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Kitchen Reno: Week 7 Recap – Making a Splash

10/9/2015

6 Comments

 
Picture
Backsplash, that is. After lots of research, we picked light blue/gray subway tiles with a crackle finish but were still unsure if it would be just too darn much blue in the room.

Good news: It’s just the right amount!

Bad news: This week we turned into the clients from hell for a short while. The issue was grout. When selecting the color we went neutral, alabaster to be precise, a nice, safe choice. Too safe. We realized (after Daniel the tile man had already grouted 2 out of 3 areas) that the alabaster color was fine but we much preferred the dark outlines around the tiles on the wall that had not yet been grouted. It just looked more modern.

We debated – should we let it ride with the off-white color since it looked okay and he’d already done the work? Or risk pissing everyone off and ask for what we really wanted, a re-do with a darker color to make the backsplash tiles pop rather than blend? I think you know how that debate ended.

I have to say, Kelly at KBUI and the tile guy were remarkably cool about our past-last-minute change, even though it meant that Daniel had to quickly un-do his day’s work before everything dried and then do it all over again, in DeLorean gray this time. Everyone’s bottom line was – you need to love it. And now we do – thanks, you guys!

Continue reading, view pictures, and preview next week’s activities after the jump.

Several items were checked off the punch list this week including shelves for the sink and hutch, a colorful back panel for the hutch, and fine-tuning the cabinetry and countertops.

Ilise did an amazing job of stripping, sanding and refinishing our old kitchen table, which came from IKEA 13 years ago. Frankly, we were surprised that A) It’s made of real wood, not particle board and laminate; and B) It’s still standing. But stand it does, and it is now a Thing of Beauty.

​Unfortunately it’s a little too big for the space in its new configuration, and the color isn’t ideal either. We’re still discussing it but possibly will buy a new smaller/darker table for the kitchen and find a home for Ilise’s Super-Awesome Table downstairs in the Groovy Room. (What’s a Groovy Room, you say? A story for another post, that’s what.)

Click on the photos to enlarge and read the captions.
Next week is all about finishing the hardwood floor. We’ll pick the stain color on Monday morning (and we’re going to stick with it this time!) and then get the heck out of Dodge. We’re told the fumes will be extremely strong, so we plan to limit our time onsite until the floors are finished. I don’t know how the workers handle it, but I guess you can get used to anything.

Tune in next week for another renovation recap. You can read previous recaps here.

Do you have any house projects lined up this fall, before the holidays and “company’s coming” season? Let me know in the comments.
6 Comments
Barry Gersten link
10/10/2015 09:09:17 am

What a magnificent kitchen renovation you guys have done...I can't wait to see it in person....For two such fabulous cooks, you deserve a chef's delight !! Miss you both a lot.....xoxoxox

Reply
Ann B Johnson link
10/10/2015 01:23:23 pm

Thanks, Barry! I would love to cook you a meal in the new kitchen sometime. When are you heading North to my neck of the woods?

Reply
Shari
10/14/2015 12:51:22 pm

I agree with your late grout color change, a bit awkward but well worth the cringe. It looks fabulous!
And waiting eagerly for the groovy room post. I wouldn't know how to write *that* one!

Reply
Ann B Johnson link
10/14/2015 05:37:49 pm

If only those paisleys and peace signs could talk, amirite Shari?

Reply
Beth Herndobler
10/15/2015 05:31:20 pm

Wow! Amazing. Dark grout was def the way to go. I miss hanging with you guys so so so much!!!!!! So exciting to see the reno 👍💖

Reply
Ann B Johnson
10/15/2015 09:27:59 pm

Thanks, Beth. We miss you too! Are you still loving life in Cali?

Reply



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