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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Susan says
Love how the kitchen-and your house- are coming together.
The granite is going to really tie everything together in there!
When I grow up, I want to be just like your parents 🙂
As far as cleaners, though, I have switched to almost all natural things. I LOVE vinegar with baking soda and a few drops of Dawn-it has no fumes, is safe for the environment, and it works. That Kaboom stuff is toxic to the earth-something to consider when choosing a cleaner IMO.
ann says
Wow, everything looks fabulous, I love all the choices you have made. I can’t wait to see your new home finished, You and mom and dad have done a fantastic job.
Barb @ The Everyday Home says
I just love watching your home progress and that you are doing this on a budget, but it will still be a showstopper. I wish I was there to jump in and help you out. Your parents are just the sweetest ever, they remind me so much of my own dear Mama and Daddy. I love them so much and am so blessed, too. Your kitchen is gorgeous, and thanks for sharing the granite pattern. I may look into it. I have been holding out for Carrera but omg is it ever expensive. I love that granite pattern, too. xxoo
Rhoda says
Hey, Barb, definitely check out the lighter/whiter granites. they do have a little bit of a marble look. I’m thrilled with my choice !
Debbie Thompson says
The house is looking awesome. I look forward each week to your updates and photos. My daughter, sister, niece, and I are coming to Atlanta in the next few weeks to shop for my daughter’s house. We are planning to shop at IKEA, Ballard Design Outlet, Crate and Barrel, and The Container Store. If you happen to see four crazies running through Ballard Design Outlet frantically searching for bargains such as your $8 light fixture you’ll know its us!! Are there any other places you would recommend? We are staying in Buckhead. Also, not having anything to do with home decor, are there any places to eat you would consider “not to be missed” when visiting Atlanta? If you hear your name being called out in a giggly “oh my gosh, there she is” voice you will know its me!!
Rhoda says
Hey, Debbie, it sounds like you’ve got the best places covered already, so I don’t have more to share with you. I know you’ll have fun & don’t feel bad if you don’t get an $8 light fixture at Ballards, that was a once in a lifetime fluke for me! Places to eat, there are so many great restaurants and I’m not an expert on that area down there, but I know you’ll find plenty to eat. Have a great time in the ATL!
Sheila says
This renovation has been so very enjoyable to watch and has inspired me to follow my design dreams. Your kitchen choices are lovely and I’m so looking forward to seeing the finished product. Keep up the great work you do!
Your west Michigan friend, Sheila
Sandy says
Love, love the kitchen! I’ve had oak wood cabinet in all three of our houses and I would love to have white cabinets. Anything but oak wood ones. Your kitchen is beautiful – did you put wood floors in here too? I like the IKEA cabinets and drawers. It’s so much fun joining you in your adventure. I think it is wise to get as much done before you move in even though it’s difficult to wait. I, too, must have a ceiling fan in our bedroom. It run on low all summer…day and night. My comfort comes over any decorating decisions. Function, function, function! I love the granite you picked out. I’ve never had granite in any of my kitchens. Let us know how you like it. Really enjoyed my visit today.
Sally says
I’m a recent subscriber to your blog and I just love it! The pictures of your parents are priceless! Thank you for letting us follow your kitchen remodel step-by-step.
Tammy says
WOW… things are really moving along…I have enjoyed watching the progress! Your parents are priceless! You are very lucky to have such wonderful parents. The memories you all are making together will live on forever!
Joanne B. says
Soooo happy for you ! How nice that you are getting all that help from Lowes, etc. You are their best example of using thier products and Lowes knows that! Thanks for sharing your trials and tribulations with us! After what you went through in the recent past and having to re-start your life, I know YOU know Rome wasn’t built in a day! The painstaking decisions and every nail you hammer in will make that house a home, and that, is what it is all about! God bless you and your wonderful parents for helping you! You are so blessed to have them!
sherry hart says
This is going to be a great kitchen Rhoda….excited for you!
kaye says
Everything looks great, but I wanted to comment on the stainless. Everyone is carried away these days on all the HGTV shows about the stainless, but I know first hand, it does not clean up well. You have to scrub and scrub or it streaks big time! Personally I prefer the look, I guess you could say I have the faux stainless on my fridge, and believe me it cleans up very nice. If you put the stainless cleaner on there, be sure you have plenty of time, because it will take you probably at least 15-20 min. to get the streaks off.
shirley@housepitality designsh says
Rhoda…I so enjoy seeing the progress of your home…the kitchen is coming along beautifully…really love the granite you chose….and what a way to end your post with a picture your wonderful parents..I am so happy that they have been able to be such an important part of the process of your home and blessings in your life!
Sarah says
Hi Rhoda: I LOVE Ikea and the kitchen looks fab…I also love that you chose my favorite granite Kashmire White! Isn’t it gorgeous? It has bits of green and silver and its shimmery, so beautiful. Good luck and looking forward to the finishing touches!! ;-))
Kelly - Talk of the House says
Four times to Ikea would be pure madness! Glad you were able to endure it. Love your glass front cabinets, and that score of a refrigerator was amazing! You lucky girl. Y’all are making great progress (even if it does seem slow to you.)
Cheryl says
I was trying to read your part 5 story and it shuts off. Tired om a laptop and then in frustrations switched to my iPad and still same results. Your other parts are working fine…just thought you should know. I am trying to find answers to the blog route. Thanks for the help
Janette@The2Seasos says
I have so enjoyed watching all of this come together. You have done such a great job, and I am thrilled for you.
Suzanne says
Hi Rhonda. Your kitchen and home is beautiful. I love your green paint in the kitchen. What color did you use? I cant wait for the reveal.
Rhoda says
That color is Fennel by Pratt & Lambert, but you can get it mixed at Sherwin Williams too.
Marc Jones says
Style, taste and good design! Your home is turning out gorgeous! But then again I knew it would and the hard work you have put in really shows! You decided on the white cabinets after all! It is very cottage chic! Personally after three other houses with white cabinets I have opted for painted/ glazed cabinetry but I have to admit the white is classic always! Just beautiful Rhoda! When is the house warming party? Congratulations, you deserve all these blessings coming your way!
Kim R says
The kitchen is looking great, and it’s so fun to watch the progress. I love the green! I had a suggestion…I noticed outlets on the wall between your counter top and upper cabinets. It is not too expensive to wire an outlet strip that you mount under your top cabinet, and then you won’t have cuts in your pretty tile backsplash. An example of what I’m talking about: http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=70611-170-V20GB306%2b&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3201871&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1.
Of course, I’m assuming that your dad can do the wiring for you. If you have to hire an electrician, the price would go way up.
Nicole says
Rhoda,
Everything looks so great, it’s really fun to see you remodeling your new-to-you home. I love looking at other peoples homes and seeing how they decorate! A question that I’m hoping you will have time to answer, you mentioned when you bought your IKEA cabinets that they have a sale twice a year, I was wondering if you knew when they will have the next sale on cabinets? I’m planning on an IKEA kitchen and seeing yours has got me excited to start! And you are inspiring me to start a blog 🙂
Thank you for sharing your journey with us..it means the world.
Nicole
Rhoda says
Hi, Nicole, from what I saw online it seems that they do the kitchen sale maybe twice a year. I don’t know if it is always the same timeframe, but the spring sale was around April, I think. I had no idea that I would get in on a sale, it was just a blessing that I did. It saved me at least $1,000 on my kitchen and what a help that was. I am extremely happy with my Ikea choice.
Nicole says
Thank you! I did a little research and it looks like they might have one in the Fall sometime, so I’ll keep my eyes peeled. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you! Thank you for responding. 🙂