tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post7527228289713314766..comments2024-03-28T14:37:45.575-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: Kitchen Remodel: Starting To PlanLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-80699133879600740412011-02-02T09:57:47.683-05:002011-02-02T09:57:47.683-05:00Gosh Tom, you're house is only three years old...Gosh Tom, you're house is only three years old and you have a long list of stuff to do too! I think with homes, it never ends. Quality materials is a problem nowadays for sure. We're discovering quality materials, but the workmanship often stinks. No we get to re-do what they didn't do right in the first place!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-3374761360588176482011-02-02T02:29:49.100-05:002011-02-02T02:29:49.100-05:00Leigh,
You make me feel lazy. My house is a modula...Leigh,<br />You make me feel lazy. My house is a modular and was built a little over 3 years ago and I have done nothing to it! Not even paint! I really like it, but the builder did not always use the best matieral in the constrution. I hate paint and would like to use natural wood where ever I can, But all of the trim work (crown molding, base boards and trim around windows and doors) is primed MDF! So I'm replacing it as time and money permit. I have to do a post about all this...Maybe it will motavate me to get it done?<br />I love your Blog and the fact that you are a "HOMESTEARED" like me.I'll keep watching, I know it will be amazing!<br />TOMTom Stewarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08617525385016644041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-79544538785933517052011-02-01T22:31:42.228-05:002011-02-01T22:31:42.228-05:00Toni, we were fortunate in that we had a small inh...Toni, we were fortunate in that we had a small inheritance to help us get started. It gave us a down payment and expensive things like fencing for the animals and a new roof, which our insurance company insisted on! That's gone now but we don't mind doing as you say, paying as we go. <br /><br />Nina, quite an interesting conversation I'd say. Thanks for sharing that. Didn't even know about the radon emissions. I've always wanted something like a laminate, because there are so many colors and they are so much more economical. Dan really likes the look of granite, so I told him we could get a granite countertop when we do the hall bath!<br /><br />Jane, another old house lover! Thank you for commenting and following! I'm on my way over to your blog as soon as I hit "publish comment." :)Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-85949609633092731262011-02-01T19:45:17.627-05:002011-02-01T19:45:17.627-05:00I like older houses, probably because thats all I ...I like older houses, probably because thats all I ever lived in. They seem to have a certain chracter to them,anyway I love them, yours will be beautiful when finished. I am following your blog,you are welcome to follow mine as well. Blessings janeJanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08535490386634385929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-32155201272947279722011-02-01T15:27:17.352-05:002011-02-01T15:27:17.352-05:00I had a lovely conversation with a friend who cons...I had a lovely conversation with a friend who considered granite countertops. Her BIL is a contractor who said he'd never put in granite in his own kitchen. He said a good quality laminate is better because it's so much cheaper to change out when styles change or you tire of it, but it's still very durable. Plus there is the issue of Granite and radon emmisions, which is at least worth investigating and enough to make me question them.Ninahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07049476969325691637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-45611359247885295232011-02-01T10:16:34.048-05:002011-02-01T10:16:34.048-05:00Very exciting. Can't wait to follow your prog...Very exciting. Can't wait to follow your progress.<br /><br />We're the same way when it comes to home improvement - pay as you go!Toni aka irishlashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05439209726767685697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-26343134645606534692011-02-01T06:27:35.380-05:002011-02-01T06:27:35.380-05:00Tami, I think the only thing for ceramic tiles is ...Tami, I think the only thing for ceramic tiles is radiant floor heat. Funny you mention granite countertops. Dan keeps trying to talk me into them but I keep saying no! I have confidence he'll change his mind if we ever get an estimate as to how much they'd cost. :)<br /><br />Diana, so true! And I'm not one to make decisions about it haphazardly! I have to admit though, that trying to figure something out with that kitchen's size, doors, shape, and window placement has been a challenge.<br /><br />Nina, you and your DH sound like me and mine. I wouldn't mind a vinyl floor in the kitchen, but he doesn't like that any better than ceramic tile. I'm concerned about spilling water on it, which I know will happen. Folks do have wood floors in their kitchens though. That's why I want to explore a marine type finish, to protect it from moisture!<br /><br />Debbie, it is isn't it! LOL I'm on my way over to enter your giveaway!<br /><br />Charlotte, excellent point. I'm concerned about getting enough light in the room too. We have high ceilings, 9 foot, so pendant lights are a good idea, especially over the peninsula.<br /><br />Robin, I have to admit I haven't felt this excited over any other house project we've done so far! Hopefully completion won't take longer than a year or two, LOLLeighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-90410393234950142512011-01-31T23:58:18.595-05:002011-01-31T23:58:18.595-05:00How exciting for you. It will be neat to see how y...How exciting for you. It will be neat to see how your kitchen comes along.Robinhttp://farmfolly.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-73748072858432174652011-01-31T21:33:51.946-05:002011-01-31T21:33:51.946-05:00Lots of good ideas from others. One thing I learne...Lots of good ideas from others. One thing I learned from our own kitchen redo - You can never have too much light in the kitchen, just when you think you have enough - find room for one more. As we aged we found that more light in our most used room was necessary. Although you have natural light during the summer days, nights and winter make you wish for more. Also if you put in an island consider pendant lights above.<br />Have fun and enjoy.<br />Charlottecwisnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309588804891152444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-65357059306562760052011-01-31T20:02:08.484-05:002011-01-31T20:02:08.484-05:00Wow very ambitious. I am glad you are following my...Wow very ambitious. I am glad you are following my blog....come back by I am having a blog giveaway for my blog first birthday.<br />Love,DebbieBeautifulDeeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02089978018823553799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-91729967184807204532011-01-31T17:51:21.419-05:002011-01-31T17:51:21.419-05:00It's a huge job but hopefully taking it step b...It's a huge job but hopefully taking it step by step will mean it's not an overwhelming job. I agree with not having ceramic tiles in the kitchen. When we get around to doing ours, I'm hoping for sheet vinyl flooring for ease of upkeep, although my dh would prefer hardwood. I'm sure the whole process will be both a bit frustrating and exciting at the same time. Just think of how great it will feel when you are finally finished!Ninahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07049476969325691637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-35634933610267506382011-01-31T16:55:28.469-05:002011-01-31T16:55:28.469-05:00Living in it for a while to consider what function...Living in it for a while to consider what functionality you truly need is a great idea. Nothing worse then tearing out and not knowing what to put back! If I could design a kitchen, it would be very thought out too. We live in our kitchen!The Apple Pie Galhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10340020795649093810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-3509418275098745102011-01-31T15:03:27.297-05:002011-01-31T15:03:27.297-05:00Agree with your thoughts on ceramic tile. We put ...Agree with your thoughts on ceramic tile. We put them in our spare bathroom. Brrrr...Try doing your business with ice cold feet. (Yikes)<br /><br />Why is that people care more about how it looks than how it functions? <br /><br />I have the electric coil type stove and vinyl floors. SM wanted granite countertops. Please! So easy to ruin. Give me my laminate counters any day.Tamihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06597093453934852571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-38082094126003987752011-01-31T14:31:52.131-05:002011-01-31T14:31:52.131-05:00Bettina, being prepared for those weird renovation...Bettina, being prepared for those weird renovation happenings is a good reason to take it slowly! Gosh, but we have learned the truth of that. I can't wait to see what's under the wall beneath that window!<br /><br />Laura Jeanne, it seems to me that things just go into style for the look of them, with little thought to practicality. For career folks the ceramic tiles might work. As in never being home to drop anything on them. :)<br /><br />Susan, I now what you mean about learning to live with certain things. The sloping floors and crooked walls really don't bother me but they drive DH crazy. If it makes him happy to do something about them, I'm happy to let him. :) You mention two very important key words, "patience," and "ingenuity." I know we'll need plenty of both. <br /><br />Rain thanks! I think mostly it's a matter of wanting the other to be happy with the results rather than wanting one's own way. Figuring out that there's more than one way to do things really helped me in that department. Plus learning that I like more than one particular look. Eventually we find things we're both happy with!<br /><br />Renee, apparently not too many folks actually like it. Yes, working with a cookstove is a different way of cooking. It takes some getting used to, but isn't all that hard of an adjustment. <br /><br />Dan's going to strengthen the floor underneath first. Once the weather gets a bit warmer we'll clear out the kitchen and tear up that tile!<br /><br />Benita, you know me, analytical to the nth degree! LOL. If you have any tips on holding my tongue just right I'd love to hear them. I think I'll be needing to do that a lot. :)Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-90440916789707869572011-01-31T13:28:54.134-05:002011-01-31T13:28:54.134-05:00That is a pretty detailed list and you can tell yo...That is a pretty detailed list and you can tell you've been discussing this (and cussing some of it, I'm sure). I'll admit, that post bothers me. I hope it isn't too integral that it can't be changed somehow.<br /><br />I agree, take your time, look each and every part over carefully, the proceed. With luck, ingenuity, prayers, and holding your tongue just right, you'll have a effecient, pretty kitchen to work in.Benitahttp://www.basicallybenita.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-5065413521452828462011-01-31T13:11:54.883-05:002011-01-31T13:11:54.883-05:00I don't like tile either. When we were house ...I don't like tile either. When we were house hunting there were all these homes with "upgraded" tile counters, floors and such and I just didn't want them. We probably annoyed our realtor but I knew that I didn't want to deal with them. they are not practical at all.<br /><br />I too felt that the stove was too far from the action for my liking, but your reasons for it seem like they'll work out for you very well.<br /><br />so for the floor will you work from underneath or take everything out and start from scratch?Renee Nefehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08167893445846427824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-66982390130240363172011-01-31T12:09:34.622-05:002011-01-31T12:09:34.622-05:00How exciting Leigh! And I love your decision-maki...How exciting Leigh! And I love your decision-making criteria, that applies to so many things. Good luck! I'll be following along as things progress! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-58890476749141786702011-01-31T11:23:39.994-05:002011-01-31T11:23:39.994-05:00You certainly have your work cut out for you... bu...You certainly have your work cut out for you... but with patience and ingenuity the sky's the limit.<br />My humble cottage is over a 100 years old so I long ago have forgiven her for her faults and made the best of the sloping floors, crooked walls and cozy nooks.<br />Keep us updated on your progress.<br />Susan xSusan McShannon-Monteithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-34358955530199289422011-01-31T09:31:20.303-05:002011-01-31T09:31:20.303-05:00I too dislike ceramic tiles in the kitchen. The ti...I too dislike ceramic tiles in the kitchen. The tiles we have are not only hard to clean, but they shatter EVERYTHING that gets dropped on the floor. Even wooden and plastic items break when they fall on that floor, it's ridiculous.Laura Jeanne @ Getting Therehttp://gettingthere.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-29453790693609999602011-01-31T08:30:28.034-05:002011-01-31T08:30:28.034-05:00that sounds like a job for a whole year! lots to t...that sounds like a job for a whole year! lots to think about and make decisions... though I find it rather exciting to throw in all kinds of ideas to find a way to make it work for you. it's not a small kitchen in an apartment you live in for a while - you have to be happy with it for a long time! and to be prepared for all kinds of weird happenings during renovations - usually unexpected problems crop up with jobs like this! I would love to change quite a few things in our kitchen - but there isn't much I can do about it just now - we plan to change things when DS moves out (he's only 13, I have to be patient:)), but right now we have to make do what's there. but maybe I can steal some good ideas once you're finished with your job:))Woolly Bitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11961632742998726155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-81968111936909849062011-01-31T07:20:01.299-05:002011-01-31T07:20:01.299-05:00Mama Pea, I'll be eagerly watching too! LOL. Y...Mama Pea, I'll be eagerly watching too! LOL. You know how it is with an old house though, one never knows what's lurking beneath the surface!<br /><br />Sue and Dani, about that stove. Yes, I thought about it's location and proximity to to tabletop or countertop space for the very reason you mention. The thing is, it's a wood burning cook stove, which means required clearances don't allow for tables or countertops very near to it. As it is, when the oven door is open, the peninsula is 33 inches away, which allows room for stooping and turning. <br /><br />From experience though, I can tell you that usually, anything coming out of the oven is simply put on top of the stove farthest from the firebox. It has no burners, so the entire cast iron surface either cooks or serves as a giant warming plate. <br /><br />We did discuss other places to put it. We finally decided this location was best, given traffic flow patterns. (The original wood cookstove was to the left of the sink; the stovepipe hole was later covered with a board and is still there.) Being opposite the dining room door will allow it's heat to better circulate throughout the house and by moving the back door, firewood doesn't have to be traipsed across the kitchen!<br /><br />Evelyn, it's been awhile since I cooked on one too, but like you, I really don't remember there being a problem for the reason I mention above. I do find though, that using a summer kitchen can be inconvenient, having to go in and out to cook a meal. I just don't do a lot of cooking in summer and remind myself that it's worth not having all that extra heat in the house!<br /><br />Theresa, I see your wheels are turning! LOL. I thought about the L shape cabinet arrangement with island, (heck, I've probably though about every arrangement under the sun) but there isn't enough room. The depth of the cookstove plus required clearances (front and back) will take up over 7 feet of my 11.5 wide kitchen. <br /><br />Dan suggested opening up to dining room wall too, to which I said NO! LOL I know we're supposed to love the "open" feel, but I really prefer having separate rooms, plus I'd lose that wall space, and it's really to only wall I have for cabinets and shelves. For myself, I'm trying to achieve a balance of flow and storage. Controlling flow is one reason why I like the dead-end workspace a galley style set up offers, no one cuts through and I can keep a tighter distance between the facing floor cabinets. I like working that way. I am going for maximum storage though, because I'm already getting tired of numerous trips to the pantry because I have no place to put ingredients that I use frequently. I do a lot of cooking with whole bulk purchased ingredients, so they are somewhat less convenient that conventional packaging. <br /><br />Some things we'll just decide as we go along, I'm sure. I think Dan wouldn't mind getting rid of the T&G, but I like the original look plus paying for all new walls is a factor. I think the T&G would look better unpainted though. But am I willing to strip it all??? I don't think so. On the other hand, he really wants the beams. We have to have one because of the post situation, so we might as well have as many as he wants. <br /><br />The real trick is achieving a balance that makes us both happy! This will probably be the most challenging room we'll ever do and I'm curious as to how it will work out in the end.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-36813017581268604102011-01-31T06:49:40.024-05:002011-01-31T06:49:40.024-05:00Leigh,
Wow, you guys have done your homework. I do...Leigh,<br />Wow, you guys have done your homework. I do have a few suggestions/questions. The wood cookstove will be only stove in the house? It's a big one as I remember and will provide it's own resting place for stuff you might need close at hand. I don't like that its by a door way, but it is what it is and that's a hard piece to just put anywhere! The peninsula...how do you reach the shelves that are at the end and over it? Why not put base cabinets there, make a straight run with counter (no peninsula) and do a small island more central, like opposite the sink? Something round might work for island space, not too big, no corners and provide both a fun work space and some visual relief from all the boxiness. Can you utilize pocket doors anywhere to cut down on the swing path of them.Back porch door or change the swing to the porch side? Any thoughts to just getting rid of that wall of shelving and opening up the kitchen to the dining room? Yes, you'll lose some storage, recycle them into the pantry or the wall that the door opens against since it would be gone and that area opened maybe then an island could be placed, larger than what would work with the wall as it is.. It would help with heat circulation from the stove through the house and might provide enough cross drafting to push heat further into the back area.<br />Having lived in houses with exposed beams and without, I can say I prefer without. Visually unless the room is open bright and airy they really do make one feel closed in. They collect dust, they are a pain to paint or repaint around and IMHO not worth the small added hanging storage they supply. This is doubly so in a kitchen where things do get a little greasier than in other parts of the house. You do need to find that water leak before you can do much of anything. T&G is nice, but again, hard to clean, hard to keep fresh looking and requires a bit more work when painting. You have a busy room without adding more horizontal pattern. I do love the ceiling though and do get a ceiling light with a fan.<br />While most people think that storage is most important in a kitchen, I think flow is. If it doesn't provide a joyful and efficient work space, with good ventilation and visual space, it won't be fun to work in no matter how much stuff you can fit in there.<br />So, there is my short little comment post! ;) Whatever you guys do it will be lovely I know.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09574936988046982209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-32370577329762843382011-01-31T06:01:01.590-05:002011-01-31T06:01:01.590-05:00I too wondered about the stove being so far from t...I too wondered about the stove being so far from the counter, then remembered it is a wood stove. It is a long time since I cooked on a wood stove, but don't recall it as being a problem, because you have a cooler side of the cook top. Redoing the kitchen was something I would like to have done in this house, but I am selling so someone else can have the fun!Evelynhttp://evelynoldroyd.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-4822608317818808272011-01-31T03:27:49.046-05:002011-01-31T03:27:49.046-05:00Leigh
Exciting times ahead - the kitchen IS the h...Leigh<br /><br />Exciting times ahead - the kitchen IS the heart of the home and once yours is complete you will feel a lot more at peace.<br /><br />I agree with Anonymous - the stove on the other side may be irritating with no counter next to it - taking something heavy out of the oven and not having a counter to put it on, whilst you close the oven door, may drive you up the wall.<br /><br />Have you though of putting it on the side of the kitchen where the open shelves / peninsular are?<br /><br />And instead of a fixed peninsular, have you thought of the island we did at the farm ( http://ecofootprintsa.blogspot.com/2010/05/kitchen-progress.html) - it is brilliant, as you can move it around as you need it - even wheeling it outside should the need arise...<br /><br />Love the sink by the window - I have mine there too - and although the window does get splashed, it's worth it for me - I would rather clean the one window often than stare at a blank wall whilst washing up.Danihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-56257830658154099172011-01-31T01:34:59.491-05:002011-01-31T01:34:59.491-05:00You've obviously given this remodel a lot of t...You've obviously given this remodel a lot of thought and have probably come up with solutions that work for you and are what you need. I just want to add that I once had a stove on the other side of the kitchen, such as you indicate yours will be, and I was always bothered by not having a countertop next to it. It drove me crazy. And that kitchen had 4 doors. Fortunately, we moved before any remodeling was done. --Sue in MAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com