Please tell me this is going to work out!

[Lynzee]

I just spent two hours with the local cabinet maker. Y'all I really have no idea what I want. In all honesty, we have been without a kitchen for so long that I no longer care at this point. I just want a kitchen and I don't care what it looks like.

I showed the man some pictures of kitchens I like and I was trying to describe some things I think I would like to have, but I'm not sure I did a good job because, as I said, I really don't know what I want--exactly. Fortunately, the cabinet maker's wife came with him and I think she was able to get an idea of what I wanted from looking at the rest of the house and the pictures I showed them, and she was able to help him understand what she thought I am looking for, but basically, he would measure and say, "we could do [blah, blah, blah] here" and I would say, "okay, that's fine." I couldn't visualize a thing the man was talking about and I couldn't seem to focus on anything other than "I don't care what it looks like, just do it and get it over with." I'm thinking this is soooooooo not a good thing. :(

It will be okay...won't it??????

[annielinz]

Lynzee, take a deep breath. :)
OK describe what look you are going for in your kitchen. Are all the top cabinets going to be open? Do you like detail or very simple, painted wood or natural/stained. For the bottom part do you want doors or drawers or both.
This is what I did to help me come to a decision. I went to google and typed in white cabinets and dark countertops and hit image. So many came up and I just browsed. Then I narrowed down the type of cabinet look I liked the most and for me it was shaker style. I also browsed magazines and www.Gardenweb.com this forum has a kitchen site that people have posted incredible kitchen makeovers.
I have not even begun the makeover process because just the thought stresses me out. But when and if I do I will have a good idea of what I want. But in my little fantasy world I would love to wake up one morning and find my dream kitchen:D

[yarborough house]

Lynzee I am like you. I need a new kitchen - total gut job but am afraid of the total-ness of it. So, many decisions. And am I sure that is what I want.
I have been tearing out pics of kitchens for years and one thing I know is I like white..I like it to look like furniture with feet and corbels, I like black countertops - but am liking white ones too now. I want some open tops and some closed. I want a checkered wooden floor with wood and black distressed checks, I want beadboard ceiling or tin. I want an island and want stainless appliances..
but to actually pick exact things out - that is terrifying me. I need new appliances so I told hubby I'd get those and deal with the kitchen but then part of me is saying - why half ass it.? If it needs to be done then why not just bite the bullet and do it?
I am scared that is whY.

[Gigi]

Ms. Annielinz- You sure post some of the best sites and pics too!

Lynzee- It's exciting, but scarey that you have taken this step. I can't to hear and see as it happens. I think knowing the basics i.e. painted, open, glass, paneled, etc.. would be a great "knowing" starting point.


Tammy- OMGooosh the thought of gutting a whole kitchen! We have done it on several homes, but you almost have to go on vacation while the process is getting done. :(

[ChapterTwo]

Lynzee...this has been so much for you to deal with, and I'm sure the permanence of what you're doing is sort of paralyzing you!

But...
If you don't like surprises, I think that it is crucial that you know exactly what you're getting before you get it! (One time my ex f-i-l was in charge of designing a kitchen in a new house for us...long story...he wouldn't allow or accept our input. Anyway, the kitchen had a grand total of ONE DRAWER!)

My point is that it is vital that you have a general idea of the functional aspects of your new kitchen, as well as the decorative ones. If it was me, I would put a hold on things for a day or two, and spend that time doing nothing but figuring out what I wanted. Even if you (or your hubby, or a friend) can roughly sketch out the functional part...doesn't have to be to scale, or even be "beautiful", just so he knows..three cabinets/four drawers, a soffit overhead, etc., etc.", that will be a help for you all.

As for the design aspect, photos are the best idea to give the man the "feel" of what you want it to look like, insofar as style/color.

[Lynzee]

Thanks for the ideas and support! Y'all are the best!

Lynzee...this has been so much for you to deal with, and I'm sure the permanence of what you're doing is sort of paralyzing you!

Paralyzed is a good word, CT. I am definitely there. And no, I don't like surprises--espcially in my home--so my not being able to visualize anything is really scary to me.

So anyway...

Deep breath--thank you Annie for that advice. I get myself so worked up I actually find myself holding my breath trying to make these decisions.

I spent years collecting photos and saying "I want this", yet, now, my mouth just won't seem to say those words--no matter how hard I try to make it.

Another deep breath--okay, here's what I think I want... :o

White cabinets--definite
Wood countertops--maybe butcherblock
White sink--definte
Square recessed cabinet doors--maybe (we are replacing the walls with beadboard or v-groove paneling so no beadboard doors, which was what I really wanted)
Some open shelving, some upper cabinets--maybe
Upper cabinets not hung at ceiling level--maybe (the cabinet man said ceiling height would be better--that he would build me a matching step stool at no charge :D)
Stove to replace cook top--maybe (cabinet man says standard size stove will not fit--smaller size will have smaller oven which defeats the purpose of second oven)
Dishwasher--definite
Cabinets on either side of kitchen window--do not want but may have to have in order to fill the awkward corner spaces
Glass fronts--maybe (open may be more "me")
Drawers--I had three in the old kitchen and that was more than enough, but the cabinet maker says I need more.
Wood stove hood--definite

I kept telling the man "simple", but I wasn't sure he was getting it. His wife seemed to understand. She would show him other things in my house or pictures from my notebook and say, "something like this". He would nod and go back to measuring. I hope that meant he understood. She hugged me as they were leaving (turns out they knew me when I was a child :eek:) and assured me they would make sure I have the kitchen I really want....I'm just hoping she's right. :(

[Breezy]

Lynz - relax and just know that it will all come together.
Trust me on this - been there done that.;)

[Heather]

Lynzee: You know what you would like - and I really like your ideas - now what about getting them on paper? Could you use a kitchen planner and sketch it out? The Ikea planner online is free and easy to use. I'm not suggesting buying Ikea if that's not what you want but you could use it for the measurements so your contractor builds EXACTLY what you want. After plugging the measurements of the room/windows/doors and existing or future appliances you can 'snap' in cabinets (open shelves, different colour cabinets, etc.) and THEN you can look at your room 3 dimensionally - rotate it around for different views etc. Print it out and there you go!

[Zuzu's Garden]

Lynz - I understand completely! I reached the "I don't care" point when choosing a toilet, and Hubby chose a one-piece that looks like it came from Star Trek. :eek: I should have cared at that point. So, I second C2's suggestion to put things on hold and spend a little more time nailing down what you want. Let's try moving some of these around a little, K?

Definites:

* White cabinets--definite
* White sink--definte
* Dishwasher--definite
* Wood stove hood--definite
* You said Drawers--I had three in the old kitchen and that was more than enough, but the cabinet maker says I need more. Is he going to come over and cook and clean for you? If you were happy with three drawers, then tell him you want three drawers. Make it a definite.
* And, Upper cabinets not hung at ceiling level--maybe (the cabinet man said ceiling height would be better--that he would build me a matching step stool at no charge ) If you don't want them at ceiling level because you want to put decorative items on top of the cabinets, then don't let him talk you out of it (because it would be easier for him) :mad:
* Wood counter tops (butcher block maybe, but you know you want wood)
* Stove to replace cook top--maybe (cabinet man says standard size stove will not fit--smaller size will have smaller oven which defeats the purpose of second oven. OK, if it won't fit, then that's going to move this up into the definite column, right?
* Cabinets on either side of kitchen window--do not want but may have to have in order to fill the awkward corner spaces. Tell him you don't want these, and ask him to supply more ideas. EDITED W/ IDEA: How about open corner shelves here?

Now all you have to do is focus on the maybes:

* Square recessed cabinet doors--maybe (we are replacing the walls with beadboard or v-groove paneling so no beadboard doors, which was what I really wanted) Hmmmmm, I've seen kitchens w/ both beadboard doors and walls. Only you can decide if it's too much, and if it is, then make square recessed doors a definite.
* Glass fronts--maybe (open may be more "me") and some open shelving, some upper cabinets--maybe.

Seems to me that this guy should be able to take your definites and sketch out a plan, and then the maybes can be solved.

It is going to all work out! I promise!

Zu

[Zuzu's Garden]

Oh, and Lynz, designing a kitchen isn't like going through the drive-through. You don't have to make all the decisions right now. I started with a sketch of where the sink, stove and fridge would go. I made sure I had enough counter space to prepare food on either side of the sink and stove. We made the upper cabinet above the stove because the range hood attaches to it. We made the open shelves above the sink (which I may change my mind and do something else with - Hey, we are allowed to change our minds!) The bottom cabinets designed themselves around the appliances. I told Hubby that I wanted one (yes, one) deep drawer and the rest cabinets w/ doors so that I could configure everything else inside to fit my needs. I didn't have to decide on a counter top until the lower cabinets were made.

So, take a breath. There is time to make the decisions and your kitchen will turn out the way that you want it to!

Zu

[Lisa S]

Good suggestions, Zu. Lynzee, I think you're closer to the final product than you think.

My friend is a home builder. When he came to talk to me about my kitchen remodel. he talked about garden windows, granite counter tops and linoleum floors. In my 1920's house!:eek:

When I met the carpenter we eventually hired, it was like the heavens opened. We spoke exactly the same language. When I said wood counter tops, he said "Great idea!". I spoke and he would draw it out and then make it. It was a beautiful thing.


Keep this in mind too: My carpenter was of the mind that all of my kitchen supplies should be accounted for and that I would want a specific place for everything. Frankly, I don't want to think that hard. I don't have a ton of kitchen stuff and I knew I was getting more space than I'd ever had. Figure out what's important to you and don't worry about having every detail worked out in advance. For me, the layout of the sink, stove and fridge was the first thing to figure out. Adequate counter top space for food prep was second. Making sure that the kitchen aesthetically fit with the rest of the house was third.

The cabinet maker and his wife sound sweet, but if it doesn't feel like a good fit, keep looking.

[ChapterTwo]

Just a thought...I don't know how close you are to stores, but what about going to Home Depot or Lowe's or somewhere, so you can actually SEE some cabinet styles? Then take photos of what you like. It's different from looking in a catalog/magazine/online.

I guess that's the "plus" of getting ready made cabinets - you know what they're going to look like. Still, these should be great because they'll be made to suit your space.

[Lynzee]

Thank you for all of your suggestions and the much needed support. I was in the office all day yesterday--and away from this mess that I am so tired of looking at and tripping over--so I am feeling a little less overwhelmed today. :o Still, I do think this has been one of the most difficult projects I've ever tackled!

I will probably not relocate anything in the kitchen. I love my work triangle. It works very well for me, so I want to keep it. I also plan to keep my wall cabinet/oven. Two more definites. I never thought about rearranging my list. Thanks, Zu!

BPG is in agreement with the cabinet man about hanging the cabinets at ceiling level because our ceiling is only eight feet high. Dropping them down means smaller cabinets and less space. Makes sense, but I do use the space above them for decorative items. Still undecided there...

I really believe the cabinet man will come up with something I like. His wife seemed to understand and love "cottage", so I'm sure she will guide him. I decided yesterday that I will definitely tell him there will be no upper cabinets by the window over the sink. I want open shelves there or nothing. Period. I hope it works out because, in all honestly, I didn't see anything at Lowe's or Home Depot that I thought I could make work for me.

My bigger concern right now is choosing between the beadboard and v-groove paneling and getting that up. I guess I'm having trouble because I've always had my heart set on a subway tile backsplash and I'm not sure they would work together. What do y'all think?

The cabinet man is supposed to have his design and an estimate for me today. Will let y'all know how it goes!

[cheapdiva]

Hey, Lynz -
Remember you have a kitchen "bud" here!!! I spent 4 hours with the kitchen designer on Sunday - 4 HOURS! I thought that was ridiculous but my friends who have recently gone down this road think that's nothing! WHAT??!!

The hubs was out of town and is NO help in these matters; color blind, isn't handy, can't visualize, blah, blah, blah. So after he got home on Monday night I should him the plans and he is insistent that we tear open one wall where another window is currently plastered over. This means we have to re-do that wall, so we're back to square one on that side. I am bound and determined that we get the other two walls squared away and get at least base cabinets ordered so we can then order countertops and get a frigging sink in the kitchen.

Tomorrow I will scan in our current design and show you pictures of how the kitchen (what's left of it!) looks now. I have resigned myself to living with a partial finished kitchen until we figure out what to do with the "fridge wall". When you see the plans it will make more sense.

In the meantime, I have been putting in very long hours (12+) at work and trying to finish up the living room. Painting is done but I am not thrilled with the color - so am going to repaint the biggest wall a very soft pink to tone down the "rasberryness" of the rest of the room. Pictures to come!!

[Lynzee]

Hey CD! I do remember I have a kitchen bud! I think about you every day and wonder how your kitchen is coming along. I honestly can't imagine making the structural changes that you are making. We are going down to the studs but aren't moving walls or doors or windows. If that were the case, I think I'd just move. :eek: Can't wait to see your design!

The cabinet maker called yesterday. His estimate was much higher than our budget for cabinets, but I think we will be able to work something out. His estimate included numerous things that I really don't need or want, so we are going to get together again and come up with a design that doesn't include full upper cabinets, drawer cabinets and an island to replace my lovely rolling cart. :rolleyes: Actually, at this point, I'm thinking I'm just going to ask him to duplicate the existing cabinets that were actually damanged, make matching doors for the ones that were not and call it a day.

[yarborough house]

I understand or think I do about how you all feel. I HATE my kitchen. But there is a buttload of cabinets and it would be a huge expense to replace them. I would love to rearrange my kitchen and get the range to another place but it probably wont' happen now. After reading all of your posts I had a reality check and realized NOW is not the time to do a major reno...so I guess I will be taking down doors this summer - sanding them and making new ones for ones that just don't work anymore. Repainting them and making them look better by new hardware, building some feet for the bottoms and some crown for the top. Getting new appliances as ours are begging to go to the light :) and then when all that is done - get new countertops.
Question on those - with 4 kids and hubby makes 5 who dont' clean up after themselves - ever - would stone be a good choice or would laminate be better.?

I may try to find a way to cut cabinets and move that range but we'll see about it..I really want a 36 inch with so many to cook for..but we'll see how it plays out.

I do know what I want - well basically-
white cabinets
some open some closed
either white counters or black
black and wood checked floors - distressed
black island with stone counter
subway tile
stainless appliances
big deep sink
new faucett
and new cabinets but that isn't in the budget dang it :(
oh well
another day maybe

[Heather]

Tammy, what excatly do you mean about the "black and wood checked floors - distressed" - do you have an inspiration pic? I'm just about to do our kitchen floor (again) because the burgundy porch paint I originally used is way too dark and shows all the dirt....

Also, I had found a good thread elsewhere on painting cabinets. Here it is:
http://forums.houseandhome.com/showthread.php?t=7006

[Lynzee]

Painting your cabinets is a great way to get new cabinets for very little money, YH! I painted my cabinets at the beach house a few years ago. The difference was amazing!

Wish I could help you with the countertop question, but I am going through the same thing myself. I really, really want wood countertops, but am thinking laminate will be much more practical.

[CohenCottage]

We painted our cabinets, and although it took us awhile, the results were great! Oil based paint is the best for things that have drawers/cabinets that get opened and closed a lot and get lots of abuse, so that's what we used. I've read in a few articles that the semigloss Benjamin Moore Aura paint has the durability of oil, but it dries SUPER fast and isn't stinky. So, if we had it to do over again (or when we repaint), I'm going with the Aura.

It was a cheap, dramatic way to improve the look of our ugly stock builder's cabinets. In addition to our kitchen cabinets, we also painted cabinets in our bedroom, and even contractors that have been to the house have complimented us on the paint job and were surprised that we did it ourselves.

I'll post some photos and the step by step instructions this weekend!

[CohenCottage]

We are planning on resurfacing our countertops and bathroom floors with Skimstone... it's a concrete overlay that looks really really nice and is relatively easy to DIY.

[Zuzu's Garden]

We went w/ laminate because of cost and durability. We were also able to get them the same day, because HD had pre-made pieces. We bought two pieces w/ the angles already cut, cut them to length, cut holes for the sink and stove and put 'em together.
Zu

[yarborough house]

Heather-
We have wood floors in the whole house..the only rooms that are different are the laundry room, 1/2 bath downstairs, kids 2 baths..when we redid our master bath we did wood floors in them. So, what I mean is I am going to draw a grid on the wooden kitchen floor (after sanding it a bit so paint will take). Then check it with black paint and leaving the wooden floor. So, only everyother block will be black the remainder will remain the wooden floor.
Then when done lightly scuff/sand the painted squares to distress them a bit Then poly the whole dang thing a couple of times..
Does that make sense?

And I have painted our kitchen cabinets. While hubby was in Iraq I got a hair up my butt and painted them green. Our cabinets were built by a former owner who was studying to pass his bar and already had an accounting degree and thought in his spare time he could build cabinets- NOT. He should have stuck with law and numbers. The doors are inset and they are warped so some don't even close. We are going to look at maybe building the frames a big larger so we can just make new doors that sit on top of the frame..I am sure we'll do fine..I just want a nice, new, everything functions, and is clean kitchen - is that too much to ask? :)
I have friends two houses down that got the granite wrap for their counter tops. They had laminate and this granite company came to the house and then wraps the laminate counter with a thin veneer or granite..have to go see theirs.
My dream is soapstone countertops but man pricey.. I love honed granite - No shine. I have heard that honed slate countertops are nice and cheaper..we shall see. I do like concrete countertops also but dunno...

thanks for all the info..remodeling should not be so difficult.

[Heather]

That's what I thought Tammy re the floors. I have seen it in pictures and it looks GREAT. I had this bookmarked on how to do it:

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/architecture-and-design/ideas-for-painting-wood-floors.shtml

[Lynzee]

I came, I saw, it kicked my you know what. :(

The whole remodel/redecorate thing just proved to be too much for me at this point in my life, so I asked the cabinet man to duplicate the damaged cabinets (leaving a space for a dishwasher) and make matching doors for the rest of the cabinets. I went with laminate countertops (butcher block look), we're installing a new sink, and we'll install new hardware and new flooring--neither of which have been chosen yet. BPG still wants to rip the T1-11 off the walls and replace it with beadboard or V-groove paneling, so I told him to pick one and have at it. I don't care which he chooses as long as he does not try to involve me in the process.

I am sooooooooooo done with this project! Can you tell? :eek: :D

[Zuzu's Garden]

Yes, I know a lot about kicked you know what. ;) The beauty of your decision, dear friend, is that your kitchen will be finished, you'll have a dishwasher, and everything will be fresh - ready for small decorating touches when the mood strikes.

Finished. Wow - what a concept. My kit cab doors are leaning against the wall, but my knees are still demanding time off. The last thing I want is knee surgery, so the kitchen waits.

[Lisa S]

Lynzee,

Is it a relief to have those decisions off your plate? Zu is right, the freshness of it all + the space for the dishwasher will be great!

[ChapterTwo]

In my life, I mostly find that the easiest way is best. I'm glad you're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, Lynzee!

[annielinz]

Lynzee, I'm going to try and learn from your experience.
I've been putting off our Kitchen reno, due to the same reasons as you and not wanting to part with the $$. However last night, I just had it with this decrepit kitchen. I have broken drawers, nasty tile, floors coming up,lack of storage,ugh, just plain yucky. I've got to just bite the bullet and do it.You'll be my inspiration:) I wish you the best of luck in surviving the redo.

[cheapdiva]

Okay here are the lights I am going to use (different and inexpensive). Saw these on another blog and really like them. Ceiling is going to be done in beadboard. Backsplash may be beadboard again or pressed tin.

Love tile but if you don't use all white you are limited down the road in what colors will work with colored tile.

Cabinets being ordered this weekend and have the countertop picked out also. We could have this project done before the snow flies!!!!:rolleyes:

[Lisa S]

Love the lights! They're so cool.

[Lynzee]

Finished is definitely what I need, Zu! Your cabinet doors will get there...don't do it until your knees are ready. Maybe you'll decide you don't even need them.

And yes, Lisa, it is such a relief to have all of those decisions off my plate! I am really looking forward to the dishwasher. It's been ten years since I've lived in a house that had one! :eek:

This was the easiest, C2, and I agree, it is the best way for me. I just hope that light at the end of the tunnel isn't a train. :D

Annie ~ I am definitely not an inspiration. I couldn't even make it through the demolition phase, never mind the remodel. Just too many other things on my plate right now. I think that is key--starting with a clean plate.

CD ~ You are on a roll! Good for you! I love those lights!

[ChapterTwo]

This was the easiest, C2, and I agree, it is the best way for me. I just hope that light at the end of the tunnel isn't a train. :D

!


I was HOPING you wouldn't say that! :D