Kitchen: Granite, Back Splash & DIY Built-In {Two Story House}
January 27, 2012 by Aimee • 90 Comments
Kitchen Remodel Part Two
{Granite, Back Splash and DIY Built-In }
We did a ton of work getting these cabinets crisp white {read all about our two story Kitchen Remodel Part One {Adding a Cabinet, Painting Cabinets White and Installing Recessed Lights} here. Our two story house kitchen remodel was a definite inspiration for us as we’ve been working on our current kitchen in our ranch-style home! Knowing that something can go from drab to dreamy is definitely motivating! We thought maybe the layers of white would improve the kitchen so much we wouldn’t even notice the ultra shiny counter tops! But, you know how it goes, one project always leads to another, right!
With the cabinets so bright and airy, my black, super shine counter tops just weren’t working for me! I had a hunch that would be the case, but I was hopeful that we wouldn’t have to spend the extra money.
We checked out several different stone manufacturers and found a stellar price! A few of the granite that we considered were Kashmir White, Bianco Romano, and Creamo Romano. Little B was a big fan of the one called White Diamond! Reminded me of my junior high perfume! LOL, Fancy! It was a bit to splotchy for my liking. I had my eye on something similar to what Young House Love had in their first house…SUPER pretty, right! They totally ROCK!
I ended up LOVING the Bianco Romano BEST. We had no idea what to expect, but once we’d narrowed down our choice to Bianco Romano, the guy helping us ran and got a forklift and moved several slabs around so I could select my ‘Favoritest’ EVER Granite Slab!
This piece seemed the lightest of all and it wasn’t totally overtaken with red spots, which I found on a lot of the pieces. I LOVED the yellow touches, too!
My sink and I were not friends! I seriously think it measured 4 inches deep and every night as I cleaned up from dinner, I dreamed of not getting soaking wet and of being able to wipe my counter directly into the sink without a ledge! Of course, I totally LOVED the idea of getting a farmhouse apron front sink, but I also knew I really wanted a white porcelain sink and I wanted it SUPER deep. Once I started pricing all the options I wanted and saw the price, something had to be done to slash the price a bit! I decided to put the farmhouse apron front sink dream on hold and enjoy the guts out of my new almost 9 inch deep porcelain sink!
Isn’t she a beauty! {KOHLER Undercounter Kitchen Sink, White
} With my sink delivered, it was time to have our counters measured. We priced around and found a great price for installation. The guys came out and made a template of our counters. I then was able to visit my cute granite and choose the layout of each template based on the movement and such! The company totally would have done this for me, but I was invited so I totally took them up on it! I LOVE it when someone doesn’t mind an over opinionated girl to help in the decision process!!! And not having any surprises when all was said and done definitely helped with my anxiety! LOL! It was a HUGE dream come true, I could hardly sleep I was so excited!
} With my sink delivered, it was time to have our counters measured. We priced around and found a great price for installation. The guys came out and made a template of our counters. I then was able to visit my cute granite and choose the layout of each template based on the movement and such! The company totally would have done this for me, but I was invited so I totally took them up on it! I LOVE it when someone doesn’t mind an over opinionated girl to help in the decision process!!! And not having any surprises when all was said and done definitely helped with my anxiety! LOL! It was a HUGE dream come true, I could hardly sleep I was so excited!
The picture below shows two things…1. the reason that oven-stove combinations are a bit tricky to remove when you’re having a new counter top installed {lesson learned for us}. 2. what happens when you pressure cook black beans and forget to lower the heat after it reaches the right temperature. {I thought I’d cleaned up all of my crazy 8 foot explosion…that was TOTAL CRAZINESS…thankfully we were all in the living room so no one was hurt…could have been real bad}.
I could hardly stand it when my sweet granite guys arrived with my first piece of counter top! I usually have doubts {hence my new rug}, but not on this…I mean seriously…this granite and my kitchen were totally M.F.E.O.!!!
I had my granite guys extend the counter here a bit. On the other side of this is the back door…so basically this bit of wall was empty space and I thought surely I could make something of this space!!!
I tried to get our granite fabricators to order subway tile, too. But the price at Home Depot was ridiculously cheaper, there was just no way they could compete. I thought that was so funny! So we picked it up and I think for around $200 my sweet Stud was able to complete the back splash! I was so head over heels in LOVE!
Can you hardly believe it that this is the same kitchen island!?!? I think the bead board, paint, pulls, and granite made this so beautiful I can hardly stand it. You can click here if you want a little refresher!
We ordered the Pfister Four Hole Kitchen Pull Out Spray Faucet
in a brushed nickel to match our cupped pulls. I wanted something simple and found this at a great price. It was real great, but with this large sink, I probably could have used something with a bit of a larger spray. I totally LOVE the look of it and this was much improved over my previous leaky faucet so no complaints at all!
in a brushed nickel to match our cupped pulls. I wanted something simple and found this at a great price. It was real great, but with this large sink, I probably could have used something with a bit of a larger spray. I totally LOVE the look of it and this was much improved over my previous leaky faucet so no complaints at all!
I had the idea of wanting to extend my counter top a bit so I could get the most out of the circumference of my kitchen. I kept trying to explain my vision to Stud and he wasn’t getting it until I found this magazine picture! Yep, I was so thankful for this {wish I could tell you where I found it, but seriously it’s been a long time}.
See here’s my little extended counter top again! It’s funny, an extra 10-12 inches seems like nothing when you just see it as an overlap, but check out what we made of it…
Isn’t that amazing! We first threw up some bead board against the cabinets and against the wall. Then we placed a ledge for the shelves to lie on against the wall and cabinet. Since the depth wasn’t huge, the two supports totally worked for us! We had to build up the base to keep it similar to the existing cabinets. The decorative leg offers a bit of extra support, although it’s pretty sturdy on it’s own! A bit of trim on the top to keep it similar to the rest of the cabinets and I had a DARLING set of shelves!
Are you in LOVE!?!? Here I’ll show you the before once more so you can totally appreciate the transformation…
Magazine-ish kitchen, right!!
{My Dreamy White Kitchen}
Can you even believe that we put this sweet kitchen on the
market and sold it to move to our old ranch style house?!?
Oh I just love your kitchen! I’m a sucker for anything white! That granite is gorgeous too!!
Wow! What a huge transformation! You must be in love with your kitchen so much. It’s so pretty! I’d actually like to cook in that kitchen!
This looks so great! Thanks for sharing!
Allyson
http://cupcakescandycanes.blogspot.com
It looks fabulous!! We are going through a kitchen remodel right now too…seeing yours makes me see a light at the end of the tunnel!!!!
Your kitchen looks totally fabulous !
It looks amazing! Love your granite!
Love everything, love your granite choice, and the addition of the shelves at the end by the phone. Thank you for sharing such a fabulous makeover. A lot of hard work, so well worth it.
AMAZING! The countertops, the sinks, your ledge, the cabinets. It’s all so beautiful!!!
Love your renovations to date. Your space is really becoming a showpiece.
Hey, you guys did a great job! We have been working on our master bed and bath and I’m getting ready to show it off soon. So excited to be able to use them again soon. Congrats on a great job!
I’m with ya! I usually do EVERYTHING diy, but we had granite put in the house we’re in now and I don’t know if I can go back to formica or anything else in the future (someday when we move, that is)! lol.
Your granite looks beautiful!!! and so does the backsplash. I have the same white subway tile right now.
–Katie
@ Creatively Living
Well, what is not to love about…granite, porcelain, and subway tile. Love your little models too.
That’s awesome! What an amazing transformation
It is fan-tas-ma-glorious!!!!
You did a wonderful job and all the little details fell into place beautifully. What perfect kitchen =) A+ Aimee.
Your kitchen looks so amazing! Love the idea of extending the granite! You did a great job. Love the pictures of all your little helpers!!
I LOVE it! What an amazing transformation! The granite really makes it, and I really love the little shelves you made. The sink looks much better, I love the farmhouse ones as well but I think you got the next best thing.
~Shanon
Your kitchen is to die for! I’m so jealous!!!!!
Holly
Oh my gosh, I love your granite and I’m not a granite girl, so pretty! And the way you extended the counter, I have been trying to plan something just like that! Everything looks great!
Do you have a close up picture of the top shelf over the extended shelving that you could send to me?
It looks wonderful!!
http://www.tatianadoria.blogspot.com
Wow, wow, wow, totally gorgeous! Especially when you see it with the before pictures!
Hi Aimee. Your kitchen transformation is amazing! Great job! I’m sending this to my daughter who is in the market for an older ranch style home that she can re-do.
Your kitchen is soooooo beautiful. There is not a thing I wouldnt like:) Fab job!!!
Love from Moorland Home
you newly refabbed kitchen
looks light, bright and lovely
great choice in colors
especially the granite
i’m so pleased you shared your work
at Fridays Unfolded!
alison
I love it Aimee! My favorites are the little shelves you created, your granite and the sink!!! it looks beautiful
Nice work Aimee! I was thinking the same thing for the overhang (spindle leg, shelving) then I see what you did with it! Love it!
It is so very pretty! I love the addition of the custom selves! It is turning into the kitchen of your dreams!
Wow! LOVE love love the cabinet extensions near the door. It totally transforms it! White subway tile = big puffy heart!!!
It looks a amazing! Magazine worthy!
Debbie
That was one of those stencils that come in a tube from Target a long while back. I haven’t seen them at Target in quite some time, but I’d check with Hobby Lobby and see if they have that specific one!?! I love the vinyl cutting machines, but the occasional store bought are definitely more in my price range for now!!! Thanks for stopping by Debbie! XO, Aimee
Hi lovely lady.
Your redo on your Kitchen is Gorgeous !!! Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my tablescapes. I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend. I’am going to put a new Tablescape on this Sunday for Valentine’s hope you come see me.
XXOO Diane
Aimee,
Bright and White….. What’s not to like!
OR LOVE IN THIS CASE!
Dee Dee
Great looking kitchen!
WOW, I love it!!!! Aimee enjoy your new kitchen and many happy meals
Pattie
GREAT transformation. Thank you for taking the time to journal it!
Aimee, this is a beautiful transformation. It looks awesome.
You’ve totally inspired me to get busy on my cabinet remodel. I’m planning to paint white too (with bead-board on the walls and had considered the subway tile back splash. I’m working with a combination of antique dressers and unfinished wood cabinets so I guess I’ve just been procrastinating. Thanks for sharing your beautiful kitchen!
What a transformation!!! It is gorgeous!!!!
Good for you – putting in the time and work to get what you want for the price you want! It looks fabulous and I love it!
Fantastic makeover! I love how you made use of the extra space at the end of the cabinet. Charming and useful.
Traci
Wow…just lovely – I would love to cook in your kitchen!
Nicely done! I love the extra counter overhang. That was well thought out. And the granite choice is going to be timeless. The undermount sink is my favorite. I love mine!
At our old house we did a lot of similar upgrades and in this market, in January of last year, our home sold in one day. I’m pretty sure it’s because of the granite and cream glazed cabinets. It makes a difference!
Rachel
http://www.holy-craft.blogspot.com
Fantastic Redo…love it!
Sarah
http://www.budgetfriendlydecorating.com
Aimee, love your remodel. Especially love the maximized use of space with the granite overhang. I completely understand where your coming from. Would have loved to see an overhang on your island too, but judging from the picture, I may be off target. I’m sure you thought about it since you knew you could get more work space against the wall. Why builders provide so little cabinet and counter space is completely foolish. And I don’t want to get started on the florescent light fixtures they provide. I am truly inspired by your work. Hope to see more. Great job.
Beautiful!
LOVE your pretty kitchen! I’m totally obsessed with those white subway tiles you used for you back splash. I REALLY REALLY want to put some in my kitchen!
Your kitchen looks amazing. I love the granite tops you chose. The extra shelves at the end of the cabinets are spectacular. An awesome idea. Love it all. The transformation is fabulous.
Ruth
GORGEOUS!! I can see why your in love…I would be too. So happy for you!
Sharon
WOW! what a difference! the kitchen is one of the best places to remodel because we spend so much time in there – it turned out GREAT!
What a great transformation!
Visiting from Meet Me Monday Party.
Wowie~ This looks so good and the fact that you did some things on your own made it all the better! I wasn’t too sure where you were going with that counter overhang, but in the end- gee, it looks terrific! Good idea based on your inspiration pic.
Sue
This is fabulous!!! You guys did an amazing job!
Thanks for linking.
OX
Kristin
Your counter tops are so pretty they are exactly what I would have picked myself.
speechless….amazed…pin pin pin this !
Hi Aimee,
Your kitchen looks wonderful. We are working on our kitchen and loved seeing this post.
Dee
Wonderful transformation! You truly have accomplished your “impossible.”
Thanks for participating in our party!
blessings,
karianne
Gorgeous!! I love everything about it!
Well that is just superb! You have worked so hard and have been rewarded with a wonderful beautiful kitchen. I bet that is a great place to do your cooking and have some family time. Congratulations!
It is really beautiful! Great job!
Just gorgeous!!! Love your style! Thanks so much for sharing at the Tuesday To Do Party!
Smiles!
Jami
http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com
An absolutely beautiful kitchen. Congratulations!
So lovely and fresh! Thanks for linking up!
Linda
Another great project! You are definitely right about the counters, just perfect! And your boxer on the patio is super cute too! Thanks for linking this up too!!
Beautiful. Restful and springy colors. Love the overhang with the open shelves underneath.
Your kitchen has come a really long way. It looks so pretty with the new countertops. I have always loved what you do in your home since I first found your blog…nothings changed!
I LOVE this! I am SO inspired! I can’t wait to redo my kitchen now. Thank you so much for sharing your impossibility you should be so PROUD! I am pinning this beauty!<3 from your newest follower and fellow {brand-new} blogger! Check out my "impossibility" and follow back!
~Misty
http://www.413sparrowlane.com
Aimee! Love, love, love your kitchen! What an amazing transformation. Don’t you just love your granite and subway tile. We’re still in the middle of my kitchen transformation so I may link-up because we don’t have to be completely finished yet. Your little boxer looking in your door wall and your daughter are darling.
By the way, I’ve been reading about your photography lessons. I attempted to follow along one day, but got totally lost. I’ll try again this weekend (hopefully there will be enough light) because I hate using the flash.
This kitchen definitely needs to be pinned as Misty your commenter above me has mentioned.
Love your blog!
~Sandy
Your remodel is beautiful! I just had the same Kohler sink installed and I love it! Your granite is lovely too. I wanted to paint my cherry cabinets to white but just couldn’t do it. I covet your white cabinets! Visiting from Primp. Please stop by Cottage and Creek and enter my first-ever Choosing Joy Giveaway. Have a great week.
Lynn
Email: Lynn@nsytes.com
http://www.cottageandcreek.com
Looks amazing!!
It is amazing! Love it!
Jenny
PS. I’m having a great giveaway from Cutting Edge Stencils and would love it if you came by and entered
Wow! Truly magazine worthy. I love your kitchen.
Hi, Your kitchen is so beautiful!
It’s beautiful, thank you for sharing!
I Love it! You should be so proud it turned out great! Tabitha @ simplyhomecents.blogspot.com
What a beautiful transformation. Love the granite! Hugs, Sherry
Wonderful! We are in need of a kitchen facelift as well! Thanks for sharing the great ideas! I’ve pinned as well. Have a terrific day!
Melly
That built-in is BRILLIANT. It looks like you’ve paid THOUSANDS to have custom cabinetry. Great work! I’m quite impressed.
Oh my gosh! Look at all I’ve missed! WOW! I LOVE the built in! It’s gorgeous! The entire kitchen/eating area is fabulous!
It’s absolutely beautiful! I am SO impressed with your cute little shelf area. What a terrific idea!
I LOOOOOVe the shelf thing. It’s awesome. The whole kitchen makes me want to walk right in and start cooking- something I should probably be doing in my own kitchen, but it’s not nearly as welcoming.
Psst. Including a link back in the DIY Project Parade highlights!
Have a great weekend!
~Roeshel
I love your kitchen makeover. But what I wanted to ask you is where did you get your stencil above the French doors “Bless this nest”. I love that! debbie@heartchoices.com
I can completely understand how much work this took…and it looks sooo much better from a design standpoint. From a design perspective, it would show better if the items on top of the cabinets were removed (and ALL items on top of refrigerator and if any, on the door front). I know, I know, it makes it look so homey. But, it also makes the eye jump around the room disjointedly. Make a smooth line for the eye. And perhaps remove the jarring “red” item from the counter top. Be careful about adding anything to your countertop. Canisters should be solid white as to not detract from the smooth line. Remove the canister of spoons, etc. by stove and store close by in a drawer. Nice lighting and nicely done. Wall color welcoming
You are so right! I took those pictures at my old house long before blogging. They were intended for family…thanks for overlooking the details and seeing the hard work and design improvement! XO, Aimee
I love the colour. I love the doors.
Kelly
Love your counters in that house!! Beautiful! Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!
This kitchen transformation is killer and it looks amazing.
Beautiful! I just discovered your blog! We painted our cabinets white a year ago and now I’m really wanting granite countertops just like this! I think you live in Texas (I don’t remember where I saw that…)… if you do, are you in the DFW area? And if so, can you send me info about who did your countertops? Company, pricing per sq ft if you know it? Thanks!!
sarah8914 at gmail dot com
Love! What is the colour of your kitchen walls?
Your kitchen is so beautiful! Great job.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia