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.