That's really the best word for it. With the exception of work, tons of non-blog related writing assignments, all of my time has been consumed--gratefully, mind you--with the details of this kitchen. The cabinets finally arrived today and the appliances arrive tomorrow. The shelving gets installed in the pantry (through the door on the right) any day now. I'm supposed to be packing up our current kitchen or anything, anything else we hope to move. Tomorrow, I promise myself. I'll get to it tomorrow. In the meantime, all I can dream of is a fresh start in a new cooking/eating/living space.
All that aside, I know there are lots of details we have yet to think of in planning this kitchen. Besides, we are on a tight budget and there's lots that we couldn't afford to do. But I'll ask anyway... if you were doing your kitchen from scratch--what would be essential? What would be a nice but affordable luxury? If you could do it over again, what would you do?
Lighting and counter space - those are two things I think are essential. My kitchen has some counter space that looks well lit... until I'm standing there trying to chop vegetables and I'm standing in the way of the light! The other thing I often long for is more counter space / work space. I can never get enough of it! Lighting can be cheap if you get it installed early enough. Counters can be expensive depending on the type you buy... Good luck!
Posted by: PSM | November 19, 2008 at 08:48 AM
we re did the kitchen from hell last year on a very tight budget. Its still not finished, but certainly livable . My essential item- the center island. Its great as a work space, serving spce, gathering space. I love being able to have friends and fam hang around that are. Its close to the stove, so the food keeps coming. Brian and I eat dinner there everynight and its much cosier than the dining table. When we have a crowd for a sit down dinner, we do apps around the island while finishing up cooking, then move to the dining table. The island becomes a serving station.
We've even had kitchen jams around the island. Check out out my myspace pix- you'll get the idea of how that space is like the heart, core ,altar of our home.
We did all the work so we could really work within our personal desires and financial abilities.
have fun!
Posted by: kb | November 19, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Jennifer, we just finished remodeling our kitchen. You should be able to see some public photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahw/sets/72157606794273831/
Musts -- counter space and good storage. The pantry cupboard is awesome!
Posted by: Jill Hurst-Wahl | November 19, 2008 at 01:19 PM
i would suggest putting outlets in strategic places so that wires are trailing the length of the counter space.
if you don't have it now and would like to upgrade to the cadillac of vikings and two door subzero fridge and freezer (stuff that i drool over in the magazines) i would suggest that you design the kitchen with that in mind so that in a year or two you are not destroying everything you have labored to put in. in other words, let your space be flexible enough for any upgrade you have in mind.
Posted by: teddy | November 20, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Please note a mjor correctioon from my entry of november 20th.
I meant to write, "so that wires are NOT trailing the entire length of the counterspace." i forgot the moest important word. oh well....
HAPPY THANKSGIVNG ALL! i give thanks for this blog that keeps me sane. i give thanks for the new house. may blessings abound!
Posted by: teddy | November 26, 2008 at 04:22 PM