A big kitchen upgrade!

We got some big upgrades completed in our kitchen!!  We had planned to do this to our kitchen, but we weren't quite planning this soon. But, I wasn't going to say no to getting it done sooner rather than later lol. There was a seam in our counter that was getting worse over time and got to the point where we were concerned about moisture getting into and under the whole counter.

We worked with a contractor (whom we know) and he couldn't have done any better, seriously he was exactly what we needed! He definately put us at ease with decision making, had good clear communication, very detailed oriented and overall a friendly, helpful person!

 

THE BEFORE:

The kitchen consisted of beautiful cherry cabinets,  a Formica brown countertop, and no backsplash. 

Surrounding our flat top stove/oven was a ledge that we found out "was to allow the kitchen area to feel like it's own." But also be a barrier for to prevent splashing when cooking. We knew when we were going to be getting the work done, this was the first thing to go, to not only add more counterspace but to open it up more!

The space always felt bare and constricted (also because of the shape), but there were no complaints about all the cabinet space we have!

 

So we consulted with our contractor and here is the plan we came up with:

• Demo the ledge wall surrounding the stove/oven as well as the wall that sticks out beside the cabinets alongside of the oven --> Extend the countertop 16 inches beyond the stove to add more countertop space & a bar stool seating area
• Remove the wine rack on the end wall cabinet and add  custom open shelving
• Add a tile backsplash
• Replace the faucet and sink
• Refinish any spots on the cabinets/shelving

This is what we completed on our own to save $$:

• Removed and added a new dinette light
• Painted the kitchen
• Replaced the hardware
• Removed ceiling fan and replaced with recessed light

 

Within 2 weeks our kitchen felt like a whole new space! We couldn't believe how much different it not only looked but felt!

THE AFTER:

We added this tile, called piazza in grey. It varies in color especially dependent on the lighting throughout the day. It complements the grey hues in the countertop as well.

I am so glad we went with this beautiful white quartz countertop! We originally were going to go with a greyer countertop, but last minute decided to check out the countertop warehouse (where we were looking at tile options) and we found "the one"!! As soon as we saw/held up the tile backsplash sample to the countertop we knew this is the one we wanted to go with!

 

The ledge surrounding the stove is gone!

As soon as our contractor removed the ledge wall, seriously it not only looked but felt different too. It just made the space feel bigger and like one big flow instead of a" separate spot for the stove." Removing the ledge also allowed for us to extend the countertop by 16 inches (plus the 6ish inches that the ledge took up) to add more counter space for not only serving food but also for the added bar stools! It was a win win!!

Aside of the stove was a wine rack, that we never used, so we definitely wanted to make use of that space. We got that removed and David (our contractor) built these BEAUTIFUL custom shelves!

 

 

Products we used in the space:

• Handles
• Tile backsplash
• Countertop (This is who we purchased through - they had a big selection!)
• Recessed lights
• Sink
• Faucet

 

Though we did not revamp the whole kitchen, it goes to show that a few changes can make a substantial difference! It's been 2 months now, and we are loving the "new to us" space and are extra loving the extra counterspace! We didn't realize what we were missing out on!

Thanks for reading friends, I appreciate the love!

 

 

Posted: 09/11/2024