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Week 18: House Renovation: Stainless Steel and White Cabinets

August 21, 2012 By Rhoda 99 Comments

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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.

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All the base cabinets are in and the only area left is the above the fridge cabinet.

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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.

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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.

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Stove with microwave above will fit in these empty spaces.  I still have to find a stainless steel stove, that will be next.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Frigidaire side by side

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.

Frigidaire refrigerator

Water and ice in the door.  When you get used to that, it’s hard to go back to not having it.

Inside Frigidaire refrigerator from Lowes

Inside there’s plenty of room to hold all the groceries I will need to make this a real live working kitchen.

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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.

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Once you know where the screws go, it’s pretty easy to install.

adding shelves to Ikea cabinets

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.

pantry shelves Ikea

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.

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The glass front cabinets come with glass shelves and they were easy to install too.

Ikea kitchen drawers installed

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.

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I can stack all my pots and pans in these big drawers.

Ikea kitchen hardware

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.

granite samples

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

Lowes fan

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.

Moen faucet bathroom

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.

Moen faucet

Hall bath update

new hardware in tub

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.

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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.

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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!

You can find Lowes on here:

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Filed Under: House Renovation, Projects and How-To 99 Comments

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Comments

  1. Jenn says

    August 21, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    Your kitchen (and the rest of the house) is coming along so nicely. I’ve been meaning to comment for a while but never got the chance. The pic of your parents above finally prompted me. You are so blessed (I know you know this) to have them. Seeing them work on your house tirelessly every day just warms my heart (and sometimes teary eyed, only b/c I wish I could have that too). Your house is literally built with love. Always treasure them. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Debby says

    August 21, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Don’t comment often, but wanted to say I love watching the transformation you’re doing on your house. Looks lovely! AND your parents are so cute…they truly appear to be the epitome of “happily ever after” !

    Reply
  3. ERIKA says

    August 21, 2012 at 9:34 pm

    Hi Rhoda
    it looks more amazing at every update. Just love it. Cant wait to see the kitchen counters. Love the fridge. Yes your blessed with wonderful hardworking parents.

    Reply
  4. Michelle says

    August 21, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    Rhoda,
    Your house is coming together beautifully. And all in God’s time. So very happy for you. Thanks for update on your hardware. And your parents! 😉 Hugs!!! Michelle

    Reply
  5. Eva @ RiverCliff Cottage says

    August 22, 2012 at 6:29 am

    Rhoda
    You have really great parents. I know they must be extremely proud of you. In the picture of your mom and dad working in their potatoes, I liked the way his hand just touched her shoulder.

    Eva

    Reply
  6. Ivona says

    August 22, 2012 at 8:37 am

    Wow, you pretty much put together my dream kitchen, with the white cabinets and dark hardware.

    I was looking online at the Ikea cabinets and I’m a little overwhelmed, what model did you use?

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      August 22, 2012 at 9:16 am

      Hi, Ivona, thanks! I’m really loving the kitchen too. Ikea has Akurum base cabinets for all and then you add the door style. Mine is Adel White.

  7. Laura says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:49 am

    As much as I love seeing all you do with design, I love seeing your parents even more. They remind me SO much of my grandparents and make me think they’d be doing the same things today if they were still alive. *hugs*

    Reply
  8. Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says

    August 22, 2012 at 11:41 am

    Rhoda, it looks great. I love hearing all this positive feedback about IKEA cabinets. Although we won’t be replacing our current ones in our kitchen it’s nice to know if I wanted to do a larger remodel in our next more permanent house IKEA would be a good place to turn.

    Reply
  9. Rose Broadway says

    August 22, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    I have enjoyed lurking on your sweet blog for a long, long time. Your home is looking more beautiful by the day.

    Many blessings to you from hot and dry Missouri!!

    Rosie

    Reply
  10. Lynn says

    August 22, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Awesome! This is shaping up to be beautiful. You are truly inspiring.

    Reply
  11. Keeping it Cozy says

    August 22, 2012 at 4:08 pm

    Always love following along on your home updates! Oh my your cabinets are gorgeous. What a beautiful kitchen you are going to have!

    Reply
  12. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    August 22, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Love those cabinets and that awesome pantry! It’s coming along very nicely!

    Reply
  13. Kerri, A Pop of Pretty says

    August 22, 2012 at 7:11 pm

    Your cabinets are just gorgeous, and I LOVE that green paint. I am so excited for you! Can’t wait to watch the next month or two unfold! ~Kerri

    Reply
  14. Becca says

    August 22, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    I’ve loved IKEA for years … their products just keep getting better and better! Your kitchen is a fabulous example … LOVE what you’ve done. The white cabinets are so crisp … love how functional your new pantry will be, too! I look forward to seeing it all put together!

    Reply
  15. Arli says

    August 22, 2012 at 9:55 pm

    Kitchen’s looking great, and everything else seems to be coming along well too! Great progress, Rhoda. So excited for you.

    Reply
  16. Ardith says

    August 23, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    You are one amazing woman and I want to thank you for allowing people like me into your blog world. Congratulations on how well you have bounced back and created a brand new life for yourself. Best wishes, Ardith

    Reply
  17. Lindy says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:20 am

    The kitchen looks wonderful. Does Ikea sell paint that matches the cabinets in case of any knicks? And how will you keep the 3 or 4 inch space above the cabinets clean? And finally, what the heck is “shoe molding?” It must be “Southern” for something. lol.

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      August 24, 2012 at 8:14 am

      Lindy, I don’t know if they have touch up paint, I didn’t see it if they do. Hopefully, I won’t need it. As far as that small space above, I won’t even worry about it. It’s no different than a 12″ space in that it will probably get some dust up there, but it’s not going to bother me. I didn’t clean the top of my other cabinets hardly ever! Shoe molding is the same as quarter round around the baseboards next to hardwoods. Not sure if it’s Southern or not!

  18. Christie says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    I love your pretty home blogging, but your parents are all-stars and could be an amazing blog of their own! Truly, when do you see women of *any* age sitting on a bucket washing potatoes?! So very rarely. Their generation knows how to work, and mine (I’m 37) doesn’t even know how to do what comes so naturally to them. They are a wealth of knowledge. Please share more from them!

    I only have one grandparent living (she is 93) and I love to hear her stories about the chores she did as a child. Hmmm, I didn’t even have to do chores unless my mom got frustrated with us and made us help her once a month.

    Reply
  19. Lisa says

    August 25, 2012 at 9:00 am

    Rhoda, your kitchen looks fabulous, and your parents are seriously the cutest. They remind me of some folks in my family that like to get things done 🙂

    Reply
  20. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    August 25, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    Rhoda, I’m so thrilled for you! It’s wonderful to see how your kitchen is coming together so beautifully. Watching you take this house from eyesore to eye-candy is such fun!

    The folks at Lowe’s knew what they were doing when they made you one of their bloggers. Honestly, I think you’ve made the best use of that connection! Who would have thought that you’d be able to get a big stainless steel fridge for your kitchen? I’m really happy that this worked out for you. God is blessing you so richly.

    I’m sure you know that you have people all over the blogosphere absolutely in love with your parents. They’re just the best!

    Reply
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Thanks for stopping by! I'm Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn't have to cost a fortune and I've spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I'm here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won't you join me?

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