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Great White Alaskan Kitchen is Finished! PICS

alaskangirl
14 years ago

I am so glad I found this forum! This was my first kitchen I've ever designed, so you all were a TON of help. We started with a 1985 dungeon, knocked down some walls and soffits, rearranged the floorplan a bit, and took out an old fireplace and coat closet 'while we were at it.'

Here's where we started at the end of January:

And here's what I'm enjoying today:

DETAILS:

The old kitchen was about 12x12, and the new one is about 13x17. The island is just over 8 feet long, and 39 inches deep. We moved the sink window and enlarged it, added a walk-in pantry, and a soon-to-be computer nook with pass-thru to the kitchen. The fireplace was removed and then replaced, building it into the room and adding built-in cabinetry and surround sound. :) We installed oak flooring on the entire level. We had to have one support column where we removed a wall, so we just tricked it out a bit with moulding, and then added another 'fake' column on the wall by the stove.

Our biggest challenge - we live in a smaller town in Alaska, so getting the stuff I wanted was a bit of creativity, and a bit of compromise. Total construction time was about 8 weeks, during which we had over a month of -30 degree weather. We set up a great temporary kitchen at an old bar in the basement. Honestly, with the freezing weather, I missed my heated garage (filled with construction stuff), more than I missed my kitchen!

Sources:

Cabinets: Home Depot, American Woodmark, Savannah Maple Cream Glaze. These were a great deal with their 20% off sale. Oh, and we added all the detail to the island. I just went to the paint department and got some paint to match the cabinet door, then used it to paint our homemade picture frame mouldings and bracket. The island legs are actually stair balusters from Home Depot that were like 1/10th the price of buying them from the cabinet line. I also added nice baseboard trim at the bottom of the island. Knowing how well the stock trim painted up, I wish I had bought my crown moulding the same way, instead of buying the cabinet line one.

Hardware: Restoration Hardware for the pulls in Chrome, and Lowes for the Chrome knobs.

Appliances: all from Sears - fridge is Whirlpool Gold CD, DW is Bosch (it came out of the old kitchen, and we just replaced the outer panel to match the other SS colors.), 27" wall oven is Frigidaire, larger range is Jennair downdraft convection, Sharp 24 inch microwave drawer.

Countertop: Kashimir Gold granite (hides everything!!)

Pendant Lights: Pottery Barn Kids in Stainless Steel(I bought these discontinued ones on ebay, but they sell even nicer ones now.)

Backsplash: 1/2 inch polished marble mosaic (Marfel?)with standard white grout, bought at local tile place. Small bronze squares came from Home Depot. Chair rail came from Home Depot. Rope trim came from Lowes.

Faucet: Builder's grade one that I bought off ebay.

Valance on kitchen window: it's just fabric tacked up and scrunched with safety pins. Check out nestingplacenc.blogspot.com for instructions on this window 'mistreatment'. Awesome!

When the kitchen was first finished, I felt like I had overspent, and felt kind of sick. Now I find myself more comfortable. We just had our house re-appraised after the remodel, and it went up in value as much as we spent, so that made me feel better, at least on paper, right?

Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful: Slideshow of More Kitchen pictures

Comments (39)

  • teppy
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    wow, what a wonderful difference! your layout is alot like mine was. ihad that peninsula too and now have an island running in the same direction as yours now. doesn't it really help the traffic flow and feel so much better in there now? l love my layout now. that darn peninsula that every 80's kitchen has was such a mistake wasn't it? Looks great, enjoy.

  • remodelfla
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    So bright and fabulous! I love lighter granite on white cabinets. I especially love how elegant yet "unfussy" your fireplace looks. You must feel like you're relaxing somewhere in the Caribeaan! Congratulations and enjoy.

  • krissd
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    That is fantastic! Your kitchen is GORGEOUS! It looks light and airy. I love the granite and all your details. You should post close ups of the backsplash. Your floor adds a lot of warmth. Congratulations - I am sure you're enjoying this!

    What is the paint color in the kitchen? I like it - it's really warm. Can't believe the window treatment isn't sewn - I've been to that website, but now I'm really going to check that out. Kris

  • alaskangirl
    Original Author
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'll try to post close-ups of the backsplash - it wasn't photographing as well as it looks in person, but I'll try again. It has a lot of bling to it with the polished marble.

    The paint color I blended myself. Honestly, that was one of the hardest decisions of the kitchen, and I just couldn't get it right - so finally I just took a bunch of half-used sample cans and mixed until I had a color that I liked and complimented my counters.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Window 'mistreatments' blog link

  • Yvonne B
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Oh, my goodness - it's BEAUTIFUL!! What a difference! I really like how you handled the second oven, and I like the blue wall in your family room. You must be loving your new space!

  • krissd
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    alaskangirl- I was sure you were going to say Tobacco Road. Great job doing your own mixing.

  • erikanh
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    What an amazing transformation! I just love every single thing you chose, from the pendants to the cabinets to the window treatment over your sink ... everything! It is so open and light-filled and airy.

    I have to say I'm so jealous of your high ceiling and those cool columns. You did a fanastic job and I know you must be pinching yourself every time you look at your gorgeous new space!

    P.S. Ok, this is a little spooky because our kitchens must be long lost twins or you and I are! Your layout is almost exactly the same as mine. Your stove, sink, fridge, dining area and French doors leading outside are in the same place as mine! We both have light blue paint on the walls. My family room is also directly off my kitchen and I have bookcases flanking my fireplace which has a flat screen TV over it. I saw your starfish and did a double take because my family room is also decorated in a beach theme.

    Erika

  • alaskangirl
    Original Author
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Krissd- One of the main colors in my paint mix was Tobacco Road! Good eye! It was too green by itself to work with my granite, so I just added some other tans to it.

    Thanks for all your very kind comments!

  • rhome410
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Has to be one of the most amazing transformations I've seen. I was thinking that I'd certainly seen 'worse' befores, but the after really does put the whole before space to shame. What a good plan! So pretty and light. Nice choices. I really like the Kashmir Gold.

  • morton5
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Awesome transformation! You shouldn't feel bad at all about what you spent-- you got so much for your money. Love how you added your own trim to the cabinets, and love the kashmir gold with the cabs. I bet your family is loving it.

  • nkkp
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    WOW! You have done an A M A Z I N G transformation! I love how light and airy the space is!

  • alice462
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Just stunning transformation! I think you should be proud of what you spent, you obviously "INVESTED" in this and the pay off is certainly more than monetary! It says - "come, sit, stay and get comfy with us"......just wonderful!

    Am wondering if you would share some details about your table, chairs and benches with it? I am looking for that set up and really like yours!

  • caflowerluver
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Now that is a dramatic transformation. Love the brightness of it. The fireplace is so much better too.

  • crazyhouse6
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Beautiful!!! Great job! Thanks also for posting the picture of the fireplace and cabinets. Love your color choices and spectacular wood floors. Your home looks gorgeous! Enjoy!

  • tigger
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    WOW!! I don't even have words to describe how pretty your kitchen is! It took me forever to post because I kept going back up to look at the photos :) I honestly can't believe that window treatment is just fabric and safety pins - I am so going to try that!! Of course my eye was immediately drawn to that since I've been thinking about window treatments (and how it's going to be ridiculously expensive since I need them for 5 windows, as well as the rest of the house - ugh!). I can totally relate to mixing paint - I've done that so many times now due to being so disgusted at not being able to find what I want!

    You've obviously put a LOT of time and effort into the kitchen and deserve to relax and enjoy it now!

  • pharaoh
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    oak cabs - gone
    vinyl floor - gone
    soffits - gone
    laminate counters - gone
    black appliances - gone
    fluorescent operating lights - gone
    refrigerator clutter - gone
    CRT TV - gone
    w-2-w carpeting - gone
    80s halogen uplamp - gone

    Instead you now have a GORGEOUS great room! wowwowowowowwww...
    I love it all and that too in alaska in the cold with far fewer choices than we have in LA.

    It looks so spacious, clean, well designed, well built.

    I love every aspect of it. The choice of colors, materials, shapes is just perfect.

    It does not even look like the same house!

  • redroze
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    It is clean, bright and beautiful!! Those pendants work really well in your kitchen.

    I remember your posts from months ago. Glad that you were able to come back and update all of us!!!

  • lisa_a
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Oh, well, dang, just today I decided to leave the cooktop in the island - and then I see your gorgeous kitchen with its beautiful island, perfect for prepping and I'm second guessing myself!

    Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!

  • alaskangirl
    Original Author
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You are all so wonderful and kind! Thanks for all your comments. Yes, we totally love the space. We have 5 kids, and they hardly leave that floor of the house. It's even shocking for me to see the before pictures - it amazes me every time and I have a serious physical reaction to them.

    As far as my table/chairs/benches - the table is from Pottery Barn - they make really nice long ones. I got this one at an outlet a few years ago with the chairs. The benches - sorry, those used to belong to my parents and were bought like in 1979 or something. I've refinished/repaired them a couple of times, and LOVE them so much for my little kids. No scooting in chairs.

    PAINT - I was thinking that if anyone was dying to use the paint color I mixed, that I actually have a few sample cards with the color on it - I knew someone would ask eventually. I could mail a card to you, and then you could get a paint store to match it. OR, if you have a Columbia Paints store near you, that is where I had them color match my mix to get more of it, so I could post their formula.

  • alice462
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    alaskangirl - thanks for the info. about the table/chairs/benches. The benches are what caught my eye, b/c I love them for our children and haven't come across any that have that nice wide base like those you have. Less tipping backwards! Thanks for the info. re: Pottery Barn.

  • kitchenkelly
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Wow, that is just amazing. Take a bow.

  • malhgold
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Absloutely fabulous transformation. From dark and closed in to bright and wide open. Congratulations on a terrific job. Enjoy!!!

  • theanimala
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I don't post here often but like to check out the links. I love what you did, great job!

  • katiee511
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The before pics always put things in perspective, don't they? I can honestly say I have never seen that door style before now. It looks awfully distracting! Your new kitchen is fabulous!! No wonder it's your family's favorite area to be. It certainly is homey and cozy yet elegant too! Love your color choices and hope you do get around to closer backsplash pics :) I am struggling with that decision and would love to see it. Thanks!

  • sombreuil_mongrel
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    This is one of those times when I'm so glad I clicked. There are no words; it's not the same house. You get an e-medal for a transformation "above and beyond the call of duty".
    Casey

  • jejvtr
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    alas girl -
    Unbelievable transformation - your efforts, attention to detail, great floorplan and $ spent paid dividends big time! - You will enjoy for a long time.

    Wonderful transformation -

    ? is the range vented

    Enjoy your new space

  • zeebee
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I can't believe that's the same house! Great job, it all looks so airy and warm.

  • pattyk_64
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Amazing tranformation! I love how fresh and bright it looks, but not too bright. You must really be enjoying your space now.

  • kimmieb
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Great job. The whole thing is beautiful.

  • kelleg69
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Fabulous! I love white kitchens. Yours is stylish, warm, cheery, etc., etc. Great job. I love your new fireplace wall too. Awesome!!!

  • igloochic
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    When you said you got rid of the old fire place my first thought was "Ohh how sad...a fire is so nice when it's snowing" (We use ours year round pretty much). But I see you didn't just ditch it, you upgraded from 80's blah to fabulous :)

    I love the new kitchen. It's light and airy and still has a rich feel to it verses a cold feel you sometimes get in white kitchens (I'm studying them intensely since my next two will be white). Very well done.

    Now from a local....how well does the flooring work with volcanic ash dust LOL (I'm SOOO SICK OF IT!)

  • writersblock (9b/10a)
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Absolutely perfect. Such a lovely sense of space and air.

  • rosie
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Oh, my goodness, Alaskangirl. WHAT an inspiration for blasting out those old dungeons. I could spend an Alaskan winter very nicely there. :) Are you sharing on the Finished Kitchens Blog yet? Funny to say, I remember when "before" was a genuinely nice kitchen. Our standards have definitely risen. Happy cooking!

  • starpooh
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Congrats on such a beautiful kitchen! You have created such a warm and cheery white kitchen.

    May I archive it in the Finished Kitchens Blog?
    If so please submit the FKB Category Checklist so I can easily categorize your kitchen.

    Here is a link that might be useful: FKB Category Checklist

  • chaimama
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Just beautiful- can you tell me how high your ceilings are in the kitchen? We currently have a similar layout with soffits in the kitchen with a cutout in the ceiling and an attached family room with a high valted ceiling. We are debating if we just lower the kitchen ceiling to 8ft or keep the large cut out in the kichen to make it a higher ceiling in the middle.

  • conn123
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    drop dead gorgeous. what a great transformation!

  • raenjapan
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Wow! I really hate the original cabinets you had! I usually find asymmetrical interesting, but those were awful!

    The new space is absolutely gorgeous. I LOVE what you did with the fireplace, too--it's beautiful and so summery. Fantastic job.

  • MariposaTraicionera
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I love the transformation!!

    Lovely space. BTW, would you post a pic of your walk-in pantry please? I like the setup.

  • alaskangirl
    Original Author
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    To answer some questions:

    The ceiling height in the kitchen/living room is 8 feet. The height in the dining room vaults from 8 to about 9.5 feet.

    I'll post some pictures of the pantry and backsplash pretty soon - my daughter left on a camping trip and took the camera with her. There are some more pictures on the photobucket slideshow linked in my original post, but probably not as close up as you want. I was being lazy and didn't want to clean up the pantry before I took pictures. :)

    Our Jennair range is downdraft, so it is vented to the outside. We've used the vent like 3 times in 2 months. It definitely 'pulls' the burner flame a bit to the side, but I'm not one to use it much when cooking. I really wanted the pass-thru in my design.

    Yes, the old cabinet door style was strange. They were custom cabinets when the house was built, and lucky for us, we have 3 bathrooms with the same cabinets! That's my next project......

    I forgot to say that we DID have help on this project. I did all the design and choosing of materials, and then we hired a GC to implement it for us. They did a great job!