Kitchen Updo

I've decided that I really want new kitchen cabinets, even though I bought all the prep materials to paint my current cabinets. I want a modern kitchen with a traditional feel. I want glass fronts with lights. And I want it cheap. So, I looked at the Ikea cabinets and really like what they have.

There's a little too much white for my tastes, but I love the cabinets. Now, I only need to walk through the 5 simple steps (sarcasm) outlined by the Ikea website.

Ocean City Updo

Just so you don't think I'm sitting on my a** doing nothing, I'm actually in the middle of doing some improvements to my condo in Ocean City, MD. This is a picture of my living room with the new berber carpet.

Still need to paint that paneled wall and replace the curtains, but it is already much improved over the "before" living room with the turquoise carpet.

This shot shows the new kitchen and dining room tile next to the carpet. I love how they blend together.






I had to throw in a shot off the balcony with sun glistening over the ocean. This is why I bought the condo.

Planning to Plan

I'm thinking about glass door fronts. I've looked and looked for textured Lexan, but couldn't find any interesting designs. Going with glass seems unsafe, but there are more pattern options. I think there are extra measures I can take to keep the glass in the doors.

I found a nice link on how to remove the center panel and install the glass.

http://www.splitlevel.net/cabinet-glass.html

I like the botanical pattern. It gives a calm, zen feeling. But the geometrics are appealing to me as well. Now that I see them side by side, I'm leaning in the zen direction.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10831&TabSelect=Details#glass

Now for the top of the cabinets. All that wasted space drives me crazy since I have so little storage space. I'm thinking of building horizonal cabinets up there. Something like what they sell at Ikea. I would paint them to match the rest of the cabinets, and no glass. A simple, elongated handle to emphasize the horizontal nature of the cabinet would be nice.

This will be a challenge. Although I've gained some skill with a router, I've never built a cabinet.

But really? How hard can it be?

Kitchen Remodeling

Well, here's my next project. The kitchen. This is the "BEFORE" picture, and I'll post pictures as it progresses. My plans are to replace the floor with a ceramic tile that has a simulated inlaid wood finish, and replace the countertop with granite. What about the cabinets??? I can't afford to replace them right now, so I plan to paint them.



The paint on the walls is Ralph Lauren Suede. My son replaced an obnoxious florescent light with the recessed lighting. The floors are vinyl tile that was new when I bought the home. I replaced the appliances with stainless steel.

















The counter cabinets are double sided with doors. Convenient when you are looking for something. Inconvenient when things fall out the other side from packing it in.

Just another view to the right. I didn't buy a SS dishwasher because this one was brand new. Maybe later.

A view from the kitchen to the eating area. The kitchen table will be replaced with a pub table. I looked for a pub table this weekend and found nothing that I like or will fit in the area. Need to keep looking.

Many people have different ideas on how to paint the cabinets. I searched the internet, and it said to clean the cabinets with TSP, sand them, use a high build sandable primer, sand them again, then add the top coat.


I talked with the Home Depot guy and he said that was way too much work. He suggested that I use Klean-Strip Liquid Sander Deglosser to remove the finish instead of sanding. Then use Glidden Gripper primer/sealer which will bond to the cabinet surface. Then add the top coat of paint.


Since the prior residents were restaurant oweners, ALOT of restaurant cooking was done in this kitchen, leaving a thick layer of grease on the cabinets. So, I decided to use the TSP first, Klean-Strip 2nd, the Gripper 3rd, then top coat.


If anyone has suggestions for improvement on this approach, I'm all eyes. ;-)


Thanks-

Ann

This is a beginner blogger's attempt at blogging. I hope to cover my home improvements, typically done in the winter months, and my motorcycling antics during warmer weather. Not sure I'll have much time to dedicate to this, but I'm gonna give it a try.

Now, I need to think about what to post. Well, at least I can say that my first blog has been generated on my birthday. I don't know why I picked today, but then again, why not. So, my birthday wish is to cuddle up with a book. What? You ask what I'm reading? Well ok then. I'm typically in the middle of two books...one for fun...one for self improvement. Don't be too impressed. I takes me months to finish a book. I usually fall asleep after 2 or 3 pages.

Self Improvement Book ....Women & Money by Suze Orman
I joined a Women's book club at work and this is the first recommendation. We meet every 2 weeks. I haven't made to a meeting yet, but still reading the book. It's pretty good actually. A little dumbed down, but in general, pretty good advice.

I hope the book club doesn't recommend any sappy romance novels or I'm outta there!!

Fun Book ...The Chrome Cowgirl Guide to the Motorcycle Life by Sasha Mullins
This was a birthday gift from a friend and colleague who knows how much I love to ride. Plus, Sasha has a Sportster similar to mine!

Well, I'm chilly on this cold January night, so it's time to grab the blanket and pillows and the books.

Since it's my birthday, one of my 3 boys can do the dishes.