Spic N' Span


Yeseree Bob! That's what we like to call our newly remodeled kitchen. "Out with the Grout" makes Melanie a very happy housekeeper (and chef, I might add).


Ever since we finalized our kitchen remodel - with new granite counter tops, new stainless steel sink, travertine flooring and refinished cabinets; I can't stop cooking. Everything is so easy access and super easy to clean.


I have new pull-out drawers where we store our pots and pans and it makes life so much simpler. We even extended out the counter top near the front door and added a few barstools (for entertaining). That's where I'm sitting right now, as a matter of fact. I keep my laptop there when we don't have company over.


It was a project that took approximately 3 months to complete (at the time not sure worth it - but now, I would do it over in a heartbeat).


It all started with replacing the refrigerator. Then came the new sofa. Okay...I know the sofa doesn't count as part of the kitchen. But we do live in an open spaced condo and it is part of the front room. We love our new couch, by the way.


Then came the countertops. And after 5 visits - measuring, demolition, installation, more installation because one section didn't fit; then a return visit to make a bigger space for our stove (we did not want to live with the oven in our dining area). No More Grout - Hallelujah!


Our plumbing to the sink was reattached and we were back in business (for a short while). Because the flooring came next. Out went the stove and fridge (back into the dining area).


Then came our beautiful new flooring in the kitchen. Wow!


We had our front room painted, and prior to the painting Jim demo'd the fireplace. We had matching travertine placed on the fireplace which is beautiful.


Then it was on to the kitchen cabinetry. We originally were going to paint, then decided to refinish. I even have handles on all the doors and drawers now. And the drawers are a breeze to pull out now. Brand new rolling mechanisms. LOVE it!!!

Kitchen counters Demolition BEFORE (Eeek!):




Kitchen counters DURING (oh?):




Kitchen tile floors "ugly grout" BEFORE (yuck!):

Kitchen Floor "Travertine" AFTER (ahhh):

What your house looks like during construction (eeuwh).

Fireplace (during demolition) - BEFORE tile & paint (oo0h):



Fireplace AFTER (ahhh):


Living room BEFORE painted walls and couch (oooh):


Living room AFTER (ahhh):

After counters & flooring but BEFORE cabinets:

Kitchen Cabinets AFTER (completed):

Kitchen bar BEFORE:

Kitchen Bar AFTER:

One of my favorite things - Pull Out Drawers (aaah!):