in my email.
Re the cupboard above your fridge, my parents re-did their kitchen many years ago and the installer was the one who suggested making the upper cupboard as deep as the fridge. The new pantry was next to the fridge so everything was built to the same depth. The upper cabinet held all Mom’s long things – cookie sheets and the like. The pantry had the pull-drawers like yours. She also had the deep pot drawers like you have. I’ll tell you all of these things spoil you for a so-called “normal” kitchen. Mom and Dad decided the last time they had to buy a new fridge to go with the freezer on the bottom. If I ever have my own fridge I would not go back to either a side-by-side or a freezer-on-top model. I’ve used them all now and really like the freezer on the bottom.
Take care and I look forward to the next installment,
Cathy
Julie @ Simply Savvy says
Rhoda it is looking wonderful! It might seem slow to you but here in blog land you are making great progress on your new home. Love white cabinets and your granite choice. Looking forward to more! {It’s good to be friends with Lowe’s!}
Julie
http://gosimplysavvy.com/blog
diane says
I am always amazed at how similar yet how different our kitchen remodels are….just FYI, I found a great range at Sears for a very affordable price since I needed stainless steel. I am also putting in rustic shelving above a wine bar…can you give me some details on your shelves since my contractor is having trouble picturing the same thing I am picturing and I am trying to avoid a two hour drive to purchase old salvaged beams (although I love that idea)
I keep saying, all I need to finish is a set of parents like yours!
Kathy says
Once again—just loving all of the progress & your choices!! I’m just thrilled for you & love seeing it all come together….it’s every bit as beautiful as I knew it would be!! Alsways love seeing your sweet parents, too! What a blessing they are & I love how energetic they are! Looking forward to next weeks report! Blessings!
beth says
Wow! another great feature update! Things are really coming along now! Here’s another tip for your tub…try Lime Away. I’ve used it with great success on the hardest of stains. For the toilets, try SnoBowl cleaner (Publix should carry it). So exciting! I can just see your cream dishes in those lovely glass door cabinets. Also, I love all the local tips you’re receiving from readers in your area (i.e. Powder Springs store)….great for when you’re shopping for your stainless stove. This is exciting for all of us who follow you! We are so proud of you and what you and your parents have been able to accomplish! You are blessing us every day with your posts! You rise and shine and Give God the glory everyday! That’s something to be proud of and we’re lucky and blessed to be able to follow along in your journey!
Liz says
What fun to see your kitchen coming together! Excited to see the end result! 🙂
Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says
I love Ikea cabinets! We have them in our laundry room, and we built them ourselves. Let’s just say that I’m really, realy happy for you that you had professionals install them. It’s not hard, just so darn time consuming, especially when there are other fun projects to think of!
We also keep our plates in drawers rather than cabinets, I grew up this way too and would never go back, it’s so much easier to put things away now!
Loving watching your progress and so happy that blogging is actively helping you do it (Lowes:)
Jessica
Shelia says
Yay! Your home is coming along nicely! Love the way your pretty white cabinets look in your kitchen. Looks like you’ll have lots of space too! I’m just so thrilled for you, Rhoda!
Yes, your mom and dad are real little cuties! 🙂
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉