Kitchen Reno: The Floors, The Paint and The Countertops!

HAPPY FRIDAY!! Are you as excited as I am that it's finally Friday? These projects at home after a long day at work are killing me. We only have left to grout the new backsplash and seal it. Then I will FINALLY have my fridge and oven back, oh thank you! Here is our progress, let me know what you think!

                                                                             Floors
Now the floors I believe were the most drastic change. Before, as you saw, were this nasty-always looked dirty-linoleum. So, we decided on hardwood floors throughout the downstairs and of course we just carried those into the kitchen. I am literally OBSESSED with the color. After much debate, we ended up purchasing Mohawk Santa Barbara 5" Hard Scrapped Planks in Chocolate.

                                                                         Paint
--We had the kitchen painted to match the new style. The color is April Sky from Lowe's. I love the color, I feel like it pulls everything together! Plus having a WHITE ceiling changes everything! Why would anyone think painting the ceiling gold would look good?!?!

Countertops // Sink // Faucet

With the dark floors, and black appliances we decided against the dark granite for the countertops, and went with a lighter color, Cashmere White. The process was great! Clay and I selected our slab, they came out to template, emailed us our measurements on the selected slab to verify we would like that particular piece (knots, particular lines, etc), then they installed. We also went through them on our sink - it was a little pricier but they cut the sink as well, so for the convenience it worked out better. The have it set under the granite and I think it looks beautiful! We purchased the faucet at Lowe's - we were sure to get one WITHOUT the plate, so they are individual holes, loving that as well.

What a huge difference, am I right? So thankful we were able to make these changes! I am happy to say "I love my kitchen!" now. Last up - the backsplash and the final pictures!!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Hump Day friends! We have officially made it half way through the work week. I am pumped for the weekend because we are finishing up with the home renovations and having a HUGE yard sale. So ready to de-clutter and get the rest of our wedding gifts out.  Other than that, not much going on. Here's what I have been loving lately!

**My new gorgeous Bahari Stella & Dot necklace I won from the fabulous giveaway hosted by Natalie over at Designs Bags and Dirty Diapers! Find yours here: www.stelladot.com/ashleysigmon **

** Okay, I found this dress on Pinterest and HAVE to have it. I did find that it's a Judith March, but can't find anywhere to purchase. Is this not adorable and perfect for summer? HELP! **

** These new Fiber One brownies. They are delish! AND only have 90 calories - if your anything like me and have to have a sweet, these are for you too. **

**New kitchen paint color, April Sky by Olympic & glass mosaic tiles for the backsplash in the new kitchen! Both from Lowe's **

That's about it for today. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week! Stay tuned for the wrap up of our new kitchen.

Kitchen Reno: The Cabinets

Honestly, I think the pictures can explain it all, but I will go into detail the updates we made in separate posts starting today with the cabinets. When we bought this house last July, I had to really look beyond the out dated... well, everything and really just take into consideration the size, the lot and the houses' potential. With the kitchen being my least favorite, you can only imagine my excitement when we were finally able to start the BIG renovation for it this month!

                                                                BEFORE

First thing, we emptied the cabinets, removed the shelves, doors and hardware. We purchased Rustoleum's Refinishing Kit to paint the cabinets. With this particular product you do NOT have to sand, but the kit doesn't have enough for the insides so we did sand down the shelves.

Before painting could start, we used Step #1 of the kit, the Deglosser to strip the cabinets and clean them really good. Next, we purchased a Paint + Primer in one for the shelves, drawers, and the insides of the cabinets. Then used the Base Coat provided in the kit for coat #1. It suggested waiting 24 hours before reapplying the second coat. The product said you would only need 2 coats, but we needed 3. (Good thing our kitchen is small!)

Are you seeing my lovely floor? HAHA

 

The above two pictures are after 1 coat...

The final step in the kit is the sealer to protect the cabinets, help with easy cleaning and provides a bit of a shine! Clay installed new hinges, he wanted to do the European style so you can't see them from the outside. Then, we added new hardware knobs. Tada!

                                               After two coats and the glosser/sealer!

Next up? The new floors, fabulous new paint color, granite countertops, sink and faucet! Stay tuned.

Wedding Recap: Honeymoon

As described in my earlier post, we went to Playa Conchal Costa Rica for our honeymoon. We stayed at the all-inclusive Westin Resort and it was truly unbelievable. Saying we had a great time would be a terrible understatement.

Really from the second we got to the Westin I was beyond impressed. Our travel agent arranged for us to be picked up from the airport (yes, there was a guy waiting with a sign!) and as soon as we were dropped off at the resort, we were literally whisked away by a driver who took us to the "Royal Beach Clubhouse." As he took our bags to our suite, another employee brought us fresh mojitos and explained all the activities, restaurants and pools of the resort. Once we arrived to our room, we were introduced to David, who would be our own personal BUTLER for the week. We had told David one day we were there on our honeymoon and when we got back to the room that night for dinner, there was chocolate covered tuxedos strawberries and a bottle of champagne. How sweet? At this point, I am literally astounded, I've never been on a trip with this high quality service!

Next, we enjoyed 6 days of pure bliss! We drank, ate, lounged, ate, ate, drank then REPEAT all day every single day! What a fabulous way to wrap up the wedding festivities?! I strongly suggest this resort if you are planning a honeymoon, or any trip! A few pictures from the week:

Bye bye Costa Rica =(