Kitchen remodel decorated for fall

It is time to show everyone my kitchen remodel. This kitchen began it’s life in 1988. We began the remodel in 2007 It is about 95 % complete….I still need to buy a fridge (black) I know , I know….why can’t Kammy just spray paint the one she has….I would but, it is just not big enough…LOL.  I was all prepared to purchase a new fridge this fall but, had to replace my new dishwasher already….errrrrrr. Yes, I have learned my lesson about warranties (I should always buy them for expensive products) and research –not just the consumer reports. My hubby and I did the complete remodel ourselves except for hanging the cabinets, putting up the backsplash in tile and a friend helped with the taping and mudding of the drywall. Yes , this was a down to the studs complete re-model. We have done all of it on a budget all for about $12,000 and without a 2nd mortgage.

I can’t believe I am posting these UGLY pictures. Now keep in mind we were starting to empty cupboards so everything is a MESS. Everything got demolished. We built archways to define the rooms –notice in this picture the straight entryway. This entryway used to have my washer and dryer – a horrible place. We added on my “studio” (a.k.a. my creative place)and put in a closet for the washer and dryer.   This is a close up of the cabinets – pretty yucky ,huh ? Fake wood baby..

New window and sliding door. Appliances and sink moved to better locations. Extra studs in the walls added. Electrical re-wired. Propane stove switched over to electric – propane is super expensive and I wanted the ease of cleaning a flat top stove.

This is the only picture of me , that I took myself. We worked hours upon hours for months. Would I do it again…probably not. Notice things like the lovely florescent lights ? The ceiling was not deep enough for canned lighting, so we went with track lighting.

  I apologize for the Elk head – We live in Colorado and my hubby hunts…. Below is a picture of the arch my hubby added to the short hall. The door to the left if the main bathroom. We added a linen closet also. The other door at the end is a small bedroom and the door to the left is another bedroom. Remember I live in a small home. My square footage is not quite 1500.

See my lovely light fixture – NOT. My hubby added the arch to the short hallway and also the large arch separating the living room from the dining room.  The living room is next to be stripped down to studs and flipped.  The kitchen cabinets are Kemper – this is the same company who makes Thomasville cabinets. They are solid oak and I got the dove tail drawers. I also upgraded the drawer fronts to match the door which cost me an extra $750 which I thought was worth it. The cabinets were the most expensive part of the remodel costing $9000.00 – that was with a 10% off sale.  I have a cookie sheet cabinet and the drawers left of the stove pull out for pots and pans. I have looked at model homes for fun from time to time and I am now a Cabinet Snob – I always have to pull out the drawers and open the doors to see how they are made. It surprises me that homes selling for $600,000.00 range , sometimes have very cheap cabinets. Yes, I am a Cabinet Snob…..  The cabinet man tried to talk me out of the corner kitchen appliance – he said they take up too my space. I wanted one and love it. I learned that if I like it and want it , I will be happy. I store my food processer and other items in it. I got probably 7 estimates on my cabinets. I am happy I did get many estimates because I got several ideas on what I wanted. The large corner area is called “City Scape” because of the staggered heights. I designed the layout. Appliances in and before the backsplash was done. We did not do granite – as it would have been 1/2 our budget. We got a laminate (free with the purchase of the cabinets – I really shopped the deals) and we can update the counter tops at a later time. I do love the color of the counter. I would have loved a farmhouse apron sink –but they at least a grand. I bought a swanstone sink a super big one – at least as big as a farmhouse apron sink and a 1/4 of the price. I love it because I can fit whole cookie sheets in it. I never used the double sink much before. I have had lots of compliments on my sink – especially from men – LOL ! If I hand wash dishes, I just put a big pan on one side to do the rinsing – easy peasey. I also got a button on the sink for the garbage disposal. This is the first garbage disposal I have ever had – I love it. The floors of course were not level – we had to lay a concrete type leveling compound through out the kitchen. This was a 3 day job –and I might add a major pain in the behind.

My new Kitchen Aid dishwasher if in….Short story I purchased LG appliances and have had MAJOR problems with all 3 – all of course after the warranty ended. I will not buy LG appliances again – EVER.

The kitchen island is a Martha Stewart from K-mart. I bought it a couple of years ago – painted it black of course. I had it in my studio but, decided to add it to my kitchen. I have new “used” furniture for my studio and they are awaiting their makeovers ! I know I should take pictures of a “neutral” season – maybe after the first of the year – maybe after I finally get that French door BLACK fridge…maybe someday.

Hugs ~ Kammy

I am linking to the following parties this week;

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ with Susan for Met. Monday

and

http://southernhospitalityblog.com with Rhoda – note this is the last Thrifty Treasures for 2009