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!
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Sally
February 6, 2018 at 3:43 amLovely – both progress and the imagined end result! An elegant and timeless combination of colours with built-in longevity.
Sarah
February 6, 2018 at 10:41 amThanks so much, Sally!! xo
Jacqui
February 6, 2018 at 1:44 pmI love the style of the cabinetry. Both elegant and effortless. Nicely done. :)
Sarah
February 6, 2018 at 5:25 pmThanks so much, Jacqui! I’m really excited to see the cabinetry installed. Hopefully soon. xo
Diana Lopez
February 6, 2018 at 2:42 pmWow love it!!
Sarah
February 6, 2018 at 5:25 pmThank you, Diana!!
Payal
February 6, 2018 at 3:49 pmLooks amazing already!!! Can’t wait to see the updates…which wall paint color and cabinet colors are you going with in the end?
Sarah
February 6, 2018 at 5:26 pmThank you, Payal! I haven’t selected any wall colors yet, but the cabinetry color is a custom mixed stain, paired with “First Star” by Sherwin-Williams. xo
Maggie Smythe
February 6, 2018 at 7:25 pmMy parents have induction — I grew up with it. It’s amazing!!! Once you have it, you can’t go back — the speed and sensitivity is amazing. It really does boil water in a minute and a half!
Sarah
February 7, 2018 at 7:53 amThat is crazy! I can’t wait to test it out!!
Diane
February 6, 2018 at 9:47 pmOhhh my gosh, the floor + wall tile with the custom cabinets are going to be a total knockout! And those matte black appliances are gorgeous.
Sarah
February 7, 2018 at 7:54 amThanks so much, Diane! I’m excited to see it all come together. xo
Peggi
February 7, 2018 at 4:17 amDid you design it to match your pups?! Genius! Seriously, everything looks beautiful, and you are the most patient human on the planet…
Sarah
February 7, 2018 at 7:55 amHa! My husband begs to differ. I’m probably one of the most impatient people ever, lol! I didn’t even notice that it matches the dogs, but hey- I’m into it! xox
Caitlin
February 7, 2018 at 2:00 pmI don’t want to cause a panic, but I heard that the black stainless (which I’ve been slowly updating to) scratches easily and you’re not able to fix because the black is simply a film over stainless… Hoping someone was just being cruel when they told me this, but I’d love to know I’m wrong!
Sarah
February 7, 2018 at 2:17 pmI’ll let you know the verdict once we live with it for awhile! We don’t have kids, so I’m not overly worried about it. Fingers crossed it’s just a myth? Ha! xo
Dani
February 8, 2018 at 8:53 amIt’s going to be SO pretty!!
We are in the midst of installing the kitchen cabinets this very week, and our whole-house reno is starting to wrap up. We can’t wait to have a home again! For a while there it was hard to imagine the house looking good at all, but we finally see the end in sight and I’m beginning to remember why we bought the house :)
Your cabinets are beautiful and it’s going to be very classy with those floor tiles.
Sarah
February 8, 2018 at 1:50 pmThanks so much, Dani!! Congrats on finishing your own giant reno. I’m sure it looks fantastic and you’re happy to have your house in order again. xox
Cait
February 10, 2018 at 6:02 amwow Sarah … this is going to be beautiful when complete! I can’t wait to see …
Sarah
February 10, 2018 at 3:17 pmThanks so much, Cait!! xo
Kris
March 15, 2018 at 1:40 pmSARAH! Love following along! Getting ready for a remodel of our own! Love you tile is the neutral more gray or beige in person?
Thank u!
Can’t wait to see finished product!
Kris
Sarah
March 15, 2018 at 3:34 pmThanks so much, Kris!! Good luck with your own remodel- that’s exciting. The tile definitely reads more beige (and warmer) in person. Hope this helps!
Liz
September 11, 2020 at 5:31 pmHi Sarah,
What type of wood are your cabinets made of? Also, I know you used a custom stain, but can you tell me what you mixed together to get your final result?
Thank you!
Liz
Sarah
September 14, 2020 at 10:10 amHi Liz, the cabinets are constructed of clear alder wood. The stain was totally custom- I don’t have a formula, I’m sorry.