Centerpiece

Here are the pieces that gave us all our design cues - a buffet and dining table with chairs from my great-grandmother. Its original Arts & Crafts furniture and I think it fits in pretty well with the cabinets, flooring and things.

Putting Things Away

Now the real fun begins - unpacking and putting things away. We've found places for most everything but we seem to have an abundance of spices that we need to organize. Another one of these drawer organizers is probably in order. We do have lots of drawers.

Ghost of the Old Kitchen

Well it seems the ghost of the old kitchen decided to wreak a little bit of havoc before it moves on. We had a water leak in the powder room due to a loose fitting on the cold water supply valve. It just made a big mess and the only permanent damage is to Eirik's nerves.

Then I knocked one of the pendant light fixtures down as I was putting shelf paper on one of the long shelves. I flipped it over on the island and oopsie, crash. Luckily, I didn't break the stone shade, but we did have to order some replacement bits.

Now the TV has decided to go on strike and just blink its little red light at us instead of showing us pretty pictures. So we called the repairman and we're giving lots of attention to the dishwasher, washer and dryer so they don't feel left out and act up.

And oh yeah, our contractor Luis, messed up his knee playing soccer and had to have knee surgery. Seriously?! Apparently it wasn't too traumatic and he should be up and about in a few more days.

Knobs in Action

Here are some of the knobs after they got installed. There was quite a discussion about where these knobs should go on the drawers and I think we found a good look.

I Have Made Fire!

First up was finishing the gas-related jobs. Chris the gas guy finished the hook-up for the stove and we got that inspected and approved so we could move the stove into place and get that working. As you can see, it is huge - two broiler pans side by side.



Then came the fireplace, so Chris finished installing the trim pieces and got that buttoned up. The photo doesn't quite capture the crackling fire feeling, but it is quite lovely and cozy in there when it's on.

We're Back!

We were off to visit the folks in Jacksonville for Turkey Day, with a super-fun side trip to Disney for a few days with the whole gang. When we got back, vacation was definitely over and we got right back to work.

Oooh, Shiny

The fridge and range came and were hauled in today. The water line for the fridge leaked when they hooked that up, so the plumber is going to have to fix that. The outlet works, so it got nice and cool. The range connections still need a little work and they need to install an anti-tip bracket. That might be the last of the big items on the list - still plenty of little things left to do though.

Sink - For Real

The last countertop piece came and was installed today. Then they were able to put the sink in. Garbage disposal and faucet should go in tomorrow.

Camo Dog

Well it was bound to happen sooner or later - a picture of the dog had to make it onto the blog. I'm surprised it has taken this long. Casey was exhausted from all the action and plopped down on the kitchen floor. She's pretty much the same color as the floor so she's quite well camouflaged.

Busy Weekend

Lots and lots got done this weekend - it has been a crazy house. The dishwasher, washer/dryer and microwave got moved back inside.




Some cabinet crown molding also got installed.



More electrical work for the range, miscellaneous outlets and switches.


They also ran the water line for the fridge.


We're also trying find a paint color to match the counter for these plastic grommets.

Knobs

The cabinet knobs were delivered today. This pyramid shape is a traditional Arts and Crafts design. Solid brass and very hefty.

Countertop Install

Our lovely Silestone countertops were installed today. It's a little hard to to tell from the pics, but the flecks in there pick up the paint color very nicely. Looking good.

Sink - Psych!

Well, it looks like they didn't cut the hole for the sink quite right. The top edge of the sink is supposed to be flush with the counter instead of being set in like it is here. It doesn't look terrible, but its not what we asked for, so we sent it back and decided to make them do it the right way. Shouldn't take too long to get that one piece back.

Floor - Part 2

Finished the floor today and added trim along the baseboard. Still need to finish up the transition piece between the family room and the hallway. Also need to shave down the bottom of the bathroom and basement doors so they will close over the new transition pieces. That bottom trim will be painted up to match.

Product List

In case anyone is interested, here are the parts and pieces Eirik (and I) selected. Lots of thorough research went into these selections and we like what we've seen and has been installed so far. Enjoy.

• Cabinets
  Kraftmaid
  Deveron Cherry Square - Autumn Blush
  Lowes Kentlands - Gaithersburg
• Cabinet Hardware
  Belwith Keeler
  Kingston - Old English Pewter - Hammered square pyramid - M682
  Lowes Kentlands - Gaithersburg
• Floor
  Wilsonart
  W3000208 - Urban Slate - Red Label Laminate Tile
  Rug & Carpet Works - Rockville
• Countertop
  Silestone
  Ivory Coast
  Cabinet Discounters/Counter Intelligence
• Paint
  Benjamin Moore
  Walls - Camouflage, Trim - Ivory Tusk
  Regal Paint Center - Silver Spring
• Recessed Lighting
  Lightolier
  1003R 5" diameter/2003R 3 3/4" diameter Non-Insulated Remodeler w/Specular Clear Reflector Trims
  Dominion Electric Supply - Laurel
• Under-cabinet Lighting
  Kichler
  KIC10579/80/81 Xenon Fixtures (7", 12.25". 21.5" respectively) Hard Wired
  Dominion Electric Supply - Laurel
• Accent/Task Lighting
  Tech-Lighting
  700FJCBOS - Cabo Pendant Freejack module in Satin Nickel, using Surface Mount Canopy; 700WSCBOS - Cabo Wall Sconce module in Satin Nickel
  Dominion Electric Supply - Laurel
• Dimmer Switches
  Lutron
  Recessed - Diva Incandescent single pole 600W - DV-600P; Tech Lighting - DivaElectr. Low Voltage, single pole 300 W - DVELV-300P
  Dominion Electric Supply - Laurel
• Sink
  Houzer
  CTS-2300 - Zero Radius Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel w/Bottom Grid and Cutting Board Accessories
  AJ Madison
  
• Faucet
  Hansgrohe
  35807801 - Axor Steel Kitchen Faucet
  Everyfaucet.com
• Refrigerator
  Maytag
  MFC2061KES - Cabinet Depth, Bottom Freezer, French Door, Energy Star
  Bray and Scarff - Rockville
• Range
  Thermador
  PRD364ELHU - PRO Harmony Dual-Fuel Range w/ 4 burners and gas Grill
  Bray and Scarff - Rockville
• Hood
  Zephyr
  AK7536AS - Tempest II - 1100CFM internal blower w/ heat lamp kit and 12" duct cover
  Bray and Scarff - Rockville
• Fireplace Insert
  Kozy Heat
  Jackson XL vented gas insert
  Offenbachers - North Bethesda
  

Floor - Part 1

Luis was here bright and early at 6:30am to start putting down the flooring. The part that's in so far looks awesome. Here is a sample - it's a laminate that's supposed to look like slate. This first picture is the actual color, some of the other photos are reddish.



Just about ready for the fridge.


Raul also came and finished the electric work for the stove.


This part's not quite done yet.



Not a new feature - they just pulled the doors off to get the floor in easier. This one's just hanging out here for a few days.