When I purchased my home, a wood panelled the dinning room (so beautiful right?!) was in the middle of the house... and the kitchen was in the back corner. If you know me, you know I love to cook and just like every good east coaster - I love to host a good kitchen party!
Wood Panelled dinning room? I don't think so!
Well a kitchen tucked away in the corner, simply will not do! I want the kitchen to be out in the open, in the middle of the house, where everyone can participate and hang out with me while I slave over the stove!
Orange oak hardwood? Anyone?
yeah...not for me either
I knew from the start that I wanted to open up the main floor and bring the kitchen to the centre of the home. The walls and the wood panelling would have to go!
Do you want a video tour of the original home?
Here you go!
After ripping out the walls, and changing up the plumbing. I got to work designing. Pulling inspiration images, and sketching out a new layout. Here are the first few drafts from AYA Kitchens Atlantic
The new kitchen would have a large kitchen island (MUST!). Built in Cabinets around the fridge (So space saavy!), and no upper cabinets on the other side (SIMPLE AND SLEEK). Black cabinets on one side (HIP!) and high gloss white for the island and the fridge cabinet (EASY TO CLEAN). Minimal hardware all around .
The original hardwood floors would stay, and be refinished. I have to say (though some people can't get behind it) I love hardwood floors in my kitchen! So easy to clean, and seamless throughout the whole main floor!
With a natural mate finish, they look superb. Say good bye to the old orange oak.
HELLO NEW KITCHEN
I decided to add some style to the wall with a herringbone pattern made with subway tile from counter to ceiling.
Subway tile is affordable and versatile! Need some tile? Contact Wackys
The original piano windows remained as found. They keep things classy and I love the wood window panes! You don't see windows like these made anymore!
Solid top counters from Jade and an under mount sink were a must for me! How much do you love this Blanco Silgranite Sink??? Blanco has the most amazing selection of top notch sinks if you want to up your kitchen game and hit it out of the ball park! They are pricy but will make your whole kitchen look high end!
I searched everywhere for a vintage window pane, but ended up getting one custom ordered the size and style I wanted. Because I only need the 12 pane glass and not the frame, it was only $100. I had my carpenter frame it in to place above the sink.
The industrial style lights were affordable as well, and they don't distract or over power anything else in this kitchen design! I found them at Wacky's Atrium Lighting Section.
I'm just thrilled with how my kitchen reno turned out! So open and bright and right at the centre of attention!
A little bit of the old is still here, but I think the new ads a touch of modern that's minimal style will stand the test of time!
What do you think?
Watch the final kitchen reveal with
before and after video!