Kitchen Remodeling

[BlueMama]

I'm finally stepping into the world of The Updated! I'm getting my kitchen done! I have white cabinets and we'd like to change the section of the cabinets around the stove area to accommodate a bigger stove, possibly move the microwave to above the stove, maybe install double ovens where the oven/microwave currently is, rip out the fluorescent "box" above the island, put in recessed lights, and put in granite countertops and some kind of backsplash.

I'm sort of panicked - the contractor is coming tomorrow for an estimate and we'll figure out what we can and can't afford. I'm set on the countertops and backsplash, though - that much is certain. But I have white cabinets and I can't decide if it's better to go with black or tan countertops - WWYD? And what on Earth do I choose for a backsplash? And do I pay to have the 1X1 granite inserts in the backsplash?

Will the stove thing be too much money and not worth it? I really feel cramped with the 30" stove that we currently have, but only 2 burners have worked for the last year and maybe I'd be fine again with a fully working 30" stove? How much money do we want to throw at this? I feel like we're working towards our max because we put in a pool and lots of tile flooring a few years ago and I don't want to put more money in the house than it's worth, right? Even though we don't really intend to move...

Thoughts? Ideas?

[Jill]

...
I'm sort of panicked - the contractor is coming tomorrow for an estimate and we'll figure out what we can and can't afford. I'm set on the countertops and backsplash, though - that much is certain. But I have white cabinets and I can't decide if it's better to go with black or tan countertops - WWYD?
And what on Earth do I choose for a backsplash? And do I pay to have the 1X1 granite inserts in the backsplash?

what are the other predominant colors in your house? Black can be stunning with white but it's also a very strong look - it's very "stark" with white, and it can make the room feel very contemporary depending on the rest of the furnishings/finishes. I like black as an accent color in almost any room but when you commit to counters and island top, you are making a big statement so you have to be sure it goes with the general feel of your house, or at least the feel you are looking to create. Also keep in mind that black granite will show "sweat" more than a lighter shade. I like the brown tones - I wouldn't go as neutral as true tan or cream because I think granite is prettier with some color depth - but I do love the look of browns with white cabinets...it's a very individual choice and I don't think you could go wrong either way as long as YOU like it because both colors are "neutral" and classic.
As far as backsplash, you can do whatever you WANT with it! We opted not to have our Corian brought up and instead did a natural tile that we LOVE. You can do that, or you can do just granite, or you can do both. Again it's all up to what look you want.

Will the stove thing be too much money and not worth it? I really feel cramped with the 30" stove that we currently have, but only 2 burners have worked for the last year and maybe I'd be fine again with a fully working 30" stove? How much money do we want to throw at this? I feel like we're working towards our max because we put in a pool and lots of tile flooring a few years ago and I don't want to put more money in the house than it's worth, right? Even though we don't really intend to move...
Well, I do think that it would be worth it to upgrade to a 36inch stove. It's pretty much the standard, and it would bring about better resale when and if you were to sell.If you are going to buy a new stove anyway I say go for it, because IMO you will not ever think to yourself "boy I wish I hadn't gotten this new big stove" LOL but you may find yourself a few years down the line kicking yourself for not doing it. This isn't the kind of money investment that would ever bite you later - it's only going to help the value.
Double ovens and built in microwave also definitely add value but if you aren't going to use them, I say don't bother.

:)

[BlueMama]

Here's two that both dh & I absolutely love...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2329488751_21212f1b71_o.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/2329488651_7e645e305c_o.jpg

So many choices! I'm thinking of giving the contractor my list of "house stuff" that needs to be done and going from there. So much work to be done and so little money! Thank you for giving more to consider :)

[MadAboutYou]

Here's two that both dh & I absolutely love...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2329488751_21212f1b71_o.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/2329488651_7e645e305c_o.jpg

So many choices! I'm thinking of giving the contractor my list of "house stuff" that needs to be done and going from there. So much work to be done and so little money! Thank you for giving more to consider :)

I really like the black and white but I think that's partly because there are is a lot of warm color in that room too. If the wasn't much wall space or it was a different color, I think it would seem cold.

We have a range on our (huge) island and a double oven. TBH, I don't really like the double oven. But I LOVE our range. It has 3 regular burners, one double insert burner and one griddle size burner in the middle.

[BlueMama]

I met with the contractor this morning. We're not going to be able to change the cabinets to allow for the bigger stove - it's just too much money. We did agree on backsplash, granite, new appliances (stove, micro, double ovens), undermount stainless sink, adding a bar, ripping out fluorescents and adding at least 4 recessed lights, painting the entire kitchen/breakfast area, and doing 3 minor (major to me) lighting changes elsewhere in the house. He said he'd have it all on proper paperwork next week and we'll get started whenever I make my color selections. :thumbsup:

I cannot get over the excitement!!

[BlueMama]

I am about 99% settled on the black granite - I'll post the color when I get it more narrowed down :)

[Jill]

I met with the contractor this morning. We're not going to be able to change the cabinets to allow for the bigger stove - it's just too much money. We did agree on backsplash, granite, new appliances (stove, micro, double ovens), undermount stainless sink, adding a bar, ripping out fluorescents and adding at least 4 recessed lights, painting the entire kitchen/breakfast area, and doing 3 minor (major to me) lighting changes elsewhere in the house. He said he'd have it all on proper paperwork next week and we'll get started whenever I make my color selections. :thumbsup:

I cannot get over the excitement!!

Woo hooo you're on your way!
BTW i love both of the pictures you posted - and the second one looks JUST like my counters!

Have fun - and post LOTS of pictures!

[BlueMama]

Thanks Jill! :D

[BlueMama]

The contractor started on Wednesday. I spent any extra money on upgrading the appliances and we still don't have a backsplash picked out. Progress feels a little slow at this point, but things should pick up next week. I started a web album, if anyone would like to watch the progress... it should be more exciting by Tuesday/Wednesday of next week, but it's not a major remodel in that we're leaving the walls/plumbing and cabinets intact. Oh, and we've ended up not going with a black granite - we picked Tropical Brown, so who knows how this will turn out :spinning::

http://picasaweb.google.com/syr114/KitchenRemodel

[aleutsi]

The contractor started on Wednesday. I spent any extra money on upgrading the appliances and we still don't have a backsplash picked out. Progress feels a little slow at this point, but things should pick up next week. I started a web album, if anyone would like to watch the progress... it should be more exciting by Tuesday/Wednesday of next week, but it's not a major remodel in that we're leaving the walls/plumbing and cabinets intact. Oh, and we've ended up not going with a black granite - we picked Tropical Brown, so who knows how this will turn out :spinning::

http://picasaweb.google.com/syr114/KitchenRemodel

How fun! Did you order the blue lights then decide you didn't like them, or did they accidently send the blue?

[BlueMama]

The contractor bought them and they were labeled "translucent". They look more purple or blacklight-ish IRL. It's a rope light set and he said that there were other choices, so he'll just keep trying them out until we get a color that works lol. I'm thinking something yellowish might work much better :).

[aleutsi]

The contractor bought them and they were labeled "translucent". They look more purple or blacklight-ish IRL. It's a rope light set and he said that there were other choices, so he'll just keep trying them out until we get a color that works lol. I'm thinking something yellowish might work much better :).

The blue/purple might look really cool in some designs, but I'm with you - I'd want something more warm. I can't wait to see it all finished!

[Brenda]

The contractor started on Wednesday. I spent any extra money on upgrading the appliances and we still don't have a backsplash picked out. Progress feels a little slow at this point, but things should pick up next week. I started a web album, if anyone would like to watch the progress... it should be more exciting by Tuesday/Wednesday of next week, but it's not a major remodel in that we're leaving the walls/plumbing and cabinets intact. Oh, and we've ended up not going with a black granite - we picked Tropical Brown, so who knows how this will turn out :spinning::

http://picasaweb.google.com/syr114/KitchenRemodel

How exciting! The picture of the puck light got me dizzy.

What, you didn't like having your kitchen lit up like a tricked out car with those blue lights? LOL

[Nirinjan]

I loved looking at your pictures. I vote for option 1 on the backsplash tile if you are taking suggestions. ;-)

[BlueMama]

The kitchen is done as of 2 hours ago when the painters left! I'm wonderfully happy with the results. Pics are still here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/syr114/KitchenRemodel

[Sue]

It's amazingly beautiful. And I am extremely jealous!!!

[lunita]

It looks fabulous! Do you feel inspired to cook something wonderful? nft

[Hawthorne]

It looks great! What a dramatic difference!

[Storymama]

It turned out SO SO well!! I can just picture you in there, too. nt

[threecubs]

The kitchen is done as of 2 hours ago when the painters left! I'm wonderfully happy with the results. Pics are still here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/syr114/KitchenRemodel

It's beautiful!!