Kitchen Reno – Progress Update #5
Things are really starting to move in the kitchen, and I couldn’t be happier! We’re pretty much playing the waiting game again, but it already looks SO different than my last update. We have appliances, everything is ordered / in transit, and the kitchen actually feels like a room again. Click through for the latest!
In case you missed the first four updates, find them here: Kitchen Update #1 // Kitchen Update #2 / Kitchen Update #3 / Kitchen Update #4
First of all, I have to apologize for the mix of crappy iPhone photos. As I document our reno process, sometimes it’s easier to snap quick phone images rather than going to the hassle of setting up my SLR and tripod. You get the point! It’ll make the after images that much more beautiful. Ha!
As you can tell, the drywall is finished and primed! It’s perfectly smooth- Emmett and his buddy Kris did such an amazing job. He spent a week hanging the drywall and Kris came over every night the following week to help him tape, mud, and sand the drywall. I pretty much locked myself and the dogs in my office, tried to stay out the way, then followed up with vacuuming and dusting once they wrapped up each night. Drywall dust is the devil.
Trim is also installed- I’m always amazed at how much better and more finished it makes a room look. Our kitchen window hasn’t been framed the entire time we’ve lived here. A year and a half living with insulation, studs, and exposed drywall showing… I almost forgot just how great that window is. Once it’s all said and done, I can’t wait to do dishes here and look out the window at our beautiful backyard and mountain view.
The appliances were also delivered! If you caught that on Insta stories… it was the day I saved the pair of poodles. We’re currently only using the new fridge, but hopefully soon enough, the cabinetry will be installed and we can enjoy our new wall oven / microwave combo shown above. We won’t be able to use the cooktop until the countertop is in- so we have more waiting to do before that happens. It’ll be one of the last steps.
We bought the appliances on Black Friday to save money and it has taken then forever to come in. I’m not sure if it was a finish thing… but the entire black stainless line was backordered in a bad, bad way. We’ll be leaving them in the plastic, covered in moving blankets to ensure they don’t get damaged during the remainder of the reno process.
Our college roomies hooked us up with a beautiful cooktop (perks of having super nice friends with cool jobs)… we’re really excited to use the induction technology. We’ve always had gas, but have heard amazing feedback about cooking with induction. Do any of you have induction cooktops?
I have my work cut out for me… I still need to fill nail holes on the trim, sand, and begin painting (that’s always my job). I typically choose paints colors at the end of a project, but Emmett is pressuring me to go against my routine and get it taken care of before cabinetry is installed. I know it will be easier, but it goes against everything I believe in.
You’ll also notice the backer board on the floor. The ugly plywood subfloor is covered and ready for tile! I’m trying to convince Emmett to install heated, radiant floors and I think we’re about 50/50… it’s kind of expensive, but I’m still crossing my fingers. The tile is on the way, and of course- it’s scheduled to arrive while we’re away on vacation. Therefore, everything got pushed back a few weeks. Part of me is bummed, but part of me has waited so long I don’t even care anymore. I know it will be worth it and will make returning home from the beach so much easier.
Speaking of tile… do you guys want a peek at the materials you’ll be seeing in our kitchen? I’m assuming you do. I’ve been keeping it on the down low, just in case anything changes. Here’s what we’ve locked in so far (shown below):
- Stain & Paint Colors
- Door Style (I custom designed it)
- Floor & Wall Tile
I’ll be sure to tag sources and create a ‘Shop the Look’ once we’re further along. I just wanted to give you guys a sneak peek. Cabinetry is in production (woohooo!!) and I’ll have a BIG kitchen update for you at the end of February! In the meantime, we’re playing the waiting game and plan to enjoy our break and getaway to the Dominican Republic next week.
Thanks for following our process and for enduring the ugly photos. I can promise you, it will be beautiful someday soon. The hard work is already paying off. I know that was a little bit of a teaser post- more to come soon!