And so it begins...
In law enforcement, whenever we begin what will amount to be a big case we name it - sometimes officially, sometimes unofficially. Well, since I am re-modeling a rental I have decided this commitment amounts to no less than an official operation so I have have named it accordingly - Operazione Cucina (Operation Kitchen). I moved across the United States from lovely Coronado, California to the equally as lovely Saint Simon's Island, Georgia. Yes, I have a thing for islands - moving on.
My landlord didn't make a peep when I said I came with three dogs - Labradors Retrievers no less - so I am thankful for the great, old beach cottage (now called BellaRustica Cottage) blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and a gorgeous Dog Beach. The trade-off is that I have now installed $1500.00 in fencing and have initiated a kitchen remodel at my own expense. The rotted back deck is being repaired and paid for by the home owner.
My challenge was to re-model an otherwise poorly functional kitchen. There is only one drawer, and a total of seven cabinets only. Two of those cabinets are under the sink and the rest are oddly positioned around an ill thought-out island that sits right in the middle of the kitchen. In my professional life I am required to consider all angles, every reason a person might rationalize for their behavior, but this one remains a mystery to me. And so it begins, Operazione Cucina.
In order to remain in budget I priced unfinished cabinets from a variety of sources and settle on Lowes. I buy two only - one for under the sink and the other (15 inches) for one side of the stove - $200.00. Given the restrictions of kitchen dimensions, I am limited to off-the-shelf choices so I decide on open shelving to finish the cabinet area as I cannot find exact dimensions to cover the additional square footage. I have hired Jimmy Butler, a local contractor, who comes well recommended from a good friend. He is professional, darling, exceedingly bright, painfully shy, and more importantly, willing to work with me. He has to agree (did he?) to "being blogged" and I encourage him with the fact that perhaps he might meet an interesting gal out of this whole thing.



He set aside and kindly delivered two pieces of Southern Yellow Pine for my countertops. Cost to me with delivery - $200.00.


Photos tomorrow of the two-cabinet install, custom shelving in between those cabinets, continued removal of the laminate flooring, and my very-lazy effort to "paint" (read: spray paint) and then wash the walls with a combination of glaze and raw umber. Since I only needed to even out the areas on the walls where the old upper cabinets were mounted I opted for spray painting using a standard white as the walls were white. Even though I know there are 100 WHITES I just needed to clean it up enough to create a "backdrop" for glazing. I love the natural look of glazing walls and furniture but I also like the practical aspects of it. I can glaze an entire room in an hour whereas painting might take me six hours. Results domani (tomorrow) - you judge.
Buona Notte - Kim
Dear Kim Kelly!!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be good, i can feel it!!.. Well lucky you to meet such fantastic people such as Jimmy Butler and Hondo. I'm sure good ppl attract more good ppl.
Well I'll be looking forward to the end result. I'm a renter too but unfortunately am not even allowed to put up paintings so won't be spending any money on my rental property, although I can understand why you would.. you are going to be there a while and it is worth a small investment to ensure you enjoy your surroundings and make it 'home'. I must admit it doesn't feel like 'home' where I am.. Looking forward to La Cucina bella!!
ciao ciao xx Julie
I am HOOKED, can't wait...I have a really ugly kitchen waiting to see the outcome of yours. What is the light fixture?? Do tell...
ReplyDeletehugs,
Rhonda
Morning Kim,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know I received your three cashmere sweaters in the mail and I have just finished Fulling(felting) them in my washer. They felted like a dream and have been transformed into puffs of black and grey clouds ;-) So uber soft to the touch. Lots of creative transformation ideas in my head...I will keep you posted. Thanks again for thinking of me. My husband keeps asking me your name..he thinks he may know you. He is SIU chief in DC...does that ring a bell?
I look forward to your "Cucina Redo" postings...hug the dogs for me.
your Virginia friend,
Janet
Can not wait to see it!!!
ReplyDeleteRhonda at City Hen. The light fixture in the kitchen is a broken twig chandelier. I sell it on my website. Have two of them myself as I think they are stunning. They are made by a family business in the U.S. of A. Amen to that.
ReplyDeleteHow very exciting. I love seeing before and after pics. Is there a Mr. in our life? If not, perhaps you should prepare a nice bruchetta, caprese salad, with a nice glass of pino grigio for Mr. Butler some evening after a hard days work :)
ReplyDeleteNancy