Kitchen Refresh

Do you love your kitchen? Is it time for a kitchen refresh? I had the opportunity to help someone refresh her kitchen. The cabinets were natural wood with the center recess panel on the door painted white. Everything was tired and worn. A kitchen refresh was greatly needed. This is where I came into the picture.

We began discussing her needs and I shared some additional thoughts. She was pretty open to my ideas as long as I stayed on budget. We played with some numbers and made some selections and this is her to-do and shopping list for a kitchen refresh.

SHOPPING/SELECTION LIST:

3″ LED Recessed Lighting Kit

3′ crown mold

Cabinet Invisible Hinge, Satin Chrome Finish

Polished Chrome Cabinet Hardware Pull

Subway Beveled Ceramic Wall Tile, 3″ x 6″, Glossy White

Cambria counter tops

Moen Arbor One-Handle Pulldown Kitchen Faucet Stainless

Undermount Stainless Steel Square Kitchen Sink

Whirlpool Microwave

Self-Cleaning Freestanding Electric Double Range

Paint colors for wall SW 6106, ceiling SW 7007, cabinets SW 7006 and trim SW 7006

Where did we begin? We developed a sequence/schedule of which sub-contractor came first. One thing to remember is that the plan must have some flexibility. Unforeseen “issues” will always pop up. This is just a part of any construction or renovation project. With this fact in consideration, here is our schedule.

SEQUENCE/SCHEDULE:

Handyman: remove current microwave, faucet and stove/oven

Trim carpenter: move cabinet up, install hidden hinges, drill holes for hardware and install crown mold on cabinet

Counter-top company: Remove current countertops and install new ones along with under-mount sink

Tile mason: install backsplash

Painter: paint cabinets, walls, trim and ceiling

Handyman: remove fluorescent light, install recess lights, install new faucet, microwave and stove/range

What do you do next? Congratulate yourself with a pat on your back and enjoy a nice cup of tea or wine, whichever, you feel you need. Select and contact the first person on your schedule. Ask them how long it will take to do their work and when they can begin. Continue to make calls in this manner. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to finish each task.

I was fortunate that my client was preparing to leave for a 5-week trip overseas, leaving me in charge with no one at home to be inconvenienced by the construction. She came home to a brand-spanking-new kitchen. She loves everything so much until she finds herself cleaning constantly. Her favorite part of the kitchen is the lighting. She said I didn't realize I was working in the dark all this time.”