HOME DECOR: BONNIES OLD WORLD KITCHEN REMODEL

THE KITCHEN

Warm Tuscany was the feeling that Bonnie wanted in her home, along with sun-warmed colors and rich wood tones.  Her last update had been in the late 80's and she just wasn't feeling the blue and white anymore.  In fact, she wanted to change just about everything about her entire ground floor.

Her kitchen was dated, with a ceiling hung bank of cabinets and matching peninsula that made it a dark and cramped space. 



before Kitchen view with peninsula and bank of hanging cabinets



before Kitchen view - dropped ceiling with flourescents, oak cabinets

The original flourescent lights were still in the dropped ceiling, and her cabinets were typical oak with a prominent grain. 

before Kitchen - sink and window area

before Kitchen view - fridge and cabinets

She dreamed of warm hardwood floors and rich wood cabinetry in an open light-filled space with an island to work on. 

We made beautiful selections of cabinetry, granite, lighting and appliances and Alex at A Plus Kitchens made it happen. 


after Kitchen - coved ceiling, can lights and pendants


We removed the wall of cabinets and ceiling hung cupboards which opened the kitchen to the rest of the family space.  We added crown and base molding, and raised the ceiling - adding recessed can lighting and speakers for music and media.  The door to the dining room was removed and an arched doorway was created to mirror the existing arch from the entry.



In progress - Cabinets in, paint on the walls, granite on countertops


Next was added hardwood floors, beautifully crafted custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a Kohler undermount sink, brushed nickel faucet, and tumbled travertine backsplash with crackled glass tile accents.



after:  Kitchen sink area with new faucet, granite countertops, garden bay window





After Kitchen view with new hardwood flooring, travertine backsplash and window valance complete.



Backsplash detail - accented with crackled glass tiles



The paint (Dunn Edwards 'Golden Gate', added warmth, as did the bronze pendant lighting (Lamps Plus).  Bronze hardware complimented the cabinetry and accessories and new vinyl windows with blinds for light control and custom window treatments (by me) in a deep red fabric finished the picture.


before view:  kitchen eating area





after view:  kitchen eating area with new railing and sliding glass door valance


In the breakfast nook, we replaced dated metal and oak railing with custom hardwood, and added cabinets in the bar area to match the kitchen, just a step or two away. 



completed bar area



Her dear husband turned out to be quite the handyman.  He stained the railing, helped me hang my carefully crafted valances, and replaced the closet door.  Although the two valances are not identical in design, the use of the same fabric pulls the look together.

Since her floor and her cabinets were both in a deep wood tone, we opted for a painted finish on the island to break up the woodtones.  After several trips to the stone yards, we selected the granite to contrast the cabinets but still add warmth.  It has beautiful movement and color.


after Kitchen view:  stainless fridge and island detail


We also added some glass inset cabinets for display and light, and we chose GE Profile appliances, which gave her a dual range - with gas burners and electric oven.



after Kitchen view:  GE Profile appliances


Finishing details were added in the form of under-cabinet lighting, plug and switch covers in cream to blend with the travertine.

What a beautiful difference! 

before

after

FLORAL DESIGN: AN HONOR FOR A HERO

SAYING GOODBYE TO BILL ENGLISH
A WWII VETERAN

cheryl and I have been friends for nearly 30 years.

that says a lot more about her than it does of me

although I love my friends, I am notoriously bad at keeping in touch

it doesn't help that I have moved more than 20 times in my life

and changed my name through marriage

but cheryl never let me get lost

she always kept in touch

she always made a bigger effort in our friendship

remembers birthdays

likes my husband

was there when my son was born

he thinks she is family

and she is - the best kind
the kind you get to choose

no matter how busy we get

or how far apart we live

we are still close

so when her father passed away
i was honored when she asked me to arrange a few flowers for the memorial service

and the fact that he was a pearl harbor veteran and a naval hero

only made it more of an honor to be asked to contribute

i was told he loved bright flowers

so i chose the brightest i could find

after the service

he was honored with a 15 gun salute

a beautiful and solemn tribute to a WWII veteran and hero

these pictures say it all

Taps

rest in peace, Bill English

God bless

HOME DECOR: KITCHENS - THE SINK

I had to take a little break from the kitchen series - it was taking over my life....

but, here is the final posting in the series - a look at sinks and faucets

The country apron sink (undermounted) is more popular than ever

it provides a unique look whether in porcelain

stone

(brushed nickel bridge faucet with sprayer and soap dispenser)

or copper

(double bronze single hole faucets (one for purified drinking water on the left)

stainless steel (undermounted) divided sink (it is just me or does this look on the small side?)

(I really like the industrial look of the faucet and sprayer)

Consider your view when installing a sink.  If you have to face a wall, make it a little more interesting than this one!

Undermounted granite divided sink - kind of gorgeous

the undermount provides an easy to clean surface

(also love the tiny mosaic backsplash)

(single hole polished nickel faucet with integrated sprayer)

Speaking of view - this location lets you be a part of the family while cooking or cleaning up, as it faces into the adjoining family room

vintage look bridge faucet in bronze on an undermounted

apron sink

Another undermount - this porcelain sink is assymetrical - larger on one side than the other to accomodate larger pots and pans

(chrome single hole faucet with sprayer)

This extra long stainless steel sink, undermounted in marble, accomodates two full-size faucets for busy kitchen prep.

country apron sink gone industrial - this updated stainless steel version would fit into any style kitchen

an additional stainless steel sink in the island increases the prep area.

Dark hand oiled bronze bridge faucet with sprayer on an extra deep single undermounted sink

ceiling mounted pull-down faucet over a long stainless steel sink -

for a commercial or industrial style kitchen - maximizes counter space

Another stainless steel option - divided sink with larger and smaller basins

chrome faucet

or how about two equal size stainless sinks

the bridge faucet here needs to be extra large to cover both sinks

where's the sink?

the granite sink in the same material as the counter top creates an almost invisible effect

The divided undermount sink in porcelain - larger and smaller sinks - undermounted

old fashioned style brushed nickel faucet

This stainless divided sink may look equal in proportions, but has a shallow and a deep side

I like a deep single basin sink.  This one, undermounted in a marble countertop with spread chrome fixtures

What is your preference?

Do we need a divided sink? What was your favorite look?

Or your favorite style of faucet?

Even though I like a country kitchen - I really like the industrial and clean lined faucets

That might be an interesting mix..... eclectic!  See, you can get away with almost anything if you call it eclectic!

DROP ME A LINE OR LEAVE A COMMENT ON WHAT SUBJECT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ON A POST!