It took a potluck with a few 6’+ tall friends for us to start to realize how cramped and dark our kitchen really was. Therefore, utilizing some 3D home design software, we came up with a scheme to raise the ceiling another foot, put in new wood floors, build new cherry cabinets, get new countertops, and buy new appliances. Even with the fancy design software, our major overhaul took a few twists and turns for the better with a beautiful engineered Koa hardwood floor, vaulted ceilings, better lighting, and a new and improved dining area. We’ve done every bit of work ourselves and over the last two years we’ve turned our kitchen and dining room into the highlight of the house. The project isn’t over yet, and the arrival of our little rug rat has put our priorities elsewhere, but progress is still taking place with each new cabinet door and drawer. Hopefully we’ll have it complete before we hit the 3 year mark!
Here’s a look at the initial tear down to putting up the drywall.
View of the kitchenA look at the back side of the arch with extra bracing and channel to hide wires
Before picture of dining area3D home design software look at the new kitchen layout3D home design software version of the new bar layout looking from the dining room into the kitchenThe "Mama to be" taking up the old linoleum with a heat gun and a scraper...fun stuff!The point of no return!!Tom tearing down the drop-ceiling drywallTom taking down the wall cabinetsA look at the new "ghetto-style" kitchen door to keep the dust in and the cats outA look at the drop-celing debacleA look at the vaulted ceiling rafters as Tom tears down the rest of the drop-ceilingThe cleaned-up ceiling with electrical rats nest diverted into new junction boxesThe drop-ceiling on the north end of the kitchenTom putting in place the new ceiling raftersHexus checking in on the progressHanging new batts of insulation in the middle of the winter...no more freezing hands when pounding nails!The happy couple (yes we're smiling) decked-out in their insulation hanging garbMaria cutting drywall panelsTom hanging the panelsTom taking a break for a little snackBefore picture of the wall separating the dining room and kitchenAfter picture - we now have a spot for our new bar!Before picture of the entry way from the dining room to the kitchenAfter - an arched entry between the two roomsA look at the back side of the arch with extra bracing and channel to hide wiresTom constructing the soffit for the bar lighting and HVAC ductworkTom finishing the custom ductwork installationTom installing the soffit drywallTom finishing the drywall and recessed lightsTom posing next to his new best friend...the drywall panel liftUsing the panel lift to place drywall on the vaulted ceilingA look at the finished drywall
