I love renovation. I love the planning, the satisfaction of seeing a project come together, and the end result, but you want to know what part isn’t my favorite? The part we’re in right now. It’s one thing to cosmetically enhance a room. Painting, arranging furniture, styling – these are all tasks that can give you pretty quick gratification. Within a matter of hours or sometimes minutes you can transform your space. We’re not there yet.
We’ve gutted the kitchen which did feel totally amazing but the last few weeks have been filled with work that doesn’t bring much impact. Fixing and moving electrical and plumbing, popcorn scraping and new drywall leave a big mess with not much to show when it’s done. Yet I know the functionality is important, especially in a kitchen. We’ve been living in dust for almost a month, but getting these things right is crucial. And Thursday we start installing cabinets! !!! This step will feel like the upswing. I’ll be sure to share as much as I can over on Snapchat if you’d like to follow along @themakerista.
In the last week I’ve also been trying to tie up all the loose ends. Usually the big details are faster for me to nail down, but some of the smaller things take time. I finally picked hardware, after ordering a ton I ended up going with an in stock piece from Lowe’s went to Cosentino to see the slabs in person I highly recommend this – I picked something different than I would have just based on the sample! and am searching for baskets that will be a perfect fit for our pantry turned mudroom.
Mudroom is such a strong word for this space, but these are two of the most used doors in the house pool on the left, garage on the right and this area needs some storage. So we’ll move the pantry to the kitchen itself and turn this into a “mud closet?” Probably a more appropriate name. The old layout with the door behind the garage door was never very functional so we’ll close this opening off and add cubbies for baskets on the other side.
Micah drew out the spacing and now I’m searching for baskets just the right size to house shoes, and seasonal garb: gloves and hats in the winter, towels and sunscreen in the summer. Across the way we’ll hang these too…
I found them at Red Racks while filming the other day you’ll get to see this kitchen in more than just photos! and I may have squealed with excitement. Kitchen and bathroom renovations start off with mostly new things, and it’s so important to infuse some history and character into them where you can – I think these hooks are a great start.
Any good sources for baskets? As you can tell I’ve brought several home to try out. I need something around 15″ wide by 15″ tall.
I can’t thank those of you who nominated me for the Better Homes & Gardens Blogger Awards enough! I have been chosen as one of the top 10 Decorating/DIY blogs with some really great friends! and you can vote to choose the top blogs here. Your continued support means so much!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Such a pretty color palette happening in there. This part is rough for sure, I always want to get to the fun parts too, but it is going to be so great!! All smiles ahead 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
That’s what I’m hoping for! 😉
Ren says
No need to search for baskets. Just ask your talented husband to build drawers! Congrats on the nomination.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Not a bad idea!
Dani @ Danielle and Co. says
The hooks are beautiful! I like the idea of keeping something older (especially in a house that isn’t brand new). I love seeing the inspiration board area where you’ve laid everything out together – it helps show how it will all come together in the end! I know it might not be right for your space, but we just picked up a big wire/metal basket from Target that is very modern looking; mostly because I’m excited it is kid-proof and pet-proof! No worries that a hole will get kicked/scratched/chewed into it!
http://danielleandco.com/blog/2016/design-around-bold-sheets
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Dani!
Linda moore says
Try Amazon for baskets
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Linda!
Meghan says
Can’t wait to see it all come together! As for baskets I always try Pier One and Home Goods, but I tend to have the best luck at Cost Plus/World Market. They have a HUGE selection.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Great, thanks Meghan!
Bonnie @ BusyBonnie.com says
I love where your kitchen is heading! We are working on a mini kitchen makeover by painting the cabinets, changing hardware and light fixtures, adding a backsplash, and hopefully getting a new countertop. I was wondering what type of quartz you ended up going with? It’s stunning!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I’m actually going with Silestone’s Lagoon! More on that later. 😉 Good luck with your updates, Bonnie!
Mary says
I’m excited about your kitchen reno. It is happening the same time as mine, although I have a much smaller space. My counters will be very similar to yours. My floor will be dark blue and my cabinets off white. I’ll be looking at your blog for advice and inspiration
themakerista@gmail.com says
A dark blue floor? Sounds beautiful, Mary!
Marcie says
Can’t wait to see. IKEA has quite a few square baskets in a variety of dimensions. Also, I covered the inexpensive fabric ones that come with the Target type cubbies. My daughter needed some seriously efficient, inexpensive and small scale storage when she lived in the Sorority House and this ended up being a great solution. I used sturdy fabric from the upholstery/. designer fabric warehouse nearby and used a combo of sewing and hot glue to easily cover and update them.You could even use outdoor fabrics. They are easy to swap out or change color/décor if they wear out, etc. She used them two years and they held up great with constant pulling out of the cubbies. It’s on my blog if you are interested in seeing the finished effect.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for this, Marcie!
Jenni says
You might try luckyclovertrading.com for baskets! Love love love your kitchen so far! Can’t wait to see the final product!!
Sarah says
Hi there! Can you give me details on the flooring? What are the sizes? Names? And where’d you get them from? Thanks!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Sarah, if you hover over the pictures the products have numbers you can click on that will take you directly to the product. The floors are an in-stock item at Lowes!