July 15, 2009 Renovation: The Kitchen Plan
We have finally made some progress on our new apartment and I'm so excited to tell you all about it.
John and I have been measuring and planning for the past few weeks — spending more hours than I care to admidt at IKEA and stalking Apartment Therapy, Made by Girl and DesignSponge.
We've setttled on a layout for the kitchen. The plan is to do walnut cabinets with misty grey Caeserstone countertops (the coloring is similar to carrera marble). Our heart's set on using old-fashioned bin pulls for the hardware and the focal point of the kitchen will be a stainless range hood surrounded by bone colored subway tile (set with black grout).
Our kitchen inspiration boardThe big challenge, as in any New York apartment is space. In fact, we're working with a tiny 7' x 8'. In order to fit a standard 30" range, we had to be very particular with key details:
- We decided to keep the 18" dishwasher that's already there (thank you previous buyer for having an ounce of good taste). It's stainless and in new condition! Score!!
- The fridge we choose is counter-depth. Yes, they actually make fridges that are 24" deep. To compensate, its really tall, about 84"
In order to give us a little more storage, we're going to extend the kitchen a bit into the middle of the apartment, with a matching set of floor and wall cabinets, that will act as a sort of hutch.
Here's a sketch John's been working on along with the floorplan for the downstairs. And yes, its a duplex so we have TWO floors of fun to get through.
it looks cool in reverse, no?
The contractor we found via the Brownstoner Forum starts this Monday, the 20th. We're keeping our fingers crossed for everything to go smoothly and on-time but really excited because its all finally coming into place.
Next time, we'll take a look at the bathroom plans and then on to the floors, paint color and some furniture ideas. There's lots to share and we hope you enjoy!
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (5)
I am so glad I got to see the "before" -- because I know that means I will be even MORE blown away by the "after"! It goes without saying that you two have spectacular taste, so I can't wait to see how it all comes together. So exciting!!
This looks like so much fun! Not fun fun, obviously, but you're getting to plan everything how you want it, and in the end you'll love it even more! Seems like you're going to have one fantastic kitchen by the time you guys get through with it!
I can't wait to watch this come together... your inspiration is right-on. We don't own a place yet but I'm already fantasizing about re-doing a kitchen. I guess I should be shopping for the perfect kitchen, but I just feel like I'm going to have to create it myself, you know?
I loved the apartment before. I know that you and John will add your talented touches and it will look amazing when completed.
Take lots of photos to document the work. It's always fun to look back.
Renovating your kitchen is a great way to increase the value of your home. After all, the kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the house.