As you know, we are remodeling our kitchen. The kitchen as it sits now, I suspect, is the original 1985 kitchen. I know that’s not that old, but it’s not exactly modern, either. For example, there is no dishwasher and the stove has one of those flip clocks that hasn’t worked since I’ve been here (almost five years — zoinks!). Now, I realize that appliances can be upgraded without redoing the whole kitchen, but here’s my logic (be kind): I want a dishwasher. According to my pops, two people do not need a dishwasher. While I’d maybe say in response, no one needs a dishwasher, a better response would be (a) he has no idea how much Aaron cooks and how many pots and pans he requires to do it; the enormity of his tasks is overwhelming (he makes his own bacon for crying out loud) and the number of dishes (clean and drying or dirty and waiting to be clean and drying) on the counter at any given moment is upsetting and stress-inducing — it’s a small kitchen so using up valuable counterspace with dishes is silly; and (b) very few people will buy a place without a dishwasher; I am apparently the exception. When it comes time to sell, a dishwasher will go a long way. So, why not just install a dishwasher, you ask? Because to do so would require ripping out some cabinets and having a professional (since we know nothing about this and I really don’t want to mess up a house I intend to sell within a few, five, ten years) install it and recarpenter it and all that. And that seemed like it would be pricey. And then that got us thinking about replacing the stove (one appliance leads to another, you see). And the way the stove is built into the kitchen would require a professional to fix it so that the countertops worked. Right now, the countertop extends behind the stove a few inches so that would have to be ripped out and refinished to fit in a new stove. And that got us thinking about new countertops. No kitchen should have grouted tile countertops. They may look cute on the first day you move in, but they are little more than a daily hassle. Sure, it’s fun that you can set hot pots directly on them, but that fun quickly wears off as you stare into the nasty grout and can’t tell if you’re really getting anything clean. So, with countertops and new appliances and the carpentry that went with that … well, it just seemed like we should do the whole thing. And that’s what we’re doing. Well, we’re waiting on the floors for another day (may that day come soon), but we’re doing new cabinets, new countertops, a new sink, a new fridge, a new stove, a new dishwasher, a new microwave/hood and new lighting. Hooray! And guess what? It all starts tomorrow. Sort of. The cabinets are supposed to arrive between noon and four. So, enjoy these pictures of Kitchen 1.0. And please cross your fingers that we have the kind of before and after project that doesn’t make us lose our minds or the last vestiges of our pocketbook.
View of the kitchen from the front door
I left it in its natural state
In addition to a flip clock that has never worked, the stove below also has several other zany, fun quirks. For example, certain burners will work only at certain times. Another cool thing is that when you use the self-cleaning feature, the oven will lock up on you for what could be hours…or days. You never know! So unpredictable.
The infamous stove
The top light is a feature I rarely use in any room, but in a kitchen even I can see that one would be useful. The one that came with my house has been permanently shunned, however. In fact, when the kitchen guy came to get measurements, he asked to turn it on and I’m pretty sure I visibly shuddered. Can’t wait to get rid of this thing.
It hurts to look at, I know
It’s a galley kitchen, which I like. And I really hope I like the final product. I’m nervous, but hopeful.
Even the chalkboard wall looks bad
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How exciting and you’ll love the dishwasher. I disagree with your dad. Two people who both work and have limited counterspace absolutely need a dishwasher! I personally think the most important room in the house to get right (at least if you like to cook)is the kitchen. I can hardly wait to see the end results.
I am an appliance junkie! Of COURSE, you need a dishwasher. I was actually happy when ours broke as I wanted a new one. 🙂 Can’t wait to see the results. Your description of the stove cracked me up, by the way . . . Happy New Year!
I agree about a dishwasher – people need it, it saves water, and it’s necessary when you want to sell. I think replacing the counters is a smart move for when you want to sell, too – I think people have wised up on tile and grout and know it’s hard to keep clean.
I have a 1980s light fixture like that in my kitchen, nicely fluorescent and all, but we also have some recessed spotlights. I cannot stand to have that fluorescent light on when I am in the kitchen, notwithstanding the fact that the spotlight bulbs go out more often and are expensive to replace. I really can’t handle it. I feel your pain!
I had no idea you didn’t have a dishwasher. No idea. I mean, not that I have one. Congratulations! This sounds uber exciting.
Cabinets are entering the house…
OMG Brilliant. I can’t wait to see “after”– please tell me that AO is not cooking during the interregnum?
The Kitchen is dead. Long live the Kitchen!
If only it were that smooth…The new monarch is not set to take power until someplace circa January 20. And actually, that’s way optimisitc. Demo is supposed to start them. We’ve hit our first delay.
My super environmentalist/scientist aunt assures me that using a dishwasher is much better for the environment — saves a ton of water. Just don’t feel you need to rinse the dishes too much — I’ve heard they work even better with some bits for the detergent to grab on to. Good luck with everything!!