Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Kitchen Update ~ Before and After

 ~ Hello Hydrangea ~

Why does it seem that when a goodbye is on the horizon one's perception changes?
Things that once were taken for granted suddenly seem so endearing or important.
Now that our upcoming move is becoming a reality, I'm seeing some things in a different light.
Today it's the hydrangeas.
I don't think they've ever bloomed so profusely in the 19 years I have been tending them in this garden.  Although, it may also be that I haven't been appreciating them as much as I should have.
Either way, as this will be my last spring season in this garden, I plan to enjoy them in a big way with many bouquets.


This post isn't really about the hydrangeas.
I'm popping in with a moving update and a kitchen update.
We have now officially purchased a lot in our new neighborhood.
Next week we will be making decisions on all that goes into a new house and soon it will be time to put this one on the market.
The updates are just about complete.
Not too long ago I shared the kitchen demo in this post.
Just before the counters were demolished, I snapped the above picture showing the bar counter above the kitchen sink in all of it's blue tile glory.

 Here you see the new counter.
It was recommended that we do away with the bar height counter.
We chose white quartz countertops with a bit of grey veining throughout.  

 We are pleased with the way the light reflects off of the countertops and the view has opened up to the outside.
I also don't miss the grout lines one little bit.
These countertops are so easy to wipe up and keep clean.
I loved my blue and white kitchen for many years.

 Now I am loving an updated, less cluttered kitchen.
The white appliances have been replaced with stainless steel.
Surprisingly all of the appliances were still in good working order and have found new homes.
The cabinet and drawer pulls have been changed to brushed nickel.
The yellow wallpaper was removed and the walls have been painted Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray.

 The blue tile backsplash was replaced with subway tile.

 When we replaced the refrigerator, we decided on a model with the freezer on the bottom.  This was quite a change from the side by side we have had for years and years.  I must say that I LOVE this refrigerator.  

Though most of my kitchen "knick knacks" have been packed away, given away or sold, I'm having fun playing with a few select pieces that I think look nice with the updated look.
This particular pattern lends a touch of the old with the new and I think that's just the look I'm after in the next house.

🎕🎕🎕

7 comments:

  1. Your new kitchen is lovely. Someone will thank you for all your excellent choices. Speaking of choices, you have so many ahead. Have fun with it! Take lots of pics of all the things you are holding dear, make a little memory book. We must hold these things lightly for there’s so much ahead to look forward to.

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  2. It must be hard to leave your lovely Hydrangeas behind. Enjoy the bouquets while you can.

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  3. I really envy you Kim - you are doing what I want to do, but apparently my hubby is not as easy to persuade as yours when talk comes to moving!!!!!
    Know a clean slate will feel so good - and like you, I've loved the garden, but I think I'm at the point where tending a few easy to move pots would now make me happy.
    Good luck with the build - Mary

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  4. You will be entering the beginning of your new house being built while we are in the last stages.
    All the changes you've made are lovely and it doesn't seem like you will have any trouble selling it.
    Take some cuttings so you can bring your beautiful hydrangeas with you. Do you have a few bushes? You might think of digging one up and taking it with you. I'm bringing some plants from my yard to the new one.

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  5. Your new kitchen is beautiful. We will be redoing ours in 5 years or so (when my husband retires) and I am looking forward to it! I have black tile, large, on the counter top and want something exactly like your quartz.
    Enjoy those beautiful hydrangeas - I'm sure you will have some in your new garden as well.

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  6. Oh my gosh, your new kitchen is gorgeous! I am ready to move right in. I love the cabinets, the counter tops, the appliances...and then your breakfast area with the window surround is heavenly.

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  7. It looks so fresh and light. It'll sell in a jiffy, I bet!

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