Ashley's Kitchen- After

AM :: So, as I mentioned last week, what initially started as "let's just change a few things" quickly developed into a complete gut rehab of our entire kitchen. I owe many thanks to a couple of my best friends for all of their creative ideas, expertise and knowledge. One of those friends just so happens to be one of our very own… Thank you Lauren Combs! I really couldn't have done it without you! I learned through this process that it defintiely takes a village, so much research, and patience to not only achieve your desired look, but to also attempt to do so without breaking the bank.

We made it a goal to have everything ready to go pre-construction (ie. cabinets ordered, counters picked out, applicances, tile, sink, faucet, etc.). After much back and fourth with a couple of the big decisions? Like…do we go with marble or not? Do we make a bar area or a desk area? What type of hardware (which honestly held me up the longest)? We finally got the ball rolling with all of the decisions. Here's a look at the before and afters of a very fun first attempt at rehabbing a kitchen. 

     

As an organizer, it was so rewarding to come up with the exact layout, spacing, and placement of all of the drawers and cabinets. I wanted to create something that was not only functional for my family, but also appealing to anyone that would come in as a potential buyer down the road.

I quickly realized how simple I like to keep things! Hence the ALL white kitchen. And yes, I know…choosing Carrara was really bold, but since it isn't our forever home I wanted to see if I could maintain it and if so, would be thrilled to beat the odds. Let's just say, in a few short months, we've managed to develop a few less than desired stains and scratches. Which definitely doesn't go over well with a perfectionist!

It doesn't stop me from loving the final look though! To be honest, I actually think it turned out better than what I expected. Again, I didn't love being without a functioning kitchen for 7 weeks, but it was all well worth it in the end.

     

     

     

     

:: source list ::

cabinets :: Birch Marsh cabinets in Alpine- here

counters :: Honed Carrara Marble

tile :: Ann Sacks- Matte White mix of Beveled and Flat Subway with a Herringbone inlay 

hardware :: Top Knobs- all chrome

walls :: Benjamin Moore- Nimbus

floors :: white oak- Minwax stain- color Ebony

island :: Crate & Barrel- here

lighting :: Restoration Hardware- here

sink & faucet :: Kohler and Delta- here & here (possibly my favorite purchases)

bar stools :: Cost Plus World Market- here

rugs :: Cost Plus World Market- here

 

Please feel free to contact Ashley with any further questions about her process, and the do's and dont's from an organizing standpoint. 

xx

the NEAT girls