Making Plans for the Kitchen with Keep.com

Anyone else ready for the weekend? My body is so sore that Labor Day suddenly has a whole new meaning for me this year. :) My parents are going to watch our girls while Michael and I go to California for the long weekend. On the agenda? Eating and sleeping. That's it. Doesn't that sound amazing? I couldn't be more excited. I'm signing off early this week, but wanted to share some exciting-for-me updates on the kitchen.

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Over the weekend we pulled down just the right-most upper cabinet. I tell you, the room suddenly felt about 50% bigger with that little change. I'm hopeful that, with some work, this room can be one of my favorite spaces in the house yet!

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After living in the house for almost two months, we're feeling like a big reno for this space might not be necessary for quite a while - maybe five years or more? We've decided to not plan for anything at this point and to assume that we won't be changing anything in a major way (as in moving walls and plumbing) for a good long while. We've actually felt like the existing layout is working pretty well for us. It's not completely ideal, but it so, so much better than I anticipated. So the new goal is to DIY the heck out of this room over the next couple of months and then just see how it feels and how it's working for us, and if after the new year I'm still itching for bigger changes then at that point we might spring for new cabinets and counters, but will still leave the big reno for down the road quite a bit.

So, here's what I have planned for the kitchen, with help from my Keep collections (which are getting my wish lists about as organized as they could be!):

The granite counters are not really my favorite, but I think with a few tweaks, we can make them less of a presence in the room.

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I'll be pulling off the granite window shelf and the short back plate that runs all along the wall.

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I'll also pull off the granite on the range wall and the brick surround. So the only granite in the room with be actually on the counters and that's it.

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It looks like it should come off pretty easily. I'm hoping the brick underneath is in good shape.

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The walls and the brick will be white and the cabinets are going to get sprayed at light gray (Ben Moore's Gray Owl) after they've been transformed with a little corner moulding. I'm so excited to tackle this project! The drawers will be a cinch to redo, but the cabinet doors, with their exposed hinges, are proving to be a little tricky, I'm going to make new door faces so there will be only square angles and clean lines on the door and drawer fronts. Can't wait!

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Hardware is very TBD at this point, but I think I will do brass again (surprise, surprise). Speaking of brass, you guys are going to kill me, but I totally forgot to pull out my brass bridge faucet from the brownstone kitchen before we moved. Whoops! I'd love to do something brass in here again though, but maybe a touch more modern than the bridge faucet. I called a metal plating company to see how much it would cost to have the chrome stripped off of this (inexpensive!) beauty. We'll see what I can work out there.

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I talked to my handyman, Jason, about it and he says it would be a breeze to zip through the granite with one of his special saws so we can install the gigantic farmhouse sink I've been eyeing from IKEA. It's practically a done deal, as far as I'm concerned!

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To the right and left of the sink area, where the uppers used to be, I want to hang three shelves on each side. I'm still working out the details on materials, but I think I want something pretty chunky, like these shelves, and maybe, depending on what I do with the cabinet hardware and the faucet, a cool style of shelf bracket in brass. I would want to do something really small though. Maybe something totally unconventional like this piece, which is made for holding up stair railings. The round shape could be really cool on the wall.

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You can see in the photos that the wall texture is all messed up where the upper cabinet used to hang.

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No biggie there because I want to put up a tile backsplash on the sink wall up to the top of the three shelves and stopping at the door frame and then again on the stove inset wall. In my dreams I'd be able to find a cool encaustic pattern that would work with the existing granite and potentially with some of my white countertop wish list choices for down the road.

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I've only started to think about wall sconces, but I've loved these swing arm sconces for so long now. Seems only appropriate to use them at this point!

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Hmmm, what about doing the top shelf all the way across the window?

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I also have a pair of this single-head Serge Mouille style sconces that might look cool in a kitchen, though I was planning to use them elsewhere. A lot of the decision lies in which tile I go with for the backsplash I think.

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I'm sort of stumped on barstools. Most of them are so expensive and it just doesn't feel like a fun purchase to me, so I've been dragging my feet a little. The most obvious choice is CB2's Vapor stools. I've used them in a ton of projects and they are gorgeous in almost any kitchen and they hold up beautifully. The West Elm wire and wood ones are kind of calling my name though.

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Yesterday I scored the deal of the century on a set of Louis chairs for the dining area (photos coming!). I kept the big long Drexel table from the loft and might just use it again in here, but it might not be the right fit both in look and size. If I end up going with the Vapor stools, this hairpin leg table could be really great in the space with my new Louis chairs?

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The pair of ginormous lanterns I bought in Jersey a couple months ago are going to get the red treatment (just like this lantern) I think and they'll hang above the dining table.

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Okay, so a couple of questions to take you into the weekend:

1) Have you seen any fab, affordable bar stools?
2) Have you seen my same granite (which is a pretty common one I guess) used before in an interesting way?
3) Any favorite encaustic resources that I didn't link to in this collection?

And don't forget to let me know if you're on Keep now, I'd love to follow you. It's so fun to see what my readers are wanting and buying! You guys have amazing taste!

This post is a part of series brought to you by Keep, which is a free website dedicated to helping you learn about the best products out there as determined by your friends and the people you look up to style-wise! :) I've been using Keep as a way to keep track of my purchases and wish list items for the new house. There might be a lot of fashion distractions thrown in the mix as well. :)

101 comments:

  1. I haven't bought anything from them, but I've been looking at encaustic tiles from granadatile.com

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  2. Hey! I have seen people use entire slabs of granite as bathroom flooring or as shower stall flooring. I think that is WICKED cool!

    ALSO ---- I think that you could use the granite to top some outdoor tables, using the thinner ledge pieces as maybe topping a fence railing or something near a potential outdoor bar area.

    ALSO ---- I don't know how big of a cook you are, but someone bought me a HUGE marble slab, (like huge) to use to roll out dough, and you could keep a reasonable sized slab for that.

    ALSO ---- you could use some of the thinner pieces as serving dishes for cheeses, charcuterie, olives, etc.

    OK that's all I have this early in the morning. Good luck, can't wait to see it all.

    I would definitely use the brass shelf brackets for under your sink-side shelves. It will add such an amazing slightly elegant touch.

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  3. We have the same granite countertops that came with our house. My husband hates them because food/crumbs blend in. Also, SUCH a pain when we had an ant problem for a few days... you can't see them!! Just a few thoughts. :)Enjoy California!

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  4. There are a ton of stools on Craig's List which need some love, I'd start there, but I do love Ballard stools too! Good luck with the granite removal, I have some of that in my future as well!

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  5. I'm poking around on your site for the first time and I love that brick!

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  6. I think you're so smart to start with a DIY in your kitchen... plus it inspires your readers (aka ME!)

    We just redid our kitchen (total DIY - took 3 years) and for bar/counter stools I actually stressed a lot about it but decided that we spend so much time there that they had to be comfortable. So I bought a couple of parson-style stools from one kings lane then had them slipcovered in the warsaw linen in Oatmeal so they can be cleaned. Just an idea... but it looks like you will spend a lot of time in there so a comfy spot to rest your bum might be key. :)

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  7. Just sat in the West Elm Rustic bar/counter stools last week and I loved them! Very comfortable and stylish!

    http://www.westelm.com/products/rustic-barstool-g294/?pkey=cdining-chairs-seating&cm_src=dining-chairs-seating||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-

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  8. i realy dont recommend the ikea sink. its beautiful, for sure but the ceramic is cheap and so the sealing breaks fast and you wont be able to clean the sink. In germany i use scheuermilch, translated in english its: scour milk, nothings else helps more to keep the sink clean...:/

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  9. I cannot wait to see what you do with that kitchen. And please feel free to follow me on Keep. :)

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  10. I think I have the exact same granite in my new apartment. I haven't found anything that is earth shattering, but this kitchen nicely counteracts the overwhelming beigey-ness?
    http://www.lonny.com/photos/May+June+2011+Issue/4h_TALy9c4d

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  11. These ideas sound wonderful! Enjoy your weekend away. It's a truly well-deserved break.

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  12. I am a long time reader but rarely ever comment....BUT.
    Why would you spring for new cabinets and counter tops and then in 5 years do a full kitchen reno? That seems so wasteful to me! Especially if you are planning on moving walls and plumbing. And you are looking for inexpensive bar stools? I feel like I'm reading two different bloggers...one who spends like crazy and one who is frugal to the moon and back.
    I have seen the attacks on commenters on other blogs, but I am not trolling so fellow readers be gentle. I just want to know.

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  13. I'm so excited to hear about the replating...I've looked into it occasionally but never pulled the trigger!

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  14. The brass wall sconces with the open shelving and the graphic geo-cube wall tile is all to die for. I love where you are going with the kitchen. Hollie
    {ww.thepinkzipper.blogspot.ca}

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  15. I found these fabulous barstools on etsy! They would be great and are sort of inexpensive :)

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/157881463/reclaimed-wood-bar-stools-with-metal?ref=col_view

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  16. HI Jenny, I am always inspired with the ways that you are able to take an existing space and make it your own and this kitchen is no exception, love where you are headed! A couple of months ago I pulled together a bunch of my favorite, inexpensive barstools, perhaps there is something here that you may like! http://roomrx.blogspot.com/2013/04/bargain-barstools.html

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  17. Oh! In the middle of my own kitchen Reno and my heart skipped a beat at the possibility of dropping a farmhouse sink in existing granite. Would love to know more.

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  18. Such a great read, Jenny - hope you enjoy your weekend away!

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  19. I love the shelves! I definitely think that the rounded brackets would look fabulous. I also like the idea of stretching the shelf along the top of the window. One thing that I have always loved about my grandmothers house is in her kitchen she has shelving that wraps around almost the entire room at the very top towards the ceiling. Basically any room to display loved objects is a win for me.


    Emily
    eageremily.blogspot.com

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  20. Eating and sleeping sounds like heaven, and incredibly well-deserved. Enjoy!

    Love hearing all your thoughts on this space, especially as I'm also planning to DIY the heck out of my kitchen in the next few months. Can't wait to see the process/progress!

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  21. I know they are not cheap, but I LOVE my Vapor bar stools. They bring in the modern touch to my kitchen, which like you, is not my style.

    the granite would hold up well outside as a table or plant stand (where you wouldn't see the colors that don't seem to be your style as much)

    And I love the full top shelf going above the window- extra storage and would frame that/make it a bit more dramatic!

    Can't wait to see pictures of what you do and hope to get some inspiration for my kitchen!!

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  22. If you are going for a big redo down the road, I would keep it simple. Can you get rid of the brick and the arch? Why not be frugal and just paint your backsplash. Keep the granite around the stove because it is easy to clean. The tile you selected is amazing but with granite?
    Save the tile idea for later when you can do a more simple countertop to showcase the tile.

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  23. Hi Jenny,

    I have the same countertops and I really don't like them. I can't wait to see what you do with your kitchen to get those countertops to blend in more.

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  24. If you are going for a big redo down the road, I would keep it simple. Can you get rid of the brick and the arch? Why not be frugal and just paint your backsplash. Keep the granite around the stove because it is easy to clean. The tile you selected is amazing but with granite?
    Save the tile idea for later when you can do a more simple countertop to showcase the tile.

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  25. So excited that you're doing a DIY revamp as your first step! I can't wait to see the final product. I actually saw these painted gold bar stools on Pinterest this morning and thought they turned out well: http://www.brendabirddesigns.com/diy-glammed-up-gold-stools/.

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  26. We have the Smart & Sleek Stools from Wisteria (http://www.wisteria.com/Smart-and-Sleek-Stool-Tall/productinfo/W4174/) and love them so much we kept them when we moved...even though our new home doesn't have a bar. :)

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  27. Stone Source sells these "Tex" tiles in a bunch of colors and textures...you could make up your own pattern! Check it out!

    http://www.stonesource.com/porcelain-selector/mutina-tex

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  28. I cannot wait to see what you do with that granite. I inherited the same stuff and hate it and have been wrestling with what to do with it.

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  29. Hi! Looks like you have quite a few ideas! I saw your table with the hairpin legs and had to comment. I would go out and try to find a large slab of wood you love, or put together something yourself and buy hairpin legs from here : http://hairpinlegs.com/
    We've used them twice now and they are great! The legs we got were a raw steel, so we used a clear coat spray meant for metal to keep the look. Just another idea for you to mull over.
    Love the openness removing one cabinet made, such a change!

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  30. That same granite came with my house, in both the kitchen and master bath. Not a fan of it either. I tell people it's the color of crumbs - like Carrie said, they blend right in.

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  31. Can't wait to see the open shelves and lighting above the sink...and think pulling off the granite lip around the countertop will make for a much cleaner look. Wish we had done that in my son & DILs house they just moved into before we added backsplash! How difficult is it to do? Question for you: signed up,for Keep.com and want to save product information I find on my own to my feed. Dumb to ask, but how do I do,that?

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    1. You need to add a "keep" button to your browser bar! Search around the keep site for the instructions. Once you find it it only takes a second!

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    2. Many thanks, Shannon...I will look again!

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  32. I love the long shelf over the top of the window. What about moving it lower (closer to the top of the window). It would give you more space for larger things on the top. And make the middle shelf slightly narrower, and good for mugs and honey pots and all of those important things!

    Stools - Vintage? I painted two vintage stool and a tractor seat with hammered metal paint to make them work together. http://pinterest.com/pin/227783693626362629/

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  33. I am on Keep! Name is Shannon. And I am in pretty much the same boat as you with my kitchen. Nice enough dark wood cabinets, beige/gray granite, silver accents. I really don't like it, but it also doesn't scream total gut kitchen renovation either. I can't wait to see what you do with your kitchen because I bet a lot of your same changes in mine would really help it look more modern.

    And yes, Keep is the best for new home owners (especially??)!

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  34. Read your blog religiously but have never commented before so here goes.

    Color me surprised to see that you are keeping the granite counters in their original color. It doesn't surprise me in the least that you are going to be industrious and make something that's not broke work for you instead but I thought for sure you would DIY them and use your beloved (and AWESOME! to be honest) new laundry room counter treatment. I am indeed surprised you are willing to keep their current coloring.

    Also, just out of curiosity but if you weren't keeping the existing color granite would you still be doing a patterned tile? I don't know why I would but I somehow thought you might go with a classic subway tile (with a gray grout) layed out in an unconventional pattern. In any event, those are some great tile patterns you have bookmarked---very "You".

    My vote is for the Bertoia stools hands-down! Classic design (which I can also see you painting in one of your fave colors). I also think stools without backs become old real fast even though they may look good. Everyone likes being able to lean back and be comfortable in a kitchen chair of any style IMO.

    Have a great, restorative weekend!

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  35. I actually kind of like honed granite - can you "hone" granite if it's already installed as a countertop? It makes it more matte and dulls the visual texture, which I like.

    I have the ikea shelves you are looking at and they are great, but they are super wonky on the install, so beware. Also, since they are hollow your brackets will end up being more decorative.

    Also, beware of how trendy the Kubist stuff is. I can imagine even in 2 years looking at it with tired eyes.

    For what it's worth, I love anything Tolix for bar stools. I think they always work, and the knock offs aren't offensive. But, I'm loving some of the etsy finds your readers presented too!!

    You are totally brilliant, so I'm sure I'm only telling you stuff you already know. Doh.

    Keep up the amazing, inspiring work!!!

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  36. I think ROK misread you...right? I understood you to say that you would work with the counters and cabinets you have for now and replace later when you do the full reno.

    One of the things I love about your blog, Jenny, is that you show some of how you choose to spend larger amounts of money on some things and save on others. And you certainly have the right to allot your budget however you choose. :) Right now I have no budget for much redecorating at all, but I store ideas up in my head and it is very encouraging to me to see both total hardwood floor replacement (long-range dream for me) and "for-now" fixes like painting brick (do-able now) side by side on the same blog. It helps me both hold onto my long-term design dreams and think of things I can do to beautify my surroundings now.

    Personally, I'd be all for bar stools that have backs! And I think when the brick is painted white and the excess granite is removed, the granite countertops will be a lot more bearable. And I love those brass light fixtures. Yum.

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  37. I bought that faucet in polished nickel on Overstock a couple of years ago and while I like the look of it the sprayer it comes with is very weak and gets very hot to the touch if you're using hot water. It's fine if you have dish wash gloves on.

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  38. Visit this website for encaustic tile options: www.tierrayfuego.com

    The selection is more on the spanish end of the spectrum but there are many options so dig in.

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  39. After living with backless barstools for a few months, we quickly replaced them with stools that had backs. It's just so uncomfortable to do backless. I've seen similar chairs to the CB2 stools where the chrome was spray painted gold or brass, and it instantly makes them look more expensive in my opinion. Might be a good option!

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  40. I love them so much, I had to comment just to say that those "totally unconventional" shelf brackets are gorgeous! I really enjoyed reading through all the possibilities for your kitchen - looking forward to seeing all the changes realized.

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  41. We have these stools in our modern-ish kitchen with oil rubbed bronze hardware and white cabinets and LOVE the way they add warmth to the kitchen while still being modern/fun: http://www.wisteria.com/Smart-and-Sleek-Stool-Short/productinfo/W4173/

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  42. Becky - Granada Tile is so, so gorgeous!! It costs an arm and a leg though. I wish I could afford it!

    Lauren @ craft my life away - SUCH great ideas! I'm definitely planning to reuse the granite if I can.

    Susan - If you can find me some great vintage stools, I'd really love that! I've been searching but keep coming up empty handed!

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  43. enjoy some well deserved r&r!! the house is looking amazing! can't wait to see how you update those cabinets and pull it all together...!

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  44. We have similar counter tops in our rental condo. I don't love the color but it was really affordable and I chose to think of it as the color of butcher block. What we did was use white subway tiles (boring, I know) with a tan color grout (Sahara tan). In our case, it was enough pop for a condo that is supposed to stay neutral for tenants' tastes.
    You can see the granite and the grout color we pick out here (we opted to use the same in the bathroom as in the kitchen).
    http://projecteventually.blogspot.com/2012/06/condo-bathroom.html

    You could mix subway and regular square tiles in one or two colors laid out in an interesting pattern, and then add grout in another color. I think you could do it on a budget, too.
    A quick Google search provided this and I thought it could give you ideas.
    http://retrorenovation.com/2009/01/05/88-mosaic-tile-patterns-for-your-retro-bathroom/
    The tiles you picked out are amazing but I would keep those for when you completely redo the kitchen.
    As for the bar stools, I might not be of much help. My husband wanted something comfortable and with a back so we got the HENRIKSDAL bar stools from IKEA. I like that I can change/wash the slip covers. I could see you painting the wood part an interesting color and dyeing the slipcovers.

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  45. Matthias - Thanks for the feedback on the IKEA sink. I've heard both good and bad reviews on the Domsjo sinks, but I think for the size and look, the price can't be beat. I think we'll just have to make it work. I've heard Bar Keeper's Friend works wonders on the surface.

    Colleen - THANK YOU for that Lonny link! You totally nailed it on the counters! Awesome inspiration! I wish I had those floors though... :)

    Rachael - Ha! Yeah, I'm a little all over the place when I share ideas on my blog. Might come off as split personality sometimes. :) If we did an intermediary reno in between the DIYs and the big reno in five or even ten years, we'd try to be smart about it and mostly invest in things we could reuse in the big reno (like installing a gas line). Many of the cabinets and at least 50% of the new counters would stay put. We're mostly adding on, so the additions wouldn't be wasteful. Plus, five or ten years is a long time for me. I'm okay investing a few thousands dollars into our kitchen - it's the most lived-in and used room of our house.

    All that said, though, I'm so hopeful that my projects in here will transform the space and we then we won't have to change any of the big stuff for a long time. :)

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  46. Kari - THANK YOU for the link to the Etsy stools! Those are so great!

    Cathy - so excited to check out your round ups!! Thanks for the link!

    Katie - Aren't the Vapor stools the best? I'm totally leaning toward those. You're right that they're not cheap. OUCH.

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  47. Unknown - I actually really love the brick and the arch! I think it will be really cool when it's painted white (and the walls too). I'm not planning on using any of those specific tiles for the backsplash - I just like the idea of something other than subway tiles. Love subway tiles, always, but you know, it's been done a lot. I'd like to go with a more unique look in here. It'll be a challenge for sure to pull it off. I'm glad everyone's chipping in ideas here.
    Thanks for your input!

    Heather- I LOVE that project you linked too! Those IKEA stools are awesome. I wish they still made those. I love the cloudy-ness of the seat and back material!

    Caitlin - Those Tex tiles are awesome!! Great idea! Thanks!

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  48. Kackie - To add products to your own feed, they have a little one-step process where you click a button and a "Keep It" bookmark is installed in your menu bar. Then on any webpage where something is for sale, you just press the Keep It button (similar to a Pin It button) and it opens a little window that helps you file the product in the right collection in your Keeps. You don't even have to leave the original product web page. It's a slick little design. I'm (honestly) loving it.

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    1. Thank you ! This will be so helpful when trying to view paint colors along with another product or 2 that I would like to view on one page!

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  49. KVS - The concrete overlay method would most definitely NOT work on a slick, solid surface like polished granite. Maybe if I attacked the surface with a mini sledge hammer or something? :) The polished stuff is just too smooth and there'd be nothing for the concrete to grab onto.

    I'm going to just experiment and see if I can make this granite work, pared down. I'm thinking of it like a personal challenge. Worst case scenario, I drop $2500 on new Carrara at the end of the year. Merry Christmas to me! ;)

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  50. Zoe - one of my friends just emailed a link to a kitchen redo where the owner had bad polished marble countertops honed. The finished look was GORGEOUS. I'm definitely going to do some calling around today.

    Thumperandsam - So good to know about the faucet! My old brass faucet got hot too and it didn't bother me all that much. Thanks for the feedback!

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  51. I just put in that sink. It is a love story.

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  52. Just painted the bathroom grey owl and love it!! I live in SoCal and would love a post on your fave shopping spots in the area. Palm Springs consignment? LA thrift stores?

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  53. We have almost the same granite. I think painting all that brick white and removing the backplate and that XL slab from the wall inside the nook on your range wall will make a huge difference. Our kitchen has painted cream colored cabinets, oil rubbed bronze hardware and we have a backsplash made from flat finish cream colored natural stones like these:
    http://www.pebble-tile.net/pebbletile/flat-birch-pebble-tile
    We don't have the granite backplate so the backsplash goes from the upper cabinets and shelves down to the countertops, and it's grouted in a very light, almost matching color. All of the light colors and toned-down textures, as well as lack of vertical granite, help keep it from dominating the space.
    Unlike your other readers, I love that this granite hides crumbs! But then I am a messy cook and less than the best housekeeper.
    Can't wait to see what you come up with! Those encaustic tiles are very cool.

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  54. I'm no plumber, nor have I ever installed a sink before, but if you have a one hole (for the faucet) sink can you do a four hole faucet? I love that sink, but hate most single hole faucets.... what does Handyman Arizona say? ;)

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  55. I have no idea how close you are to a Garden Ridge nor can I attest to the quality of their products, but Garden Ridge has a HUGE selection of barstools, at somewhat affordable prices,but like I said, I have no idea how well they will hold up.

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  56. This is great advice for kitchen plumbing and remodeling. Gives me some inspiration of what to do with my own!

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  57. Thanks for sharing all your projects with us, it's really.

    I saw this great Target stools makeover on Cuckoo4Design's blog just this morning and I think they look great for $15 stools. At that price it doesn't matter if they aren't forever stools...

    http://cuckoo4design.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/counter-stool-makeover.html

    Have a great break.

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  58. Oops, missed a word out...I meant to say: "it's really inspiring"

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  59. Have you used Gray Owl before?? I just tried painting my living room that color, but I got it at Lowe's to save some money and it was BLUE! It was pretty, but definitely not gray enough! Just curious if it's a glitch in Lowe's paint mixing system, or if the actual BM color is the same?

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  60. I can't wait to see how this all turns out! I am always amazed at how resourceful you are!

    And, I am obsessed with my keep! It's so nice to "keep" all my wants and needs organized! You can follow me
    HERE



    www.brassarrow.com

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  61. It's so funny, as I was reading about the open shelves I was thinking "she really should do one long one across the top" and then you did!

    I've always really liked the look of these stools from Ballard - they come in bar and counter height. No idea if they're comfortable or not:
    http://tinyurl.com/nvrjg9b

    And I have a Domsjo sink - a wipe down with Bon Ami does a fine job keeping it clean. And if you want to put in a three-hole fixture, knocking extra holes isn't complicated. Just google it for instructions.

    Looking forward to seeing the transformation!

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  62. It's so funny, as I was reading about the open shelves I was thinking "she really should do one long one across the top" and then you did!

    I've always really liked the look of these stools from Ballard - they come in bar and counter height. No idea if they're comfortable or not:
    http://tinyurl.com/nvrjg9b

    And I have a Domsjo sink - a wipe down with Bon Ami does a fine job keeping it clean. And if you want to put in a three-hole fixture, knocking extra holes isn't complicated. Just google it for instructions.

    Looking forward to seeing the transformation!

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  63. Oh, and I saw the butcherblock cutting board you have on Keep. I recommend the handmade ones here:

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenRiverWoods?ref=ss_profile

    I had one made and it's not only gorgeous, it still looks beautiful after two years of heavy use.

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  64. I have the single bowl version of that Ikea sink. So happy with it! It's been 3 years and it looks perfect, no chips, scratches or quality issues of any kind.

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  65. having the counter tops honed may give them a better look. I think honed is 1000 times better than polished.

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  66. I have that IKEA sink and love it!

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  67. Now that you've got me thinking about cement tiles...have you tried Mission Stone & Tile?

    http://store.missionstonetile.com/Handmade-Cement-Tiles-s/270.htm

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  68. We got the faux Bertoia stools from instylemodern about a month ago and I'm so happy with them. We ordered a set of three and one came with a partially broken base, but the company shipped us a new base immediately. They're sturdy and comfortable.

    Something about Bertoia makes me feel like they won't go out of style whereas the Vapor look is a little more trendy.

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  69. Everything is looking so wonderful. Painting the cabinets and walls a light color is going to really unify the kitchen and make the ceilings look tall. I can't wait to see it. One note on the sink. If you choose that design, install some strong undercabinet support. Those farm sinks are really heavy and I've had a couple friends with sinks that have started to fall in after a couple years. Have a great vacation!

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  70. I love what The Painted House did with her kitchen with granite similar to yours.

    http://www.tphblog.com/the-kitchen-after/

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  72. Hi Jenny - I'm curious - did you order your Serge Mouille sconces from Infurn recently? I've been eyeing up the ceiling lamp version but all the reviews online say the company is too good to be true and doesn't deliver ever, but charges you still. Would love to hear you had a good experience!

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  73. If California = San Francisco, Heath Ceramic is having a special tile sample sale at their Sausalito factory from Aug 29 - Sept 2. I could see pattern in their cool shapes scratching the encaustic itch for now ANDD working with the granite - pry a piece off and bring it to them to :-)
    Think I have a code for free shipping too...

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  74. Hi Jenny,
    I had to look up encaustic to find out what type of tile you were looking for. I've learned so much and have been so inspired by reading your blog. Thanks for sharing so selflessly (is that a word?).
    I have recently been eyeing some beautiful tiles that although not encaustic, just seem to be different/better than anything I've seen lately. The company on the back of the 3 tiles I purchased is Doremail with one of those accents above the e. I Googled it but didn't go far enough to find out where they can be purchased in the USA. Take a look at their website if you have the time, I think you'll like their tiles. Best, Jeanean

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  75. Boy it's refreshing to see so many of your readers that don't love the granite. I live in Utah and it's EVERYWHERE along with knotty alder cabinets. Drives me crazy. I love that you're painting the brick arch white; I think that along with the shelves and tile will help with the countertops. I'd LOVE to see you do some DIY wood countertops! There are so many beautiful wood countertops out there and I want to do it in my kitchen, but I wonder how well it holds up?

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  76. Jenny, I forwarded you a CB2 15% off coupon to your gmail if you decide on the Vapor stools. I recently bought the Ikea Domsjo for the laundry room in the home we are building - I'll let you know what I think (assuming we ever move in, lol).

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  77. Nina - Oh man, those are some bad reviews for infurn! I actually bought the lamps off a craigslist seller who mentioned he bought them from Infurn (didn't say anything about a bad shipping experience though?). I did recently order the Grasshopper lamp though, so I'll be sure to update you when I get that. Hoping it doesn't take months like some of the reviewers said!

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  78. I love the blue tile (#2). I think it will make your kitchen look more happy and young. Check out those tiles, i think they are beautiful (i have no idea though where you can buy them in US): http://www.contemporarytiles.se/
    http://www.designergolv.se/mijoerkelim.html

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  79. i don't recommend the ikea sink for one reason...it's not DEEP enough! Looks like the sink you have is nice and deep to stack dishes and wash a large pot?! Take it from me...you will be splashing water on yourself all the live long day!! :/

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  80. Love your plans! I also love the idea of using the simple brass "brackets" for the shelves. Also the brass sconces are a fave. For the granite, what about trying to hone it. Not sure if you can DIY that or if it can be done in place but it might dull the color and make it less obtrusive. Also remember my hardware line! Would look fab with those brackets and I have brass. Would love to help you out with that. I can totally see them on your flat cabinet fronts. Good luck and can't wait to watch the progress.

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  81. So pumped to see EVERYTHING you do with the new house.

    Also... I'm on Keep thanks to you.

    Amanda Jerkins

    I also have another Keep account called Whoa, Wait. Walmart? --- I know, but trust me.
    @whoawaitwalmart

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  82. This has a similar counter to yours and has the "look" you are going for I think!

    http://pinterest.com/pin/18718154670741466/

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  83. This has a similar counter to yours and yet has the look you are going for, I think! Hope it helps get you inspired!
    http://pinterest.com/pin/18718154670741466/

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  84. We painted my daughter's nursery, Gray Owl. I really love that color. It's so neutral. Our carpets are that typical beigey color, kind of like the main color in your counter. I think the grays and whites in her room have really helped modernize it.

    I think keeping everything clean and modern will help the counters. It might be a difference in computer screens, but is there a bit of oxblood in there? Some hits of that could be really beautiful and super fresh if done in the right way. The combination of that with the brass hardware would be stunning!

    I'm so excited to see where you take this!

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  85. Love your blog. I'm in the market for a kitchen Reno on a house we are buying. I love the encaustic tiles too but they are too expensive for my budget plus they entail "commitment" to a color scheme. I'm going to stencil the backsplash to look like them. I did this on a concrete floor once and it turned out great. I just picked two or three geometric stencils at the craft store and layered them in different colors. Just a thought :-)

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  86. I like these stools from Restoration Hardware. They are similar to the West Elm ones but less expensive and come in two heights. As far as the sink goes I think it is a poorly made sink. I would buy a nice one and just reuse it down the road when the big renovation comes around.

    http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2110535&categoryId=cat280014

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  87. I am excited for these new plans. I think working with what you have is so creative. I am especially curious about the cabinet hinge solution.

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  88. Hi Jenny -

    Was looking at your Keep book....watch out for the gold banquette from World Market. It LOOKS great, sits nice, but the wheels on the front legs snap off really easy. I have one in my basement TV Room - which gets little traffic - and they snapped right off. Trying to get a replacement leg has been impossible! You are handy so you could probably whip a replacement easy. Just FYI!

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  89. Both Martha Stewart and I like the Lyon Industrial Stools. :) They come with and without backs, with a wooden seat or a steel seat.

    http://www.imbusyprocrastinating.com/2013/03/even-martha-is-fan-of-lyon-industrial.html

    They come in three colors, but can be painted as well. I'm considering giving mine a makeover in black or royal blue.

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  90. Hi I just found saw these stools in a little eatery in my downtown.... found them easily on overstock.. perhaps they fit the bill.
    http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Modern-Adjustable-Curved-Bar-Stool/1505746/product.html
    Love everything you are doing...
    Colleen

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  91. You mentioned that your granite countertops aren't your favorite. Just that particular color or would you go with something else? We are taking out laminate and trying to decide between granite or a white corian. Thoughts? Do you think corian is dated?

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  92. Enjoy the best furnishing from london's most popular online services.
    cheap beds with mattress sale

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  93. Love your ideas so far! We have the same granite countertops in our kitchen and I've been trying to decide what to do to tone them down. Love this!

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  95. I Really liked your point of view in grouping this article with best informative points and amazing examples. I was looking some info for best manufacturers of kitchen equipment andthis is amazing with its technique to understand.

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  96. I can see this is an old post but I have to tell you maybe five years ago I had the absolute joy of working with Lundy from Villa Lagoon Tile -- we did a crazy quilt kind of thing for our changing room floor (we have a young child with profound disabilities for whom we provide personal care [diaper]) -- this changing room is the happiest room in the house! I have to say part of my utter delight in going into that room multiple times each day is not just how beautiful the room is (if I say so myself! I painted the ceiling high-gloss tangerine, hung a tole bouquet chandelier, and then painted 5" square "gingham" pattern in yellows on the walls along with Villa Lagoon's fantastic Cuban tiles on the floor), but the fact that working with Lundy was such a treat and we made a real and meaningful mom-bond makes the room even more special. I think of those warm fuzzies when I look at the floor. I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with Villa Lagoon, but seeing your pic with their watermark made me smile, so I wanted to share my happy story.

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  97. We love it when someone puts this much thought into a project :o) if you do decide to use cement tile we'd love to hear from you.

    Some well known designers use our tile for the backsplash and also run it out on a full wall in an eating area or on the wall behind open shelving. It is a wonderful open look.
    Best wishes, Lundy at Villa Lagoon Tile

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)