The weekends and time-off-work are usually packed with projects at our house, but the weekdays are just as busy. While Richie is off work and doing his projects, I have assignments too. FIGURE OUT WHAT I WANT IN THE KITCHEN! (this week, or else!) Richie really wants to move on the kitchen renovation and honestly I do too.. it’s just a little scary. Most DIY’ers are DIY’ers because they find satisfaction in doing a job themselves, are limited on funds and must do the work, or they’ve had bad luck hiring contractors to do work for them and in the end do a much better job themselves. For me, it’s ALL OF THE ABOVE! So I’m definitely scared to hire someone to tear up my kitchen. Maybe I’m just a control freak. Nooooooooo, not me. But I’m going to have to bite the bullet ‘cuz this girl can’t build no cabinets!

Of course, I know what I want and can see it in my head but I always worry that someone I hire won’t see it the way I do and won’t understand what I want. Maybe I’m just underestimating these folks… but I have to assume that presenting my idea is better than having no idea at all. So I did find a few pictures to inspire me and whoever I hire, but I also decided to draw out the vision in my head using my computer. It’s not the greatest computer drawings but I did my best. So here’s a look at some inspiration and the vision in my head. Now I can scratch this assignment off my list. Let me know what you think. (good or bad, thanks!)

Here’s a few pictures that inspire me. I love a nice clean, simple cabinet with a slab front and no raised trim or fussy extras. I’m also really in to having big drawers instead of standard cabinets with doors.

We also want to extend the counter top on the island so we can put a couple bar stools on the other side.

Our kitchen is what they call a “galley” kitchen and is what it is. You can’t really move anything or redesign this space. Everything has to go exactly where it is and that’s that. In a way it makes it easier because endless options can make me bananas. Here’s a shot of how it looks now.

Here’s what I drew on the computer. It gives a pretty accurate idea of what is in my head that needs to become a reality. I hope it happens!

VIEW ONE. This is a view of the west wall of the kitchen.
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VIEW TWO. This is a view of the west wall with the addition of the island.
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VIEW THREE. This is a view of the island, front and back.
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I know I want the wood to be on the darker side and the counters to be a creamy white quartz. The hardware is all brushed nickel. The stainless sink is an under counter mount and the stop top is ceramic. I want to two small very shallow box shelves over the sink area to store everyday glasses, coffee cups, and small bowls or plates for a quick grab. The area to the left will have some closed and some open storage for recipe books, and to display our large collection of Russel Wright dishes. I know some people will cringe and it has taken me two years to make this decision but I’m going to have to paint the brick wall. I know, I know… but I really have to. The brick is so porous and it stains so easily. It looks really bad in real life and if I seal it I think it will be easier to wipe down and won’t absorb the smell of all that cooking. I just gotta!

Well, that’s it. Now I just have to get some bids and make this happen. HA HA! I make it sound so easy. If anyone knows a good cabinet maker, please share with me. Thanks!