Thursday, October 13, 2011

KITCHEN REMODEL...BEFORE

Oh Happy Day...the new counter tops are on, yet we still have so far to go. I took some before pictures. These are the old counters, they look like a green marble but they are actual a man made version similar to Corian. They were scratched and had some cracks and I was really sick of green. In this picture you can see the pine cabinets and white knobs. The fronts were taken off by the carpenter yesterday and he is repairing them as they were breaking off of their hinges. My counter look awfully bare here because I had spent 2 days taking everything out of the kitchen.
This picture says one thing to me: "Get the take out menus!" This is after out friend, Nuts, came and took the counter tops off. Last night we went to a place called Leona's for dinner and the night before we ordered stuffed pizza. Tonight, hmmmm...I'm not sure.
I survive on this most of the day. In between workers, I am going to slip out to the grocery store and buy things that we can keep in the fridge, that can be microwaved and eaten on a paper plate. All my food has been packed up and put in the den. All of my dishes, pots and pans, glassware, platters and a whole lot of other stuff have been relegated to the family room. We don't expect the cabinets to be done until sometime next week. Now, I have to pick out knobs and pulls. I am thinking of the brushed nickel cup shaped thingies I have at the lake. Any other suggestions of what you personally like or a place to shop for them? I was just going to mosy over to Home Depot.
These go well with coffee.
Meet The Fabricators. Peter and ? There they are taking the granite tops off the truck. And the final reveal...

...you have to wait for it because I want you to see the whole kitchen completely finished. I'm a real spoil sport.

Other than cleaning out the kitchen and then cleaning inside all the cabinets, this has been sort of like camping. We are using a lot of paper and plastic as I don't like the idea of washing dishes in the bathroom sink...even though I'd like to think it was clean, we've all had colds. And the best part, I wake up to a clean kitchen because there is nothing in it!

Well, I won't bore you any more...I am just SO EXCITED! Tomorrow Sexy Irish Plumber comes and since I didn't hesitate to get a picture of Peter and ?, I will get one of S.I.P. I lost my train of thought there...he is hooking up the sink, garbage disposal and nifty new dishwasher. And finally, just a few more weeks until my island comes. Did I mention I was excited? I will see you in a few days with something totally unrelated to my kitchen and hopefully soon it will be all done! :-)

94 comments:

The Moerks said...

How exciting. The bench tops look wonderful coming off the truck, I can't wait to see them in situ. Thank goodness for coffee eh.

The Moerks said...

Sorry, the eh after coffee is a very Aussie expression. It is pronounced more of and "aye". Sometimes these things just slip out. Have a good day. Deb

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

How exciting!!! Your granite looks beautiful, can't wait to see your new kitchen! :)

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

ooo what fun! best wishes for a smooth remodel!

Debbiedoos said...

Your killing me kid! How fun and exciting Jane! I grabbed a reeses, really did you think I couldn't? Love those things!

Karen said...

This reminds me of my kitchen remodel last year. We had a great contractor so things went very smoothly. Not sure I would want to do it again any time soon but it was so worth it!
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Lynn said...

I'm happy that you're excited Jane and can't wait to see your new kitchen! Sounds like you'll have a nice diversion tomorrow-enjoy:@)

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Janie,
First off, are you eating the trick or treator's candy??? Second, I am excited for you, too! Can't wait to see the finished kitchen!
xoxo

Linda said...

This is exciting stuff!!! Life without a kitchen - fully functioning - is a real challenge!
There is still Chinese take out...and BBQ.....and burgers and fries.....and isn't pizza a nearly perfect meal?

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Isn't it fun to remodel...well...not during the remodel but the finished product part??? You're almost there! Can"t wait to see it!~Hugs, Patti

xinex said...

I am so excited for you, Janie. I cannot wait to see your kitchen completely finished. That granite is beautiful...Christine

Simply Me said...

LOOK Beautiful !!! I bet your happy

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I'm sure it is a pain, Jane. I remember having my kitchen redone years ago and having to do the same thing. I can't wait to see your kitchen and I can't blame you for holding off and waiting to do a big reveal! I will expect to see a picture of this sexy Irish plumber! : )

Christine @ Stonehouse Living said...

Hi Jane,

Well I have been where you are right now, and it does get better. Along with all the planning, I understand your excitement! The new counter looks great coming off the truck!!
All the Best,
Christine

Stacey said...

Jane, we just went through that process in June. Funny thing is we had Corian before too. I did love that product but ours was worn also. I absolutely love my granite. The look is just amazing!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

How exciting...You're right, chocolate goes with coffee.. You are not boring us.. I cannot wait for the reveal. hugs ~lynne~

Anita Diaz said...

Oh, I can't wait to see!!! I noticed your Bunn, too, lol! We just bought a new one and love it. The old one I had for 9 years. They are so great if you drink a lot of coffee like we do!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

How exciting Jane! Your granite looks GORGEOUS can't wait to see it in!! FYI snickers go good with coffee too LOL! Martina

LuLu Kellogg said...

I can't wait to see it when it's done! Eeeeeeeeek!!! I know you are so excited! We finished our kitchen last summer and I was ELATED so I know how you feel!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

LuLu Kellogg said...

I can't wait to see it when it's done! Eeeeeeeeek!!! I know you are so excited! We finished our kitchen last summer and I was ELATED so I know how you feel!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Anonymous said...

looking good, can't wait to see the irishman!!

Honey at 2805 said...

It's really looking good. I can imagine how excited you are! We will all be waiting for the pic of S.I.P.

Sonny G said...

jane,
I am so dang tickled for you. I know this has been a dream of yours for awhile and I am thrilled its coming to fruition.

xoxoxo
Sonny

Cass @ That Old House said...

Hi Jane!
Your kitchen will be fantastic, but OY VEY what a mess and what turmoil while it all gets done.

But SIP? GET a picture, girl.

I always look at eBay for cabinet knobs and pulls -- have had excellent luck there, and some great buys.

Reeses cups and coffee? Yes, that's a good mix, for sure.
Hang in there! We want LOTS of pictures, even of the messes.
Cass

NanaDiana said...

You are SUCH a brat! I thought for sure I was going to see at least PART of the kitchen done!!!!

Now I am not sure which I am more excited to see- the kitchen or the plumber! OR...How about the plumber IN the kitchen? xo Diana

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

You are such a tease, Jane!! Can't wait to see your kitchen (and SIP)! :)

Low Tide High Style said...

I'm excited right along with you and can't wait to see the final reveal! I remember those days of eating off of paper plates, we ate a lot of sandwiches!

Kat :)

Anonymous said...

Your kitchen is going to look so beautiful ~ can't wait to see it! Coffee with french vanilla creamer and Reese's sounds heavenly! PS ~ I've heard that sexy Irish plumbers are bad news!! : )

Tricia said...

Ohhh, I can't wait to see it...I love before and afters! My husband does remodeling and your post makes me think of when we remodeled my parents' house. Their fridge was in the garage and they used a microwave in the living room :)

Tricia said...

Oh, I forgot to say something about the knobs and pulls and such. I know they're expensive, but Restoration Hardware has amazing hardware.

Nancy's Notes said...

How exciting! I'm in the middle of getting new appliances and having cabinets cut our and such, yikes! It's exciting and nerve wracking too! I can't wait to see your kitchen when it's done!

Nancy

Ashley said...

Oh how exciting! I cannot wait to see your newly remodeled kitchen. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Jocelyn said...

You are going to love this makeover. I love my granite counter tops, and I never thought I would. But they are wonderful.

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Jane
I'm looking forward to pic of SIP.. haha... and the finished kitchen.. you must be beside yourself with anticipation.. although there will be no more excuses for take-out!!!

About that coffee-mate!! death in a cup... I can say that as I am a reformed coffee-mate addict!! and 20kgs lighter for it!!

Have a great weekend.. ciao xxx Julie

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I agree with Diana, I can't wait to see the new kitchen and the sexy Irish plumber!
I understand a little of what your going thur with the kitchen, today we took off the cabinet doors to start painting them, I'm excited to see them painted white!

Emily said...

I cannot wait to see your kitchen!!! The granite looks great coming off of the truck and will look even better in your kitchen. Seriously, cannot wait for the reveal!
-emily
nestnestingnested.blogspot

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Jane...

Oooh...I love, love, LOVE getting a little peek of your new countertops, my friend! They are gorgeous...from what I can see (you little tease...hehe!) I'm sooo excited for you and can't wait to see them installed! Your new kitchen is well on it's way, dear friend! Hey...and you are getting a little vacation break from the cooking too! I don't think it gets any better than that...no cooking and a brand spankin' new kitchen! Hehe!

I love the look of the nickle drawer pulls. Hmmm...I know what style you are talking about but not sure what they are called either. Have fun, sweet friend! Just wanted to stop by and say hello and see what progress you have made! Sooo excited!!!

Love ya,
Chari

KarenB said...

How fun! Can't wait to see the final reveal. Did you find what you liked at Home Depot? Martha has some beautiful pulls that Home Depot carries. Some may be on line, but the samples are on the display at the store. They're so pretty. Sounds like you're enjoying all the "help". ;-)

Paula@SweetPea said...

I'm so excited for you! The inconvenience of camping out in your home will be so worth it once your new kitchen is complete.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I can't wait to see the finished kitchen!! When we remodeled a kitchen in the past, we used out laundry room sink for dishes. I like your idea of paper plates and take out much better!

Unknown said...

I stopped by to see how your kitchen is coming along. It looks wonderful already. Reeses, my favorite.

Have a great day.

Karen

Mary said...

Way to go Jane - looking forward to seeing the reveal later! Good luck - know with that beautiful granite it will look spectacular.

Hugs - Mary

Maggie said...

It's always a hassle going through a remodel like this but I just know it's going to be worth it.
Looking forward to the reveal.

Debbie said...

What an exciting venture! I wouldn't be able to sleep just thinking about how things are going to look.
I could live on peanut butter cups for a few days.

Always Nesting said...

I can't wait. Love what I see unloading.

Stina said...

So exiting.:-)
Nice blog you have.:-) Stina

My Grama's Soul said...

Oh Jane.....I'm so excited for you...can't wait to see the finished product. We did this several years ago and I remember the exact drill.....refrigerator was in the hallway, microwave was in the wet bar in the living room and food was in boxes on the dining room floor.....ahhhhhh what bliss!! LOL LOL LOL.

Nothing like a new kitchen though......you will be in heaven I know.

xo

Jo

Rebecca Nelson said...

Oh my gosh....I was scrolling down when I read WAIT. Bah!

Can't wait to see the big reveal. I'm sooo jealous. I want my kitchen finished so bad!

xoRebecca

Cindy Adkins said...

Wow, you must be so excited...this is gorgeous!!! Thank you so much for your sweet message...it meant so much to me.
((((Hugs)))
Cindy

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Hi Janie!

OMG, I can't wait to see what your kitchen reveal will look like!!! I had planned on painting our maple cabinets white, but it's been really hectic here that we haven't had a chance to tackle on this project quite yet! So whenever I see other kitchen redos, I get excited about it! lol

Anyway, take care and enjoy your weekend!


Hugs,
Jessie

Knitty said...

I can't wait to see the completed look! It sounds like this has gone well so far.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Your such a TEASE! I know it is going to be FAB-U-LOUS!!! LOVE that granite!!! Can't wait to see it all put together...that and...pictures of the S.I.P!!

Lou Cinda :)

laxsupermom said...

Love the movement in your granite! Can't wait to see the counters in place. And Reese's peanut butter cups are my absolute favorite. I sneak them out of the kids' trick or treating haul.

Toni said...

Your grantie looks beautiful - all the veining. Tell them to hurry up already - I want to see it finished.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi Jane Sweetie...
So happy to be able to pop over and say hello. I have been so lost without my computer, and this new laptop is a dream. I can move it around, which I really love.

Now, I am so excited for you about your new countertops and pulls. I can hardly wait to see them, so I'll be back to view more pics.

Girl, those Reese's peanut butter cups are the best. I love them. They go with coffee, tea, soda or even water. My favorite. I love the packages at Halloween especially. I have to tell you though, you had me at stuffed pizza. Yummy.

So happy you loved Miss Minnie. I can't believe the gorgeous condition that she is in. The price was definitely right, and I am working on her Halloween costume.

Have a great weekend. I will be back to see the new countertops. Many hugs and much love sweetie, Sherry

Charlene said...

Can't wait to see it all!!! I know you are tired of having everything torn up. LOVEd the idea of the bathroom sink. Hee Hee made me chuckle.
Charlene

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

How exciting. I would be beside myself! I think Home Depot is a good place to start for hardware. They have the Martha Stewart line I think. I've seen it in magazines...very nice. Have a good weekend!

Pondside said...

I don't blame you one bit for being excited - be VERY excited! I am so sick of our green counter tops - ugly old laminate. How I'd like something new and durable, but it's not in the cards this year. Enjoy your freedom from cooking and cleaning!

bj said...

ooo, Blondie...no wonder you are so excited...new countertops...how wonderful. Can't wait til the island gets there and everything is all finished....then we get the good photos...and, whatever you do...don't forget T.S.I.P.
XOXO

Sarah said...

How exciting!
I've had fun catching up with you tonight. Sorry I've been MIA. Traveling! ;-)
~ Sarah

Lynne said...

Hi Jane!
The kitchen make over is coming along nicely...I have been thinking about you... busy packing and stashing all week!

I'm glad you came up for air long enough to keep us posted!

It's so exciting!

Have a great weekend!

~Lynne
[w/L]

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

You are a spoiler Janie!!! I wanted to see that new countertop!!
Can you get a pic of sexy plumber when he comes by? lol!
I would LOVE to go back to Galena this December!! It's like a magical place at Christmas time!
It would be a good place for you and Al to start your 25th Wedding celebration! Wow...that's going to be exciting!
Just let me know dear...Dan and I would love to meet there again!!
Big Hugs and have a great weekend too,
Cindy

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

Can't wait for the big reveal...I am dying to redo our kitchen...especially the counter tops! But my husband has convinced me to wait until the kids are bigger. I guess he's right :) Chat soon, Laurel

Evi said...

it is so exciting when it all comes together. From what I can see, the granite is beautiful.
I think kitchen and bathroom remodeling is the worst.
On the other hand, not having to cook everyday is ok with me....and I do like to cook and bake....but a break is nice. The mess everywhere else in the house, where you had to store all the stuff, is what drove me crazy when we did our kitchen.I wish you smooth sailing all the way!
I found out that the kitty in the picture belongs to our new neighbors. She is still shy....does not know yet that I adore cats...
Hugs, Evi

Calypso In The Country said...

I'll take a few of those Reese's off your hands...LOL. How exciting to be redoing a kitchen. I would love to re-do ours since our cabinets are getting a bit worn. I can't wait to see yours when it is done. Thanks for stopping by with your kind comments this week. Have a wonderful weekend.
-Shelley

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Oh, it´s so exciting! I´m looking forward to see your kitchen after!!!!
Hugs,
Yvonne

Unknown said...

Your redo is going to be magnificent, Janie. Anxious to see the finished do. PB Cups go good with ANYTHING all year long ... how does one live without them?!

BJs recipe is dynamite & Maggie's is,too. So totally different tho ... delish both!
KKs a whole different flavor tho from the old fashion kind we are used to, love it.

Have a beautiful weekend.
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Daniella said...

Oh I can't wait to see!! I know it will be amazing!! I can't even imagine it!!
And yes, Resses do go well with COfee!!
xxDaniella

Babs said...

Your kitchen is going to be beautiful.The granite looks good coming off the truck... can't wait to see the reveal. Have a great weekend.

Lori said...

What a great post Jane ~ I am excited for you as this is one of the things I want to do the most ~ someday.... The only thing that bites is not having the ability to cook anything as that is when you most often get a hankering for some home cooking ~ when you can't have it. Cannot wait to see the progress. xo

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

How exciting for you! I love our granite counters and I'm sure you'll love yours! Enjoy!

Unknown said...

I am so exited for you!!!
Renovations are a pain in the butt. Courage!
For the makeup. Check the almay they have for brown eyes. The one i had is for blue eyes. I love smoky eyes :)
XO

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh, Jane! I am so excited for you! It must be so nice to see your dream kitchen materializing! Hope you are having a great weekend!...hugs...Debbie

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Good luck on your remodel. We did that in our last house & lived with the microwave sitting on a t.v. tray set up in the den. Oh, and the coffee pot was in there, too! I'm jealous of that beautiful granite -- looks fab!
:) CAS

Unknown said...

Hang in there Jane -- it is really enough to try your patience and your nerves (not to mention your culinary creativity) when in a kitchen remodel but how worth it, it will be!! Can't wait to see it all finished.

BTW, I love that you have your priorities straight -- coffee and chocolate (with some peanut butter tossed in) is totally in order ;)

Blessings!
Gail

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I can't wait to see it, Janie! And boy, does that look familiar... eating on paper plates and having things all moved around... but you are going to love it!

XO,

Sheila

Karena said...

Jane so exciting to see you having so much fun getting your kitchen redone!! Love the granite! Cannot wait to see more!

Oh I have a designer pillow Giveaway I hope you will join!

Xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

Megan said...

That's so exciting - I hope your new kitchen turns out exactly like you plan!

Debi said...

Can't wait to see the final result. I feel the excitment!

Unknown said...

your blog is so fun and sparkly and pretty!

but now i come away REALLY craving reeses peanut butter cups.

myletterstoemily said...

it will be so fun to see your new
counter tops, because there are
so many lovely choices.

podso said...

Looks great Jane --I know how disruptive it can be, but well worth it. just enjoy not cooking for awhile for you will love it in your new kitchen! Anxious to see it when it is done!

Theresa said...

You stinker! I couldn't wait to see:) I guess I'll have to! Hurry up and reveal it all! HUGS!

The Charm of Home said...

Oh, that is exciting Jane! The granite is gorgeous! This is really going to be fun! Can't wait to see it!
Sherry

Lynn said...

See ya tomorrow!
BTW--Been there, Done that!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

S.I.P. Love it! All coming together.

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Can't wait to see the reveal. To me, the kitchen is the most fabulous place to have a redo!! Linda

Barb said...

I'm excited for you, Janie. Wow, I can't wait to see it.

Hope you are having a wonderful day.

Hugs, Barb

Gypsy Heart said...

Not sure how I missed this but wow, you're going to have a beautiful kitchen when all this is completed! I would kill for space in my kitchen...it's like a small hallway and that's not good for someone that loves to cook.

You know, I use the liquid French Vanilla creamer in my coffee! :-) I usually meet a few friends for breakfast on Wed mornings at Panera's. I take a small container of my creamer ~ they have ceased laughing at me but who cares? :-)

xo
Pat

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Hi Jane, Your kitchen re-do must be so exciting for you. I can't wait to see how it all turns out, I know it will be beautiful. Take care, Jane!
Hugz,
Kim

Sue said...

Look all you want, take tons of pics, but know that you have SH (sexy husband) living with you! LOL
Your kitchen will be wonderful. Chaos will reign supreme a little while longer, however. Eating out every night gets old, btw.....
hugs, Sue

Leslie said...

ohhhhhhhh exciting!!!!! I love how it all looks already. I have asked for the same thing for xmas, a new floor and countertops.. and maybe a little island. : )
Have a fantastic night

Erin said...

Oooh, can't wait for the reveal, Jane!

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

very exciting stuff going on here! I will be back for the big reveal.