Finally, at long last the kitchen is actually finished. We got the last pieces of the puzzle in place the week before we left for vacation, but it all seemed so unreal...Was it really done after all that time? Had the fridge finally arrived? Had the dishwasher that went bust 2 weeks into use been replaced by the manufacturer? Was the hood finally released from customs? A resounding -- YES!
I am thrilled with it -- it's very us and it's very me as a cook. That said, it is flavored and filled with idiosyncrasies, collections old and growing, and lots of open space...
(...to recap for newer readers -- we merged our den/family room with the existing cramped kitchen and made one big open kitchen....)
There are no utensil drawers -- a trio of pewter pitchers hold them instead; there are no overhead cabinets -- dishes are on the hutch and on open shelves -- and there are no sleek racks. There is: a huge open space, lots of flat surfaces and yes, lots of reclaimed, reused and recycled objects and furniture that somehow meld and work together like a good team.
There's no matchy-matchy here, just good, simple stuff that we are putting to good use. And yes, we have already scratched and chipped and worn that delish carrera marble -- so be it! I love the imperfections earned from good use.
Here are some images....
Now let me interrupt...
...and for those of you that don't remember when (I think I have already forgotten how bad it was myself) -- here's the before!
Yes, it was functional but I compared it to unappealing leftovers on the verge of going bad...
THE BEFORE...
THE AFTER:
(If you want to back up see the before and during phases of this see these post...)
Island Dreams...
http://earthangelstoys.blogspot.com/2009/07/kitchen-update-4-island-dreams.html
Update from June...
http://earthangelstoys.blogspot.com/2009/06/kitchen-update.html
Inspiration...
http://earthangelstoys.blogspot.com/2009/06/inspiration-right-here.html
Now, this new space...well... it makes me just wanna go cook something. Thanks to all the wonderful cheerleaders...and again to my pals and tech crew Melissa, Jennifer, Kathy, Stephanie, Ken, Robert, Oliver, Billy and Rob for making it happen. I should be cooking you all dinner on that new stove shouldn't I!
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels
15 comments:
I'm new here and I'm loving this transformation...this is a kitchen for living in, not just cooking in. It's beautiful!!!
Be still my heart!
Finally the finished product.
You know, I thought your kitchen was lovely before....
but now....there's no comparison!
Congrats!
Love it:) What a beautiful kitchen and the island is wow !!! Great job I am sure you are glad it is all done with the little kids in all:) Enjoy your new space! Love your mixer to:) I want to be a mouse in your house! Elma
Love how the new kitchen looks "old". How fun to be able to utilize all your antiques and collections there. The memories your family will build in that new space will make your world bright!
Jen-
that is just SO great! what a design.......i love it......
what a fabulous transformation! I love before/after shots :) I think we may have the same fridge/dishwasher.. i swear! It is LG? our dishwasher went bust right after 1 yr warranty expired (motor died). SO handwashing it is. Enjoy your new space!
This is really fabulous,Jen!
Oh so glad I stopped by .. Your kitchen is amazing!!!! Beautiful warm put on the tea!!!
Beautiful Kitchen Jen! It's been wonderful watching the transformation!
"Awesome", is an understatement.I don't know, is this a second career for you, Jen (kitchen designer)? great job.
kelly(simplyworn)
gorgeous, gorgeous! It really does look spectacular. It looked pretty good before, too, actually. It is going to be so great to have cozy family time in there this holiday season!
Oh my!! I've been waiting to see the finished project!! I LOVE it Jen!! I've been wanting to do my kitchen but didn't know if it was possible - now I think I can.
Thanks so much for sharing and giving me inspiration!!
Blessings,
Debbie
The new kitchen is wonderful!!! It all came together nicely. :)
The new kitchen is beautiful! Love the islands and the new layout. You and the kiddies will certainly have lots of work space for cookie making.
Oh Ma Ga!!!! I have no words, speechless! That is one of the best kitchen make overs I have seen. Such warmth and what an artist mix of new and old. Dreamy.
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