J k...lol! Why can't I get that dad-gum song out of my head? Anyhow, it's the end of this kitchen as we know it. Here it is, in all it's pre-apocalyptic glory. I'm embarrassed to say, I even tidied up a bit before shooting these photos. Just a bit, mind you. No sense in going overboard when the whole thing will be under construction shortly. Since my guys are here for a few more days, you see our dueling laptops on the breakfast bar. I have a plan for that but...more later.
Here we go for the tour...the gruesome truth...my kitchen is cluttered. And I don't care. Well, I do care. A little. I think I've given up. The debris of 16 years is hidden behind those cupboard doors and some of it has overflowed onto the countertops. So, my goal with this redeaux is not only to update but also to squeeze every last bit of storage out of this little space. And purge. Stuff. In my defense, things are out of order. I've got stone and granite samples lying about and appliances and bananas misplaced. So, just ignore the chaos and hang with me.
The first thing to go will be the fridge. If this earth is still intact from 5 to 7 this evening (and I feel quite certain that it will be ;) our new fridge, will be delivered and installed. The other new appliances will be delivered, as well, but will have to wait for cabinet installation and other boring stuff like that. They'll be in the garage, in boxes....bleh. So, I need to get off my keester and get going on this redeaux thing. My plan for said fridge is to have the cabinet builder make a large cabinet unit next to, and over the top of, the fridge...sort of like a piece of furniture. It should almost make the fridge look built in. Also, that area to the left of the fridge, where you see the tile backsplash, will be a recessed appliance garage going back into the wall space (there's an under the staircase closet back there.) All I have to do is open the garage doors and slide my small appliances in and out to use them....no loss of counter space, at all. Slick, right?
I promise you, this area doesn't always look like this. Well, okay...I'm lying a teensy, weensy bit. But, it's a little worse because Wife Whisperer has decided to use that pass through bar as his catch all area.
We're hoping to lower the pass through to counter level, remove the vertical support (unless it's load-bearing) and make this a large island/breakfast bar area. We'll see how that shakes out. If it does happen that way, I'm going to have to greatly improve my housekeeping skills.
Ok...now for my catch all area. One of these belongs to Number One so it will soon be gone, but one of them is mine and has grown roots right here, in the kitchen. Maybe that's how coffee got spilled on my old laptop. So, my plan is to have cabinet guy put in a small desk over here...
...in place of that baker's rack. Our cabinets have seen better days. The guys have just beat the tar out of them and, let's face it...builders don't put in the best quality. So, I'm wading through a plethora of cabinet styles, colors, woods...and countertop choices. Yikes. It's almost as bad as choosing toothpaste.
Our adjacent breakfast nook has been taken over by some messy jewelry maker. Hmmm... My thought is to have cabinet guy build some nifty banquette seating under each window. Not sure if I can convince Wife Whisperer on this one. For him, this idea is a little squishy...no place to lean back...whaaa?? cushions? pillows??....you know, not a guy thing. Also, I do like my table and chairs. My guys have been unable to destroy the cast iron and oak. Not for lack of trying.
So, there you have it. Since the end isn't coming and my new fridge is, I should probably get going and clear a path for it. Love to hear your tips and suggestions!
xxoo