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 Sunday, The 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.