https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:20:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2013627 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 01:29:18 +0000 Janet 2013627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hubs and I are huge fans of getting things off the counter — we love good closed storage! So I’m filing that paper towel cubby idea away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2013620 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 00:41:15 +0000 pil 2013620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, you’re probably not looking for suggestions but one thing I am really glad we did was put in a paper towel cubby. We do have the luxury of plenty of cabinet space so didn’t lose any critical storage. For me, it’s nice to have one less thing on the counter.<br /> One thing I would have loved to do - had I not run across the idea until *after* the kitchen was done - is above the fridge pullout storage for wine glasses. I can’t reach the back of the cabinet without a step stool. Then again, no matter what you put above the fridge your husband will be able to reach it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2011459 Mon, 11 Mar 2019 22:53:43 +0000 Gail 2011459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you on gas vs induction dilemma . I have induction but do miss gas, &nbsp;the cleaning part of gas not so much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2011276 Mon, 11 Mar 2019 06:18:00 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2011276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gas is so much better than induction!! I really miss being able to see the heat and change it instantly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2011087 Sun, 10 Mar 2019 13:17:17 +0000 Janet 2011087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie, one of our plans is to run a propane line into the kitchen (we already have a sizable tank we installed years ago to heat our swimming pool, and we got larger than we needed with this ultimate goal in mind), so we can have a gas range. Our current one is induction, and I like how easy it is to clean, but we both miss cooking with that visible flame. Although I’m remembering how much I don’t love the extra cleaning involved (we have gas at the ranch). I have mixed feelings about converting to gas, but hubs feels REALLY strongly about it, so I’ll compromise a bit more cleaning for a better cooking experience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2011050 Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:33:27 +0000 smittie 2011050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go to a kitchen design place and use custom cabs and make sure the place can do exactly what you want. Also, get a gas or induction range. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2010923 Fri, 08 Mar 2019 21:44:31 +0000 Laurie 2010923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So excited for you to get a new kitchen!&nbsp; &nbsp;In the end it's always worth it, but the journey is tough.</p> <p>As I read through all the comments there is unexpected anxiety welling up in me.&nbsp; Clearly the PTSD </p> <p>&nbsp;from all the years of renovations we've done</p> <p>remains!</p> <p>I think your gut is on track to get the best professional help and guidance possible, within your budget/desired investment. I only skimmed the many comments, but whoever advised saving every text, email and note of a phone conversation (perhaps record them - seriously), as well as all paperwork, is extremely wise.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2010573 Thu, 07 Mar 2019 17:45:20 +0000 Glory 2010573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We did a kitchen Reno 3 years ago. I saw a designer first to come in and give me some ideas. I went with a kitchen company who made the plans and included the designer ideas. I feel it was well worth the expense because they had many suggestions I would not have considered. There was still much to do and I was able to save some money sourcing tile etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2010166 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 02:15:42 +0000 DonnaF 2010166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Clean-up is harder than cooking when one is without a kitchen. We have a utility sink in our basement for the washer, so that made all the difference. We used bus bins because they are twice the size of dishpans and just as deep. We set one on an overturned dishpan because bending over a deep sink is a back killer. We used the other one to bus -- which meant going outside and down a flight of stairs because we may not have had direct access to the basement due to the reno.</p> <p>We converted our dining room and a little of our living room into our kitchen. We plugged in our refrigerator there. For Asians, using a rice cooker is a no-brainer. Hot plates, at least the one from my in-laws (ancient!) were a bit useless since they were so wimpy. We used a portable convection oven. A really good toaster oven, or one that also does convection like the Breville would be great. We emptied book cases to accommodate cooking equipment and dishes, and kept cooking utensils in the old drawers we would eventually ditch. I understand you can buy liners for crock pots, so that helps clean up. My memory is fuzzy, but I think by then we had our counter height butcher block table, so that was great for prep. A larger table was set up for the small appliances and whatever else.&nbsp;</p> <p>We didn't really eat more or eat a lot of prepared food. But I also think we didn't eat anything elaborate either.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2010137 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 00:07:17 +0000 jill58 2010137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, we entirely gutted our kitchen ( a 1970s remodel) in our 1930's house. We did use kitchen design professionals although we knew what we wanted. I think what<b> Fashintern </b>said is so true, "Being able to do it yourself isn't necessarily criteria for whether or not to hire someone." I think it's critical to have very specific plans and to work with &nbsp;professionals, no matter how much you know. Also think about how you will function without a kitchen. We ended up with a two burner hot plate, a toaster oven and a hotpot on a card table in a hallway. We washed dishes in the bathroom. It took quite awhile and may husband found the temporary kitchen a bit more tedious than I did. We're currently in the process of renovating our one and only full bathroom. I too have used Houzz for inspiration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2010120 Tue, 05 Mar 2019 22:21:53 +0000 gryffin 2010120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet - we planned the island around where the doggy dining would be.&nbsp; Of course, you need magnificent doggy dishes.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2010076 Tue, 05 Mar 2019 18:15:02 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2010076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Glad you're winning him over!<i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>put absolutely everything on dimmers!!! <br /></i></div><div>Or use smart versions, even for lightbulbs.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>For storing cookie sheets, trays, etc, my mom had them standing on edge like Donna does, but at the very bottom level. We could get them without having to stoop too low. One of these days, I want toe kick drawers for that kind of things--yes, stooping will be required, but I want a compact, efficient kitchen. I probably make cookies half a dozen times a year. <br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2010064 Tue, 05 Mar 2019 16:56:14 +0000 Janet 2010064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep, Joy, all great items, and so good to confirm -- I mentioned a few of these very things to my husband a couple of nights ago as we threw around ideas sitting in our kitchen. He started to scoff at me talking about where the dogs' water dish goes, but then realized this is a very real thing for us! :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations/page/2#post-2010059 Tue, 05 Mar 2019 16:28:41 +0000 Anonymous 2010059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Replace cupboards below counter with drawers that pull all the way out. Best thing we did. Also we took out all hanging lights and put in lots of lights in the ceiling. It made the ceiling look higher and space bigger. A lazy susan that can hold heavy pots is great. Also a pullout built in for trash and recycling baskets. We did not put in an island because 2 or more cooks at once and handicapped access. I planned to add a rolling cart type island but never did. Think of any pets...where they should eat, etc </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009924 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 23:17:40 +0000 Janet 2009924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All great ideas and suggestions! I’m on my phone so hard to respond individually, but I do appreciate all the thoughtful replies. </p> <p>Donna, we have the opposite “reach” issue. Hubs is 6’6” so we need to place things so that both a giant and an average-sized person can reach them LOL. </p> <p>We definitely already have some ideas and preferences in finishes and fixtures and appliances. The space planning is really a big starting point though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009922 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 23:08:09 +0000 DonnaF 2009922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with checking out the Houzz site -- both kitchen and appliance forums.</p> <p>Also, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) site for guidelines, questionnaire, etc.</p> <p>My kitchen is tiny, and we remodeled about 15 years ago. Changing the footprint wasn't an option. The very best thing I did was hire an INDEPENDENT kitchen designer for a consult -- maybe one or two hours. She had no skin in the game and was not trying to sell me any products. She had been a home ec teacher in an earlier life and came with ideas and suggestions, many of which were no-cost.</p> <p>For example:<br />Hang shelves such that stuff on them has minimal head space, then order more shelves. They are cheaper than more cabinets.</p> <p>Use turntables/lazy susans for bottles and stemmed glasses. You only need to grab the bottom of those items, and it enables you to put those things on higher shelves than you might consider otherwise. (Remember that I am 5'1" with short arms.) Same with books on a shelf and cooky sheets and cut boards stored on edge over the refrigerator.</p> <p>Dishwasher should be close to where you store dishes; second choice is close to where you eat.</p> <p>I really recommend drawers instead of bottom cabinets, and frameless ones at that because they hold so much more.</p> <p>I can't believe my painted cabinets started chipping something like a month after the warranty expired!!!</p> <p>I wanted my kitchen to harmonize with my 1928 house, so that steered many of my decisions. Same with my tolerance for imperfection and DH's carelessness. Soapstone counters are perfect for us: You can put stuff down without a trivet, they are supposed to be a bit scratched like lived in jeans, and they are period appropriate. Shiny granite is too formal for who we are, and marble would take more mindfulness than DH is capable of.</p> <p>Really take stock of how or if you cook, bake and entertain and for how many and how you shop. Everyone is different. We don't use our picnic stuff much, but I decided I keep track of it better if it is in a cabinet above a doorway. Yes, I have to use a stool to get to it, but I know exactly where it is. Otherwise, the stuff would be in several places and I would forget. We have sort of a false cabinet above our hood fan but it has shelves interrupted by the duct. It is great for cramming in more than a dozen rolls of paper towels that won't damage anything if any fall as I pull a roll out.</p> <p>Have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009914 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 22:15:50 +0000 gryffin 2009914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We did a huge remodel.&nbsp; Truly, it took the proverbial village.&nbsp; We fired the first kitchen designer (he was the only one who had the cabinets we wanted - don't ask) but he had introduced us to a delightful interior designer before we parted ways.&nbsp; We added an all season's room, extended the kitchen 2' with a compete remodel, full new basement room, put in a pool, new deck and pavers, all 3 bathrooms, windows, all interior door....and we lived in the house.&nbsp; It took 1.5 yr.&nbsp; Most importantly, do your homework - know as close as you can what you want but be open - the amazing suggestions come from everywhere.&nbsp; We had an architect, contractor, interior designer, kitchen company/designer all on board.&nbsp; The books that were most helpful were Sarah Susanka's "the not so small house", "a pattern language" by Nicholas Alexander and the Lauri Ward books on "use what you have decorating"&nbsp; 1. The most important thing I learned was to concentrate on function and how I wanted the space to work.&nbsp; I'm a person who needs a huge space to prepare feasts - I wanted a huge island with nothing on it, we build an upholstered banquette enclosed with 1/2 wall panties, bookcases and columns to create shelter around activity.&nbsp; We cathedraled the ceiling over the sink.&nbsp; Do you want to eat at your island?&nbsp; How many chairs do you require?&nbsp; Do you want a sink or cooking appliance?&nbsp; Do you want a separate fridge/freezer and yes they can open as books with the handles on each side.&nbsp; God is in those details!!! Like do you need a bread box (I know it doesn't keep it fresher but it needs to be off my counter?&nbsp; Where do you need plugs and how many because you decide what lives up there.&nbsp; Do you want appliance garages?&nbsp; 2. It was very important to me to integrate every room into one harmonious whole.&nbsp; Color scheme was based on my floors which a are hardwood - cream and stenciled in apricot with a faux marble foyer and intricate banding in the dining room and living room.&nbsp; I planned everything to play on the color and "faux" theme.&nbsp; So my entire first floor is theme and variation with a faux painted piece, or tile rug mimicing the foor stencil, back spash etc.&nbsp; Integrating but changing the formality - the sequence of spaces in a pattern language, makes it flow as a whole.&nbsp; 3. In decor, and sorry preaching to an artist, repeat motifs in different ways.&nbsp; The cream cabinets have some bead board with dark brown line, I picked craftsmans pendant lights on long dark stems and my bar stools again repeat the color and line.&nbsp; Similar all my hardware is brushed silver but I vary knobs and pulls, change pattern to create interest but picking what is appropriate to drawer, appliance size but it matches 4. never underestimate the power of a fabulous chandelier, unexpected art (thai kalaga) and fabric.&nbsp; 5. think multi functional.&nbsp; I bought a table for our circular banquette and had it faux painted with the top becoming a chess board (my husband plays very well) we have a lovely box of pieces ready for play.&nbsp; The faux painting repeats the theme but adding function is unexpected and interesting.&nbsp; 6. do you own space plan.&nbsp; Let everyone help you, let the professionals check it, but you your own work, slavishly.&nbsp; You can have everything you want, and no one knows what that is but you.&nbsp; Get your graph paper out and keep drawing.&nbsp; I'm sorry, this is a book and I'm not even warmed up yet.&nbsp; But I will tell you my husband and I still stare at everything with such love, it's as perfect as we could make it with almost no mistakes.&nbsp; Lastly and this is from DH, put absolutely everything on dimmers!!!&nbsp; The good ones!!&nbsp; Good luck and enjoy the process, plan, plan, plan but rely on the pros to help, suggest, but always with an eye on helping you achieve your vision!!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009866 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 19:24:27 +0000 Janet 2009866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FI, it's more that my husband doesn't think a designer will add value worth the cost. He gets it in his head that anyone worthwhile is going to be super-expensive, and I don't believe that is&nbsp;the case.&nbsp;</p> <p>We've hashed things a bit more over the last few days, and also had a brief chat with our builder today (they are not a design/build operation and do recommend working with a kitchen designer who they've worked with lots before), and I think I have him seeing the light a bit more. :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009863 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 19:07:24 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2009863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love those skylights; once your kitchen is done it will uplift so many other areas in your home! The headaches of trying to figure it all out are obvious. Is your husband afraid a designer wouldn't respect your wishes? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009840 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 18:18:15 +0000 Janet 2009840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! I know what you mean. There are certain spaces in this kitchen that beg to keep their function. The actual "cooking triangle" works quite well so I don't really care to depart too much from the general placement of where things are, BUT I am open to ideas if they make more sense than what we have now. My husband is not always the most practical in his ideas. LOL He wants to tear out all those upper cabinets and put in a huge plate glass window. I think I have him talked down from that. ;-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009836 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 18:14:40 +0000 rachylou 2009836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The red wall does say, ‘Make me pantry cabinets.’ That was my second thought... My absolute dream kitchen has a counter-depth fridge, but one should really design a kitchen for standard appliances.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009830 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 17:55:45 +0000 Janet 2009830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, I have never even watched Joanna Gaines. And I don't remember the last time I rolled dough. ;-)&nbsp;</p> <p>I would like to have a longer island that extends out a bit into the area where the current table and chairs are, with perhaps a small bar top area and a couple of stools. And I have an idea of putting pantry cabinets along that red wall, somehow. It is awkward, and the big windows don't help the functionality of that side of the room, but I would hate to lose them (especially since we just had them replaced a couple of years ago). See, this is why we need a good kitchen designer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009823 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 17:31:30 +0000 rachylou 2009823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now I’m thinking, ‘What would Joanna Gaines do?’ Lol. Have to say, that’s an awkward kitchen, Janet. I hate having to walk around an island, but I’d be tempted to put one long counter island in... But i like a good run of counter for rolling dough, which most people probably don’t need... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009808 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 15:38:53 +0000 JAileen 2009808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Our old kitchen was nearly 40 years old when we decided to redo it. We ended up adding onto the house. The new space is half kitchen and half family room. Although it’s wonderful having a large island and new appliances, I love the improved lighting. I used to cast a shadow on my cutting board when I was cutting up things. Now our “new” kitchen is nearly 20 years old. If I were redoing it now, I might do things slightly different, but it’s so functional that it’s still a pleasure cooking there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009793 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 14:39:56 +0000 Janet 2009793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the wise advice and inspiration! </p> <p>Here are some “before” photos to show you what we are dealing with: - a collection of 1980’s finishes, mediocre lighting, a table and seating area we never use, a stove with only two burners, and a fair amount of awkward storage space in that island. Oh, and ugly white tile with multiple dogs. We can’t wait to redo this! As you can see, it is totally open to the dining and living rooms and the loft. It’s going to be a challenge to live here during this renovation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009791 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 14:24:46 +0000 Anonymous 2009791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>danusia - your kitchen is gorgeous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009731 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 05:31:52 +0000 Anonymous 2009731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We hired a kitchen designer and it was well worth it. She knew all the possibilities and made sure everything would be up to code, like room for a wheelchair, etc. and other things I had not even thought of. I wanted to convert a walk in pantry into a laundry room with smaller sized machines<br /> She said they would be greatly improved in a couple of years and it would be better to wait. The result was beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009619 Sun, 03 Mar 2019 19:22:49 +0000 Anonymous 2009619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Our kitchen reno was just over $50 grand. We went with a kitchen designer who made detailed computer drawings of what we wanted. We took measurements and they did as well. It was an entire gut job. We did not move any plumbing but did add electrical lighting, outlets and switches. They also took care of disposing everything (just getting a dumpster on your own can be very pricey).</p> <p>We initially made a list of what we wanted in our new kitchen and the designer was able to incorporate it into the plans. After seeing the drawings we made changes (initially we wanted a peninsula and eat bar, but later decided against the eat bar because it cut down on the workspace area of the kitchen). The designer has a guy who does all the electrical wiring, plumbing, and cabinet install. We hired the flooring guys who ripped out the old floor and installed the new floor and installed the backsplash (last step)and the designer coordinated the install of the counter tops</p> <p>We kept the basic layout, but took out the island and put in a peninsula. We were also able to remove the soffits and get taller cabinets (cabinets were custom made (solid wood) and so were the soft close drawers. Also reconfigured depth of the pantry so we could put in a counter depth refrigerator (stainless steel). At base of pantry we put in a kickplate for a heating/cooling vent). also put in all led recessed lights in the ceiling with a dimmer switch (best thing we did was to put these lights on a dimmer). All corner cabinets have a lazy susan, all drawers and cabinets are a soft close. Another important addition was undercabinet led&nbsp; lighting - this in itself is usually enough lighting for cooking. We also put in one recessed led light over the sink.</p> <p>What I like about the peninsula is that we put in a very wide drawer for all my baking utensils. Bottom cabinets are all adjustable pull out drawers so I can easily fit my mixer and crock pots, etc. I also have a narrow lower cabinet for pans, pizza pans, cutting boards,&nbsp; cookie sheets, etc.</p> <p>From start to finish it took 4 weeks and a couple of days. It has been almost 3 years since our renovation and I&nbsp; would not change one thing about our kitchen.</p> <p>The things to really think about are outlets and lighting. You want to make sure the outlets are where they will&nbsp; be needed&nbsp; and you have enough light where you need it.&nbsp; Also, make sure that the areas around the kitchen are sealed off since there will be a great deal of dust. While they cleaned up at the end of the day, I went in with the vacuum cleaner and cleaned up more thoroughly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009534 Sun, 03 Mar 2019 14:15:57 +0000 Anonymous 2009534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't done any major renovations, but have been playing on a site called Roomstyler lately. Basically you can design rooms from top to bottom on it :)<br /> It's no charge to use, but the furniture etc is products that actually exist (I assume that's how they fund it).<br /> Then you take pics of what it would look like IRL- like this.<br /> Be warned- its addictive </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kitchen-renovations#post-2009354 Sat, 02 Mar 2019 21:03:56 +0000 Suz 2009354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've lived through 2 kitchen renos. The first one, we did ourselves with the help of a builder friend, but apart from removing a wall, adding a bar sink, changing appliances, shifting a door placement, and changing our countertops, we weren't doing much. LOL. What I mean is that the general layout stayed the same. We did take down some cabinets and add some shelves, and on reflection I felt we could have done a lot better with the design of those. But we had limited funds.&nbsp;</p> <p>Our next kitchen reno included all new cabinetry and an entirely new layout. We worked with our builder friend AND a kitchen design firm. This one was much more successful. We had a small space that we wanted to make the best possible use of, and the house had many hidden surprises (such as a buried chimney). We actually began with one design, but changed it mid-way (before cabinetry or anything had been built or installed). We changed it as a result of the chimney discovery -- ending up with our stove in a corner placement, which helped us in other ways. I liked the woman we worked with and the installers were also great. Our friend did the framing/ walls, etc. and demolition and they did the install. </p> <p>The others have given great advice re record keeping and financial and time considerations. It ALWAYS takes longer than you think it will. ALWAYS. </p> <p>I was washing our dishes in the bathtub and cooking on our BBQ or microwave in our garden room for months. Luckily we had great summer weather and could eat outdoors! &nbsp; </p>