Prettying Up a Builder Kitchen: One Room Challenge Week 2

Hi there! So, last week I gave you all the plans for my kitchen which I am transforming within 6 weeks as a One Room Challenge Linking Participant. Thanks so much for your encouraging and kind words on the post!

I have to tell you, I am so excited about this. I have been talking about this for nine years so to finally see it in progress makes my heart skip a beat (I’m not kidding!)  Although we upgraded the cabinetry with the builder, everything else was pretty builder basic.

So, here’s the skinny on what has transpired in the past week:

1) The main  only difference from the Before photo is that my gorgeous range is installed. The commercial feel really kicks it up a notch or two, don’t you think? I was going to do a post today about the range but I really wouldn’t be doing it justice until the kitchen is complete and photographed professionally. So stay tuned for an entire post on ranges and why I chose this range and its features.

(Oh and just an aside. See how the floor grout is pristine right in front of the range. That’s because the old range was a bit deeper or wasn’t pushed back far enough. That’s how the entire kitchen floor will look once the grout is cleaned professionally (I’m hoping.) I have tried over the years using bleach etc but it is labour intensive and doesn’t stay clean for long. Tip #1: clean your grout for a world of difference.)

2) I did hear from my fabricator that my Silestone counter in a honed finish is in and looks fabulous. She said she hadn’t seen the Lagoon in a honed finish before (and frankly, neither have I.)  I cannot wait for next Tuesday for it to be installed.  Then things will really get moving – sink, faucet and backsplash installed.  (Stay tuned for an entire post on the counter decision.)

3) I decided on these knobs in a polished nickel finish for the doors. I love the bead detail – so pretty! I should receive them next week.

 

 

And then I am placing my old faithful on the drawers, if the finishes are similar. Polished nickel can look slightly different from one manufacturer to another so make sure you get samples from each before you commit to see if there is a difference.  (Tip #2)

Note that the faucet is chrome but it is perfect fine to mix finishes. I just felt the chrome hardware was a little too bright and I like the patina that polished nickel has. I was going to install brass/gold hardware but I personally didn’t like the look of brass with the chrome faucet. Yes, I did say you can mix metals and you can see how that would look in this kitchen in last week’s post. (Tip #3: There are no rules when it comes to mixing finishes but do what looks pleasing to your eye.)

4) The wallpaper is happening and it is ordered.  Longest decision ever! It is the prettiest wallpaper and I chose this one because it looks like it has been hand painted like a De Gournay or Gracie wallpaper but for a fraction of the cost. The Noir colour way is subtle – black, white and grey. I taped the sample up and then proceeded to draw in the subway tile so I could get a good read of how it would look before committing. Are you following me on Instagram so you can see updates like this?

 

 But here’s a true reflection of the colour:

I have to thank Christine for putting me out of my misery re my wallpaper indecision advising to trust my instinct and go for it. PS Check out her plans for her bathroom in the One Room Challenge. (Tip #4: Do what will make you happy and/or bounce an idea of someone whose opinion you trust.)

5) Antique mirror is ordered for the four upper cabinets flanking the range. I decided on that over plain glass in the end because then I won’t have to be fussed about all of the dishes being white and everything having to be neat and tidy (did you see what was behind my missing cabinet door in the photo above?)  (Tip #5: Know thyself. 🙂 )

I’m hoping the antique mirror will be here in 3 weeks as promised. There are many colours and patterns and I went with something that will look similar to this – not too antiqued.

(Rachel Halvorson via Pinterest.)

That’s it for now! Next week, I will have more updates and tips to consider when renovating or upgrading your kitchen. Go here to see what the linking participants have been up to and go here to see what the 20 bloggers accomplished.

Happy Thursday and Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends this weekend.