It’s been a while since I’ve updated you on the kitchen remodel. Less than four weeks to go before our deadline. At this point it’s easier to count down as opposed to counting the days since the kitchen/laundry room project started.
We’re still plugging along. The floors are in, the planks are on the ceiling, and many of the cabinets were installed on Friday while I was in Florida! It killed me to have to wait until last night at 11:30 to see the reveal! LOVE THEM!
Mark Miller from M.A. Miller designed the cabinets based on an entire file folder I gave him of pieces and parts from pictures from magazines. (I practice what I preach – build a STYLE FILE to help you answer the many questions that arise during redecorating and remodeling.) It’s much easier to communicate what you want when your designer/contractor/builder can “see” what you mean. PHOTO RIGHT: This is the new buffet area. The upper cabinets will house hubby’s collection of wine glasses. The glass is “super seedy” – lots of bubbles in it.
I found Mark several years ago on a major whole-house remodel I did. His work is meticulous; details and workmanship – amazing. He stopped over about two weeks ago with a sample of the paint and distressing of the cabinet doors. I think know he was worried that the doors had been distressed too much. (Sorry, no photos of Mark. He’s Amish so I’m not able to take photos.)
During the process of creating my Kitchen Style, I discovered that “perfect” did not appeal to me. I was consistently drawn to cabinets, floors and ceilings that looked as if they were made from reclaimed wood.
I loved Mark’s sample – it had worm holes and edges that weren’t a perfect 90-degrees (shown in the closeup picture). 
In fact, I told him they could even do more (that’s when he confessed he had filled some of the distress marks because he thought the guys had gone too far!) Here are a few pics of the progress:
BELOW, TOP PHOTO: is of the niche area where the Aga range will be. Can’t wait until next week when the upper cabinet over this area is installed. It will be a beautiful focal point. 
Probably another two weeks before appliances can be installed.
BELOW SECOND PHOTO: This side of the island faces the range. The empty space above the drawer is where the microwave will sit.
The curves at the left end flank the seating area. Carrera marble will bridge the two ends to create a seated-bar area. I’ll pop a couple of stools underneath. This will allow guests to either talk with those at the fireplace or with the chef ;o)
This is the view of the island from the living room. Personally, I’m not a fan of long, flat islands – they remind me of airport runways ;o) So, I designed a raised, inset area that has four working drawers to break up the long, flat rectangle. The display cubbies will be perfect for cookbooks and accessories while leaving lots of workspace surface.
We’re in the home stretch. I’m at the point where I just can’t wait until it’s done and I have the kitchen of my dreams!
About Diana
I’m a busy working designer & home stager who gets a lot of joy & happiness helping clients transform their houses into homes they love. I blog as part of that creative process. In our “spare” time my hubby & I are updating our Cottage in the Woods that we share with our cats. I’m a Christian & look forward to someday working for my Heavenly Father, the Greatest Designer of all, decorating mansions in Heaven!
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Love Love Love it.. Wish I could see more of the distressed cabinets… Really like the raised island as opposed to flat…can’t wait to see the finished product.
Did you turn the island??? It kind of faces the whole kitchen now right??
Yes, turning the island was key to creating a more functional kitchen. We had a lot of wasted space the way the kitchen island was originally placed and it was like an obstacle course trying to reach the fridge.
I think turning the island so the workspace is open to the range and fridge will make it a much more user-friendly kitchen!
It is looking so nice. Really like the cabinets. Can’t wait to see the finished kitchen!
It’s dramatically different already. We can barely wait to see the end product!
Love the way the kitchen is progressing. I really like the different levels of the island, the distressed cabinets, ceiling — everything so far. Can’t wait to see it finished.
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