So it is time for an update. The last post was back on September 22nd – almost three months. I tend to be somewhat single tracked, so a big project can easily side-track me.
The Accountant decided back in August or so that she did not like the floor tile in the kitchen. Back in 2011 I posted on the blog that preceded this site about humble beginnings in reference to my tiny kitchen. The photo above is from that post.
Take a look at the offensive floor tile, horrible isn’t it? I didn’t think so either. But the Accountant didn’t like it and started tearing it up. This only became worse and one thing led to another. For want of a kitchen floor a wall was lost, and all the cabinets, then all the walls, then a ceiling, then that wretched old wiring had to go, and gee those windows look terrible, let’s replace’em! Gracious me! That tired old wood floor needs refinishing – hey what about the kitchen floor – ok porcelain tiles it is. Whew!
Back in 2011 I wrote “Someday I may have that nice kitchen, but for now, I’ll keep my tiny kitchen and keep cooking for you!” Well, thanks to my bride (yes, going on eight years she is still my bride) and twelve years of saving my pennies for the project, that someday is going to be soon. A new kitchen and living / dining room all together – a great room, where we can enjoy our home and guests. Since the open kitchen is the focal point I’ll be able to interact with guests and they can still gather “in the kitchen.” Hopefully the project completes before the New Year. As a matter of fact, they are installing cabinets upstairs right now while I toil in the cold basement.
But, all this work has thrown a wrench into daily life. For a person who loves to cook, being without a kitchen for three months has not been easy. I won’t want take out food for a long, long time.
This renovation has disrupted my ability to blog, to comment on your blogs, it even impacted my end of season gardening.
I could not preserve nearly the harvest I wanted to; so I gave some away yet much of it ended up in the compost. A waste to be sure, but not a total waste. I suppose there is always next year.
To be sure I am excited about the new kitchen, twice the storage – a new stove & oven, and hooray – a dishwasher not named David. Yet, in the old space I knew where everything was and and could work very efficiently even though it was cramped. I suppose this will be like getting a new, yet better dance partner. It’ll be clumsy at first but eventually will make a wonderful partnership.
Please bear with me while we complete this project. I promise to share the results, and get back to my regular scheduled programming as soon as possible.
UPDATE 2013.12.11 Ok here’s a tease. Still clearly under construction but you get the idea. Fridge is in the basic position the stove occupied previously. Perspective is from the far side of the space, and previously not possible due to a wall.
Update #2 Door handles make it look more finished
The side board turned out rather nicely.
Still waiting on counter tops and appliances. 17 days and counting.
Until next time, Eat Well & Keep Digging!
December 10, 2013
And the photos…? When do we get to see the new kitchen? Does it have built-in special lighting for photo-shoots? Talking of “David the Dishwasher”, we did once had a “Cuthbert the coffee-machine”. Sad, but true!
December 10, 2013
Photos will be provided once I get them all in one place and can winnow them down to a coherent quantity. No special lighting but the setup will be conducive to better photos as well. I hope.
December 11, 2013
wow!! So that is what you’ve been up to!! Believe me, I know how not having a kitchen and being in transit just throws everything off!! Keep teasing us with the photos, I love before and after shots!! Soon all your guests will be entertained in style…and your bride will be very happy!!
December 13, 2013
I am really ready to start cooking again Linda. Once things get settled I’ll post the process pics.
December 13, 2013
You project looks beautiful so far. You were smart not to wait 20 years like we did. We had planned to finish very early in CSA season. Didn’t quite make the goal, and put more in the freezer that year 😉 Still remember counting how many times I went up and down the basement stairs preparing one meal. Our “lessons learned” below, albeit a bit late for you…
http://artofnaturalliving.com/2010/11/04/surviving-a-kitchen-remodel-lessons-learned-part-i/ and http://artofnaturalliving.com/2010/11/05/surviving-a-kitchen-remodel-lessons-learned-part-2/
Good luck with the rest of the project!
December 13, 2013
H Inger, Thanks for stopping by. Your lessons learned are quite good. We did act as the GC. There have been some trying bits and the project isn’t finished. That said, I believe we will come in within 5% of budget. No loans. Hate’em. Our project is stretching out quite long but we were able to control costs that way. Your tip on getting 5 a day is a good one. I miss vegetables the most.
December 14, 2013
Wow, Dave! What an improvement! When I spoke of the porch rebuild, I knew it was nothing compared to the work involved for a kitchen remodel – and mine was completely outdoors. Love the dark wood and can’t wait to see the counter tops you’ve selected. I’m sure you were inconvenienced mightily but you’re going to have a fantastic kitchen to play in very soon. Good for you!
December 16, 2013
Oh a porch rebuild is significant work no doubt John. It has been a hassle but hopefully by the new year we’ll be all done!
December 17, 2013
Well, that is QUITE stunning. I love that you were able to incorporate the exposed brick — very warm. Excellent lighting, too, with the recessing.
But your previous kitchen was adorable, too, with the vintage cabs. Your dear bride was right about the floor, though. 😉
Hang in there…it’s almost over! We start our demolition Jan. 2. Give me strength.
December 18, 2013
Thank you Gail! Everyone seems to like the brick. We’re glad we left it exposed. We saved all the pulls and the badge from the old cabinets – pulls are going for $20 each on ebay!
December 18, 2013
Cost recovery measure! Go for it!