It’s coming together…
Oh my goodness, it’s almost done!! Finally, after three weeks of work, I’m getting excited about the end product. I think my contractor has been a little disappointed in my reactions along the way. To be honest, I haven’t been able to visualize the space. There has been so much work taking place “behind the scenes”, that it’s been hard. I know the improvements to the attic, the floor, and the new insulation along an outer wall have all been great and ultimately, essential. I understand how much better it makes the house and this winter I expect I’ll be reaping the benefits. However, I have found it very difficult to get hyped up about it because it doesn’t contribute to my vision.
Last week suddenly everything started “showing”. The walls were put up and painted. The paint I chose is in the white family with a “slight” hint of mint green. I wasn’t sure when it went on if you would be able to see the green and yes you can!! It’s still just a tint but it’s powerful. I’m loving it. The cabinets are starting to get put together and it’s so exciting! One set of drawers is completed and I’m sure it was done so I can see how the colours will work together.
I haven’t mentioned the biggest piece - the flooring! When this project started, I told the contractor that the floors were not being done - that would have to be part two of my renovations. I didn’t think I could afford to do anything with them; although I had some thoughts I wasn’t sold on any particular idea. And then I changed my mind and, at the beginning of the reno asked him what we could do with the floors. I wanted to strip them of the “however many layers of paint” and then seal them. Well, he did not like that idea at all. First off, they were not good boards. They weren’t level, they had many layers of paint on them and there were gaps in between. He patiently explained that doing what I wanted was going to add days or possibly a week of extra time, they would have to bring in a big drum sander and then do an awful lot by hand because of the gaps. And he said, he didn’t know how well it would work or if it would even look good. So, I sighed and asked him what his idea would be. He took a couple of days and then came back with a flooring solution that is affordable, easier to clean (oh thank heavens) and really, quite nice looking. So, I chose my colour and they prepped the floor. When lifting the old floor, they discovered a perfectly good floor below and they also discovered no insulation. My new floor has insulation and barrier below it and I know there will be a noticeable improvement in the kitchen when the cold weather arrives.
So, overall, the kitchen is “becoming”. However, as what I’m now discovering is an “as always” when it comes to renovations, there was another wrinkle on Friday. Way back when this started and I was drawing out my first plan for the kitchen, I had taped off the island so I could make sure it would fit and work in the space. Even through all the changes, the island size remained as I first planned it. On Friday, with the walls done and the cabinets for the far wall sitting in place, we looked again. Doesn’t look like it’s going to fit, as first thought. After a lot of contemplation and me saying, “the "12” cabinet has to stay”, we made yet another change to the floor plan. Just a reminder - flexibility and acceptance of change is necessary when it comes to renovations!! Anyway, I think we’ve got it worked out. Thankfully, the contractor reminded me to let the granite sales person know. They still have to come and do their measurements but at least it won’t be a surprise when it’s not the same as the plan I handed them.
Have I mentioned how blessed I’ve been with my contractor? He and his worker moved the new fridge out of the living room and put it in place in the kitchen and unboxed the new range and also moved it in. As they are the experts, I have no doubt there was a purpose to those movements beyond making me happy. [The range isn’t hooked up yet so I can’t use it.] Having those two pieces and a few of the cabinets sitting in place has given me the last three days to “see and feel” the way it will be. I’ve had the opportunity to live a little with the functionality. My kitchen door has to open the whole way or it swings shut - therefore, I found out I need a door stop. [Cutest one picked up yesterday!] The fridge door has to open wide enough to be able to take the drawers out when scrubbing clean. So, in other words, I’ve been able to feel out the foot print of the space. What my contractor won’t know until tomorrow is that I think I need an upper cabinet. Originally there was going to be one wall with upper cabinets. That changed when the sink had to move. Now, I think I need an “anchor” on that same wall. It’s having the time in the space that’s helped me make sure it works the way I need it to and for that, I thank my contractor. I think he gets it. If he’d just followed the plan (even the revised one), I would have been presented with it all complete and couldn’t have figured out the extra details that will make this amazing.
I’m so excited to share it all with you. In fact, I cannot wait to have friends for lunch or open house cocktails or something, anything. It makes me want to host and it’s been a long time since I’ve felt like that. The other thing it’s doing is giving me some inspiration for the rest of the house. Or maybe it’s motivation. I’ve put off the painting that I planned due to the heat of the summer and I’m almost ready to get back into it. I’m going to wait for the kitchen to be finished, move everything back in, and then make a plan to finish the other rooms. [And I’m going to sort as I move the kitchen “stuff” back in. Although I sorted and downsized when I moved here, this is another opportunity to only put back into the kitchen that which will be used.]
A few things from this week: I’m thrilled the colours are working out. They are really coming together beautifully. I hope that continues with the focal pieces - sink, faucet, and cabinet handles. Turns out my planned island stools are not going to work. I was afraid they might be too tall and found out they are actually too short! Live and learn - shopping trip required! When you don’t get it right, take a breath and try again. I had the hood fan purchased and it was based on the original design. When that got changed, the fan didn’t work as well. So, I returned it and got a new style. So excited to see it installed. Important reminder: always ask if you can return items. Makes life a lot easier and not as expensive if you have to resell at a reduced price because returns aren’t allowed. The wood stove that was in the kitchen has been sold and picked up. What a relief to have it gone and to someone who is so happy with the condition and look of it. He’s putting it in a bunkhouse they have at their hunting camp. I’m thrilled to see it go to someone who will appreciate it. When I can, I give things away. With some of the increased costs on this reno, I’m very happy to recoup a little back.
This coming week will be awesome - the kitchen will be completed! Hooray!
This is the attic now, before the foam insulation is installed. So much better than before and much safer, too! This reality has started me thinking!
One of four pot light locations marked and ready! Beautiful new whitewashed cedar ceiling!
This is the far wall of the kitchen - before and after. Guess what? I’m keeping the china cabinet and moving it! The mint green is going to work so well in the new kitchen! And I’m on the lookout for mint green mugs!
Left side top is the line of cabinets that came out from the entry wall; on the bottom is the outside wall with fridge and stove.
On the right is the outside wall where the range, sink, and dishwasher will now reside.
Left: Ugly, uneven panty.
Right: New, clean space for the refrigerator!
Left: Welcome to my new doorstop!
Right: Do you remember my chest freezer? It’s been moved to the basement and something special will soon be created here!
The attic improvement is giving me ideas for this space. It’s currently holding a lot of kitchen wares as well as seasonal storage bins. Looking forward to cleaning it up!
The kitchen isn’t the only thing on the go. Yard work never seems to end. This is the first of the transplants - lots more clean up and transplanting still to come!