KITCHEN
There are only 2 things we're keeping in this "Kitchen" and that's the FiveStar 46" range and commercial hood. The imported Chicago brick floors will be staying as well. The kitchen is basically unusable. The sink is impossible to clean, the fridge is on its last legs and the cabinets are useless. The layout of the kitchen also makes it difficult to maneuver.
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The first thing to do is the mockup. This is where we're at so far and we're pretty happy with the results.
After the board is complete, I do a mockup in photoshop creating a rough idea of what this will look like. Next will be to tighten the design and measure everything making sure all of our items fit.
COFFEE NOOK/WET BAR
As you can see in the original photo above, this space is basically an old table with exposed plumbing and some old cabinets. We will be totally remodeling this space with a soapstone countertop, under-mount barclay sink, Kraftmaid custom color mission style base cabinets with brass hardware. I will also add stained oak beadboard to the wall and custom shelving.
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The below photo is a board I designed for the coffee nook/wet bar. This will be there first area I remodel and we will attack the main part of the kitchen after that.
I just keep tweaking the design - a little here - a little there. Below is the finished design. We decided to not install any upper cabinets. We don't really need them. Open shelving will help keep the kitchen feeling bigger and really give us the "French Country" feel we're going for.
After doing some research we found that it's actually way less expensive to purchase unfinished cabinets and have them professionally coated in the color of our choice. It will be an extra step in completing the kitchen, but in order to get the custom color it's the best option.
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Below is the coffee/wetbar nook. designed to scale with all options. The second photo is of the kitchen. This is the exact design and layout of the cabinets.
PANTRY
The brass Art Deco door pull is from HouseOfAntiqueHardware.com.
We love this online store. They have amazing products, ship quickly and have stellar customer service. This large Deco style pull adds a dash of drama to any door. The classic stepped design is recreated in solid brass from a 1930s original.
COUNTERTOPS
Below is one of the 2 slabs of soapstone we're using for the countertops. Soapstone is slightly more expensive than granite or manufactured stone, but for the look we're going for in the kitchen it's a perfect fit.
From Soapstones.com:
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1) Soapstone Resists Bacteria and Stains
The nonporous, stain-resistant properties of soapstone make it ideal for kitchen surfaces. This dense material doesn’t harbor bacteria, so you can easily wipe germs and contaminants from your countertop, sink, and backsplash.
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Soapstone’s nonporous qualities also mean you don’t have to worry about countertops staining from wine, coffee, juice, or any other persistent spill or splatter—nothing is able to soak in, and if any marks do appear, a quick oil treatment can solve the problem.
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Soapstone is also heat-resistant: Hot cookware can be set directly on your countertops without scorching the surface, and soapstone is not susceptible to heat-related cracking.
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2) Soapstone Counters Are Low Maintenance
Because of the talc in its composition, soapstone is more malleable and less brittle than other natural stones, so it does not crack or chip from temperature or pressure changes.
Soapstone’s density ensures countertops hold up well in high-use kitchen and bathroom areas. If you do encounter a scratch or nick, a light sanding followed by mineral oil or wax treatment can hide the mark with little effort. This easy care routine means soapstone is an excellent choice for commercial uses, as well.
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3) Soapstone Ages Beautifully
Beyond the practical benefits of soapstone, this beautiful, natural stone is an attractive option in traditional and modern spaces. It develops a natural patina through daily use. Applying a mineral oil or wax is an easy way to speed up soapstone’s aging process to achieve a darker sheen more quickly. The rich coloring means your soapstone surfaces get even better as they age—unlike other surfaces that show wear and tear and need resurfacing or replacement..
CABINETS
The cabinets have been delivered. After some electric gets installed we will be ready to install these beauties. They look great and we can't wait to get them in place. Once everything is installed, they will be painted our custom color.
Demo is complete and the Island has been delivered. It's the French Kitchen 72" Large Kitchen Island from Crate & Barrel.
About the island:
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"Our timeless marble-top French Kitchen island evokes the charm of an Old World pastry shop. The perfect finishing touch in a customized kitchen or great room, this striking island is large enough to sit center stage and become a multitasking workspace for entertaining and everyday dining.
Prized for its natural grey-white veining, the top's expansive Carrara marble is perfectly matched to its classic black cast steel and aluminum base. Hand finished for a soft antique look, the frame is shaped with slender legs and ornamental details, and features three drawers, six open shelves for storage, a towel rack and space for three counter stools. Designed by Blake Tovin of Tovin Design, the French Kitchen Large Kitchen Island is a Crate and Barrel exclusive."
The cabinets are now in place and the apron sink is set. That sink is very heavy. It is braced under the cabinet. Now we wait for the countertops.
The hardware is unlaqured brass from Rejuvenation. Because there isn't a coating on the brass it will naturally patina over time.
We had an extra drawer front delivered to us. This was perfect because it allows for a paint test.
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The final color is Resolute Blue from Sherwin Williams. It has just enough color to not look gray, but not too much to look over saturated.
The soapstone countertops have been delivered and installed. They turned out great. When the sun hits it you can really see all of the gold flecks snd veins. The photos do not do the stone justice.
Next up is to install the bar sink, faucets and dishwasher. We went with a dark great granite and resin bar sink. We wanted it do just disappear in the countertop. We chose a mix of gold and black fixtures and a matching Bosch Dishwasher.
Next up is painting the cabinets. Everything needs to be taped off and the cabinet doors and drawers need to be removed. The color is Sherwin Williams Resolute Blue. We think this color is going to look great in our French Country inspired kitchen.
To help separate the kitchen from our version of a keeping room, we're adding these marble tiles in a herring bone pattern.
THASSOS PREMIUM POLISHED MARBLE TILE
Once the tile has set up and grouted we added maple butcherblock shelves with custom iron brackets.
We ran quite a few test on the color for the shelves and we decided on using Rubio Monocoat as a finish and the color is ash. To see more about Rubio Monocoat go to the Side Projects section of this site.
