Monday, July 16, 2012

the transformation...kitchen #2

Our kitchen remodel started with me interviewing kitchen designers for
ideas and bids, I had a file of my favorite elements I wanted to include.
Ten years worth of magazine pages to be exact, it wasn't as bad as it sounds,
actually they all looked alike, so a pretty easy task for a designer... it seemed.

One designer suggested the refrigerator be placed where I have the hood (pretty focal
point, huh?), another suggested the island be placed across the room instead 
of the length of the room (seriously!), another wanted big bucks for painted cabinets and even
more if they were black. After three years of frustrating appointments, I decided I liked my
 ideas better than theirs and could do it for MUCH less than they were quoting.
 So I put a rough plan together, headed to Home Depot to transform stock cabinets
 into a designer kitchen, hired a contractor and the rest is history....


Since our kitchen isn't large, I wanted a minimum of upper cabinets for a more open feel.
The cabinet on the left is my office, obscured by mirrored doors.


I chose a black ceramic cook top for a clean, seamless look.
A mix of hardware including crystal knobs on the black island and the desk
 cabinet adds interest. 


Beveled harlequin tiles lend a rustic texture, I took them to ceiling for continuity.



I had the island cabinets painted by an auto body shop, they have an indestructible enamel finish.
Pantry cabinets flank the refrigerator.


Black granite and granite composite sink.



Panels on the island front for a custom look. 



Stained concrete-like product counter top for the island.


In case you missed the 'move in day' photo...



and my quick fix, painted cabinets and updated appliances...



and today...


Next kitchen post will have DETAILS of organization - what's behind the cabinets,
and the tricks I used to create a higher end look on a budget.
For example, how to stack three stock cabinets to make an office,
how to create custom looking refrigerator panels,
how to get more storage out of the smallest spaces,
and functional places to install outlets.

And, in yet another post I'll give sources and prices.

Thanks so much for coming along on the kitchen tour,
if you'd like to check out the other transformation posts
it was love at first sight (exterior) here
family room fireplace and built ins here
kitchen #1 here.



38 comments:

Katie @ Creatively Living said...

AH-MAZE-ING!!! Seriously...what a before and after! One of the best I've seen!

--Katie
@ Creatively Living

Anonymous said...

It is quite staggering some of the ideas the so-called experts come up with. Your transformation is very impressive. I keep scrolling back and trying to imagine it with the designers' suggestions! I can't wait to hear, and see, more details

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Nice job, Pam!!! Really like the island counter top. Great vision!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Fantastick job... love the change! - Susan

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! What a transformation. I can't wait to see the details.

Crissy @ House of Marlowe said...

A beautiful renovation Pam. You certainly have the knack. I love the layout of your kitchen and your beautiful finishes.

Holly Gruszka said...

Oooh...this is so interesting Pam. When exactly did you do this renovation? I love the material that you used on the island countertop - what exactly is that? I'm itching to do a kitchen renovation all over again. There are a few things I'd do differently, but I've learned a lot in 3 years since we did it - you know what I mean? One of these days I'll see that kitchen in person :)

Dana Frieling said...

So glad you're going to share your tips and tricks. Hiring a designer would have been a HUGE waste of money with your level of talent, friend!

Melissa said...

I am in the middle of interviewing kitchen designers...very frustrating when they try to move things around that doesn't make sense! Love the backsplash...can't wait to get details!

Katie {Miss Dixie} said...

It looks amazing Pam! You did such a wonderful job! Good for you for going with your own design- your style really shows through and it will be a space you love for years to come! :)

thistlewoodfarm said...

Okay....can I say that this is AMAZING? The chalkboard peeking out of the one picture made me smile. Do you mind if I post this on facebook later?

blessings,
karianne

A room with a view said...

The remodel looks amazing, Pam. Love the idea of having an auto body shop paint the cabinets - never thought of that. They look great. Splendid island, too. Gorgeous drawers and those knobs are a great accent on then. Look forward to more.

charmaine said...

What a transformation! Great job, Pam!

Lana @whatsthestorymorninglory said...

Hi Pam,
What a beautiful job. Love the kitchen. We renovated our kitchen 3 years ago. This sounds just like my story. I had saved different photos from magazines for years and knew what I wanted. After meeting with different contractors I finally found one the came back with drawings of what I was looking for. I love my new kitchen, I should really do a blog post about it. With a little research and work it is possible to save a lot of money. Love the idea of the body shop for painting. I would not have thought of that.

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Pam, I LOVE your kitchen and love hearing all the details of how it came together. The fact that you designed it all and got the look you wanted in the end is so inspirational…..and your before and afters!!! WOWZA!!!! Crazy!! Can't wait to hear more about this room!!

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Awesome! Anyone with a little creativity can do it without paying a designer I've decided!! And you have more than just a little creativity! It looks awesome and just like you!

Happy Clients said...

After seeing your beautiful kitchen one year ago, I was a bit intimidated to ask you for help. I assumed everything was very high end. I'm so glad you shared your talent for achieving beauty on a budget. Thank you for all of your work on our home- what a transformation you've made!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Amazing renovation!...So glad you went with your instincts and designed it yourself as it is stunning!...Just love the fresh look of your cabinetry!...Gorgeous job!

Leslie said...

This is wonderful Pam! We are in the midst of a re-do on our kitchen cabinets.. having them done professionally is so pricey.

I'll be looking forward to hearing more details!

leslie

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

Pam, shoot...you did an amazing job. What a great idea having your cabinets painted at an auto shop.
How are they holding up and are they shinny? How was the cost compared to painting them normally? I would love to have more info on this idea.

Calypso In The Country said...

I seriously cannot believe that is the same kitchen! Wow! You really did a transformation since move-in day. I love every detail and the fact that you made all the decisions yourself!
-Shelley

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

The transformation is fantastic! You have an amazing kitchen!!!

Dee

Jenn said...

So gorgeous!! I love all of the little details and those chairs around the island are fabulous! I would never have thought about getting the cabinets painted at an autobody shop!

Unknown said...

I love posts like this ( and I see so does everyone else! ) Your kitchen is amazing. I am stuck on mine, with no budget for it, so Im glad to see I don't have to hold out for kitchen designers. You've inspired me -did you enlarge the floor plan, or just remove the peninsula? It looks so much bigger.
See what good taste can do? You've got it!
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Karen Cooper said...

It's beautiful! I love, love, love the stools! I saw the "before" pics - did you recover the stools?

Susan said...

I absolutely adore your kitchen! Every. Single. Detail. It's magnificent! Kudos to you for going with your vision.

Amber B (Simple Dwellings) said...

Wow, Pam! This is stunning! You definitely didn't need design help. I love everything you chose. I love that you brought the tile up to the ceiling. That is such a stunning feature! And I love the idea of getting the island cabinets painted at an auto body shop. I never thought of that! Amazing, amazing, amazing! You must smile every time you walk into the kitchen!

reFresh reStyle said...

WOW! That's a great before and after! It is beautiful!

Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles said...

This is so beautiful, Pam! It's obvious that you paid attention to every detail. Who needs a stuffy designer? I can't wait to see how you did the fridge, I'd love to do the same thing!

Cindy @ a curious gardener said...

I love everything about your stylish kitchen... your clever ideas and design choices are inspired! Very pretty and I know you enjoy spending time in such a special space!

René said...

Your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous! What a transformation!

SHERRY HART said...

Beautiful kitchen Pam...you did a great job and I agree...if you want something done just do it yourself!

deborah said...

Wow!! You did an awesome transformation! Beautiful!

Keeping It Cozy said...

Gorgeous, Pam!! It looks straight out of a magazine. :-)

Marty said...

It is absoultely beautiful--- extreme make over! You did a great job on the design. Don't you love the fact you can take credit for it? Looks TWICE as big! Love your blog<3

Honey I'm Home Blog said...

Holy cow! I can hardly believe this is the same kitchen as the "move in day" photos. It looks so fabulous & totally magazine worthy. Also can't wait to see your son's room when it's complete. {I loved the before}.

Jess said...

Amazing! Where did you get those bar stools? They are SO pretty!

homednb Dallas said...

Love the details! thanks for sharing. Transform your space into a culinary masterpiece by connecting with top-notch kitchen remodel in Dallas

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