Click on them to change some text or swap out an image.close Help
Before
|
After |
The most time consuming part of this project was reading and learning how to do the various aspects, along with the shopping to see what is available -- sizes, styles, features, colors -- then trying to fit everything together into an integrated kitchen. It's tough to figure out where to get the information when you're not in the business. "Do-It-Yourself.com" was a great help!
I spent days looking at backsplash ideas in design journals and web sites, but I settled on a simple stainless steel backsplash. I'm actually very happy with this one, as it's easy to clean and makes everything feel shiny and new. I used 1" tile mosaics which I bought on eBay for the area in back of the cooktop. You can buy them in 12"x12" sheets for about $25 each or less, and install them with Thinset or mastic. I used a non-sanded grout for in between.For the length of the counter top back splash, I had a piece of stainless steel custom fabricated at a local metal fabrication shop for about $150, then veneered that onto some strips of cement board that I cut for a nice tight fit. Interestingly, I could not find any commercial counter top company who makes these simple yet elegant and functional back splashes. The cost to match up a quartz back splash with the counter tops would have been over $450!
I debated for a long time whether to add an island. I always liked it without an island because it was so easy to move around. But I chose to put the island in with the notion that if it didn't work out, I could always remove it. The advantages of the island include more drawer and cabinet space and more countertop space. Now that I've been using the kitchen for almost 5 months, I would never give up my island!! It's within arm's reach of the refrigerator, so comes in very handy when getting food out or putting it into the fridge. Walking around the island has proved to be minimal inconvenience relative to the extras it provides. I'd definitely recommend it...
My undercabinet touch lighting is something else I would never give up. You can buy this setup at Home Depot for about $25: attach the undercabinet lights to a wire which goes to the touch switch. I installed my switch under the front part of the cabinet adjacent to the sink. Touch it repeatedly and the lights go from dim to moderate to bright then to off. It's so quick and convenient to turn on the lights -- this is something every kitchen should have!
I was skeptical at first about accessing things in a corner cabinet. There are various types of drawer/shelf gizmos that aid in accessing pots/pans, etc. from a corner base unit, but many were very expensive. I first balked at the cheaper double-shelf lazy Susan I got from IKEA, but now that it's in and functional, I'm amazed at how much it can store and how easy it is to access. I installed two of them, one at each end of the main counter. For the price, I think it's the best way to go.
What was the final actual dollar amount spent? Did you have help? Judy
Super job! Appreciate your sharing your thought processes behind the choices you made. Congratulations. ohj
DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent home improvement and repair website.
We welcome your comments and suggestions. All information is provided "AS IS."
Website operating problems contact
.
Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our
"DoItYourself.com Community Forums".
Copyright © 1995-2008 DoItYourself.com Inc. All rights reserved. You may freely link to this site, and use it for
non-commercial use subject to our
terms and conditions of use.
View our Privacy Policy here.
|
Advertise |
Find a Contractor |
Interactive How-to's |
Free Links |
About Us |
Terms |
Privacy Policy |
Site Map
The original budget was $30K, but I managed to stay well under by doing everything myself. Of course it took a lot longer, but it was a fun and rewarding project. --walks