7.30.2014

Going with what you love...

When I made the decision to go with Carrara marble countertops everyone tried to talk me out of it. The kitchen designer, the countertop installer, even my mom.   I have had my heart set on these countertops for years.   Yes, I know marble stains, etches, and shows wear.  I'm okay with all of that because that's what I love about it.  It's hard working and takes a beating, but all those imperfections mellow out into a beautiful patina.  Rather like people do ;)

at the stone yard- Master Tile Colours in Houston...

our honed Carrara marble slab...

Just to give a bit of perspective of how far we've come, here are the before shots of our tiny tudor kitchen.  The room, yes- it's a R O O M, is 9x12 with one doorway in and out...



I knew the soffits had to go.  The ceilings are only 8 feet, so we needed more vertical space.  Once those were out we had our electrician come in and add four canned lights on a dimmer switch.  Drywall was next, and then just last Saturday our cabinets arrived.  The original cabinetry was a good quality and in 1969 had been custom built in the kitchen.  However, the layout of it was a bit wonky what with a recessed pantry to the right of the sink and a wall oven on the other side of the room.  So we had to gut it completely.   I went with Kraftmaid cabinets in Mushroom (no glaze or distressing).  I wanted a very clean look to this kitchen and chose Shaker style on the cabinets.  I also made the decision to not have any upper cabinets.  There will be open shelving on the wall to the left of the sink as well as the L shaped wall to the right of the sink.

 My finger was channeling "where's Waldo" in these shots...
Looking into the kitchen from the doorway.  Notice the ripped out trim- the only solution to getting the oversized corner cabinet into the tiny room!

Corner near stove...

pantry wall...
sink wall...
Marble is being fabricated this week and will be installed by Monday.  The wood floors and stairway are being finished up today and tomorrow.  I am also having the house professionally cleaned to get all of the construction dirt out of there before we move in.  PODS arrive Tuesday and Wednesday.  It will be interesting to see what fits and what will go.  I love the idea of purging and keeping only what we need and what we love.  Living intentionally, simply and with less clutter.

This entire summer we have worked so hard to create a home that reflects the life we want to lead.  Now it's time to make that dream our reality.

Bring it.

7 comments:

  1. So exciting that you are moving in soon. I am glad you went with what you love.

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  2. Everything is turning out phenomenal! I love your choice of countertops! I adore Carrara marble!

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  3. So excited for you! Y'all are so close. Looking forward to seeing it all moved into as I'm sure you are. Too.

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  4. wow! how exciting! I think you will love the counters.....who cares about the upkeep haha! I know you will make this kitchen amazing :)

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  5. Love your new cabinets! Can't wait to see the final results. And those countertops...*swoon*

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  6. Oh the fun of moving or should I saw downsizing.....Been there ...we downsized 5 years ago to about the same size.
    We thought we paired down but when we moved in we looked like the hoarders....lol

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Thanks so much for popping in. I appreciate all of your lovely comments...Tricia