tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post6309887009308263350..comments2023-11-05T06:37:03.280-06:00Comments on A Corner Garden: My KitchenCorner Gardener Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631500918579405664noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-12815651870466782532010-01-25T14:55:28.281-06:002010-01-25T14:55:28.281-06:00Sue, I am excited for you about the new cabinets a...Sue, I am excited for you about the new cabinets and redo. We spend so much of our lives in the kitchen that I think we should have what we want (and can afford!). We redid our kitchen back in 2004 when we retired from dairying.<br /><br />My husband was really very nice about it and let me get what I wanted and even pushed for some more expensive items, like the two glass fronted cabinet doors on either side of the sink.<br /><br />I have no regrets and love cooking and spending time in that kitchen.<br /><br />Here are some random thoughts about the remodel:<br /><br />Lighting: While the cabinets are off the wall and they are doing the rewiring, but sure to talk about under cabinet lighting, over the work area lighting and any place else you want it. Much cheaper to do when they have full wall access. I stinted on cost and didn't have light under the corners....mistake because those corners are so deep they need extra lighting.<br /><br />Appliances: Be sure to buy the warranty insurance at time of purchase. I used to think this was a ripoff..................appliances aren't what they used to be. Buy it. I do and renew every year. Ask me how I know this is a good idea? Be wary of Jenn Air stuff.<br /><br />I have the trio door fridge and love the bottom freezer.<br /><br />Note: I had to store a beautiful cherry cabinet but there was just no way to use it instead of the 6-foot wall of storage space that I needed so badly. <br /><br />Counter tops: We did just a laminate like Nell for the same reasons. I couldn't see having counter tops worth more than the old farmhouse! <br /><br />Have lazy-susans in all the corners of the cabinets for access.<br /><br />Have built in shelving on every space possible. I ended up buying a shelving unit for all my garden books and others. <br /><br />Another thing I did was have the cabinets go all the way to the ceiling so there would be no wasted space. <br /><br />Hope some of these things will give you food for thought.<br /><br />BTW, it took them 3 months to complete the kitchen. That was carpenters and cabinet crew.<br /><br />We moved everything in boxes to the dining room and had the old stove installed in the milk parlor so I could cook out there if I wanted to. Most cooking was done in the electric skillet, but wash up was done in the barn where we had ss sinks and hot and cold water.<br /><br />Best wishes. I cant' wait to see it.gldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03645803822598151817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-46343435612236586662010-01-24T08:26:58.044-06:002010-01-24T08:26:58.044-06:00Not to be off the subject here, but I wonder if yo...Not to be off the subject here, but I wonder if your heat flow to the dining room is inadequate? There is no reason a room with a new window should be so darn cold. I'd also check the insulation around it since that doesn't get looked at when you just replace a window. I assume there is probably some air seepage around it since it's an older home. Prying off moldings that surround the window and using that spray foam window and door stuff might help. <br /><br />If you go bigger with your window they can't just do a replacement so it would probably make a big difference in your comfort level I would guess...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09582157624382487302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-88063322874930677922010-01-23T21:07:12.783-06:002010-01-23T21:07:12.783-06:00This will be very exciting... and a lot of work, I...This will be very exciting... and a lot of work, I'm sure!! I enjoy watching DIY and HGTV remodeling shows. Hope you've found good help. Have a great weekend!Shady Gardenerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05007816271406393818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-72163106757310555582010-01-22T17:11:26.900-06:002010-01-22T17:11:26.900-06:00Sue, you are going about this exciting project in ...Sue, you are going about this exciting project in exactly the right way by thinking it out carefully, and prioritizing your needs. We did a total kitchen remodel nine years ago and absolutely love it. We took out a home equity loan and it was worth it. We did NOT go high end, but made sure we had our absolute MUSTS. It is great that you took BEFORE photos ... I regret not doing so. I look forward to seeing your AFTER pics. Good luck! Pamela xPam's English Gardenhttp://www.pamsenglishgarden.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-47261694031959571742010-01-22T10:35:03.334-06:002010-01-22T10:35:03.334-06:00Your kitchen blog inspired me to write one about h...Your kitchen blog inspired me to write one about how we have - and haven't - changed our original kitchen. You may be tired of hearing about kitchens by now, but if you aren't, it's at http://marlenehutchins.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-kitchen.html<br /><br />Good luck!Marlene Hutchinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10735003966316842774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-29026365789426693982010-01-22T08:08:22.639-06:002010-01-22T08:08:22.639-06:00It sounds like you are on top of things, Sue, grea...It sounds like you are on top of things, Sue, great! Our kitchen was designed and installed by Lowe's as well, and the guy thought of space saving ideas that we are very thankful for. There is nothing like a pro to know what's right. You must think about resale too, even if you never plan on moving. Good luck!<br />FrancesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-43141438550480805502010-01-21T21:54:11.331-06:002010-01-21T21:54:11.331-06:00I just checked out Titania's kitchen post, and...I just checked out Titania's kitchen post, and love it! It is homey, which is what I want. It was a little hard to find, so I am going to put the address of it here for me to find again, and if anyone else reads this, you may like to check it out. <br /><br />I think it would be fun to see each others' kitchens. They really can be extensions of our gardens, as that's where we take care of the produce we harvest.<br /><br />Here's Titania's kitchen:<br />http://titania-threemonkeys.blogspot.com/2009/08/facelift.htmlCorner Gardener Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10631500918579405664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-52579782292352568332010-01-21T21:37:46.379-06:002010-01-21T21:37:46.379-06:00Thanks for all the encouragement and ideas. I pos...Thanks for all the encouragement and ideas. I posted the next paragraphs on Bea's blog, but it also addresses some of the other comments. (I went in and made some changes in it, though.) Titanya, I forgot to go check out your kitchen first. Nell, yours sounds great. I bet you were glad to get that window back.<br /><br />The reason we'll have to replace the cupboards is because we are wanting to have a microwave built in above the stove, and also, the dishwasher will probably have to go along the wall next to the stove. (We went to Lowe's last night, and were given a very nice plan for the kitchen, and that guy said the dishwasher would need to go along a wall. We liked the plan he came up with, which would involve keeping the gateleg table.)<br /><br />Also, I want more counter space along the wall where the silver shelf is, with open shelving, like Bea suggested, above. At one time, I was wanting to keep the table and hoosier, and have built in shelves on what's left of the wall. I was even thinking about the ones that have those strips going up and down the wall, where you can decide how you want the shelves arranged.<br /><br />It's kind of overwhelming, because the kitchen is so small, and whatever decisions we make, we'll have to live with. I do not want to end up with a kitchen that is full of uniform cabinets, and not homey. It's going to be a challenge, but I will be so thankful for a kitchen I can do the things I like to do in it.Corner Gardener Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10631500918579405664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-51701634685565123922010-01-21T20:38:21.615-06:002010-01-21T20:38:21.615-06:00Hi Sue, we are also preparing to redo our kitchen....Hi Sue, we are also preparing to redo our kitchen...hubby will do everything except the counter tops and wall tile.<br /><br />I can suggest a few things to give you space and lighten/open up the entire area.<br /><br />Instead of replacing the cabinets, replace the doors with glass fronts, this will allow you to display some of your more favorite things without taking up other spaces.<br /><br />Remove all the wall stuff and build shelving in as many places as possible..these can serve as dish, cookware, and display items.<br />( or a open pantry )<br /><br />I couldn't part with the cupboard or the gate-leg table...being an antique furniture collector.<br /><br />You do need some serious rewiring it seems.<br /><br />I don't use a dishwasher, so that isn't an issue for me.<br /><br />I've never heard of the company you are speaking of...but as others have said, they should have plenty of references to share with you...if not...beware.<br /><br />Unless one has a very large kitchen the counter tops has to be utilitarian first and foremost...how do you feel about the chopping block tops...a pretty light color and then match the wall sheving to that...can't wait to see what you decide.<br /><br />Most of all, get a good contractor and be safe.<br /><br />I always enjoy visiting your blog...so little time to do much surfing.<br /><br />Looking forward to spring and the new gardens.<br /><br />Bea kunzBeaK.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10319518839127163364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-22632290661533589672010-01-21T16:35:35.687-06:002010-01-21T16:35:35.687-06:00Sue, did you notice the comment with the Chinese C...Sue, did you notice the comment with the Chinese Characters between my post and Kate's? It's something you might consider deleting. Clicking on that long dotted line takes you to a site that is not in keeping with the kind of comments you usually expect here.<br /><br />The reason I knew, it's been done on my blog before.Nell Jeannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-40102647385587113382010-01-21T15:58:22.188-06:002010-01-21T15:58:22.188-06:00What an exciting project! Thanks for sharing and i...What an exciting project! Thanks for sharing and it will be great when it's done! I'll check back on your progress.<br /><br />I just found your blog via another blog and I wanted to ask you what is the music that is playing? I absolutely love it!Lyndahttp://www.bloombakecreate.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-22567524746881954102010-01-21T11:57:22.700-06:002010-01-21T11:57:22.700-06:00Hi Sue, I came to a stage when the kitchen needed ...Hi Sue, I came to a stage when the kitchen needed an update. I have done mine. I posted it under<br />http://titania-threemonkeys.blogspot.com/<br /><br />Posted on 14. of August. <br />I am very happy with my "new" kitchen and I hope you will be too once everything is finished. It is exciting to look for different colours, tiles, handles, tops etc.<br />Good luck!Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05403418150146893599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-29250099661571988262010-01-20T17:28:32.489-06:002010-01-20T17:28:32.489-06:00aah new kitchen...
Bet you can't wait till'...aah new kitchen...<br />Bet you can't wait till' it's done.<br />You're some collector,my sis is the same way.Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07834331771109216377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-45991164538770570282010-01-20T15:55:06.058-06:002010-01-20T15:55:06.058-06:00I'm excited to see what you end up with! I thi...I'm excited to see what you end up with! I think it's very clever of you to hire a team that will just go in and get it done in a few short days.Kate/High Altitude Gardeninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06690999267357525527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-42110246481722875422010-01-20T08:31:04.822-06:002010-01-20T08:31:04.822-06:00Like Flowerlady, we are DIY types. We refurbished ...Like Flowerlady, we are DIY types. We refurbished ours 15 years ago. MIL had new cabinets built in 1970. When a cabinet man came to give us an estimate, he pointed out the real board shelves inside the cabinets and advised us that new cabinets would have shelves made of some kind of chipboard/pressed wood material. He suggested that we either have the cabinets refronted or just paint. Some sanding, a couple of coats of paint and new hardware and everything looked up-to-date. <br /><br />Do look inside your cabinets to see if they are real wood. A coat of light color paint did wonders for the inside.<br /><br />You can hardly have too many outlets, or enough separate circuits. We replaced all wiring. We put in a new stainless sink, dishwasher, range hood, stove with the top like Flowerlady's, and new refrigerator that fit the narrow existing space. <br /><br />New countertops and backsplash -- we used granite-look laminate because that was in the realm of our abiltities and budget. We tore out the little built-in extra table that MIL loved for family dinner overflow, which opened up some floor space. Her little maple china cabinet went there. <br /><br />One of the original kitchen windows had been removed for a window air conditioner. Later the <br />A/C was removed for central air and the space was patched. I bought a big picture to hide the patch when we moved in. DH replaced the windows and returned that third window. <br /><br />Some great advice above. Use caution and know what you want to keep and what to toss. Save that stainless shelf unit for a plant stand in your shed.Jean Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09000315400392984647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-1316013086785691862010-01-19T23:06:31.080-06:002010-01-19T23:06:31.080-06:00So exciting. I can't wait to see how it all tu...So exciting. I can't wait to see how it all turns out, but keep that Hoosier-somewhere. It is precious no doubt.tinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17415302577518111227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-89821786958727755472010-01-19T20:54:08.791-06:002010-01-19T20:54:08.791-06:00It all sounds very exciting. I hope they are able...It all sounds very exciting. I hope they are able to keep the character of your lovely home, while giving you a comfortable and functional kitchen. We're in a new house, so we have a new fancy kitchen. But I have to admit, all I ever use is the microwave and stove top. At Thanksgiving, when my parents came, I couldn't remember how to turn the oven on!!!Jaynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09993407315693699146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-82862727313408083252010-01-19T19:58:44.781-06:002010-01-19T19:58:44.781-06:00It must be very exciting to have the new look for ...It must be very exciting to have the new look for the kitchen.<br /><br />I must say that I dare not even think about the condition of my kitchen.<br />Regardless, really look forward to your kitchen updates.James Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01423981835876393119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-18774837424549929822010-01-19T14:47:50.077-06:002010-01-19T14:47:50.077-06:00Getting a new kitchen sounds so exciting. Having ...Getting a new kitchen sounds so exciting. Having more space would be nice. As I write this I'm getting a new floor put in my 40 year old kitchen (original vinyl floor was in place) and it will take them all week or more to put in ceramic tile. 3 days to do your whole kitchen sounds great. I look forward to seeing what you end up doing and how the process goes for you.<br />JackieJackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09172948712721065156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-38768871800474859342010-01-19T13:11:10.015-06:002010-01-19T13:11:10.015-06:00Hi Sue....I love your honesty....it is refreshing....Hi Sue....I love your honesty....it is refreshing.<br />I have an old kitchen in the farmhouse....and I love it. We did have the cupboard doors replaced when we moved here....we were a little extravagant and had them handmade. I have not changed anything else....I love it's fourties style. I feel comfortable and happy in my kitchen and I think that is the most important thing.<br /><br />I do hope that you find this company ok and that the end result is something that you will really love......Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14802468583972118464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-67671361684140281362010-01-19T12:42:26.535-06:002010-01-19T12:42:26.535-06:00Wow...good luck...if they can get it done in 3-4 d...Wow...good luck...if they can get it done in 3-4 days, that's awesome! We are in the middle of our remodel and it's taking months...then again, we are doing most of it (aside from plumbing and electrical) ourselves. Thank goodness for Ikea, or we would not have been able to afford it. Sadly, doing it ourselves is taking a really long time...as we aren't particular handy, and can't go without some form of a kitchen for weeks...or months! I hope it turns out well for you...you current kitchen really reminds me of my family's kitchen growing up...it may have been tight...but it was homey!scottweberpdxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08740930947767329183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-65752374573611146142010-01-19T12:27:10.086-06:002010-01-19T12:27:10.086-06:00Good luck with your project. I love the idea of t...Good luck with your project. I love the idea of them getting it done in a week. We lived in our house for about 6 months with stages of our kitchen torn up. I am excited to see the changes as they happen.Bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18093649941835889293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-3803900327207825572010-01-19T12:22:53.650-06:002010-01-19T12:22:53.650-06:00How exciting to be able to plan your new kitchen. ...How exciting to be able to plan your new kitchen. I don't have any experience with remodeling, but I hope you post about it once it begins. I also hope you find a good contractor so the work goes smoothly.Noelle Johnson https://www.blogger.com/profile/12198931083102476324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-21985332474812922132010-01-19T12:12:35.781-06:002010-01-19T12:12:35.781-06:00Thanks for the comments. I did check with the Bet...Thanks for the comments. I did check with the Better Business Bureau, and this company has an A+ rating. I think we probably should get other estimates, but getting it done in 4 days would be awesome! The guy did a great job getting out of us what we wanted changed, and what the needs are, except he didn't mention windows. I like the idea of making the kitchen window larger. I thought of putting a larger ledge there, but it does face north, so not many plants could go there.<br /><br />The garden window in our bedroom turned dining room is double paned, and it gets down to 50 in there when it's cold. I asked if our heating bill would go up, and was told it wouldn't. Larry takes care of that bill, so I never see it, but the room is cold. I don't know if a different company would have better quality windows than what we ended up with, or not.<br /><br />Oh, the steps going down to the basement are behind the refrigerator. I wonder how much it would cost to put a different door in, and new steps to the basement put in. There is no good way to make the room larger, so we'll have to have it made more efficient. I guess I need to find other spots for some of my things.<br /><br />I have a room in the basement I need to clean out, so I will have a place to store the things in the kitchen while they are working.Corner Gardener Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10631500918579405664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333330062798605073.post-9865467442528562742010-01-19T11:06:51.473-06:002010-01-19T11:06:51.473-06:00Sue, I so luv the thought that you are living in t...Sue, I so luv the thought that you are living in the home where your husband was raised. <br /><br />I am the wrong person to ask about designing/decorating, but I think I'd be interested in the Three Day Kitchen and Bath people. Get out of the house and be away from the mess and then come back home to a new kitchen. <br /><br />It would be nice if you could have a bigger window over your kitchen sink, but maybe that's not possible. I luv the idea of bringing the outside inside as much as possible.<br /><br />I'm going to go back and read what comments other people left for you. I bet they had good ideas.<br /><br />Warm hugs, Sue.<br /><br />donnadonnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06950476333013336671noreply@blogger.com