So, the stove. My 19-year old stove broke in July. I got a new one, which I'm not super happy with -- I mean how do you keep stainless steel and those black glass tops clean? That will be the death of me! Thanks goodness I decided to get a white refrigerator two years ago.
When we got the stove, we had to rip out part of our backsplash so that's when I decided that this 19-year old, formica counter topped, warped beadboard backsplashed kitchen needed to be updated.
Our plans:
Keep the cabinets -- they are in great shape, but probably need to be stained or painted because they are pretty banged up. I think we will paint and I would save a bundle if I did it myself, but I honestly don't have the time.
Get glass for the cabinets -- I never put the glass in 2 of the cabinets -- yep, dusty dishes.
Ditch the formica countertops -- I've longed for marble or granite and I think it's time. But, I have to say, the formica still looks pretty good after all of these years.See the beautiful quartzite to the right? -- our new island top!
Find a compatible, more functional backsplash. Beadboard looked great for about 6 years ... then it started warping behind the sink. It's been that way for a good 15 years.
Change up the island. I want the island to be the centerpiece. We are going to do some fun, inexpensive (except for the countertop) things.
Add cabinets to where the desk is -- We need storage for our waffle maker, mixer, etc. Right now they are stored in our family room. I honestly thought this would be inexpensive, but it is not. The problem -- the cabinet depth is not standard. It has to be under 21 inches. Looking at vanity size cabinets, but most have to be ordered. Kind of expensive -- way more than I thought. Heading to salvage yards this week.
Get a new dishwasher. Ours is almost 20 years old. It does an okay job. I mean, sometimes we have to wash the dishes again, but it's still going. I don't want to let go, but my husband is making me.
Get a new sink -- basic stainless steel. NEVER get a white enamel sink if you have 3 boys and/or well water. Just sayin'
Remove the railing between the family room and kitchen to open up the room a bit.
So stay tuned readers. I will be posting some before and after shots over the next few weeks.
If you weren't busy enough, it looks like you are going to be very busy with your kitchen remodel. Your ideas sound great. I hope you show us pictures along the way. For your desk area, check out 18" cabinets that are usually installed over a refrigerator. A good carpenter could add a toe space at the floor. Just a thought! Good luck and glad to see you're back!!!
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