OUR KITCHEN - JUNE 2016
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Today is the day! I'm finally going to share with you the AFTER photos of our complete KITCHEN NIGHTMARE RENOVATION! Now..before I begin I first want to tell you that the MAJORITY of the makeover was finished last summer. It's taken my Mr. AGP Man and I nearly twelve months to get our heads back together and recoup from this enormous, do-it-your-selfer project.
THE BEGINNING
(January 2012)
As I go along I'm going to TRY and show the old pictures taken during the process and correlate them with where we are today!
KITCHEN ENTRY 2012
When my Mr. AGP Man opened up this wall and saw all the manifold of pipes I thought he was going to faint (they were in concrete!). They had to be moved and barely fit in with our plans. A pocket door was going to be installed to the right of the pipes and once the pipes were in place it ended up being a really tight fit!
KITCHEN ENTRY 2016
KITCHEN ENTRY RIGHT 2016
KITCHEN ENTRY RIGHT 2012
KITCHEN LEFT SIDE 2016
KITCHEN LEFT 2012
ENTRY TO DOWNSTAIRS BATH AND LAUNDRY ROOMS
(This is a painted Pocket Door)
LOVE THIS SINK
LOVE OUR ISLAND
One major change in our plans was NOT using the vintage counter for our island! After we brought it home from Tennessee we realized that it just wasn't what we were looking for and opted for a change. Found this amazing one at TJ MAXX for a few hundred dollars. It's on wheels and can lock in place. I may paint it one day...and then again...I may not.
I love the contrast!
GRANITE COUNTER TOPS and
FARMHOUSE PULLS
Choosing our counter tops was challenging. We had a budget...wanted granite...maybe quartz. Ended up choosing a granite I didn't feel I would grow tired of...I have to live with it for a long time.
Found the pulls at Hobby Lobby! Bought them one-half off and they ended up costing us about one-third of the pulls I first found online. We bought several extra just in case one breaks... They are an easy change out if I ever decide on a different look or decor.
OUR STAINLESS FRIDGE
(Glad the White Monster in the Room is GONE!)
THIS AREA WAS ONCE MY LAUNDRY ROOM CUBBY)
POCKET DOORS LEAD TO OFFICE (L) AND PANTRY (R)
CUTTING OUT THE FIRST POCKET DOOR OF THREE (3) (The WORK was HUGE!)
The area my hubby is standing in was once our downstairs bathroom. It was only a half-bath. We opted to add a full size bath and a full laundry room once the kitchen was almost done!
STILL A LONG WAY TO GO - 2nd DOOR INSTALLED!
LOTS OF WIRING and RIP-OUTS!
FACTORY CABINETS MY HUBBY CUSTOMIZED
EARLY SHOT OF CABINETRY INSTALLED
(Still LOTS to Do! Headers & Crown Molding Still to Go!)
RIP OUT!
When I see this early shot of my Mr. AGP Man working to the bone, it leaves me amazed and so proud of what he was able to do. Had I truly understood the amount of back-breaking labor that was required, I don't think I would have ever entertained the idea of him doing all the work alone.
MY BELOVED...KILLING HIMSELF! :(
This may sound corny...but, I hope I'm a better wife today after seeing ALL the sacrifices he made to make our dreams of a beautiful new kitchen come true!
CHANGES ALWAYS ONGOING!
An early shot taken before the French pocket door was installed. It was a HUGE job!
Yes...we lived like this for a long, long time!
MY MISS K and I in 2014
We really did live and work in the kitchen during the construction. We just made do!
It was hard...but, we did it!
HYDRANGEAS & A VINTAGE BUTTER MOLD, GRINDER & SCALE!
THESE VINTAGE FINDS FROM MY MR. AGP MAN'S GRANDMOTHER!
MY FAVORITE IN THIS BUNCH?
THE NOODLE CUTTER!
CANISTERS
I've had this canister set for a few years. You can actually see them in other photos as the remodel was being done!
OLD TRAY FROM A TEA CART
I still love white...lacy stuff, French, farmhouse and all things tattered and romantic. I love the added black touches, even though sometimes I miss the pink rose decor I used (and loved) for years.
OF COURSE I HAVE A TV IN MY KITCHEN!
I thought long and hard about adding a television to my kitchen. In the end my guy wired for it ahead of time...just in case! So glad he did. I listen to music and sometimes watch cooking or taped shows when time permits!
A CRAIGSLIST FIND
Found this antique cabinet on Craigslist for $40 about 18 months ago. It fits right in between the pantry door and kitchen entry opening. I store tea-towels in the drawers and all sorts of other kitchen stuff!
Just so you don't have to scroll up, here are the main pics again!
I'm linking this post to all of the previous kitchen posts about our remodel if you want to check out the process...
And so my friends...there you have it! A beautiful renovation that took more blood, sweat and tears than it did money. It took my Mr. AGP Man a long time to finish the renovation as he only worked on it all part-time. When we started the demolition in 2012 he was just getting ready to go back to school to finish up a long-awaited degree in Computer Science...that meant only working on the kitchen on weekends. In December of that same year he graduated with honors...and we were back on schedule with our big project!
Then...in July of 2013 he was laid-off after 17 years at his IT job at Xerox.
Things ground to a halt at that time. Even with severance, we measured our money carefully. As a result we lived with (and in!) a mess for quite a while.
That December my Father-in-Love passed away.
In January of 2014 my guy started a wonderful new job and we were so grateful to finally be back on track (again) with our makeover plans.
Then, in February 2014 my own dearly loved Father passed away.
By the time January 2015 was over, we were well on our way to having our dream kitchen completed.
I haven't shared much about the cost...but if our records are even close to being accurate, we believe the final price-tag came in around $10K. That amount doesn't include the new fridge, microwave or the new dishwasher...but, it does include everything else.
Customized Cabinets
Wiring and Plumbing
Flooring (Hand Scraped Wood)
Sheet Rock
Paint
Window
Trim (Baseboards, Crown, Molding)
Hardware
Lighting
Sink
Faucet
Granite Counter Tops
and
Incidentals
Would we do it over? Well, probably. Monday-morning quarterbacking is easy to do when you're on the other side of victory (or loss!).
What I know today is that we increased our property value by at least $75K - $85K and that was before adding in the new bathroom and laundry room. Monetarily is was wonderful. Physically it was grueling.
We are glad it's over.
Some things, no, many things didn't go as planned.
I opted to NOT get the expensive stove I dreamed about having. In the end it wasn't important to me as we just wanted everything done and CLEAN again. I may still get it later as the stove/oven I have isn't all that great.
I was disappointed about not being able to use the vintage counter as our island. But, even that little disruption wasn't really upsetting.
That said...I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new Kitchen and I'm so thankful, grateful and over-the-moon-HAPPY that it's completed. This summer my hubby and I are going to California for a much deserved vacation. We haven't really had one since the renovation began.
On a side note...it's good to be back...taking ownership once again of the life God has blessed me with!
Just so you know...I've missed you all.
Love to you~
Rebecca
17 comments:
Wow, Rebecca, that is quite an accomplishment!! Your kitchen is a dream come true. It is simply magazine cover gorgeous. I mean it's just beautiful!! Your Man did such a fantastic j o b . He totally outdid himself. W O W ! ! ! It was so worth waiting to see it. I'm just totally in love with it!!! In time I'm sure you'll change your stove and such. You sure saved lots of $$$ by doing the renovation yourself. Thank you for sharing the remodel with us. It's just gorgeous!! Well, God willing, we will see you in August. Take care and (((((big hugs))))) to you <3
Thank you Rebecca for sharing you new kitchen. It is wonderful to say the least. You have to be sooooo proud of the money you saved but more importantly that Mr. AGP did the labor himself saving you two thousands. I think in the long run doing it yourself you were able to see the needed changes and make them as you went along with is to your advantage. It couldn't be more perfect. I love the island and I like the contrast too. One question, did you paint the cabinets yourselves or have them done? Painting can be a long grueling process if done right. I like the sprayed on look done by professional and am considering mind done now. All the vintage touches you added were just the icing on the cake. I hope you and Mr. AGP enjoy this kitchen for many years to come, it truly is a work of art. Blessings to you both and thank you for sharing your home with us once again. Judy
I LOVE your new kitchen! You are lucky to have such a handy hubby:) Have a blessed day and thanks for sharing! HUGS!
Oh, My Dear!!!
I've just looked my eyes full, for a long, long visit, and I simply have no words right now. The scope and the work and the delay and the chaos and downright DRUDGERY and labor-of-hands---I am amazed and delighted and absolutely confounded at the achievement.
We're taking Chris to lunch in a minute, but just wanted to congratulate you both on such a well done job, WELL DONE. Operative word DONE, which must have seemed like a millennium away for most of the time.
No words, I tell you. No words.
Moire non,
rachel
Judy (Did you know you are a NO REPLY BLOGGER?)... I hope you get this!
Yes...we painted the cabinets by hand, and no, they were not sprayed. I didn't want the cabinets aged/distressed/glazed as the back splash had that look and I knew it would be too much. We used Sherwin Williams Self-Leveling Paint and we love it. Water-based and shows VERY VERY MINIMAL streaking. Very smooth outcome and they look factory-painted. That was important to me.
Thank you so much for your comment! Blessings to you as you PAINT! It's work...but worth the savings!
<3 Rebecca
It is a wonderful kitchen and your hubby is amazing! Question about the back-splash...what is it, wood, wallpaper or?? Thanks,
deb
Like many others I was so happy to see you posting again, and pictures of your gorgeous kitchen...wow! All that hard work and now being able to share it. Very inspiring! Thank you for showing all of us, and also sharing what you and your family have gone through.Your faith during all of that is a true testimony. Looking forward to more of your posts! Blessings!
Wow Rebecca. Your kitchen turned out so beautiful. Love your sink and the door with the scripts is so me.
Hugs
Oh my dear friend! I wonder which magazine will be begging you for pictures first?? Talk about the perfect farmhouse kitchen, in every tiny detail. Just beautiful! And it was so worth the wait to be able to see these pictures. I cannot ever say I understand just what you went through, only you and your sweet man will know that, but your faith and beautiful attitude through all the frustrating times was indeed a wonderful testimony to all of us watching. You are my hero, someone I want to be like. My heart swells with pride that I can say I know you. Thank you so much for sharing this part of your home with us girl friends. We love and support you in all you do! Welcome back! Judy from Arizona
HI Rebecca! Oh, honey, I love love love your most gorgeous new kitchen! Your hubby did such a beautiful job. I'm just thrilled for you and it's beautiful and you've decorated it just beautifully too! I can't imagine all of the work you two have put into this. Oh, your little Miss K looks so much like you! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Oh my Rebecca, what an amazing kitchen transformation, it look gorgeous so I think all your hard work payed off for you and your hubby....
I could only imagine how stressful it all was....i also redid my kitchen and I'm so happy how it turned out...now I need to get new appliances and all done, thank you so much for sharing your kitchen renovation with us :-) your sweet Miss K must be a beautiful young lady now!
Wishing you a wonderful day~
Mari
Dearest Rebecca,
That indeed has taken lots of time and efforts, through other surprises that life can throw at us from time to time.
But in the end we are stronger and more appreciative of the simple things!
Your kitchen looks very, very special with all the personal touches. Great job; labor of love.
Hugs and happy summer to you.
Mariette
So nice to see you blogging again. What a beautiful renovation! Your hubby did a terrific job
Take care
Jeannete
Rebecca so wonderful to see your lovely kitchen all done and looking so inviting! I closed up my blog probably a year ago as we are so busy with ministry things but sure do miss my blogging friends now and again! Taking a breather from finishing up KIds BIble club and went visiting a few of my favorite blogs! love love the kitchen and can imagine how ready you are to be finished and done with it! We did a back dating (since we had 50's metal cabinets we brought it back to that era)- it took much longer then I had anticipated and we actually did everything completely backwards from how we should have but it's fun and done and yeah its over!!
Love the round table cloth or doily you used over the kitchen sink window- great idea!!!!
Well friend enjoy you kitchen!
bee blessed
mary
TIS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!
Hi Rebecca...So enjoyed seeing your completed GORGEOUS kitchen! You and Steven are soooo talented! He did a fabulous job! You will have so much fun this Christmas decorating your new space! May God continue to richly bless you and yours! Hugs to you!
Your kitchen is beautiful. I especially love the backsplash. Could you share with us what it is? I was wondering if it was wood or tile?
Thank you for sharing...
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