A Kitchen Re-Style: Part 1
If you’ve been following us on Instagram or Facebook, then you know that this post has been a LONG time coming. I’m trying to get better about updating as we make progress on projects around here, and because there is SO much to share, I thought I’d sum up all that has gone on during our kitchen re-style so far, in a couple of different posts.
Ready for part one?… Good.
Here we go!
Once upon a time there was a kitchen. Nothing was really wrong with it, but no matter how many decor changes or paint colors were used on the walls in the space, some of the larger fixtures were still just all wrong for this crazy couple.
just in case you’re new… that would be us (the crazy couple) below
๐
One night after work, the husband thought, “I think it’s time for a tile backsplash around these parts.” So he started ripping down their existing backsplash, with no thought for an exit strategy or discussion with his dear wife.
The wife screamed “WAIT! Let’s talk about this for a second.” He continued demo; she grabbed her camera… the husband calls for little helpers with picky, tiny fingers to do the dirty work.
aka: removing wallpaper.
After only a few minutes, the husband gives his wife THE look.
The wife resists saying ‘I told you so’ and hides behind her camera.
The next day the couple went shopping for new gray 2×4 backsplash tile at the big box stores, with no luck. So they visited their trusty counter top/kitchen makeover specialist Doug, over at Granite City. After a LOT of talking the husband decides that in order to get his wife’s “dream kitchen”, new granite was going to have to happen. Wife apologizes, but then reminds the husband that he started it.
After MUCH searching and sleepless nights the couple finally decides that they have found a winner for their new tile backsplash and granite counter top color. A very light version of Giallo Ornamental for the granite, and Dessert Gray in a matte finish for the 2×4 backsplash subway tiles.
Once everything is purchased and scheduled, the REAL demo begins. With lots of help from a Handy-Dad, the husband starts tearing things out left and right.
Holes and messes are made.
The wife starts to majorly stress out, knowing that the holiday season is WAY too close for all of this.
She also thinks that the “simplify” sign needs to come down ASAP. Ironic much? ack!
She also thinks that the “simplify” sign needs to come down ASAP. Ironic much? ack!
After a few deep breaths into a paper sack, the wife gets her act together and starts helping mend the damage.
PS: Seeing studs through the drywall ALWAYS stresses her out. Good thing she has a great tutorial on how to fix large holes in walls. Whew!
๐
Are we super excited for all the changes that are yet to come – YES!
Am I thrilled with the messes that are created with all those changes – nosomuch.
And in the end are people going to think that we’re totally crazy for tearing up a kitchen that was just fine to begin with, just for the sake of having the perfect look that we want for right now, in this moment? – maybe.
But guess what?
Restyling, redecorating and taking risks is sort of our “thing”. I’d like to compare it to driving a bus at full speed, with absolutely no idea of where our final destination will be… it may sound weird, but for us, it’s the perfect metaphor to explain how projects get started around here.
๐
beep, beep. LET’S DO THIS!
To be continued…
Kalynn's Mommy says
You're personality makes me laugh almost every time I read your blog!!
๐
Lookin forward to seeing it finished. I'm sure you are more tham I am!! ๐
Angie says
Love it! If we dont take that first leap, goals may never be accomplished. Only slightly backsplash jealous ๐ – Angie
Unknown says
That is so funny! I wish my guy had a bit of your guy in him. My guy is usually just afraid of change and I have to work real hard at letting him see that the change will be for the better, AND that there won't be too much work for him in it.
Can't wait for the second installment. It is going to get worse first? Right? Or are you two really miracle workers and skip to the 'things are looking better' part immediately. Ah well I'll have to wait and see.
Dawn says
we were just out looking at countertops yesterday-thanks for the reminder of the mess it will be ๐ not looking forward to that but def to the end result! well, that is, if I can ever make up my mind!
Amanda says
How exciting – I LOVE the new granite/backsplash combo!
Anonymous says
Can't wait to see the end result! I'm sure it will be beautiful!
Nicole Roe says
We had our marble installed ON Thanksgiving morning last year… with a houseful of family.
claudiaberry@gmail.com says
omg it is going to be awesome – can't wait to see the finished result!
To The Moon and Back says
oh I love it…riding the bus right along with you, can't wait to see what our next stop is!
Bekah says
haha wow that backsplash definitely snowballed! Cant wait to see what you guys have come up with!
Nancy@owensolivia says
You are too funny, and yes, that simplify sign needs to come down ASAP. And maybe check yourself into a psych ward while you are at it. Redoing a kitchen 3 months before Christmas? Ack!
Tammy R from Ca says
Oh you are such a tease!!!!! I was reading then bamm…. No pics!!!! ๐
Barbara says
I love it!!! I would do the same,except my hubby isn't on board. He thinks our same ole boring kitchen is just fine! Maybe this winter I'll get the itch and just start tearing things out and then he'll have to be on board! Good luck! Can't wait to see the new kitchen!
Paula says
Wow! I wish my husband and I were gutsy and energetic enough to do what you are doing. We both would love to have our kitchen redone as it really needs it, but we won't be tackling it ourselves. And since we can't afford to pay for the work right now it will wait. I love the granite and tile choices you showed! Can't wait to see the rest of it. Good luck!
Karri says
I like! Thanks for sharing! Because we redid our kitchen 2 (or 3?) years ago and well, the countertop, lack of backsplash, sink, wall color, and light fixtures are allowing it from being perfection. So your blog post is giving me the courage to approach the husband to start slowly tackling these things. I mean, if we live there and spend time in there, it should be perfect, right? Right. Especially the kitchen.
Natalie@Endless Crafting says
Love your granite and tile choice! Can't wait to see the rest..especially your new sink!
M says
Oh wow! That's going to look great!!! Are you planning on keeping the cabinets the same color?
Anonymous says
I love your choices and I do the same thing as your husband. diving in and then realizing it's a lot bigger of a job than I planned. I'm moving into my first house and I'm super pumped to start renovating and decorating. I love looking at your blog for inspiration. I can't wait to see how it turns out ๐
the cape on the corner says
i love these choices! are you able to keep the old granite in ok shape to donate it or something, or did you have to chop it all up to remove it?
so i'm not sure if you're going to repaint your cabinets, but you could you PLEASE install all this stuff and then paint your cabinets? this is purely for selfish reasons-i have and am keeping dark cabinets in my kitchen, but your backsplash and counters are totally what i want. i would love to see this look instead of imagining it…but i fear you are going to go white cabinets like everybody else and i will still be stuck with not very many inspiration photos!
Brenda says
The grey is going to be beautiful. Question please say you donated the old countertop,etc.? I can't wait to see the final product!
Oh, and could you send your husband up here to Washington for awhile? He would be a good influence on my husband ๐
The Chezik Family says
What did you do with your old granite?
Ronny says
Congrats on the new countertops…now I know I'm not the only crazy one out there wanting to replace perfectly good granite! I love the colors in your kitchen rug. Where did it come from?
Eric and Carrie says
When things get tough, you can always tell your husband, you started it!! Can't wait to see the end result!
CandraWynne says
If you're done with your kitchen rug can I pretty pretty please have it?! ๐
Kimberly says
I wondered when we'd be seeing a kitchen reno, as (to me, anyways) that room didn't seem to "fit" with the rest of the style of your home – LOL at how it began though, that's fabulous! I think you both found 'your style' and it's different than what it was – or what you thought it was – years ago. Tuscan is beautiful but light and airy is energizing. I've been following your blog for a while and I really enjoy how much effort and personality you inject, not to mention all the inspiring DIY! Thanks so much and I look forward to seeing the new kitchen – just in time for the holidays!
Sandy says
You two are so cute and so resourceful.
I love the new granite counter top and back splash.
We gutted our kitchen eight years ago, so I know how unraveled things become until all is done.
"Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring;" a quote used many times from my sorority years at college.
Happy Heavin says
I can't WAIT to see all the changes!!! I LOVE your style and know it will make me even more jealous of your home!!
House of Smiths says
I love that quote! It's so true ๐
House of Smiths says
I LOVE marble! It was out of our budget… boo!
And ON Thanksgiving morning!?!? You should get an award or something. HAHA!
House of Smiths says
Gah! sorry! I'm giving you what I have as I have it… promise! ๐
I have another post almost done with another update. It includes our farmhouse sink. yay!
I'm trying to get better at updates ๐
heather says
Excited to see the big ta-da! Though your husband makes me nervous working in his bare feet. hehe!
Regina says
I always love your posts- you are very funny with your writing! I am excited to see your finished result. I put Giallo Ornamental in our kitchen and I love LOVE it- it is a gorgeous granite.
House of Smiths says
We're going to paint the cabinets, because I've always wanted white, but I sent you some pictures of the original cabinet color with a (not so great) pic of the lighter granite ๐
House of Smiths says
haha! I'm not sure what I'm going to do with that cute rug now. hmmm. ๐
House of Smiths says
haha!I hope everyone likes it! It's nerve wracking thinking that so many people will see it! eeek!
Tonya @ Love of Family And Home says
You guys are hilarious!! I can't wait to see more!!
Lesa Pollock says
Love your blog! I was just wondering if I could borrow your Hubby and Handy-Dad for some projects in my home! My wonderful Hubby is not so handy and I have a lot of DIY project ideas! LOL
House of Smiths says
Me too! I'm going to try to keep everyone updated as we move along ๐
House of Smiths says
Oh gosh, bare feet and basketball shorts… story of his whole life. ha! But hey, whatever he wants to work in is fine with me, as long as he's working ๐
Susan says
Awesome!! I love the demo now, think later mode!! I struggle over home renovation stuff. I spent more time picking out my floor than I did picking out a husband. I'm glad I was impetuous 38 years ago, or else I'd have missed a great guy, 3 kids and 2 grandkids!
Rhiannon says
gah! not a sequel…. just leave us hanging will ya
Courtnie says
It will be so pretty. I have a thing with gray. I can't get enough. Random question but where did you get your chevron ceramic holder for all your whisks and wooden spoons? I love it!
chris says
Can't wait to see the finished product. I am sure it will be totally fab! Keep up the good work.
Chris
livyloudesigns.com
justscrapn says
Crazy? Maybe, but like you said re-decorating is your thing. Maybe sometimes a little more extreme, but I love what you guys do and that no project is ever to big!!
Your a great inspiration & motivator because where getting ready to do our kitchen in the 4-6 months. I'll watch and learn from any mistakes that you two might make, but I doubt it, you make a great team! Can't wait to see the next chapter in the kitchen remodel.
Kortnie says
I'm crossing my fingers that one day my awesome husband comes home and says, " I think it's time we had an awesome tile backsplash!" lol
Jen says
Love it! Our kitchen reno took a couple years (in my husband's spare time) and I finally have the kitchen of my dreams, I tease him that I'm the designer and he's the contractor… but it's perfect for us!
Best of luck! Have fun!
Emma says
I am glad to see pics after all your hints on FB.
Chalece says
I just found your site from a pin on pinterest and am completely in love with your design style. And I have to ask, where did you get your two shelves that you have in your dining area? I have been looking for some a similar area in my home and those would be perfect!
Thanks for the great ideas for decor, especially for the holidays!
Heather says
You and your hubby are too cute for words! You make DIY look fun! I can't wait to see more of the kitchen! Thanks for sharing.
Unknown says
I am so excited to see the progress! My husband hates home reno so I am stuck with what I have until I NAG him and he has enough of it and finally gives in!! I have so many projects I want to work on! So I am one of the jealous ones lol
MelissaG says
Wow how I would love to have granite. Can't imagine changing out one for another, however! Can you send the old one my way ๐ Love your style. Can't wait to see the finished project.
Anonymous says
Were you able to resell your old granite? I know you could get cash for it on craigslist–then maybe you could afford your marble backsplash?
CandraWynne says
well just write my name down and let me know if you're getting rid of it ๐ lol I think I have an addiction to it honestly I pinned your kitchen re-do and every time I see it I just oooo and awww over it and wish I had it because it would be PERFECT in my kitchen! ๐ Still looking for something to compare but so far its just bare wood floor…
Reenie says
haha…. you guys are so cute and funny!!! I was wondering too if you were going to paint your cabinets. (saw above that you are) Your cabinets are beautiful, and not the orangey-oak color that are in a lot of homes. But, you guys look more like the "white cabinet" kind of people. ๐
Can't wait for another update. =)
Marissa says
Your kitchen story rings so true to me. I love going to the Parade of Homes, but after going this year and seeing some design elements that I love and can't get out of my head… I feel like even though there is nothing actually wrong with my kitchen, it is just not exactly my style. Now convincing the hubby is a whole 'nother story. lol I love the new granite and backspash you picked and can't wait to see how everything looks all put back together!
-Marissa @ GarrDen of Love
Anonymous says
You are too funny =) So excited to see everything come together. I have been dying to try Rustoleum Transformations on my kitchen cabinets, but have been too scared to start! I would LOVE a white kitchen so maybe I need to follow your lead and just jump in.
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
I think I just found a kindred spirit… love your style and your zest for starting a project that takes on a life of it's own!!!! Wonderful blog!!!
Bethany says
You crack me up. Thanks for being crazy so we can follow your blog about all the craziness. Haha!
Nichole says
what are you doign with the old granite?? Excited to see the final product!! we painted our cabinets cherry wood brown when we moved and the next house will definitely have white!
Unknown says
Love the new choices! Your kitchen will be so much brighter! Are you getting new cabinets too?
Unknown says
How fun ; ) Kitchen redos frighten me, actually, my husband during kitchen redo would frighten me. He doesn't like to be displaced too long.
I was wondering if you have any posts of your master bath redo. I remember you were doing some planking and countertop stuff but not sure if I missed some final posts on that. Could you help me out?
Unknown says
How fun!
I was wondering if you have any posts of your master bath project. I remember way back that you were doing some planking and some countertop stuff but don't remember seeing a final post on it. Maybe I missed it. Could you help me out?
Rachael says
You are too funny. I also have a hard time balancing the "It's really fine the way it is" vs. the "I totally want a different look" conundrum. I'm jealous of your apron front sink, I have been wanting one for years. Best of luck! I can't wait to see how this turns out.
Cocalores says
Looks promising! I just know that my husband wouldn't have been that patient ๐
Jenny Lynn says
I am sure that it is going to be an amazing re-do project that you will look back on and always smile about.
Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} says
Such a fun post! And how exciting…new counters and backsplash will completely change the entire kitchen! Looks like your granite choice is what we used (and I can't for the life of me think of it's name right now, hello early)…if you're interested in seeing it with dark cabinets, check it out in my home tour page. ๐
Can't wait to see yours come together!
JessaJO says
You could have a contest to win your kitchen rug… I'm in! ๐
Anonymous says
Have you chosen a wall color yet? We recently got granite countertops (Light grey) and white/grey subway tile backsplash. Our cabinets are white — we painted them a few years ago and I love them. Now here we are, four months later, and I can't decide on what color to paint the walls. But I LOVE my new countertops and backsplash! I've never had granite before. But the main reason for this rambling post is to tell you that I feel SO validated seeing your countertops and backsplash! The company we worked with tried to sell me a tuscany-style backsplash with my granite. Boo! Glad I stuck to my instincts. Wish I could decide on what to do with my walls now!
Thanks for all your fabulous ideas and tutorials!
carolyn in nebraska
Kassi says
My personal style would be to paint the cabinets white with the gray granite and back splash. But you will get more contrast with the dak cabinets. I hope we get to see it soon! I know it will look beautiful no matter what you choose. You have great taste!!!!
Peggy says
I love the kitchen door below the "Simplify" sign, how did you paint it?
Peggy says
I love the kitchen door. What paint technique did you use for it?
Wendy says
I SOOOO want an update to this post! How the progress moving along? Our house is so new, i'd hate to tear anything out (just give me time….!!), but i LOVE the gray granite/tile you've chosen.
Wendy says
I SOOO want an update to this post!! How's the progress on the kitchen?? Our house is so new, I'd hate to tear anything out (just give me time, I'm already itching to paint the cabinets!) — but I LOVE the gray granite and tile choice!
Unknown says
So, I LOVE your green and blue geometric rugs in the picture of your old kitchen. Where did you find it?? Please don't tell me you've had it for years or something!!