Kitchen progress

There has finally been some progress at Chez Renovation Inc. (insert enormous sigh of relief as she sees the end in sight for at least one project). Thanks to the most amazing plaster and paint work by two Irish brothers (Dominic and Martin), impeccable masonry repair by a guy named Jack, utmost patience and skill of our electrician Craig, and Tom - the most zen carpenter you will ever encounter, the kitchen is slowly coming to life. Click here for some "before" pictures (from the left sidebar) and then feast your eyes below:

A most beautiful ceiling. To my kitchen-hungry eyes, it's the Sistine Chapel. Benjamin Moore's Mushroom Cap is on the ceiling, trim is in Cloud Nine.

The wall where the (hideous) oak built-in cabinet fixture loomed over the rest of the kitchen has been removed. In its place, Tom is installing the most serene cream cabinets ("bisque glaze" finish, from KraftMaid). Wall color is Benjamin Moore's Honeywheat:

With the island gone and the old cabinets and formica countertops ripped out, the appliances are stacked on one side of the kitchen, awaiting their replacements on February 15th:

Here's a preview of the bathroom. We are nearly four months into this room's renovation and suffice to say that taking a bath in the jacuzzi every morning is actually getting old. I know, it sounds like blasphemy to say such a thing. We dream of hot showers now, and hopefully will be taking one in this bathroom very soon:

Next on the agenda is the reconfiguration of the second floor closets, some wall repair and skim coat plastering, and paint. The small dressing room wall of closets came down today and the rest of the week will be spent repairing the tin ceiling and trim.

Last week the masonry guys removed the a/c units that had been installed through the rear back walls on every floor (remember those ugly things?)...take a look at the nice hole in the walls that we still have on the second and third floors. Dominic the plasterer worked his magic on the hole left in the kitchen and will do the same to the remainders this week:

So, off to London we go tomorrow, with fingers crossed that the house we return to looks even better.

Comments

[Cara]

It looks fantastic! I can totally see it coming together. Can't wait to see it in person. Have a great time in London - not sure if you've left yet or not. L, C

[ashley]

wow - Jen. It looks so great! I love that kitchen ceiling.
Have a fabulous trip to London. We should schedule our Seaport yarn outing when you get back.

[agness]

It is looking amazing. Our taste is so similar.

We're still some months out from starting on a plan for redoing our kitchen but I'm so looking forward to it.

[suzanne]

Hi,
Just came across your site when I did a search for Benjamin Moore Honeywheat. This is one of the many color chips I keep coming back to for a possible color for my kitchen. Would you mind telling me how you like it? Does it change colors/tones with the different light throughout the day? What direction does your kitchen receive light from (mine is a north-facing kitchen)? Any feedback on what you like or dislike would greatly help me make my decision on this color. Thanks for any feedback you can give!
Suzanne

[poker]

La mort est digne d'être vécue, mais l'amour est la peine d'attendre.

[Homeowner Insurance]

Looks so great! I am planning on renovating our kitchen and your blog gave me a very nice idea. Thanks!

[Annalise Johnnie]

I love the wood carving on the ceiling, it looks very grand. All you need now is a nice chandelier to go with it. Good choice on the mustard color for the wall; it goes well with the white cabinets. The bathroom is also beautiful and I love the wood paneling used on it.

[Michelle]

LOVE the ceiling!!!