Sunday, January 17, 2010

A Kitchen Remodel. Need I say more?


For the past ten years I have fantasized about it, daydreamed about it and desperately desired it...a kitchen remodel.

I've watched more women on HGTV receive kitchen overhauls than I can count. Each time I speak to them out loud, "Way to go Julia, LOVE your countertops!" "What are you thinking Cheryl? Argyle curtains don't work with stripes!" "Gladys, stop being so picky! Anything is better than what you had!"

I am so grateful for my functional kitchen. But, there are a few things that just aren't condusive to children,(or women who don't like to clean very often) like tile grout for one. I guess if your grout is really thin, then you'd be ok. But mine is about a mile and a half wide in between each counter tile. Giving gummy gunk, the opportunity to build and grow in between each white porcelein 4X4 square. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? I call it counter-jam.

I hate it.

The idea of a surface without ridges like a Lay's potatoe chip sets my heart a-flutter. We went shopping around for prices this weekend. Stopping off first at a local restaurant supplier, I drooled over the Le Creuset cast iron cookware.




And held back a very strong urge to passionately kiss a 48" Wolf duel fuel oven.

This here is my adorable kitchen-Vanna White, who helped me gather estimates this weekend. She is my biggest kitchen helper, and has an eye for a good deal!





There's lots of remodeling going on in my little world.

Here at Blessed...changes are about to take place as well. I have a wonderful idea for the month of February, and am working towards blessing all of you in the process. I look forward to a spiritual remodel in the hearts of many this year.

So tell me friends, any tips on the perfect kitchen? What do you have in your kitchen you couldn't live without?


20 comments:

Denise said...

Congrats on getting a kitchen remodel.

Mari said...

Oh how exciting! I remember how wonderful it was to do ours. Keep us updated along the way!

B His Girl said...

In our remodel a couple of years ago, we extended our countertops to add three bar stools. Great change. I also have a very large window to view everything going on the the backyard. Seeing the squirrels, birds, and my flowers make the kitchen work more interesting! Check HGTV for more ideas.

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Oh I'm having a little kitchen remodeling envy. I could only give mine a facelift. No major reconstruction! LOL.
I can't wait to see how yours comes along AND your plans for February!
I'm sure that everything you do is going to be fabulous!
Hugs
Kim

Jaclyn said...

Oh how fun!!! I love home makeovers...of any kind! My "must have" is my Kitchen Aid mixer. I use it SO much. And here's another...the Magic Bullet. I know, I know...cheesy infomercial product. But I seriously use it every day! Can't wait to see your after pictures!

Braley Mama said...

Yay! What fun! I love all those remodel shows too. I like to imagine how I would do my house if I could.
I love my hanging pots and pans holder. It is rod iron and I got it at pier one on clearance for 20 bucks.
Enjoy the fun of a sweet project.

Barbara said...

How exciting! Keep us posted on the remodel, it will be great to share with you. Looking forward to your ideas for February. I guess the only thing I'll be remodeling is my blog.

Sue Tornai said...

You described what I have when you described your old kitchen tile. It's not fun. I am envious of your stepping up out of the grout. Congratulations!!

Aunt Angie said...

a large window at the sink (if possible) or a kitchen table at a window to over look God's blessings). BIG STOVE/OVEN area. BIG COUNTERS--large eating area. I am thinking LARGE is the way to go with everything. The kitchen is a gathering spot.
CABINETS to hide EVERYTHING so that all is tucked away nicely!

I LOVE and miss you girl!!!

Paula V said...

Ahhh...no pictures of your kitchen. :-( I was hoping to see before and after pics...

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

I have the same 4x4 tiles on my counters. Ugh! But my real dream is to have a garbage disposal. I had one - it sat in the box on the floor of a closet for 10 years! Then we discovered our sink's pipes were too horizontal which isn't good for a disposal, so we sold it in a garage sale. When I redo my kitchen (I say "when" not "if", but truth requires me to say it's really "if"), a garbage disposal is my dream. And an oven that works properly. And cabinets with drawers! Oh, you got me going, girl!

Susan

Erin said...

Le Creuset makes me drool too!! Congrats on your new kitchen. I cannot WAIT to see pictures. We will be remodeling our kitchen soon and I cannot wait!

Blessings to you,
Erin

Anonymous said...

That is one giant whisk! :)

I don't know if you have one, but my kitchen island is the one thing I cannot imagine doing without. It is so nice to have the extra prep space, and the kids love to eat breakfast or just sit at it while I'm working. I honestly don't know if I could go back to not having one. Well, I could, but I'd probably complain a lot about it!

LisaShaw said...

Enjoy enjoy enjoy dear sister!!!

Love you.

Aspiring Mom2three said...

How exciting! The bad thing about watching all those HGTV shows gives me Kitchen envy. I have longed to redo my kitchen for a while - I desperately need a new stove (with a warming space and convection I hope) and more prep/cabinet space, durable counter space. I'm looking forward to hearing how this turns out for you!

Debbie said...

I am still waiting for my kitchen remodel - so, yes, I'm thrilled for you!!! I've always thought those "appliance garages" might be a great way to have my appliances handy on the counter but out of sight. Looking forward to the unveiling of your new kitchen :-)

Hugs,
Debbie

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

My husband... the one accessory I can't live without in my kitchen.

peace~elaine

Rachel said...

How exciting!!
Truth be told I dvr some HGTV. lol
How Fun it will be when it is all said and done.

Anonymous said...

In Christian love I would like to say that for someone who holds herself out as a writer, you have considerable trouble spelling simple English words. Conducive ... porcelain ... potato ... these are not difficult words.

Take it from me (a writer as well) ... if you take the time to spell words correctly, it will lend credibility to your writing.

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Anon, thanks for the reminder. When I changed to a new site, my spell-checker didn't come along for the ride.

You will be happy to know I've since added it.

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