Sunday, July 21, 2013

Busy In The Kitchen

We have been crazy busy this summer.  We had a few projects to do that got pushed back and now we finally have the time to get them done.  This is what our kitchen looks like now.


 This is what we started off with.


First, Scott put up the new hood and then we went shopping for granite countertops.  I have always loved the look of granite and I really liked the variations on the New Venetian Gold.  To cut costs, we demoed the kitchen ourselves.  You know, it's much easier watching it done on HGTV.  My wrists were killing me after using the sledge hammer all afternoon to break off the tile.  But all in all, it got done pretty quickly.


I was so ready to have my kitchen back at this point.


 And here is a close-up of everything all finished.  Scott did a great job on the tile.  I picked tumbled marble for the backsplash with bronze tiles for accents.


We found some great deals too.  We bought a new stainless steel refrigerator and an extra deep stainless steel sink.  Everything goes together so much better now!  And since I love that Tuscan look, I chose a rubbed bronze faucet that goes perfectly with the bronze tiles.


 Here's a close-up of the backsplash.



Now, I need to refinish the cabinets.  I want to paint them an off white with a brown glaze but I'm not sure which route to go.  I've seen some amazing before and afters with Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint and wax.  Our cabinets are oak and in great condition but I really want light cabinets to match the family room's entertainment center.  I just need to find a method that's really durable and will conceal the oak's natural grain.  I'd appreciate any suggestions.

So that's a little tour of what we've been working on.  Thanks for stopping by.

I'll be linking to: The Tablescaper for Seasonal SundayThe Dedicated House for Make it Pretty Monday, Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday, Our Home Away From Home for Tuesdays at Our Home, and Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday.



15 comments:

  1. I'm seeing a few similarities between your kitchen and mine. We started out with the 6" tiled countertops, too, and I hated those so much. We also replaced it with that same granite which is just so full of warm colors and looks amazing with everything. Your kitchen looks great!

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  2. Hi Dani, it's nice to meet you and thank you for your visit. Your kitchen looks great and I love granite, too. I'm your newest follower *_*.

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  3. Awesome Dani! Everything you updated looks terrific!

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  4. Oh, your kitchen is so beautiful. I know you're enjoying it and I'm impressed you broke up the tile with your own tiny hands! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  5. I'm your new follower and love your blog.. please visit me at Simple Pleasures...

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  6. I love the tile! It goes perfectly with a Tuscan look!

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  7. I love your tile work and countertops! I'm interested in changing up my cabinets, too, and will be watching to see what you do to yours.

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  8. Looking good! Can't wait to see the final product (I bet you can't either)!

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  9. Great kitchen reno!! You did a wonderful job - it's so much warmer now. Sally

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  10. Gorgeous kitchen reno. Congratulations! This post is so inspirational. I would love it if you would share this today at our WIW linky party. I hope you can join us! Thanks for hosting!

    Paula
    ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

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  11. Your kitchen looks awesome! I love your new changes and the Tuscan look is lovely. Very nice meeting you...hope we follow each other, so I won't miss your posts!
    FABBY

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  12. I love what you've done so far in your kitchen! Looking forward to the painted cabinets. You are one of the fan favorites today at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House! Pop on in and grab a Sunday Showcase button for your blog. Here is the link for the Sunday Showcase. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/07/sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty_28.html Hope to see your prettiness again tomorrow at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  13. I just finished my cabinets using Rustoleum refinishing kit. You don't have to do any sanding and it can be used on laminate. Check out my blog at southernseazons.blogspot.com to see how they turned out. I highly recommend this product.

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  14. Your kitchen looks beautiful. We installed granite and the same back splash. We want to paint our cabinets white also. I am so scared to do it. I am getting closer to being brave. I may have to hire out but I really want to do it myself...(Meaning my husband will be doing it...lol.)

    You guys did a really great job.

    I was wondering if you know what happened to Liz. I can't seem to find her blog?

    Have a great week
    Cathy.

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  15. Your kitchen looks lovely, Dani! We have similar oak cabinets, and trying to paint them & get good coverage to hide the grain is what is holding us back. We painted our island a dark Espresso color and we love that. We also originally had tile countertops and replaced them with Venetian Gold granite -- great minds, huh?

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