Continuing our story of the kitchen re-do…

After the holidays I started to work with a general contractor to figure out what our “new” kitchen would look like, in particular fixing the damaged ceiling. After several weeks of meetings and discussions that continued through the winter, the contractor presented his bid for the whole project.

Unfortunately I felt his bid was too high, especially since I planned to do several of the finishing parts myself…painting, wallpapering, floor and wall tile. So I said “sorry” and we parted our ways.

I will admit I was a bit upset but instead of looking for another company to handle the kitchen re-do I decided to become my own “general contractor” and find professionals who can do the parts David and I can’t. I have the plumbing and electrical covered…and a potential drywaller. Home Depot is handling the cabinets and countertop.

One of the things that seemed daunting even to the original general contractor was the removal of the old built-in wood kitchen cabinets. To vent my frustration over the high bid, I found some tools in our stash (a hammer and bee-hive tool) and started to pry away the overhead cabinets. To my surprise and elation, I was able to break away the cabinets from the wall!!

One of the things I want most is to have the feeling of a bigger kitchen. I can’t expand the square footage without tearing out and moving walls so removing the upper cabinets is my way to achieve a more spacious feeling. I will not be replacing the upper cabinets.

Instead the wall above the counter area will be tiled in a gorgeous “mother-of-pearl” mosaic tile…from the new counter to the new ceiling. On the refrigerator side of the kitchen will be a beautiful and colorful wallpaper. All new lighting will be added…three wall sconces, a pendent light over the sink, and a ceiling track light fixture. Did I tell you…it will be all GLAM!! I have ALL the new decorative details worked out.

I’m working with Home Depot for the lower cabinets and counter. I have ordered these components and the cabinets are expected to be delivered directly to our home in early August. The counter will come later after the cabinets are installed. Here is the computer generated layout of the main wall of the new kitchen that Home Depot created for me. I have penciled in some additional details.

I will keep you posted as things progress with our kitchen re-do!