Time for the Kitchen!!

I've been planning my new kitchen since we moved in. We probably won't be done for another 6-8 weeks, but this project has to go quickly since we will be without a kitchen for a while. On the plus side, a lot of the work is cosmetic, and we are saving most of our cabinets. But, we will be gutting one side of the kitchen for a new cooking area!

I'm so excited about some of the new materials. We shopped around Beaumont for a new gas range, but we ultimately made an early morning drive to Houston to pick up the new one. Kenmore Pro, dual fuel (gas cooktop and electric oven), with convection oven--it's going to be perfect!





The existing space was completely not functional, with the old electric cooktop, no counter space on the sides, and having to stand next to that wall to cook...



We already ripped out the cabinet above the existing vent hood and cabinet above the cooktop, and the drawers and wall-oven area are next to go. When it's done, the range will be centered on the wall, with cabinets on both sides and traditional wall cabinets above. Since we're losing the microwave on the wall-oven, we'll be installing an over-the-range microwave with a built-in vent hood (like this Viking one from TriSupply).



On the other side of the kitchen, we'll have this new KithenAid dishwasher (purchased during tax-free energy star weekend, of course), new sinks and countertops, etc...



We've still got some planning work to do and a few materials left to buy. I'll keep you posted!

Grasscloth Dominates Entry

I've been writing about my new grasscloth for months, and it's finally on the walls! While Hubby was feeling ambitious about hanging it, the thought of scaffolding on the stairs and the possibility of ruining the grasscloth led us to a professional. He was on-time and made hanging it a breeze. If only all contractors shared his enthusiasm for being on time...

The striped wallpaper we replaced was dingy and needed an upgrade.







Now my foyer is welcoming, with the most perfect shade of grasscloth

Second Bath is Done

I've been so busy with the house that I forgot to post the updates! But, the guest bathroom is finally done (except for maybe a window treatment and little decorations). My gorgeous marble-topped vanity that we negotiated for at Lowe's and painted blue



The glass shower door that I love, even though it's not frameless



And, voila:



In case you forgot, this is what we started with, except it originally had red floral wallpaper and we discovered the toile wallpaper underneath...

trim.

Trim is finished. I am happy. Now the only person we have to depend on to show up is our plumber (who coincidentally goes to church with our contractor who flaked on us). I'm optimistic about this one. Either way, we have to get everything painted this weekend so it will be ready for the plumber on Monday. Woo!

Wall color is looking a little boring, but with my blue vanity I wanted to keep it neutral. Below is the new knob to replace the 1980's blue one.

headboard is here!

I can hardly contain myself. Our headboard is here and it's exactly what I wanted. Except for the fact that it is 4+ inches too wide. I thought that wouldn't happen since it was custom...But we'll make it work. Since we have the bathroom rolling I feel like I can finish up some last little details in the master... like side tables, etc. And our walls are naked. So let me share with some some pictures of my headboard that I designed...

Of course our duvet cover is at the cleaners, or in a ball somewhere waiting to go to the cleaners, so, sorry for the messy presentation.

grout.

I'm up past my bedtime but I wanted to share a little bit more of what we have accomplished. More thoughts to follow tomorrow.

tile.

I'll keep this post short and sweet. Tile guys came, knocked out in a day what probably would have taken us 3, poured the shower pan, and are coming back tomorrow to finish everything up. These are new people, of course, because our old contractor fell off the face of the earth.

And a little bit of paint.

walls and floors and niches oh my!

Our contractor showed up yesterday and made quite a lot of progress for one day. Tadah! We have walls, and a floor! I also finished my precious little vanity.


I went with a mint green paint scheme with clouds. What do you think?
Kidding, kidding, the greenboard is mold resistant drywall that will be textured and painted over.


Cement board in all the places that will be tiled

and...

My $20 vanity (with real marble top) and a coat of paint. Lovely.



Juliet says hi.

I'll keep you posted
-Bethany

another tale of an unreliable contractor

Our contractor, who was referred to us by friends, is supposedly reliable and trustworthy. Now, he may be trustworthy but he was supposed to start last Monday... and I am still phone stalking him with no response. Looks like our bathroom is going to continue to sit, naked, for a few more weeks while we line up another contractor. Sigh. Oh well. Let me share some pics of what I've been doing in the meantime...


I had been hanging on to a tiny swatch of fabric that I fell in love with months ago, so I finally went out and bought it. If you can use your imagination, this is the fabric, and below, the headboard. We are going to use a local upholsterer instead of making it ourselves because I am not confident we could do the nailhead detail, etc. without it looking sloppy. It is our master bedroom after all : )
And... I painted the bathroom vanity. I think it will add a nice little punch to our bathroom. The color is breezy by Sherwin Williams.

Our boatload of grasscloth. Patiently waiting to be hung. I saved about $60 a double roll by ordering it online versus at the local design store. I guess I'm more supportive of my wallet than the local economy... : ) Here is some before pics of our foyer...



I'll leave you with some pictures of the last bit of demo... hopefully soon I will have new bathroom pics to post.


And our furry little helper