Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Kitchen Blues

So we came to the conclusion today that something absolutely MUST be done with the kitchen. We want to do a full blown kitchen remodel that will include ripping down walls and basically everything from the tile floors to all cabintry, as well as adding a window. The fact of the matter is that we really do not want to skimp on anything with this because it is truely the center of every home and we will have to live with it for years to come. The only problem? This: $$$.
Subzero fridge: $8,000
Freezer drawers: $2500
6 burner range & hood: $5000
new cabinets: $15,000 or more
carrera marble counters: $6,000

We made the decision when we moved in that we will not compromise on any of the things we want to do, but we also decided that we will only do things we can pay cash for. No reno debt for us! This means that the kitchen may not be done this year. The only appropriate time of year for all that work is really Spring and Summer due to a possible hole in the wall as the new window is installed so if it doesn't happen by August, it probably won't happen until next May.

Today we were tidying up some other construction debris in the kitchen and we both looked at each other and said "Goodness we have to get this room in shape!". We can't stand spending time in that dark, dingy hole we call a kitchen. If you are a fan of The Lettered Cottage like I am, that you have seen her amazing kitchen reno and we also did a quick update on the kitchen in our previous home so we are familiar with the territory of spraying cabinets and adding interest.

I am not sure when exactly we will work on this temporary fix, but hopefully in the next couple of weeks! LOTS of pictures to come as we make a drab kitchen temporarily a little more fab~

15 comments:

Meredith said...

Seriously, it's the appliances that break the bank! I have to confess though, I hadn't ever heard of freezer drawers!

Danielle said...

Goodluck. We re-did our kitchen a few months ago. Not something I will be returning to in a hurry but well worth the pain :)

Emily said...

Good for you waiting until you can pay cash even though it's hard to wait. I couldn't live without my subzero now that I have one. It's worth the wait. Can't wait to see what you do temporarily.

Kristen said...

Wow, your kitchen is going to be amazing! I can't wait to see it when it's done!

Your fridge budget is probably bigger than what we will spend on our entire house renovations...I am so jealous!!!
Do you have your cabinetry, countertops, etc picked out already? I'd love to see what you're thinking of..

Freckles Chick said...

Oh wow, I hear ya! We finished what I called "Kitchen Phase 1" a few months ago. Just enough to make it ungross and cheery enough to cook in, until we do a full blown remod a few yrs from now.
Can't wait to see what you do! I loved what you did w/ your condo kitchen--so much bang for your buck!

Mrs. Limestone said...

Whenever you do get around to redoing your kitchen, I can't wait to see it. It sounds amazing.

Tammy said...

We're the same way...only doing projects that we can pay for and the kitchen is the most expensive one. I'm so impatient with it. Looking forward to seeing your temporary fix!

Unknown said...

Holly, do you know if you can paint faux wooden kitchen cabinates? I dont know exactly what it's called, but it's like laminate wooden floor boards.

Kayla said...

Gosh, I would love to fix up our kitchen too! I've actually never heard of a subzero fridge or freezer drawers either! I must be living under a rock! Though, I do love your blog! I have a hubby that's completely in love when it comes to cars too, so I hear ya!

Katie Church said...

Just a thought - Could you install the cabinetry and have then leave the space for the sub z and drawers? You could just leave your old fridge in the opening until you have the funds available.

Unknown said...

Suzy, you can definitely paint those cabinets! You can use a melamine based paint and that should give you good coverage without chipping or peeling.

I originally wanted to do the cabinets but leave the old appliances, but you have to have the exact dimensions and I am not 100% sure what models we will go with, let alone if they will be in stock or available when we want to actually purchase them, as well as we need to convert the stove outlet to gas as well, so we want to just do it in one fell swoop.

Anonymous said...

I am with ya on the "one swoop". And NO debt for home projects is what we do as well. My hubby worked for a custom homebuilding company for ten years, so he gets discounts and knows all of the contractors we use. Good stuff. I want to see pics of the refrigerators you are interested in! Also the stove too!

Kristin said...

can't wait to see the pictures!

And I know that waiting is going to be hard, but getting the kitchen of your dreams -- without the debt to go with it -- is going to be so worth the wait.

RLG said...

I've done two kitchen renovations. One complete renovation down to the studs, and a second that was working with what we have. I can honestly say that working within a budget and making what you already have work/function/look better is more rewarding. And I'm less concerned about my kids banging the crap out of something old! Double bonus. Can't wait to see your photos. Cheers!

Unknown said...

I hear you on the no reno debt, that is how we try to do things also! I think it makes the finished product that much more fabulous! Good luck with it all!

 
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