A kitchen reno update and a new DIY kitchen cabinet.
Ok...I know, I know...it may seem like it's taking forever to do our kitchen and that's because it is. LOL We are tackling a lot of big jobs in this kitchen reno, like a new plank ceiling and a custom cabinet around the refrigerator, so it takes both of us to do the work, which means we only have weekends.
A few weeks ago we finished the stove hood that we built out of our old stainless steel hood.
Our latest project is the new cabinet we are building on the window wall. We are extending the cabinets that were already in place, which will double our counter space and storage on this side of the kitchen.
Everything is being built from scratch, except for a couple of cabinet doors that we found at ReStore, and it is an old house, so trying to fit a custom cabinet on walls that aren't square has been a challenge.
This is what we started with...
An empty wall with a low window sill and a wall vent. After we moved the window sill up and rerouted the vent, we began the build of the new kitchen cabinet.
Isn't it looking great? Well, besides the mess of tools all over. We found an old desk top and stuck it on top to use as a makeshift countertop. Let me tell you, having that much more counter space to cook on has been fabulous. Love it!
Here's a view of the whole thing.
The cabinets on the left, against the wall, will be slide out. I'll use them for my pantry items that have been stored in an armoire. I can't wait to fill them all up but we still have quite a bit of work to do.
Next up is to prime and paint, inside and out, and then we have to decide on countertops. Ugh, not looking forward to that but I have been gathering samples and I'll tell you all about it next time.
rue says
You'll be so happy when it's over. It's kind of like giving birth... not fun at all in the process, but well worth the end result 😉
xo,
rue
Kristi says
I hope you're right Rue. i'm just ready to see a nice clean kitchen without tools on the counters. 😉
Kim says
Doing it right and doing it yourself takes a long time, there's no doubt about that. I am sure that you are going to love every inch of that kitchen when you are done and you will be happy you took your time and made it exactly what you wanted! Enjoy that counter space!!
Kristi says
I'm sure that when we are done, it'll be great but dang...I'm sick of seeing the mess everywhere. I think the hubs is ready to move on too. 😉 It is really great having that extra counter space though!
MaryJean says
I know what it's like, we remodeled our kitchen, taking out a back door and two small windows. We then, pushed out the wall 2 ft., in place of the door and small windows we installed a bow window. This gave me an area to put my breakfast set and a nice view to our yard and woods. Although we didn't have to make new cabinets (installed new ones prior remodel) it still was moving drain pipes for the sink and building a new wall. It took time, but the wait was worth it.
Update: painted the bathroom walls around tub, window and sink. Love the blue, can't wait to finish. Next will be painting tub surround, paint additional cabinets, new floor and some odds and ends things to be done. Like you, this is done on weekends and some vacation time.
Unfortunately we don't get any extra day for the 4th. We get a comp. day, so it will be usual weekend for us. Enjoy your 4th!
Kristi says
I know you had a big remodel. Doing what you did would have taken us a year, doing what we did might take us a year ;).
It sounds like you are doing well with your bathroom. Can't wait to see pics of the finished room.
Hubs has been away a lot lately so I'm looking forward to the extra day he has. Hopefully we'll have some nice weather. Have a great 4th MJ!
MaryJean says
You seem to be moving along pretty good. I bet you'll be done by the end of the summer or sooner!
Kristi says
I certainly hope so MJ. 🙂
Shirlee says
I think you two have made a lot of progress on your kitchen reno. Doing it yourselves always takes longer, especially if you can only get to it on weekends.
Just by extending the existing cabinet, you've added so much more storage and work space (always a big plus in a kitchen). I know it's going to look great when it's all done. You have great taste!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Shirlee. I'm getting to the point that having a mess and everything ripped apart is really starting to get to me. I'm just ready to be done, at least with painting the cabinets. 😉
dkhalcomb2 says
Lots more counter space. You must be in heaven. I got rid of my microwave because I preferred the counter space. I have not missed it once. Well maybe when I had to wait an hour for a baked potato. LOL
Kristi says
I forgot how great it is to have room to put things on the counter when I'm cooking. LOL We've not had a microwave in this house and I don't miss it either, but I could see how it would be good for making a baked potato. 😉 Thanks for stopping in Debbie.
Phyllis Cooke says
Amazing progress. Thise cabinets will really make the kitchen complete.
Kristi says
Thanks Phyllis. I can't wait to see them all painted up and looking pretty.