Kitchen Cabinets And Countertops

Our cabinets are being built by Morrisons Custom Cabinets of Lawndale NC. The wood species is maple and the color is Benjamin Moore's Simply White. We did have an issue with matching the paint for the cabinets. Morrisons uses a lacquer paint on cabinets and it took some effort for them to match their lacquer paint to the existing trim paint and satisfy their "picky" client.

Before our build started, I spent a lot of time reviewing window placement and window sizes. We decided we liked the look of the window stool close to the  granite counter top. We also knew that the backsplash and the window apron would be factors in determining where everything needed to be. I can't express enough, the importance of being thorough during the design and planning phase of your build. We actually don't want the two receptacle outlets below the windows but they are required by code to pass final inspection. And then moved later. Shhh.

The sink is a Kohler Strive stainless apron front.

The large windows and our wide trim choice didn't leave much room to turn the upper cabinets in the corner. We decided to just "run" the uppers into the wall without turning them at all.

Running the upper cabinets to the wall turned out to have a good look.

All the doors and drawers will be "soft close". A no-brainer with children around. The cost is minimal and it's a nice feature.

These cabinets are considered European Shaker style. The two main characteristics that determine European style are a frameless cabinet and hidden hinges. The shaker designation refers to the door style.

The peninsula is 3'0" x 7'6"

The peninsula is the future home of a duel fuel range and microwave.

The granite color is colonial white.

The cabinet crown molding is simple but works well with the shaker style doors.

I have had projects in the past where I've researched products, chose colors, had quality work done, and felt confident the results would be great. And when all the work was completed, it just wasn't the way I had pictured it in my mind. The more projects you do, the more you learn. There has been a little bit of that fear with the kitchen since we have so much invested. What if the colors clash? What if the counters look bad against the cabinets? What if the results aren't what I envisioned? I hate what ifs.

Even though it looks incomplete without the appliances, I'm very pleased with the results. The colors of the wall, trim, cabinets, and counters work well together. Worried for nothing. (:

Late Favorites

Most individuals have "that moment" during the building process that they consider their favorite. That one thing that they have pictured in their mind for years and the excitement of finally having it become a reality. Breaking ground or raising that first wall may be it for some. Or it may be that long wait for the exterior to be painted, where you see the color of your home for the first time. Others can't wait for their dream kitchen or master bath to be completed. Not only did my "moment" come this past week, it was followed by a surprise "moment" that was almost as good. Now I know some may question the judgement of "my moment". And as you read below, if at any time the thought of "that's not normal" crosses your mind; well, thank you.

I decided to pour a concrete pad so my kids could use it for basketball, roller blades, a canvas for sidewalk chalk or whatever else they see fit. 

The girls received a brief history lesson about our property and I explained to them how fortunate they are to have the opportunity to play basketball in the shade of a 60 year old water oak. Although they are happy about the basketball court, I feel the appreciation for the history of the area and the long existence of the tree didn't quite reach them. The basketball court may be my favorite part of the build so far.

My surprise moment that nearly equaled the basketball court was when we realized some chicks had hatched under our front porch. The kids have already claimed ownership of the chicks and are thinking of names.

Aunt Betty's China

We chose Aunt Betty's China for the exterior of the house. Aunt Betty's China is an older color by Duron. We had Sherwin Williams prepare the paint at 150% to achieve a darker tint of the original color.

I'm glad we have some color on the outside but these temporary steps are killing me.

The exterior trim is Super White by Richard's Paint.

The railing is up on the porches and it looks pretty good. But no steps?

The steps are 8 feet wide with 6x6 posts. Finally!