In 2013 we did a major remodel in our combined great room, dining area, and kitchen. We removed all the cabinetry, linoleum flooring, Berber carpet, and the subfloor. Then we added new cabinets, an island, had new wood floors installed, and painted the knotty pine walls white. It was a drastic and beautiful improvement. Now we are updating again with Silestone countertops, a new sink, and subway tile.
We chose a Silestone countertop in the color Lagoon for the island and I have absolutely loved it. It cleans easily, doesn’t need any upkeep, and is great for rolling out pastries!
Because we were at the budget limit with this countertop splurge, we decided to temporarily install a Formica countertop for the perimeter of the kitchen with hopes and dreams to switch out the laminate with a Silestone in the future. We also chose to temporarily leave our wood walls for the backsplash instead of adding tile. We placed a sheet of stainless steel behind the stove in place of tile there.
With the government stimulus check + some extra cash, the kitchen is getting an upgrade. My dreams are being realized as we recently had a Silestone countertop installed! It is the same color (Lagoon) as the island and I can’t believe how much brighter and lighter the kitchen is now.
Subway Tile Backsplash
As it usually goes with most home projects, one thing leads to another. Kirk cut out the wood panel backsplash from the original kitchen for a subway tile backsplash we are having installed behind the stove and up to the first open shelf. Our house was built in 1978 mostly by the first owner himself – which means there are some quirks. It wasn’t architect-designed, and there wasn’t attention to detail. So, before the tile guy can begin we have to do some adjustments. And by “we” I mean Kirk. The problem is the outlets and switches aren’t the same height up from the counter. A subway tile with a horizontal line is only going to emphasize that difference.
Cast Iron Sink
We also purchased a new kitchen sink and a new RO drinking water faucet. For the sink, we chose an under-mount Kohler cast iron sink with equal double bowls which remind me of the cast iron sink I grew up washing dishes in – by hand! We didn’t have a dishwasher until I was in 8th grade! I felt so fancy when we moved to a house with a dishwasher.
The painted knotty pine wall was removed from the backsplash area for the tile installer. He will add drywall prior to adding tiles. We have chosen a basic subway tile from Home Depot.
The trim around the windows has been removed for installation of tile AND because we are replacing the windows. The first estimate for window replacement came back higher than anticipated – and they don’t have an install opening until February, 2021! The business is reputable and has great reviews, but we are still looking into our options at this point. If we have to wait til February we can just tack up the old window trim.
I’ve still got a new stove on my wishlist for the kitchen and maybe someday that will happen too. Meanwhile, I’m celebrating what we are accomplishing now.
And for the sake of seeing progress, here are a couple photos of the kitchen before. The paneling is unpainted and is a distinct orangy color!
In this spacious U-shape kitchen I had plenty of room for this antique buffet to use as an island, workspace.
Thanks for following along, more later when tile is in!
