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Big Black Dog: My Kitchen Metamorphosis

September 27, 2009

My Kitchen Metamorphosis


We have lived in many homes but I have never had a good baker's kitchen. Could I bake successfully...sure but it was not easy. In one of our homes the sink was about 12' from the refrigerator and the refrigerator opened on the wrong side. Every time I baked I was exhausted afterwards! In another home I had about 2' of counter space and had to cool cookies on the stove top!

So when my husband decided we were doing a complete renovation and remodel on our home, I so wanted the kitchen of my dreams! But when I started pricing cabinets I knew my baker's kitchen was still going to be a dream, a very distant dream. Cabinets are so expensive! But then I came upon a cabinet that was very reasonably priced and the quality was wonderful! Because the cabinets were so reasonable I could have every single thing in my kitchen I ever wanted and then some. It was like a Fairy Godmother had waved a magic wand. I don't think I need to tell you how much fun designing my kitchen was from this point on!

It took me at least three months to design my kitchen. The over all design I finished in about a month, but the tweaking took forever! This might sound silly but deciding which cabinets for dishes, food, mixing bowls and where to put the trash did take some consideration and hard decisions. Every inch was important and could make a huge difference! But when the design was finalized and the cabinets ordered, I was so happy.

My kitchen has an eating area in a 7-window bay so I wanted something that would accentuate the entire kitchen and eating area which meant I had to do something special with the ceiling. After looking and researching for months I finally found a tongue and groove foam board to put on the ceiling. It was not expensive and light weight and worked out perfectly.

Here's my carpenter, Steve, and his son Josh putting in the ceiling.


Kitceiling5


Here's the completed ceiling. You can see how the tongue and groove ceiling accentuates the expanse of the kitchen and eating area bay.


Kitchen Ceiling collage




Because I have large breed dogs, Rottweilers, and my kitchen has heavy traffic I chose ceramic tile for the flooring. Love the checkerboard pattern! In the eating area and almost throughout the entire house we have oak hardwood.


Floors



Then came my hickory cabinets with shaker door style. My cabinets are Monarch, a small family owned cabinet maker in Illinois. These cabinets were so reasonable about half the cost of Omega, a well known brand, and I think Monarch Cabinets are far superior. I loved my cabinets when I bought them and I love them even more today!


KitInstall3



And finally my cabinets were being installed. It was a wonderful day because I could see my dream kitchen, bit by bit, coming to life.

And so it began with Steve studying the kitchen layout and obviously deep in thought!


KitInstall1


cab install1


KitInstall23




I've wanted soapstone countertops forever. Of course my husband let me make all the decisions for the house until he found out that soapstone was black. He was not happy about black countertops. So on a Saturday we drove down to Humming Bird Soapstone so he could see soapstone up close and personal and he loved it. In fact I think he liked it more then I did!

The first step for countertops is templating and it took two days to template my kitchen and bathroom. They made cardboard cut outs of every inch of counter space and they were so precise it was amazing. I love hiring people that are pickier then I am, it makes my job so much easier. I am so happy I hired Humming Bird Soapstone!


soapstonetemplating



And next is really, REALLY exciting, the installation of my soapstone! I can't tell you how excited I was when the day arrived for my soapstone installation. OH MY GOSH..it was one of the best days of my life!

Soapstone is so heavy they had four men to deliver all the soapstone. Here are the guys bringing in the soapstone for my island.


Soapstone9



Okay guys 1...2...3...groan!


Soapstone10



Sanding the soapstone was a real mess but I did not care, my kitchen was coming to life right before my eyes!


Soapstone14



And then the soapstone was completely installed!


Soapstone Install



And Walt started applying the Soapstone Oil to bring out the true beauty of the stone.


Soapstone Install1



And then for the main event came the beast, my Wolf Range. I designed my entire kitchen around the Wolf. It dominated the kitchen with it's big red knobs and that's exactly what I wanted!


Kitchen Install



Okay now I just need to complete the electric including installing the light fixtures, install the cabinet hardware, finish kitchen plumbing and install faucets, garbage disposals, dishwasher and a few other things that I can't remember now.

And then we were done and this is how it looks today!



IMG_0168



IMG_0166




Microwave: Advantium
Built-in Oven: GE
Range: Wolf 6-burner, double oven with griddle
Dishwasher: KitchenAid
Faucets: Brand: Perrin & Rowe; Finish: Polished Chrome
Main Sink: Herbeau Luberon
Island Sink: Extra deep copper bought on Ebay
Garbage Disposals: Insinkerator
Refrigerator: Sub-Zero Built-in
Tile: Ceramic 12"
Countertop: Soapstone
Cabinets: Brand: Monarch; Style: Shaker; Stain: Colony; Wood: Hickory


Next week I will post all the kitchen details: Lighting, Cabinet Hardware, Faucets, Specialized Cabinets and Stations.


I was looking for a kitchen youth chair for my new kitchen and I just happened upon the right garage sale at the right moment and found this beauty. The owner told me it was made especially for her husband when he was born in 1926. It is stamped on the bottom Schmidt Wood Products in Barrington, IL. I live in the Barrington area and Schmidt Wood Products is still in business today!

Cost: $20


DSCF9205




Metamorphosis Monday is hosted by Between Naps on the Porch. Please visit Susan's site and you'll find some fabulous ideas freely shared by many gracious and highly creative people.


Links of Interest:
Kitchen Details Part 1
Kitchen Details Part 2



All Rights Reserved 2008-9 © Big Black Dog

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62 Comments:

Blogger Tracy said...

Wow, I LOVE your kitchen; it's absolutely gorgeous!!

September 27, 2009 at 3:12 PM  
Blogger RJ Flamingo said...

OMG! We must have been separated at birth! We have a much smaller house and therefore a much smaller kitchen, but when we bought our house and remodeled the kitchen, I did oak cabinets in a shaker style - the only difference is that mine have a "rope" trim around the inner panel; and SOAPSTONE countertops! I couldn't even find soapstone down here, so I had samples mailed to me from Vermont and made the contractor order from there!

I love the way yours turned out! Gorgeous! BTW - I'm almost out of salsa. :-))

September 27, 2009 at 3:16 PM  
Anonymous Tiffany @ NOH said...

Absolutely beautiful. The range is to die for! I remember planning the kitchen in our current house so well...I also took a few months playing with all the different cabinet options. Unfortunately scheduling became a problem and we had to put the kitchen together ourselves. That was not fun AT ALL.

I'm sure you absolutely enjoying the new kitchen! It really is lovely.

September 27, 2009 at 3:26 PM  
Blogger glamah16 said...

I'm jealous!You are very lucky.

September 27, 2009 at 3:33 PM  
Blogger NKP said...

Such a gorgeous kitchen! I am pretty sure I could fit my whole house in there. :)

September 27, 2009 at 4:59 PM  
Blogger Jennet said...

Oh man, my husband doesn't understand the importance of a good kitchen. Mine is horrible and small and yours is amazing and beautiful. Please, enjoy it daily on behalf of all of us out here with crappy kitchens!!! :)

September 27, 2009 at 5:12 PM  
Blogger Nicole A. said...

Beautiful kitchen! Love the ceilings and that tile! And of course that stove!!

September 27, 2009 at 5:22 PM  
Blogger Kammy said...

How fun ! I did my kitchen remodel this week too ! I love your colors and all the extras ! My remodel took forever, as we had to tear out all the walls. Thanks for sharing !
Kammy

September 27, 2009 at 5:46 PM  
Blogger Kathy Walker said...

Stunning! I know how euphoric you were when it came together! I was able to get my dream kitchen a few years back...it was worth all of the angst experienced!

September 27, 2009 at 6:20 PM  
Blogger Glenda/MidSouth said...

Very Pretty! My kitchen needs a redo ao bad.

September 27, 2009 at 6:27 PM  
Blogger Shelley Kubitz Mahannah said...

Michelle - just absolutely gorgeous!

September 27, 2009 at 6:39 PM  
Blogger Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous. I love all the wonderful cabinets and your range is to die for. I really love that beautiful breakfast area bay too. What a beautiful home. I am so glad you got your dream. Hugs, Marty

September 27, 2009 at 6:39 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Beautiful kitchen, I love your range and countertops.
Sandy

September 27, 2009 at 6:40 PM  
Blogger Lori said...

Completely gorgeous!!! Congrats!!

September 27, 2009 at 6:44 PM  
Blogger Lori E said...

Michelle I still remember the first time I came to your blog and saw that beautiful stove. I knew some serious cooking was going on over here and always love seeing what you a making next.
You did a great job of designing this kitchen.

September 27, 2009 at 6:50 PM  
Blogger Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

I'm so impressed! Your kitchen looks beautiful!! It must be so much fun to cook in now. :-)

September 27, 2009 at 7:10 PM  
Blogger Brenda Pruitt said...

What a sweet baby chair! And it's an antique. Probably in better shape than what you could buy today. Your kitchen is fantastic! I can't imagine having all that natural light. I am in a cave in my kitchen. Not one single window!
Brenda

September 27, 2009 at 7:21 PM  
Blogger Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Wow! What a wonderful kitchen! Love the ceiling and the green cabinets! Everything is just perfect! ~Rhonda :)

September 27, 2009 at 7:22 PM  
Blogger Reid said...

LOVE it...and the splash of green is great!!!

September 27, 2009 at 7:24 PM  
Blogger Hallie said...

What a small world!! I have hickory cabinets made by Monarch as well. I used to work for a Monarch dealer in southern Illinois and designed my own kitchen. Its been 12 years and I still love my cabs. Yours looks wonderful!! Blessings to you on your remodel.

September 27, 2009 at 7:36 PM  
Blogger From the Old InkWell said...

OH! What a beautiful kitchen. Love the stone and that green cabinet - so unique!!

September 27, 2009 at 7:48 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I absolutely love your kitchen!!

September 27, 2009 at 7:54 PM  
Blogger Dresser Girl said...

To say I'm jealous would be an understatement. WOW!! And BEAUTIFUL!!!!

September 27, 2009 at 8:37 PM  
Blogger Leanne said...

I LOVE it, and I am jealous!!! I would cook all the time and never leave! :)

September 27, 2009 at 8:40 PM  
Anonymous Mimi@Life At Mimi's House said...

Wow, that kitchen stove is fantastic. I know you can certainly do some serious cooking on that. Your kitchen redo is just stunning. I know you love it! Love your website, I'm dropping in via BNOTP.

September 27, 2009 at 8:53 PM  
Blogger Marigene said...

Fabulous kitchen, Michelle. I absolutely love that lime green cabinet!

September 27, 2009 at 9:06 PM  
Blogger arkie said...

Dreamy Kitchen! How wonderful for you!

September 27, 2009 at 9:39 PM  
Anonymous Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction said...

I'm so jealous! Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful. My husband and I were just talking today about how our next house needs to have a bigger, more functional kitchen!

September 27, 2009 at 9:44 PM  
Blogger Sedona @ MyDivineDelights said...

I'm in love L - O - V - E Love!!! You did good! Worth all the tweaking and thinking. Congratulations!!!

September 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM  
Blogger Julie said...

Hi Michelle, Your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous...Love it all... I hope you have a wonderful time cooking in your new kitchen...
xoxo
Julie

September 27, 2009 at 10:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love your kitchen, it's beautiful. It's the kind of kitchen I will always want but will probably never have; with all the travelling I do, it's hard to invest in a house ;)

September 28, 2009 at 12:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh my this kitchen is beautiful!! Such a great job!

blessings
mary

September 28, 2009 at 12:57 AM  
Blogger Quiltpiecer said...

Absolutely gorgeous!

September 28, 2009 at 1:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your kitchen is wonderful!

I have a linky party going on over at my place, check it out! http://theshadesofpink.blogspot.com/2009/09/room-month-shade-tutorial.html PLease link up and link back!

September 28, 2009 at 6:45 AM  
Blogger Ashley @ AshleysBusy said...

you are one lucky duck to have the kitchen of your dreams! It's gorgeous :)

September 28, 2009 at 8:46 AM  
Anonymous Rhonda said...

Your kitchen is completely gorgeous! I can't imagine having that.

September 28, 2009 at 8:54 AM  
Blogger Fifi Flowers said...

WOW!!! LOVE your post and your kitchen looks FAB!!!

September 28, 2009 at 9:22 AM  
Blogger Nancy said...

I am such an architecture lover and house re-do'er, that I have scoured every post for details on the kitchen. Thank you so much for your tour. Today I am also looking at the spice? containers so readily available near your counters. We are looking for a "cook's" solution!

September 28, 2009 at 10:11 AM  
Blogger Michelle said...

Nancy,

The small shelf under my upper cabs is actually full of jars of flours. I have many different flours that I bake with and I wanted my flours readily available and in view. I will take a closeup picture of my flour shelf for next weeks Met Monday.

Also have a problem with spices/herbs. I have a huge cabinet for all my flavorings but that too is packed beyond packed. Same problem with my oils and vinegars. I knew I should have made my kitchen 2' bigger!

Michelle

September 28, 2009 at 10:27 AM  
Blogger Sheila Mitchell said...

Abslutely B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! Someday when we move from the burbs to the mountains, I want something similar!

September 28, 2009 at 10:49 AM  
Anonymous Marie said...

Love your new kitchen. It is beautiful. I would love to know where to find the ceiling boards.

September 28, 2009 at 11:45 AM  
Anonymous Leanne said...

Oh, it's so beautiful. You are one lucky girl. I'm starting a cute giveaway tomorrow. Stop by for a chance to win if you get a chance.

September 28, 2009 at 12:22 PM  
Blogger Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

I have a new kitchen we did last year. I bake so much more now. Even my DH enjoys cooking in the new kitchen. Before we didn't even have a dishwasher and only 18" of prep space. I love your stone backsplash with the decorative piece. I have black countertops, too.

September 28, 2009 at 1:09 PM  
Blogger niartist said...

ABSOLUTELY beautiful! I've never been so jealous! :) Artie @ Color Outside the Lines

September 28, 2009 at 1:43 PM  
Anonymous Rebecca said...

Absolutely gorgeous...love everything and you certainly can tell it was a labor of love! Can you tell us more about the tongue & groove ceiling...what it is and where you found it? We have a 100+ year old farmhouse and this looks like it would work great on some of our ceilings. Thanks!

September 28, 2009 at 1:55 PM  
Blogger Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Your new kitchen is gorgeous!!!

September 28, 2009 at 3:03 PM  
Blogger artis1111 said...

Oh, this is wonderful. You will have a great time cooking Christmas dinner in this kitchen! I can smell the cookies baking now!!!Decorating for the holidays will be awsome!!!Kathy

September 28, 2009 at 3:11 PM  
Blogger Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

It looks great! LOve the green!

September 28, 2009 at 5:12 PM  
Blogger Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Loved this post. I feel like I helped build it with ya !! It is gorgeous !

September 28, 2009 at 5:30 PM  
Blogger pam said...

When I come to visit, I'm sleeping in the kitchen.

September 28, 2009 at 6:36 PM  
Blogger joyh82 said...

What a beautiful kitchen you have created. I love it and I am totally jealous. Enjoy it for years to come!

September 28, 2009 at 8:08 PM  
Blogger Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

This is a dream kitchen, what a great post! I love that stove and the hickory cabinets! Cindy

September 28, 2009 at 8:13 PM  
Blogger {Bellamere Cottage} said...

What a charming kitchen. I love it. It's such a nice change from the more "standard" fare. I especially loved the green cabinet.

Great job!

Blessings,
Spencer

September 30, 2009 at 12:53 AM  
Blogger Christy K Martin said...

Its lovely....a dream kitchen. I imagine many tasty things being prepared on that glorious stove.

October 1, 2009 at 9:03 AM  
Blogger Kathleen said...

Beautiful! I am happy with my granite though..so I won't be jealous of your soapstone! :)

October 1, 2009 at 9:01 PM  
Blogger TeaLady said...

FANTASTIC!!! When we enlarged and remodeled the kitchen we doubled it and I was absolute heaven.

Lots of work, but fun.

Great cooking/ TWD baking in this kit.

October 2, 2009 at 8:22 PM  
Blogger Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Wow, Michelle...I loved seeing how your kitchen came to be! I LOVED it! The stove is such an amazing piece...do they cook like a dream? Love the green cabinetry...really pops and looks great with the wood and countertop. Great floors...I love the checkboard pattern! Susan

October 4, 2009 at 9:50 AM  
Blogger Karen said...

I love your kitchen! I am so interested in the soapstone. How does it compare to granite? I am getting ready to put new countertops in my kitchen and so I am open to suggestions.
Thanks!!
Karen
Ladybug Creek

October 4, 2009 at 5:28 PM  
Blogger Michelle said...

Karen,

We have soapstone in the kitchen, butler pantry and in my bathroom. And we have grantite in 3 bathrooms. I really don't like granite much but it seems to me that granite is easier to clean then soapstone.

Soapstone has to be cleaned and then oiled to keep the it a true black. During the 1st month you oil the soapstone every week or so but now I oil my soapstone like every 3 months.

I know people always say soapstone chips but we've had no problem with chipping at all and our kitchen is heavily used! However we do have a chip in our granite that was not there a month ago. Not sure what happened and I doubt anyone would notice unless I pointed the chip out to them. I found it while cleaning the bathroom just this week.

If I was doing my kitchen again I'd still install soapstone. We truly love it.

October 4, 2009 at 5:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello,

I came to your blog via BNOTP's Met Monday. I love your kitchen. When it was first finished, did you find yourself going in there and just standing and looking around? I would have.

I noticed that a couple of people asked the question that was on my mind. Where did you get the tongue and groove ceiling? I have wanted to do this, but my husband isn't too keen on putting up the real thing. Foam sounds like a great solution. But I didn't see where you answered the question. Did I miss it? I would love to know.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful space with us. I will be coming back to visit often.

Blessings,
Theresa in TX

October 7, 2009 at 11:21 AM  
Blogger Michelle said...

I know I've had several questions on the material I used for my kitchen ceiling and I'm happy to announce I FOUND IT! After going through all our receipts for 2007 and coming up empty handed I started calling my suppliers and thankfully Greg at Alexander Lumber tracked down the ceiling material!!!! Please click on Moulding and Millwork Catalog at http://www.mouldingandmillwork.com/pdf/IND_5268_Chicago_PG.pdf and scroll down to Page 43, under Wainscot, M&M# 5834M; 5/8"by3"by16' Ultralite.

October 11, 2009 at 9:47 PM  
Blogger Andi's English Attic said...

Absolutely beautiful. You must be SO happy. And baking lots! xx

January 4, 2010 at 7:51 AM  

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