Kitchen and Living Room Combined Designs

Before and after

Before and after

This blog chronicles my entire kitchen renovation from start to finish. Greentea Design has provided me with their solid wood kitchen cabinets, and I'm taking care of the rest.If you'd like to be brought up to date, check out the archive in the sidebar for previous posts. I posted recently about how…

27Jan2009

A party in my drawers

<span style="font-style: italic;">This blog chronicles my entire kitchen renovation from start to finish. Greentea Design has provided me with their solid wood <a href="http://www.greenteadesign.com/kitchen-cabinets.html" target="blank">kitchen cabinets</a>, and I'm taking care of the rest.<br /><br />If you'd like to be brought up to date, check out the archive in the sidebar for previous posts. I posted recently about the hatch door created for access to the basement, and now, how I've organized and made use of all the wonderful cabinetry.</span><br /><br />Yes folks, there is a party happening in my drawers. My kitchen cabinet drawers that is. All TWENTY FIVE of them (27 but 2 under the sink are just drawer faces). I cannot begin to explain how exciting it was to organize this kitchen, especially those drawers. I have never had a kitchen that had adequate drawer space. This kitchen has so many that despite all the drawer-type kitchen stuff I have, I still have 2 that are essentially unused (I had to find things to put in them because the thought of empty drawers unnerved me). It's allowed me to be more organized than I have ever been in any of my former kitchens, and I enjoy cooking so much more than I ever have. I've even been taking photos of the meals I've prepared. This weekend I am having my family over for dinner for the first time since the reno has been completed. I am so stoked to show it off. And I know they're all dying to see it in person finally.<br /><br />I thought for one of my last kitchen posts I would show you how much space these incredible Greentea cabinets have and the party that is going on in my drawers. Because let me tell you, having a drawer dedicated to spices is a party in itself!! Sorry if this is a little long-winded, but I felt compelled to document all of it (in the hopes of calming my level of excitement perhaps?)<br /><br />Let's start with the pantry. I adore this unit so much. When I sell the house, I have to take the pantry with me. It's a stunning piece of furniture, I've got to say. And I must mention that since all the cabinets have sliding doors (except the uppers), they are SO easy to remove which allows you a clear view of everything inside. Great for cleaning/organizing binges.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWMrxyRdfoB2LKr3bLluTabCWT62XJop5wG199HOCsl_xopE_78KqbFEv_ULpvZPgwN1fFEBdUhnI3QLX329R872JZpqMkwpRL3RxT5JywB-ZWdZQyIaXjQJbzaXPMP9psDss7CmOT94/s1600-h/pantry.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291330974266857202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWMrxyRdfoB2LKr3bLluTabCWT62XJop5wG199HOCsl_xopE_78KqbFEv_ULpvZPgwN1fFEBdUhnI3QLX329R872JZpqMkwpRL3RxT5JywB-ZWdZQyIaXjQJbzaXPMP9psDss7CmOT94/s800/pantry.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />Here is the top section of the pantry, which houses essentially ALL of my dishes (alot of which need replacing) and glassware.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxC-oJmk_gmUCqaxr-P0rukr6FW3WUyshQmrJ0_L4QFWLzp0sXY43InVC8VqQzHDPulabz-gViBAWqfCPyOicbd7Inw8mDWPy2R-F714T24Tt8ILMv8cNJ5SvB6ZEUlnyz-67CNnmdt8/s1600-h/upper_pantry.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291331729774831378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxC-oJmk_gmUCqaxr-P0rukr6FW3WUyshQmrJ0_L4QFWLzp0sXY43InVC8VqQzHDPulabz-gViBAWqfCPyOicbd7Inw8mDWPy2R-F714T24Tt8ILMv8cNJ5SvB6ZEUlnyz-67CNnmdt8/s800/upper_pantry.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />This is a door to the left of the top section of the pantry. It is PERFECT for housing baking sheets and anything else flat, especially useful for me because my range (where I would typically put those items) does not have a drawer for storage. It also has a little secret drawer inside, which I figured I'd stash money in for pizza nights (Jo is laughing right now because she knows how much pizza I consume).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ORdmbCMTd0r2CPpB927FZoCBtyXmYUErQ2I5fvb1mOd-lPSr0w3TmUxP37lAiOzYcHKxILAV_obpjTseg2SogZE1fQE_kA-5-ILF4Ne2TllhMjpzyM885Fh9OjjVY5ImTw5azAqymlk/s1600-h/side_door_pantry.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291332838351216914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ORdmbCMTd0r2CPpB927FZoCBtyXmYUErQ2I5fvb1mOd-lPSr0w3TmUxP37lAiOzYcHKxILAV_obpjTseg2SogZE1fQE_kA-5-ILF4Ne2TllhMjpzyM885Fh9OjjVY5ImTw5azAqymlk/s800/side_door_pantry.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />Below is the first row of drawers in the pantry. It houses knives, small kitchen gadgets, a drawer dedicated to the cats' food bowls and cans of wet food, chopsticks, and my growing collection of wooden spoons.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8WWVCadHK7G2LskcE2Ewo7b9Wwsry9tQqlECuvvAEmoYR0dczr7dt1XIcq9GgSIxCDSuc8jrMM01U_H8r7wuvfX6lQzSrJz6A-7KWN6y5c_tJpqwKD-wQIvAKwMvXcx9UJiIyRnKZIU/s1600-h/first_row_drawers_pantry.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291332589482925682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8WWVCadHK7G2LskcE2Ewo7b9Wwsry9tQqlECuvvAEmoYR0dczr7dt1XIcq9GgSIxCDSuc8jrMM01U_H8r7wuvfX6lQzSrJz6A-7KWN6y5c_tJpqwKD-wQIvAKwMvXcx9UJiIyRnKZIU/s800/first_row_drawers_pantry.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><a name="post21"></a><br />The second row of drawers is for more knives, scissors, more gadgets, and spatulas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL2ZpBrMTLLeVy2z8BFcuiFnIRql_blRkgRK9DrdQGHlR6Cn_mOVhvS8Ewr6h-R1jc8ZDF5jDMW9MQ4R6yTOLDIN1HcaTK7VUlf0o5K3uJfWZKqitLxhlaeVLAIF8IjOABlrTg581fxI/s1600-h/second_row_drawers_pantry.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291333777522538386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL2ZpBrMTLLeVy2z8BFcuiFnIRql_blRkgRK9DrdQGHlR6Cn_mOVhvS8Ewr6h-R1jc8ZDF5jDMW9MQ4R6yTOLDIN1HcaTK7VUlf0o5K3uJfWZKqitLxhlaeVLAIF8IjOABlrTg581fxI/s800/second_row_drawers_pantry.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />The bottom section of the pantry houses alot of items I didn't know where else to put - mostly things I don't use on a regular basis. It also holds my napkins and placemats, colanders and tupperware. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbTPUlGAwXitLIrPDItMOhVf6COHrkKssu0DD9bj1LBIh0YfqtzxxLwbD22LEPMyMvqEOW6D3l2WieYSglTb7hUhKex3pWenD-UuOlo_MwFcufeWpLwgT8iu-mHKZWPPJHsjkH6lFgKs/s1600-h/bottom_pantry.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291334214831787634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbTPUlGAwXitLIrPDItMOhVf6COHrkKssu0DD9bj1LBIh0YfqtzxxLwbD22LEPMyMvqEOW6D3l2WieYSglTb7hUhKex3pWenD-UuOlo_MwFcufeWpLwgT8iu-mHKZWPPJHsjkH6lFgKs/s800/bottom_pantry.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />The last row of drawers in the pantry is where I keep the tupperware lids (LOVE that they have their own space). The other 2 drawers are the ones I didn't know what to do with, so one has extra baking ingredients I didn't use at Christmas and one has all the manuals for the appliances.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjrWhOQJ2EnFpwCVJHEasoBnuNOs2LNW1TyalY1zdI6G_QxCt2_UGPctT_mx68R6ioiCc91ZwFHoMaUSBgRp5OFlrap0g3kFPaE2arJfqQRBprITXJrhkA95F5_YRPTVFra8r5_pcblc/s1600-h/thrid_row_drawers_pantry.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291335597847341170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjrWhOQJ2EnFpwCVJHEasoBnuNOs2LNW1TyalY1zdI6G_QxCt2_UGPctT_mx68R6ioiCc91ZwFHoMaUSBgRp5OFlrap0g3kFPaE2arJfqQRBprITXJrhkA95F5_YRPTVFra8r5_pcblc/s800/thrid_row_drawers_pantry.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />The upper cabinets are home to all of my food. I didn't want to bend and dig in the back of a cabinet so this seemed like the perfect solution. I bought a couple of shelf racks to allow easy stacking (the shelves inside aren't adjustable so this worked perfectly to help keep them in order).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR7YvaQ9Johef99euGaHkK3C2CcWcJ0Cbsw3s-W_gVJGxGRKXK2zYaHekOAwzhkIes1o_zONPRYWuzWHj4V4LmtBkTg4uwQO8_Pobelex78K3g-XoCsJVN3Khl4BiStooCKUVHttgejs/s1600-h/upper_cabinets.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291335995337985474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR7YvaQ9Johef99euGaHkK3C2CcWcJ0Cbsw3s-W_gVJGxGRKXK2zYaHekOAwzhkIes1o_zONPRYWuzWHj4V4LmtBkTg4uwQO8_Pobelex78K3g-XoCsJVN3Khl4BiStooCKUVHttgejs/s800/upper_cabinets.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />The drawers in the cabinet below the uppers have one dedicated to spoons (when I make tea/coffee), one for my set of extra utensils I bring to work, one for spoon rests, one for extra spices and misc., and one for hot plates and cutting boards.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7YRWNdSPUNuy3R7goBc5fAFqfs83KKt1HJGERbnblnjYB35XX1qU9aUETNMQfaYzDm5mpnWtOONKdXsDO1xtzdR-Eiq6PG7__HXYdrlTlCnChE8LEiXf1qAuto2LItcaQkBBjsd54AM/s1600-h/right_of_fridge_drawers.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291336697479307794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7YRWNdSPUNuy3R7goBc5fAFqfs83KKt1HJGERbnblnjYB35XX1qU9aUETNMQfaYzDm5mpnWtOONKdXsDO1xtzdR-Eiq6PG7__HXYdrlTlCnChE8LEiXf1qAuto2LItcaQkBBjsd54AM/s800/right_of_fridge_drawers.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />The space below is where I keep mixing and serving bowls, casserole dishes and my dutch oven.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFtLWnMmoiZMD1mC9a-4NnyVjhdBazSK0-ZlBd0hPIJtOsCXleZ148BUukpBXrfsa2JkmcIvR0AU5U0r5kI8G2ryK6W3yNm3aueTjjrqojI3JPZTaAvWfuGH_FYZCb3gsGThAD7ElO40/s1600-h/cabinet_right_fridge.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291337250551361938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFtLWnMmoiZMD1mC9a-4NnyVjhdBazSK0-ZlBd0hPIJtOsCXleZ148BUukpBXrfsa2JkmcIvR0AU5U0r5kI8G2ryK6W3yNm3aueTjjrqojI3JPZTaAvWfuGH_FYZCb3gsGThAD7ElO40/s800/cabinet_right_fridge.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />I requested that when the sink be installed in it's cabinet, that it be placed to the left, using up 2 drawers so that I could have 1 usable drawer. That drawer is where I keep my utensils. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKERddLwqKYyASbjImXFAttvRtdjk2VPO5-kIEq_gA9esHhoFYEybbpGfNUMxfkzTRYZp4-jF_HTM33AXKgrAmRvcMJc8Og-yoNjHTkYMn5Jbf1uHYc5gj4_cw9f5DCsY0Ol-H-XSF-U/s1600-h/under_sink_drawer.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291338077942995602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKERddLwqKYyASbjImXFAttvRtdjk2VPO5-kIEq_gA9esHhoFYEybbpGfNUMxfkzTRYZp4-jF_HTM33AXKgrAmRvcMJc8Og-yoNjHTkYMn5Jbf1uHYc5gj4_cw9f5DCsY0Ol-H-XSF-U/s800/under_sink_drawer.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />Below is where I used to keep my garbage can on the left, my coffee maker, soaps and garbage bags to the right, but the left side is now half empty because I found myself the coolest garbage can that is in the corner of the kitchen, not taking up valuable cabinet space.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpBNL97oKOYYRCcQumirSPnENu8XyqM2yZZk6MLUMgUREX9TIiPfJ-dIETPuQ1fHbuvxAvP2r3psJ-GCiKV6X-Q8PC2MRBX1faxWKJ61vKuo-95hLG9uqpcgw-cQ6LOIdOmkhFHT2Vbg/s1600-h/cabinet_under_sink.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291338870529336770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpBNL97oKOYYRCcQumirSPnENu8XyqM2yZZk6MLUMgUREX9TIiPfJ-dIETPuQ1fHbuvxAvP2r3psJ-GCiKV6X-Q8PC2MRBX1faxWKJ61vKuo-95hLG9uqpcgw-cQ6LOIdOmkhFHT2Vbg/s800/cabinet_under_sink.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8dTsJNFv4QYc1aycUz-owo3asv7B8PRmmeLrBGWlmNrLFZ0MtxdNZbJwa9RA0I_oCWMf3oXBNsRHoi9gwa7owPOrPC1PwY4n8FIcdCE0pyxuWPP_-cSB7BospoM0lZIAjbF7GZSKd-A/s1600-h/garbage.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291338868888187570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8dTsJNFv4QYc1aycUz-owo3asv7B8PRmmeLrBGWlmNrLFZ0MtxdNZbJwa9RA0I_oCWMf3oXBNsRHoi9gwa7owPOrPC1PwY4n8FIcdCE0pyxuWPP_-cSB7BospoM0lZIAjbF7GZSKd-A/s800/garbage.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />The drawers to the right of the stove are home to my spices, tea towels and cloths, and boxes of foil, plastic wrap and baggies. The spice drawer gets me going every time I open it up. I drove all over the city trying to find a slanted drawer insert for the spices, and when I found it, I then looked all over for decent spice jars. It's now organized, and I am in heaven. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTulNxZ-_aaGi5EzGV3WeRk88vFeoYnTBTBJ9X9__7ORe97sIfUbYhkuxHlsicqn1at7hoKMvRX_bN1t_SxNFBxy-IfF35i0lv2bTnYkpAy1-8VfpzLObxcLROjDPBtcNVOn4djiDyhY/s1600-h/right_of_stove_drawers.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291339746320712802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTulNxZ-_aaGi5EzGV3WeRk88vFeoYnTBTBJ9X9__7ORe97sIfUbYhkuxHlsicqn1at7hoKMvRX_bN1t_SxNFBxy-IfF35i0lv2bTnYkpAy1-8VfpzLObxcLROjDPBtcNVOn4djiDyhY/s800/right_of_stove_drawers.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />Below these drawers is where I keep small appliances - kettle, rice cooker, toaster, blender, jars of baking ingredients I displayed in my former kitchen, and all my pots and pans.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpB7-9W9BS0v4YgREnuPPOtewwyhwccWrMVKQsWL7rjfcUQhPUj3cuQ4f7haQ9Ar1wx0jXaEVuWwl7AgyVy-CEwMrMnpZOmK63bP2lI7w7v3NRQiq1q0tdJh7NBwrow_4CP2QH7z95Ic/s1600-h/cabinet_right_stove.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291340144577397314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpB7-9W9BS0v4YgREnuPPOtewwyhwccWrMVKQsWL7rjfcUQhPUj3cuQ4f7haQ9Ar1wx0jXaEVuWwl7AgyVy-CEwMrMnpZOmK63bP2lI7w7v3NRQiq1q0tdJh7NBwrow_4CP2QH7z95Ic/s800/cabinet_right_stove.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br /><br />DINNER ANYONE?? :-)

A party in my drawers

16Jan2009

The basement hatch

<span style="font-style: italic;">This blog chronicles my entire kitchen renovation from start to finish. Greentea Design has provided me with their solid wood <a href="http://www.greenteadesign.com/kitchen-cabinets.html" target="blank">kitchen cabinets</a>, and I'm taking care of the rest.<br /><br />If you'd like to be brought up to date, check out the archive in the sidebar for previous posts. I posted recently about the backsplash, dining table and yet more decorating. Now I thought I'd dedicate a post to the hatch door created for access to the basement - a GENIUS idea.</span><br /><br />I cannot express the magnitude of how genius of an idea it was to take out part of the wall that sectioned off the basement stairs, and have a hatch door created. I have talked about this in previous posts, but OMG it turned out so swimmingly that I had to dedicate a post to it. This is such a great idea for folks out there who have really limited space, as I do. This house is 12' 2" wide - so that is the width of the kitchen, and the section where the wall to the basement was made that about 9.5' wide. Let me show you some before photos. Now, this decision was made partway through the demolition phase so I did not specifically take before photos of the area. Below are some I happened to have already (and one I snuck during demo when I was deciding what to do).<br /><br /><table align="center"><tr><td align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F2OLMVEhUBzrDQvMaT0V8XbR9Q6dRtsZJ6jzMNRL6_e6hlTr1otwIv3Ofa0DqT1zmsjXkphyphenhyphen8T-JWCqRZw73n3O_lMgrUEE_I8-l9ERaBRElE24RMnqJjTQAndImst3yvlFZo0DuWUc/s1600-h/before1.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290210289807011330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F2OLMVEhUBzrDQvMaT0V8XbR9Q6dRtsZJ6jzMNRL6_e6hlTr1otwIv3Ofa0DqT1zmsjXkphyphenhyphen8T-JWCqRZw73n3O_lMgrUEE_I8-l9ERaBRElE24RMnqJjTQAndImst3yvlFZo0DuWUc/s800/before1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td><td align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrujKfCTe1zCVNCheKTyt7k89HFPB9_4FzJkLNtGkk5MAYKu6sIRYVAsOA1MRhtc3QD7CjBb-uSbhsTRH3nYp6qCMxu7c1OdcFCgQDGbxz1qfOKF7NwjgfPzM_mTJ4tosKcQ1GbJr9Ws/s1600-h/before2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290210283982761058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrujKfCTe1zCVNCheKTyt7k89HFPB9_4FzJkLNtGkk5MAYKu6sIRYVAsOA1MRhtc3QD7CjBb-uSbhsTRH3nYp6qCMxu7c1OdcFCgQDGbxz1qfOKF7NwjgfPzM_mTJ4tosKcQ1GbJr9Ws/s800/before2.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td></tr></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYXl6yUrKmI-h6PuQsfiTab5QVJz0ROQNYE8737O9puA-JWxviuHleMLX90woVbU6-2Z1NZSrd3W9P4c_EXl9JzFo0XxUy9yuWZccXDDHhneYX7rO9cIhnqTWyhgrH8z5n-QhBpCMt1s/s1600-h/before4.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290210678723627730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYXl6yUrKmI-h6PuQsfiTab5QVJz0ROQNYE8737O9puA-JWxviuHleMLX90woVbU6-2Z1NZSrd3W9P4c_EXl9JzFo0XxUy9yuWZccXDDHhneYX7rO9cIhnqTWyhgrH8z5n-QhBpCMt1s/s800/before4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />Leaving that wall meant the pantry unit would have had to have been placed closer to the door to my office and with the fridge there, that would have made the doorway very tight. Then with the dining table down the middle of the space, you would have had to shimmy sideways to get by the table, or I would have had to use a small 4 person table instead. Here are a couple photos I took during the reno.<br /><br /><table align="center"><tr><td align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetbkhCMmwYS7xVQ7LqP0B1mpvJ3l8-XYQE1T2F2Yh7Ledzfu4xOsq2sbPQlvWharrpcEH3iUoya65MJq3x8jNlIzpJf5dEwxV09SK-lOLtEjVWDJKWTlNbNGumDsDFUBqiS7GtJLf3Xk/s1600-h/before5.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290211898041658946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetbkhCMmwYS7xVQ7LqP0B1mpvJ3l8-XYQE1T2F2Yh7Ledzfu4xOsq2sbPQlvWharrpcEH3iUoya65MJq3x8jNlIzpJf5dEwxV09SK-lOLtEjVWDJKWTlNbNGumDsDFUBqiS7GtJLf3Xk/s800/before5.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td><td align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1APAMG2ntIbV6B6s0-QM8nTRqEA9ksoor4pvtIOlTxp6MDGMLNdoec2bZ2aOeigXGpn3ifpSaXfhwMXZobb_HRv14EBrGlifWrs6lPjmtb0DZ52FNB73IPqavkeD6rqF0dWthinswX1I/s1600-h/before6.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290211893946719778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1APAMG2ntIbV6B6s0-QM8nTRqEA9ksoor4pvtIOlTxp6MDGMLNdoec2bZ2aOeigXGpn3ifpSaXfhwMXZobb_HRv14EBrGlifWrs6lPjmtb0DZ52FNB73IPqavkeD6rqF0dWthinswX1I/s800/before6.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td></tr></table><br />Below, my completed hatch. Genius I tell you - GENIUS!! Worth every penny. And I love that my house, that was previously lacking any architectural feature WHATSOEVER, now has something slightly quirky, and isn't just a straight boring wall. <br /><a name="post20"></a><br /><table align="center"><tr><td align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbX2Mk-ZsNbGbszbx0ViFPpgaBsk09qjnsjuq1tnO-168rbLXM7lo90XoSbWjWm5vj-H0WQQ3zVOFbmOserLDjK5AMNf7W0ES-N16-014DsjTdPSBEO6tmjOtxHQ1-_7grb3bO4aLAnJA/s1600-h/after6.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290213845060147378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbX2Mk-ZsNbGbszbx0ViFPpgaBsk09qjnsjuq1tnO-168rbLXM7lo90XoSbWjWm5vj-H0WQQ3zVOFbmOserLDjK5AMNf7W0ES-N16-014DsjTdPSBEO6tmjOtxHQ1-_7grb3bO4aLAnJA/s800/after6.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td><td align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBYbUoDV7HcnwS_xeXZfBWsJhZ4dF970L4wQaeGtcxIZtL9fCdpoEdCnXs8PxxZ4bIUnTTy9ox2IyMycyumMaUY5ClD_yDU08GY-AUaby0EmgXYzKrkgo7QZGfLJ_vG7vt1-pV7s2_xo/s1600-h/after2.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290213837403457170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBYbUoDV7HcnwS_xeXZfBWsJhZ4dF970L4wQaeGtcxIZtL9fCdpoEdCnXs8PxxZ4bIUnTTy9ox2IyMycyumMaUY5ClD_yDU08GY-AUaby0EmgXYzKrkgo7QZGfLJ_vG7vt1-pV7s2_xo/s800/after2.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TF89kLl0wgPTyMZLzKw_osbKsnX_bvrcNqrX4DDFXSTZVwTJjvukIlpf1owOGMMjosDglm4XIwWUIAYoyHtphtqkaX1VTsRVhUAlfua2nEaWXjFrhHfJWET_-CxMNVi2AoExCRP5Owk/s1600-h/after4.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290213835965137762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TF89kLl0wgPTyMZLzKw_osbKsnX_bvrcNqrX4DDFXSTZVwTJjvukIlpf1owOGMMjosDglm4XIwWUIAYoyHtphtqkaX1VTsRVhUAlfua2nEaWXjFrhHfJWET_-CxMNVi2AoExCRP5Owk/s800/after4.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td><td align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQBZXUcX4BNdBM85hnmobVRECUGJEX58luJqMbUjk-r75msrpKCEPXapGicB3t_VSvJlno2_raefr7K0YtFBJgdR1PhhspOt4EmvZFos_z7qlTObIjocOjwNZ5_2Qx3lKLeO30lfgfXk/s1600-h/after5.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290213833965494370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQBZXUcX4BNdBM85hnmobVRECUGJEX58luJqMbUjk-r75msrpKCEPXapGicB3t_VSvJlno2_raefr7K0YtFBJgdR1PhhspOt4EmvZFos_z7qlTObIjocOjwNZ5_2Qx3lKLeO30lfgfXk/s800/after5.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6u6KfJujVYdWA6_mbPOr8bj9Tvrq_bNDMg8LgWK34cxmCIaAdM-fZM3jfMquxCDZyRiPwmU3-t9MZI_g2zK5q1yMmeoRONGyVdWwa414C37ScabQN0phMecnW2FW5oKMj6Bglp5tBjc/s1600-h/after3.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290214780276983922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6u6KfJujVYdWA6_mbPOr8bj9Tvrq_bNDMg8LgWK34cxmCIaAdM-fZM3jfMquxCDZyRiPwmU3-t9MZI_g2zK5q1yMmeoRONGyVdWwa414C37ScabQN0phMecnW2FW5oKMj6Bglp5tBjc/s800/after3.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td><td align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aZ37x_M9MqQLp4H8j4VgriWFja66RZrjWCN5n54O5BP-B232U_83PDTZYPhsz-VH_rBY8tocMbwZ2p4bcasRdkeaKKUGrFz_3dwXI-dH9PAPp6VB84Z3n0JptB1JwuAcGV3l8NZ0lBs/s1600-h/after1.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290214774683597490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aZ37x_M9MqQLp4H8j4VgriWFja66RZrjWCN5n54O5BP-B232U_83PDTZYPhsz-VH_rBY8tocMbwZ2p4bcasRdkeaKKUGrFz_3dwXI-dH9PAPp6VB84Z3n0JptB1JwuAcGV3l8NZ0lBs/s800/after1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td></tr></table><br />I am so excited about this new entry to my basement that I even made a little video to demonstrate how it works, and it even features moi (and Felix). I love it THAT MUCH. <br /><div align="center"><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=66164" height="375" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=7afe3f83c3&photo_id=3189003530"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=66164"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=66164" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=7afe3f83c3&photo_id=3189003530" height="375" width="500"></embed></object> </div><br /><br />The photo below was included in my last post, but I thought I'd show it again because this is what makes the hatch so effortless. We used shocks for the tonneau cover of a pickup truck. They were $50 a piece, but they are exactly what I wanted. It allows the door to almost spring open and closed (I keep a grasp on it so it doesn't do it too quickly) and this also means I don't need a latch like we initially thought. It just needs a little tug to open and slight pressure to close tightly. FABULOUS!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnVPPwudSRSL4thZ8cvj1UwztrkzXXhlaB0vqg8Y0apXN8G9PyrcLJ4Z253hYV1Q0ySPMkdCBxvHLQpq4QDyebW_5Dxsj0bzpE96wCe8RnmrsXIXTndKi6vUlAmGMTac6PWRgCTt2fi4/s1600-h/shocks.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290217299254820530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnVPPwudSRSL4thZ8cvj1UwztrkzXXhlaB0vqg8Y0apXN8G9PyrcLJ4Z253hYV1Q0ySPMkdCBxvHLQpq4QDyebW_5Dxsj0bzpE96wCe8RnmrsXIXTndKi6vUlAmGMTac6PWRgCTt2fi4/s800/shocks.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br />And on a side note, I finally found time to find a frame and get the new artwork I decided on for the kitchen printed. A couple weeks ago a Flickr contact of mine, Maura Paoletti, posted a totally adorable photo of her cat, Dom Fuas, curled up in a cachepot. I fell in love with it and she agreed that I could print it and hang it in my kitchen. It's perfect - it's the right colours, it's got a bowl-like vessel so it looks kitchen-y, and a cat. I am so pleased with how it turned out (FYI: try Staples for printing in the exact size you need <span style="font-weight:bold;">while you wait</span>). Thank you Maura!!! (For Maura on Flickr see <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpaoletti"target="blank">here</a> and for her online portfolio see <a href="http://burunekoimages.zenfolio.com/"target="blank">here</a>, and to see a closer shot of the photo, click <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimhascats/3185105005/sizes/l/"target="blank">here</a>).<br /><br /><table align="center"><tr><td align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YD72NxOPG7igmu8x8eLCFxDK4oQtWK7V4gI8XnM2S2ETxL2YbhtlSWdY8Jh99waDAjVNnQaCwG8_hFHHEDiCSjxnX10Mr8Ynj5IfslipAA8uzgwPWC5-Yyc_cwDFLikzIROaOR3luCs/s1600-h/newart.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290219404938074386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YD72NxOPG7igmu8x8eLCFxDK4oQtWK7V4gI8XnM2S2ETxL2YbhtlSWdY8Jh99waDAjVNnQaCwG8_hFHHEDiCSjxnX10Mr8Ynj5IfslipAA8uzgwPWC5-Yyc_cwDFLikzIROaOR3luCs/s800/newart.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td><td align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzExOnnpiQ3cGBvbx-TWCGPM7Bmp4QnCrIJzJpcECoAUYuukqBNjxzYapHNe_0ytA5Dz4vY_yXAGqYZ8Pxhxu-g7_EckIetDUOaSDXWVKkwHTg900f5Xcl4MWYRp35d07iwt2XqcnB55c/s1600-h/newart2.jpg"target="blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290219407251470866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzExOnnpiQ3cGBvbx-TWCGPM7Bmp4QnCrIJzJpcECoAUYuukqBNjxzYapHNe_0ytA5Dz4vY_yXAGqYZ8Pxhxu-g7_EckIetDUOaSDXWVKkwHTg900f5Xcl4MWYRp35d07iwt2XqcnB55c/s800/newart2.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a></td></tr></table>

The basement hatch

12Jan2009

Barefoot Contessa : Parties | Press

<br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290434342581212018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_0Hb-HSxBKGyBTVfiZCkSmhj-NbRLdK7X9avDNbcsuqx1mSI0qlqXAHSwfnnlpg39FA-MH-CCRuZBg-khXOS7-MjqvMAfnxnGXCiSoykjTZlXSom52hBD7CuCfkfZ6BmzlOImbBrKmg6/s400/IMG_0793.JPG" style="display: block; height: 366px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></div><br />I was one of the 'experts' featured in the Kansas City's Star House + Home on Sunday! <br /><div><br /></div><div>"Local pros and experts suggest their favorite guides to include on the home library shelf."<br /><div><br /></div><div>My recommendation : </div></div><div> </div><div>Barefoot Contessa Parties! (Clarkson Potter, $32,50) </div><div> </div><div>"Jenny  Steffens, an event planner who owns Everyday Occasions.  Steffens considers this book her  home-entertaining bible.  'It has it all,' Steffens said, 'from recipes  to party idea, to how to set the table.  She even talks about her  mistakes.'"</div><div> </div><div>"The 264-page book is organized by party ideas for  the four seasons.  The book is iconic Garten, host of her own Food  Network series and author of other cookbooks.  Her philosophy is keeping  an event simple but elegant, making for a happier host and more  memorable party.'</div><div> </div><div>"'I can't say enough about assembling food  rather than cooking,' Garten wrote. 'I keep telling myself that my  friends won't have more fun if I spend two days making a dacquoise for  dessert than if I find a delicious pound cake at a bakery and serve it  with store-bought lemon curd and fresh raspberries.'"</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Sunday, January 11, 2009, Kansas City Star, House + Home</span></div>

Barefoot Contessa : Parties | Press

I was one of the 'experts' featured in the Kansas City's Star House + Home on Sunday! "Local pros and experts suggest their favorite guides to include on the home library shelf."My recommendation : Barefoot Contessa Parties! (Clarkson Potter, $32,50) "Jenny Steffens, an event planner who owns Eve…

11Jan2009

Kitchen and Living Room Combined Designs

Before and after

A party in my drawers

The basement hatch

Barefoot Contessa : Parties | Press

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