Kitchen Remodeling

Over the the years Susan and I have become accustomed to remodeling with the "do-it-yourself" concept. When we moved into our present home we knew there would be a few changes to be made. We loved the layout, hardwoods, etc of our home, so our main emphasis was on painting all the rooms. But the kitchen was another story. This project was to be hands-off so and we completely contracted it out. This is how it looked when the previous owners lived here. Way to many too many dust collectors on top of the cabinets for us but then it wasn't our house yet.

The ultimate "before" photo. This was how it looked when the previous owners had the house

The kitchen is seemed huge to us, which was fine, but the small island needed to be put on steroids, so we had a larger one installed with a new sheet of granite on top.

Fortunately the hardwoods went completely under the old island

The new island but it sticks out like a sore thumb

It quickly became the focal point of the room and the gathering spot when friends and family visited. But now this one bright spot out-shined the rest of the kitchen. Even though the cabinets were of top-grade oak it was decided to have them painted. I had a tough time with covering up all that beautiful natural hardwood but finally warmed to the thought. While we were at it we'd have the counters, backsplash, and sink upgraded. This was definitively one job for the professionals.

First the old counter tops came out and the new tiled backsplash installed.

The new granite counters are covered up as the tile new backsplash is installed

Next came the big project - painting the cabinet and drawers. This was a three-day event and very smelly since lacquer primer and paint was used. 

Spray painting - I'm glad I didn't have to do this

Of course it wasn't pleasant, or neat, living without the use of a kitchen

And here is the finished product. We are thrilled.

Next will be new hanging lights for the over the island, but that is a do-it-yourself project.