He's usually making bread. How one loaf of bread equals flour on every surface in the kitchen is beyond me. The other is dishwater. I can't get him to keep the water in the sink. It's ruining the finish on some of the cabinets but he has it in his head that hand washing dishes is somehow morally superior or something. But as long as I'm not washing them, I don't care.
phuggins reminded me about the ReStore. If you check Habitat for Humanity's website you can find locations near you. It's basically a thrift store for building materials. I used to go now and then when I worked near one and it was a lot of fun. They have all kinds of odds and ends. http://www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx
Kitchen Renovation Ideas, please.
Re: Soapstone and its pros and cons. Scroll down the link to soapstone.
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=155132
Re: Radon in Granite:
http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/news/20080730/granite-countertops-a-recipe-for-danger
Re: Soapstone:
http://www.guide4home.com/dec-ct/soapstone.htm
Hope this helps, Snug
> There is NO pleasing everyone so just please yourself and pick and choose the ideas you find most appealing.
Oh absolutely, one of the things that is great about DG is that you get all sorts of input and then you can sort of "triangulate" from the suggestions you like. :)
When I had white counters and an off white floor every darn scuff and bit of yuck would show up. A darkish "flecked" pattern hides both dark and light gunga. Not that you shouldn't clean your counters :), personally it just keeps me from going crazy whenever I see a mark. And yeah, I can pretend my house is cleaner than it really is. :)
Some day they'll make flooring that looks like dog prints, spaghetti and sauce, peanut butter, etc. and then the guilt will end.
How about a mesh floor - so all the dirt, spills, etc., go through. And you can bounce around like Tigger!
Or toe space vacuums that suck up anything on the floor, in total silence, while we're all asleep so we always wake up to clean floors?
My 2 cents. We built our house about 5 years ago. I put in a small pantry off the kitchen with shelves. Keeps the clutter out of the kitchen.
Get the best counter-top you can afford. Formica will wear out on the surface if you cook a lot. I have green/black granite from Brazil. Love it. Never had any chipping and I cook a lot. Beautiful. Also had corian in another house, but it will absorb stains.
Ceramic for floors. The only difference between the cost of vinyl floors and tile floors is the installation cost. In our case $400. If you do it yourself, look at the floor places for closeouts or sales.
I have a GE Profile frig- it's wider but sets farther back. about the depth of the cabinets.
Gas Stovetop is a must.
Best thing we did in our kitchen was a peninsula with seating. It is the congregation spot for snacks and pre-dinner conversations with the cook while she fixes dinner. ;)
Not going to give any of my own ideas, because I usually put others ideas into reality.
But go to my web site & maybe get some ideas.
www.berniescabinets.com
Bernie
Gorgeous work Bernie! I really like your work.
It's really important the cabinets are of good construction and I see you did that.
How do you find the time with all the gardens you have?
> Some day they'll make flooring that looks like dog prints, spaghetti and sauce, peanut butter, etc. and then the guilt will end.
THAT'S IT!!! :)
pril, it's called roomba! Our runs while we are at work and we just have to clean out the dust bin and brushes when we get home. It doesn't do a perfect job but it keeps the crunchy stuff under control.
One thing I remebered about gas stoves: look for black grids. We had a gas range and the grids were coated with some sort of pale gray ceramic. It was impossible to clean all of the little corners and junctions and they always looked awful.
Look what happens when I go to fix dinner! Wow! You all have great ideas. I love it
phuggins - no gunga collectors - check
lots of outlets - check
slide-out drawers - check
Great ideas for surplus stuff There is a Restore that opened recently not too far away.
I went to WVWC down in Buckhannon, WVA a FEW years ago. lol
Pirl, those are 'pearls of wisdom' I will please myself and decide which dirt I want to show - the light or the dark. hee-hee I like the idea of toe-space vacuums.
Katlian, I picture your hubby standing at the sink with a halo around his head washing the dishes. :) Black grids on stove that cover the whole top. I've seen that and like it.
Snug, I'll check out those links. Thanks.
Victor, that would be fun to bounce like Tigger.
cyndiehook, I agree, island seating is a must. Especially if I get to fly there. LOL I think I want wood floors since we are opening up to the dining room that has that already.
Bernie, thanks for the link to your website. I will check it out. I have seen some of your work over on another thread. GREAT!
Thank you all for your ideas. Now I have to check out all your links.
Hey!!! Hubby teaches biology at WVWC!!! (He started 4 years ago)
After I posted, I realized I am way behind on my site. Check back tomorrow for updates.
To answer your question, lots of scheduling to make all things get done. We don't do many cabinets in the summer. Did get some done though. And I have a very hard working son. He does all the putsy work on the cabinets, like the doors, face frames & drawers. I build the boxes & do lots of sanding.
Bernie
Okay, will do. Thanks
All these suggestions are so valuable, Jan. I think decisions need to be based on budget. Some features may be worthwhile, but expensive to repair and maintain. I have a SubZero side by side. I like it, but a service call is outrageous. For that reason alone, I'd not recommend it. It can't even hold a pizza box because it's so shallow. I have the top of the line KitchenAid DW. It's okay, but not worth the price. The Bosch is worse. I like maple counters and a marble slab for pastry. Have to have double ovens. I'm not fond of granite though it is the most popular surface. I have retrieved throw away appliances from friends who were doing high end kitchens to use up at Maypop. Their midline price appliance gifts have been as good or better than anything else I've purchased.
Cooktops are very personal. I like Wolf ranges. Though I don't have one, I think induction is the future in ranges and would make sure I had at least two induction burners in my next redo. Keep in mind I cater. Just my 1 cent (adjusted for current real estate values).
Laurel
When we bought our house 4 years ago the kitchen was recently done(unfortunately) I would have rather done it myself. The lady was def NOT a cook. Too many decorative cabinets with windows and who puts in all electric when there is gas in the house? and omg who ever did the work...ugh... I have to open the drawer under the wall oven to open the oven door all the way, and a totally useless island they had electric run to it so why didn't they put the cooktop in the island??? ugh eventually we want to blow out the back of the house so I'll get the kitchen I want.
Forgot to mention a friend of mine has that toe space area where you just sweep the crumbs and it gets sucked in by a central vac tie in...so cool.
My next sink will be big enough that a cookie sheet can lie flat in it. I find the side by side totally worthless when I can't put the pizza box away in it.
Oh and a sun bay window so you can have herbs year round.
Pirl, your kitchen is gorgeous!!!!! Love the fact that the counter continues into the windows.
Thanks for your 1 cent, Laurel.
Sorry, bout the electric, Jen.
It will defintiely be gas here.
I'm having such fun here. It is solidfying my own preferences.
oh yeah and you can also get some great ideas on hgtv's rate my space.
I forgot about that, Jen
I was just warming my toes over the heater vent and it reminded me of a condo I rented in Montana. The kitchen and bathrooms had heater vents set into the toe boards so they warmed your toes while you worked at the sink. It was a wonderful thing in a cold climate. Might not feel so good if you have air conditioning though.
We have a register right under the sink so I often warm my toes while at the sink, that is when the dog's not lying right in front of it.
I have crumbs right under the sink and they warm my toes nicely.
We have the toe kick register at the far end of the kitchen by the deep sink. Now I need that vacuum system! I do have a Roomba but it needs a new battery.
There are people who get rid of gas to get electric cook tops and ranges. It amazes me but it's true.
I wouldn't give up my Bosch for anything! It's all stainless, inside and outside. No little buttons to push and that require cleaning with a toothbrush to keep them clean. NO heating element! The last rinse cycle is extremely hot and that dries the dishes. NO repair bills for heating elements when there aren't any. NO waste of electricity. Best of all - it's silent.
There are some beautiful stainless sinks on the market, Jan. Make sure you check them out.
There is one more site for just looking though some of the ideas might be of interest: http://decorno.blogspot.com/
Meant to add - thanks, Jen. The extension area is great when making Baklava, lasagna, etc.
Once again..., Victor!!!
Yeah the electric is the pits, First time ever with it and hate it. takes FOREVER to heat up and then if you don't keep lowering the heat on the cooktop you'll burn your food.
One thing I would love to add above my cooktop is a shelf to put the hot pans to get them out of the way when doing a lot of cooking
My crumbs warm me nicely, too. LOL
I'm not sure I want to know about Victor's crumbs. Eeeeeee.....
Bernie, I just checked out your website link and I am impressed with your work. I got some great ideas. Now, I just have to share with DH. He does great work too, so I know the cabinets will look great. Thank you for sharing your craftsmanship here.
I agree, Jen, no electric for me. Been there, done that.
we have a central vac system, which we actually hate (lugging that hose around is a PITA). However, I LOVE the toe kick in the kitchen. Makes it so easy to do a sweep.
We have side by side fridge and love it - because it seems to be the only kind that gives you the dispenser in the door. I like ice in my drinks, and I drink a lot of water, so this makes it real easy.
I don't like cooking, however I too hate the microwave above the stove. The steam from the front stove burners doesn't get sucked up by the "vents" in the microwave, and instead form all sorts of condensation on the door/buttons. Not sure where else to easily put the microwave, though. But getting a real range hood is definitely on my list of "to do someday"!
I'm short, and I'd LOVE it if my island were shorter. Maybe then I wouldn't mind chopping so much. I saw on some show that a couple who both loved cooking but were totally different heights had an adjustable island. Great idea, but I can't imagine how expensive it would be!
I have SS but the fridge is FAKE SS. No fingerprints and you can use magnets. the microwave and dishwasher are easy to wipe down. haven't replaced the range yet so can't comment on that.
I have electric stove and have mixed feelings about the flat glass tops - no crumbs in stupid holes, but it doesn't clean easily for me...maybe I'm not doing it right :) I like, though, having one burner where it can be large or small. Except when I forget to flip the switch and I'm wondering why my water won't boil!
oh, and spend a little money on a dishwasher that has features you like. We had a generic one when we moved it and it was difficult to get anything large in there. Now we have one where the top shelf is adjustable so you can fit really big things on bottom, or on top, and the layout of the space is better so can fit more things in. And it wasn't that much more.
And because we're gardeners, a large enough window to enjoy the view! Ours is little, and I'm too short to even see the ground. But hubby is tall and he's the one who does the dishes so it works out :)
evie, good idea about getting the features on the dishwasher.
Maybe a built-in step could be added to your island that could be pulled out. I saw that on a bathroom vanity for kids.
The window is why we are knocking down the wall between the kitchen and dining room. It has a bank of 3 windows, but I would like to lower them a tad more. We shall see. DH didn't want to do anything to the exterior cuz that would lead to other projects. LOL
Hey Pirl,
I checked out that Bosch dishwasher and it looks promising. With all those features and good reviews I might be able to convince DH it's more efficient than handwashing. Then he would have more time to work on the cabinet for our bathroom remodel!
My mom has this weird little kitchen with almost no cupboard space so my grampa built an alcove that extends into the stairwell to put the fridge in. He had to build it higher than the floor so we could still use the stairs, so he added a little stool that pulls out from the wall below the fridge. I hope we never need to replace that fridge because it's a PITA to move.
Janel
Glad you liked it. It beeps when it's done, though you can turn off that feature, just to let you know it's done because it doesn't have the noise of the typical dishwasher. So much of the interior is adjustable!
We are in the process of remodle.
Gas cooktop Thermedore wonderful no747 dials and over design.
Refrigerator with freezer on the botton a MUST.
We are taking out "BradeyBunch" double ovens and putting in a GE Avantium convection microwave combo and a double oven below.Double oven has a small oven on top(like a pizza oven) and a larger one on the bottom.GE I think.
Definatly tossed the Jennaire electric cook top when we moved in 18 mos ago.It was horrible as stated above we bought a gas Thermadore 4 burner simple dial system and love it.
SIL installed so we wouldnt have to wait three mos to use it.
Demo starts in early FebNew Cupboards arrive mid Feb
we sold all the old cabinates upper and lower and the kitchen sink on Craigs list and are doing a lot of the work ourselves wellll SIL is changing elec cables and running more copper for where new sink will be.
This is not a "easy on the budget" project, I just live here,THEY pay the bills and its what DD wants,doing a lot of the work she saved several G's.
I have done a modest renovation in my old house ,nice job too if I must say $9,000. that was 15 years ago so who knows what it would be today.
Good luck with your redo, JoAnn. Keep me/us posted on the progress. Our will start when DH gets out of school, but we are planning, planning, planning.
DD planned since August.Interviewd three contractors and looked at kitchen shows and open houses.
Good luct to you too. Its a big job and well worth it.
Lots of good info here already, but it basically boils down to choice and preference. Here are some of my likes and dislikes, some of which will counter what others have said already:
Sink - go for the deepest double sink you can find. And I love the stainless sink (haven't had anything else for years). I have a large side and a small side which is good. Add a nice faucet that can serve as your 'pot filler' and you have plenty of room.
Trash - under the counter pull-out is the greatest invention since canned beer. Solves the 'where do I put the can' dilemma. Some (depending on the depth) have 2 cans - 1 for trash and 1 for recyclables.
Cabinets - someone already said this - go for simple door designs that don't collect dust and dirt and are easy to wipe down with soap and water. Make one or two upper cabinets glass front if you want a place to display items you use (trays, bowls, glassware, etc) that also can be decorative. Pick your cabinets first - they are the most expensive item and then figure out your flooring, tile, paint, etc. Pick out something simple (Lowes, HD) and have DH install rather than try to make your own - you will probably be happier in the long run.
Floors - Loving hardwood. Ceramic is ok but hard on the feet and legs.
Outlets - UNDER THE TOP CABINET - you can even have your DH install a few power strips that the upper cabinets hide. Gives you plenty of plug-in spots & you can't see them. Then just tile away on the backsplash and you don't have to cut around those pesky outlets.
Countertops - Granite if you can do it, with a simple rolled or flat. Love it, love it. I had solid surface and hated it after the first year; it shows scratches more than you'd think.
Dishwasher - Absolutely go for quiet. I am also a Bosch lover; stainless interior, delayed start are important to me.
Refrigerator - especially if you have a small-ish kitchen, look for counter-depth. They are a little more $$ but worth every penny. I have the french door, bottom freezer. I'm tall and do not mind the bottom freezer at all. And I do not miss the extra cubic feet you lose with the bigger side-by-side we used to have. Ice and water in the door are a matter of choice (a must-have for me) but you will sacrifice a little interior room to get it.
Stove/Cooktop - We can't get gas (except propane) so I went electric. I don't cook as much as I used to when we had kids at home so it doesn't matter. But I do have a separate cook-top and a double oven which I really enjoy having for cooking for crowds and parties. I'd have a gas cooktop if I could have done it with natural gas. Electric oven is fine IMO and I do like the convection feature for some things.
Microwave - ditto what someone said about having it over the stove. Bad idea someone had at one time. Put it under the counter if you have to in a built-in space. Well worth it.
Another thing about cabinet space - I have 2 deep and wide drawers next to my cooktop that I use for pots and pans. The pots, lids, casserole dishes, etc fit and nest nicely. Above the 2 drawers I have an extra wide drawer that is perfect for utensils of all sizes and shapes. Next to those drawers is a narrow spot with dividers that is great for cookie sheets and baking pans.
Stainless vs black - I do like stainless and don't find it hard to clean at all. Soap and water is recommended and finish with a dry cloth. Some of the older stainless appliances (or cheaper stainless) is a different story from what I've heard. I also use one of those 'Magic Erasers' (followed by a dry cloth wipe down) to clean stubborn spots and it works great.
Lighting - almost forgot - use some of those puck lights under the counter. They are great. I like canned lights in the ceiling too. You can then use a decorative fixture in the center with the cans as supplemental. Put a dimmer switch on all of them and it gives you some flexibility when you need it such as softer light for parties. We have a bar behind the sink and have pendant lights there which I like too. You can't have enough light in the kitchen when the real work is going on.
Good luck with the remodel and keep us posted.