Around the House, Kitchen Update

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai79G9QzfBV8QwyLHxXJ3KeYSOIBNL80T7tfQRTZf7aZTJzc3ps5j_52JRP5_JQqFCMYCFe1D_oK9vOUZyuAdQ5tTm7uLQs0IYEjGDyWo2N-gVRGhs2qWDFqPTww_LcQihy4qGat1QPA/s1600/IMG_1757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai79G9QzfBV8QwyLHxXJ3KeYSOIBNL80T7tfQRTZf7aZTJzc3ps5j_52JRP5_JQqFCMYCFe1D_oK9vOUZyuAdQ5tTm7uLQs0IYEjGDyWo2N-gVRGhs2qWDFqPTww_LcQihy4qGat1QPA/s1600/IMG_1757.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know how I ever found the time to blog so steadily for three years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It just doesn't seem to be happening lately.  My office is moving in about five</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">weeks and designing the new office, planning the move, building a new</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">corporate identity and building a new website has really taken up a lot of</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">time the past several months.  But here it is November so I've been</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">trying to get the house and kitchen ready for Thanksgiving guests.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZyy7eMZpfL8CUbZc0bAlBgffNoxpbnPi75hz53-LHfeKs1SW5n-hpK8A-R0oZDxBdgQTl4zu_Lxfs775RboRKIWUNkurYQtGoaoyFB94hQ2IvuWlIgfkANdmYa-0uy67RuHywQwGRf4/s1600/IMG_1599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZyy7eMZpfL8CUbZc0bAlBgffNoxpbnPi75hz53-LHfeKs1SW5n-hpK8A-R0oZDxBdgQTl4zu_Lxfs775RboRKIWUNkurYQtGoaoyFB94hQ2IvuWlIgfkANdmYa-0uy67RuHywQwGRf4/s1600/IMG_1599.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In particular, I wanted to get the floating shelves stained before the holidays so when we</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">had a few warm days where I could have the windows open, I decided to get them finished.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above was the before.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkvZjV3SU9wtNSTHtx2_yT2lJH0xYrVFOQGxGOJhojGhoeEPB0FnRrgjHj1MLTpMgLpK40lov_THtSt_rBkEZ8Za3Sn6t5gtdOJro_xzEqyrep_Y7AFEocqdx9FOvjUAyA90aCL_71PE/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkvZjV3SU9wtNSTHtx2_yT2lJH0xYrVFOQGxGOJhojGhoeEPB0FnRrgjHj1MLTpMgLpK40lov_THtSt_rBkEZ8Za3Sn6t5gtdOJro_xzEqyrep_Y7AFEocqdx9FOvjUAyA90aCL_71PE/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here they are freshly stained to match the old bin drawers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm happy with the color but I think I want to ding them up a litttle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bit and apply some dark wax that I'll leave in the dings.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRs6c8nMib3EquqMWTWfYgbaJmp_VPcQP6UJqGDr24Vil9-rHSgsDBpd73AEfE0E2r3M8Yw8i5-RiLwRnVLV0hqH7pmjBhNjEkA6kTyvHDALemeNAoxpZCXKooelgkHTGtQLu2jzYUkg/s1600/IMG_2122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRs6c8nMib3EquqMWTWfYgbaJmp_VPcQP6UJqGDr24Vil9-rHSgsDBpd73AEfE0E2r3M8Yw8i5-RiLwRnVLV0hqH7pmjBhNjEkA6kTyvHDALemeNAoxpZCXKooelgkHTGtQLu2jzYUkg/s1600/IMG_2122.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mom visited last week so we drove out to Hudson, NY to pick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">up a few new things for the shelves.  If you haven't been to Hudson, NY,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it's really worth the trip.  The town is just packed from one end to the other</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with great antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhDps47TiJYJAhsE1R0XuO5EeoVM-982bxrjaQlNKW8iCcUvPZk4Q_gsGS1fXQTnMw5_OyxCBtirVcBPrkIEhJDMr6tO9ZsU8vh9SiRovWbIrH43IK_cHTzxEOiWJuMx3k70R9laZAfs/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhDps47TiJYJAhsE1R0XuO5EeoVM-982bxrjaQlNKW8iCcUvPZk4Q_gsGS1fXQTnMw5_OyxCBtirVcBPrkIEhJDMr6tO9ZsU8vh9SiRovWbIrH43IK_cHTzxEOiWJuMx3k70R9laZAfs/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mom also has great knack for arranging things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I caught her a few times moving things around on the shelves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc7eFqe7JjXaoSwSFl7kgvVQeLgLoU7D1ew5nXq3CB7gLODj_D5Pzc6MhLTwTJ0lATU7KZTFPZeOl4WKGamzKgblYsNuUQO4YqT7l_nFTW0A1oq6rxmMME2-CVmMs6gd0rA7EKonopy0/s1600/IMG_2092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc7eFqe7JjXaoSwSFl7kgvVQeLgLoU7D1ew5nXq3CB7gLODj_D5Pzc6MhLTwTJ0lATU7KZTFPZeOl4WKGamzKgblYsNuUQO4YqT7l_nFTW0A1oq6rxmMME2-CVmMs6gd0rA7EKonopy0/s1600/IMG_2092.jpg" width="636" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm sure these will evolve but I'm really happy with how this looks right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still have to paint the windows before I can call the kitchen done but the snow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">outside tells me that I'll have a lot of time indoors coming up to get that done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope to show you around Hudson, NY sometime soon.</div></div>

Around the House, Kitchen Update

I don't know how I ever found the time to blog so steadily for three years. It just doesn't seem to be happening lately.  My office ...

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Tile, Grout, Lights and Floating Shelves

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWzAF4UvzoTxH2LWmpS1FcsfW-YxzWB_8KRK80LFYNTAfdN7FUFwVxSZHJMTMyVx0BqViSJ_WJfoQruqKSizZBSDcUpzHnFnSJs4YHevD7gfD-tlDqCmQAPtU6jznMeYAf8hfA82IHRs/s1600/IMG_3647+tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWzAF4UvzoTxH2LWmpS1FcsfW-YxzWB_8KRK80LFYNTAfdN7FUFwVxSZHJMTMyVx0BqViSJ_WJfoQruqKSizZBSDcUpzHnFnSJs4YHevD7gfD-tlDqCmQAPtU6jznMeYAf8hfA82IHRs/s1600/IMG_3647+tile.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tile I chose is made by Horus Art, the style is Tiffany in Biancho Crackle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a nice soft white...with a little dash of cream.  I thought it was perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But let's talk about your grout feedback.  It was really fun.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo2k1bvzBhoeLu0R6DP6jJmIVroUhY3hNC7BP6NgjPIsyvBbU5IzAGO8N7gHAjEqQA_KWeIPUoxeHHGarkIx0Q70x1jM2TRleZXiE8NyzsA2tNvC3pbPnxp3XNU1IiIISIBV7ma6_w3E/s1600/a5779ab05b469f4087cc67893d2e8467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo2k1bvzBhoeLu0R6DP6jJmIVroUhY3hNC7BP6NgjPIsyvBbU5IzAGO8N7gHAjEqQA_KWeIPUoxeHHGarkIx0Q70x1jM2TRleZXiE8NyzsA2tNvC3pbPnxp3XNU1IiIISIBV7ma6_w3E/s1600/a5779ab05b469f4087cc67893d2e8467.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via SA Decor</td></tr></tbody></table><br />                          According to your feedback about gray grout:<div><br /></div><div>                          Pro:  Wouldn't look dirty</div><div>                          Con:  Looks dirty</div><div><br /></div><div>                          Pro:  Looks like your favorite oyster bar</div><div>                          Con:  Looks like a Soviet butcher shop</div><div><br /></div><div>                          Pro:  Adds interest</div><div>                          Con:  Too distracting<br /><div>                          </div><div>                          Does that clear it up?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There were some of you that have used light gray in your bathrooms</div><div style="text-align: center;">and others that wished they had.  Some of you liked both.  And one</div><div style="text-align: center;">anonymous comment said if I used gray, our romance was over.</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's pretty serious stuff!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overwhelmingly, though, most of you said white.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNnEozaxT_FXSY3f54vrZxFN8alYWWaCs7N9qAaI2fED0c8a6Nj6a5T_IgY6_2ORqhLOUlOK-HPs_NNP9JRNHFAzqsFQWpHrh99oyNYFTlnVT01FaAxmE_K72FGpJ_oS_tW7yKDw350s/s1600/Mill+Valley+Loft-Style+Kitchen+Remodelista+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNnEozaxT_FXSY3f54vrZxFN8alYWWaCs7N9qAaI2fED0c8a6Nj6a5T_IgY6_2ORqhLOUlOK-HPs_NNP9JRNHFAzqsFQWpHrh99oyNYFTlnVT01FaAxmE_K72FGpJ_oS_tW7yKDw350s/s1600/Mill+Valley+Loft-Style+Kitchen+Remodelista+com.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mill Valley Loft, Remodelista.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm in camp that likes both but I think they each have their place.  I see dark</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">grout as being industrial, even restaurant, perfect for a modern, loft-like space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One commenter also suggested it's a vintage look and I can almost see it in</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a place like The Breakers kitchen in Newport, Rhode Island.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's also a great way to add pattern in space with clean lines.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LSf-920NcHP-6n2j4dfwJQU2stv1VDn7sU_N1OApCS86oF_jAqIDnoba_XjEo4oyn0H982NlaJ4RbcsgtdhT8baTsX0EK8VBldMIA_0g2swVSnz3geQJvX1WKtGQUUp53XnelR2_ABg/s1600/Michelle's+Mill+Valley+Kitchen+Remodelista.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LSf-920NcHP-6n2j4dfwJQU2stv1VDn7sU_N1OApCS86oF_jAqIDnoba_XjEo4oyn0H982NlaJ4RbcsgtdhT8baTsX0EK8VBldMIA_0g2swVSnz3geQJvX1WKtGQUUp53XnelR2_ABg/s1600/Michelle's+Mill+Valley+Kitchen+Remodelista.jpg" width="632" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle's Mill Valley Kitchen, Remodelista.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> I wanted a nice, clean look that didn't detract from some of the other unique details</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've put in the kitchen.  I love a lot of different styles and I'm slowly learning</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't have to cram them all into one room.  So I'm doing white.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX12YSi5c99-3v7wb7hydX6_o1l597PlDB_rHKTVJjhxa7XU8n8wY4Mn1QhaAOQyYnndzMMK04cvqyzvQg_kcUtP8-nxyz9pNO8m8KRGfCIKiMVz1dYOf3-pGmeV0JvQP9rMZTsNE2LeI/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX12YSi5c99-3v7wb7hydX6_o1l597PlDB_rHKTVJjhxa7XU8n8wY4Mn1QhaAOQyYnndzMMK04cvqyzvQg_kcUtP8-nxyz9pNO8m8KRGfCIKiMVz1dYOf3-pGmeV0JvQP9rMZTsNE2LeI/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The light fixtures are all installed.  This is the Circa Milton Road pendant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and in the background is the cutie patootie E.F. Chapman Marine flush mount</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in bronze also from Circa.  I'm not sure yet whether I'll have a table or island</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">underneath it.  I'm hoping my dining room table will work so I can turn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the dining room into a keeping room/den/library.  We'll see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32IdclH7OsEX-DHxL856XxU4LBmHP9D-XCJQ8FTxuuAjg2vnYbuQWfkI23KcoYv0ES0d2yU23rnapf179bvtXapiSP5llvlPbwNE4OCZVGlh-LqGY1bKl5njnZ28F5YS5Zv97lWzexkM/s1600/IMG_3623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32IdclH7OsEX-DHxL856XxU4LBmHP9D-XCJQ8FTxuuAjg2vnYbuQWfkI23KcoYv0ES0d2yU23rnapf179bvtXapiSP5llvlPbwNE4OCZVGlh-LqGY1bKl5njnZ28F5YS5Zv97lWzexkM/s1600/IMG_3623.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I chose the Milton Road pendant (by Thomas O'Brien) because </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">its flutes beautifully echo the flutes in the columns in the cabinets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelQcNnhtHFoV3uSRkcDftDyzr_AiuVo4EXEv0YTbaeiLylxcwDwZKgFTeBUp__UGCEqR0Jo_U1emZU2ZnlGSfoRlR-vEk9gzEyjTCdvgtk6jo-g9OhBDwPs5kfC9MHG1JrfbX3r1ZLUM/s1600/IMG_3626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelQcNnhtHFoV3uSRkcDftDyzr_AiuVo4EXEv0YTbaeiLylxcwDwZKgFTeBUp__UGCEqR0Jo_U1emZU2ZnlGSfoRlR-vEk9gzEyjTCdvgtk6jo-g9OhBDwPs5kfC9MHG1JrfbX3r1ZLUM/s1600/IMG_3626.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I ordered another light from Circa for over the sink but it was very</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">backordered so I bought a backup which is the Franklin light from</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Schoolhouse Electric.  I'm not in love with it and, yes, it's crooked.  I'm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pretty sure it's the shade, which incidentally fits horribly into the bronze</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ring, so Schoolhouse is sending me a new shade.  Stay tuned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNA1ucGYE58I_ActBaM2-8lkc6nvgdSIyfdxRX7H4aum6vlB6D8HsUCz7WjLtRM5NZu0hte-L74zMeKWfuTScr3vwK2zRPIQl_ThkdfKLwLOlbL-Yku2OrMnOn-nZJ_ojOBEPus1sh6w/s1600/IMG_3681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNA1ucGYE58I_ActBaM2-8lkc6nvgdSIyfdxRX7H4aum6vlB6D8HsUCz7WjLtRM5NZu0hte-L74zMeKWfuTScr3vwK2zRPIQl_ThkdfKLwLOlbL-Yku2OrMnOn-nZJ_ojOBEPus1sh6w/s1600/IMG_3681.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the last post, and a few photos back, you'll remember the blue tape</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put up to mark where floating shelves would go.  I wanted to show you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">how those were made.  Holes were bored into the studs just slightly smaller</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">than the diameter of the 3/4 inch rebar.  And then the rebar is banged in to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the holes.  It's extremely solid. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysmm5xMVQLxQutzFv0943I7CY9uq5PPWOmhUTOUxDAVtf9ubMw4z-TjKQW621gS1uzv7_fiYOiYnvS23nRgFo_xcLzjQ_-3PauDDRnpmL9jgAqU4WPoRa61tHNhIQ7XTFbsE4AQsTKWY/s1600/IMG_3682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysmm5xMVQLxQutzFv0943I7CY9uq5PPWOmhUTOUxDAVtf9ubMw4z-TjKQW621gS1uzv7_fiYOiYnvS23nRgFo_xcLzjQ_-3PauDDRnpmL9jgAqU4WPoRa61tHNhIQ7XTFbsE4AQsTKWY/s1600/IMG_3682.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shelf planks also have holes bored, just slightly larger so</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">they slide on easier but are still fairly snug.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGZ2tVe-zm1hktgH2Xh-JuEk2lstXeZRULIGiHM9UFL725VZBg2Bkrq2Ms6uUfQwKePEFhUpQv6oLmtbzll5KzxrXcjU23-72NmxdUniBOwi0dP3JtOR_Nk9m_c0Q5qLJW7PJms9iQK8/s1600/IMG_3683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGZ2tVe-zm1hktgH2Xh-JuEk2lstXeZRULIGiHM9UFL725VZBg2Bkrq2Ms6uUfQwKePEFhUpQv6oLmtbzll5KzxrXcjU23-72NmxdUniBOwi0dP3JtOR_Nk9m_c0Q5qLJW7PJms9iQK8/s1600/IMG_3683.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These will be painted either white or light gray, I'll have to experiment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Should I do white or gray?  I'm just kidding.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm off to pick up my tile and white grout.</div></div></div></div>

Tile, Grout, Lights and Floating Shelves

The tile I chose is made by Horus Art, the style is Tiffany in Biancho Crackle. It's a nice soft white...with a little dash of cream.  I...

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A Color Adjustment

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hdvJrb0QvxbY9lDC8rHWiWSDnLiYz0ev6I-WE8A7ZX66uxfAj9NLNHzdMcZUuyc2y6FdSjaFzqzpj3tevAnCvKpGxfE4XQO_xRmMx-lcQHK-tNjMZ7DZLpAhChZjRDWMFVaQ6DI0qWM/s1600/IMG_3606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hdvJrb0QvxbY9lDC8rHWiWSDnLiYz0ev6I-WE8A7ZX66uxfAj9NLNHzdMcZUuyc2y6FdSjaFzqzpj3tevAnCvKpGxfE4XQO_xRmMx-lcQHK-tNjMZ7DZLpAhChZjRDWMFVaQ6DI0qWM/s1600/IMG_3606.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was fun reading all of your comments and suggestions.  I tried not to reply</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to any comments that would sway you one way or the other. I don't think</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">there's any one right or wrong answer but I was surprised  to hear so many</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">people suggest dark navy or black.  By the time I had done the post...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTKDIT1k_YcQUcywrRCnc0cmUR_FvSSEQ6rqslaOa2OZL8q0_SuXl01DotOCpgLUmjs9DIZWfIX-mNYp9TEWzEtVJLSzommeACZOUJ8mRyuHOzE0L9SFNfhZvRNXUNpFojfoJgxGZYeU/s1600/IMG_3597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTKDIT1k_YcQUcywrRCnc0cmUR_FvSSEQ6rqslaOa2OZL8q0_SuXl01DotOCpgLUmjs9DIZWfIX-mNYp9TEWzEtVJLSzommeACZOUJ8mRyuHOzE0L9SFNfhZvRNXUNpFojfoJgxGZYeU/s1600/IMG_3597.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...I had already gotten a sample pot of <a href="http://us.farrow-ball.com/down-pipe/colours/farrow-ball/fcp-product/100026" target="_blank">Farrow & Ball Down Pipe</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The color is meant to imitate lead and I thought it would give an  industrial feel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I should also add that I REALLY wanted to use Farrow & Ball.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had gotten as far as buying a quart of Lamp Room Gray and painted one</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of my window casings before deciding it was a little too blue for the cabinets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but I absolutely LOVE the paint!  It's got a beautiful consistency, paints on</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">smoothly and dries to a beautiful finish.  I'm completely sold on its quality.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFl5hyphenhyphenFQDAdhyphenhyphenGPdF1REIjHfuEv3Nen1IOSetfdZrsZD8icRNWx8oSvMSsD5szZ6G9XRfnArKPywXtZjNW8WUQw6pXu9u_ShW473fwTM_Fwf-zaH4viR-GkzRTETFCQDTnDDur7yDU3M/s1600/IMG_3603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFl5hyphenhyphenFQDAdhyphenhyphenGPdF1REIjHfuEv3Nen1IOSetfdZrsZD8icRNWx8oSvMSsD5szZ6G9XRfnArKPywXtZjNW8WUQw6pXu9u_ShW473fwTM_Fwf-zaH4viR-GkzRTETFCQDTnDDur7yDU3M/s1600/IMG_3603.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the end it was the perfect gray that I won out.  I didn't feel I was too far</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">off.  During the day, the old gray was reading a little lavender.  I went back</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to the historical colors and found a gray that was a little darker and drabber</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I think it's perfect.  Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray.  The darker tone really</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">highlights the marble and the hue give me the historical look I was shooting for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Christmas Gift" amaryllis is late to the party but she's putting on a great show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAtaEXzv2Sk1SAr44iuFyvPiBkf5JQPOhGz-_wpDQSbQIeApRmdMRqelgoGHUxPsUUc7gHPzbCeak15GnkhNj1h-F5cukQZl5bRxGQQms-9l03CTRNPiF_gqazsCnT9j34JOyiK7smZI/s1600/IMG_3613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAtaEXzv2Sk1SAr44iuFyvPiBkf5JQPOhGz-_wpDQSbQIeApRmdMRqelgoGHUxPsUUc7gHPzbCeak15GnkhNj1h-F5cukQZl5bRxGQQms-9l03CTRNPiF_gqazsCnT9j34JOyiK7smZI/s1600/IMG_3613.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see the contrast of the two colors on top of the column on the left.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the entire column on the right has been painted in Chelsea Gray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEH6qbXBvDU_0v-0XGDg8PI9dVhxcG0J1zsI8sugkOk1Rl-G24N5_PARopOTAmncqwzzaqR1YLn8CP5KnsVf_1GubUKfwQDIkVEYWgDY8VZbSp5kRkwFW4IuFnAqFWfMAxdpsRy5WGOc/s1600/IMG_3610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEH6qbXBvDU_0v-0XGDg8PI9dVhxcG0J1zsI8sugkOk1Rl-G24N5_PARopOTAmncqwzzaqR1YLn8CP5KnsVf_1GubUKfwQDIkVEYWgDY8VZbSp5kRkwFW4IuFnAqFWfMAxdpsRy5WGOc/s1600/IMG_3610.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Between the dishwasher and refrigerator is a new cabinet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that will have doors made from the old store counter...painted</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in the Chelsea Gray.  I love the contrast of this gray with the marble.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The little wine rack next to the refrigerator has shelves made from the</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">store counter mahogany that I showed in an earlier post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And you also get a glimpse of another color I've painted in the</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">small recess next to the refrigerator.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3m475W_IcrjbwSBh1fLSRIt3uoeFzFLJCjoWojZDFZ8DL9II1aeQBfFoZQf0N0j-qIGG5tr5I3gC27H-OVD8dB-zzYlKU-PuF9H2hWjaRauZU5NIq168nY2JCgjpwwsGtw-7fUbYRQ8I/s1600/IMG_3600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3m475W_IcrjbwSBh1fLSRIt3uoeFzFLJCjoWojZDFZ8DL9II1aeQBfFoZQf0N0j-qIGG5tr5I3gC27H-OVD8dB-zzYlKU-PuF9H2hWjaRauZU5NIq168nY2JCgjpwwsGtw-7fUbYRQ8I/s1600/IMG_3600.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Oops, the flowers have moved over to this shot.  That's bad styling.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above the counter next to the refrigerator, I've designed a little built-in cabinet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that will house a small microwave, a TV and leave a little extra room for </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cookbooks and some white pottery.  My thinking is that the dark color</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Benjamin Moore Deep Creek) will help disguise the microwave and TV,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">highlight the white pottery placed in front of it AND provide balance to the</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">black armoire that will go over in that right corner where all the crap is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We'll see how that works out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sunshine pours in through the French doors on winter mornings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While the cats sunbathe, you'll find me here...painting.</div><br /></div>

A Color Adjustment

It was fun reading all of your comments and suggestions.  I tried not to reply to any comments that would sway you one way or the other. I d...

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Counters and Storage

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulXvNExzcvUxfVhkeF4C-62iszs09APjMlFge-9QpzOAQXqYBEmrXU0wCR0ae1Gvb89Ubho1K3QQ2At106-iSrUEFtRDyXCGHFSFxzzNMC5K2EL0qjKXKlZhCsahFgHILo3O88du_do8/s1600/IMG_0766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgoLKYZ8rCLoI__JWEX9xt7aJzl9A3wwZcopMYdKRq0CMqkGUPxDw2ZmXkMu6bfR2D79Y9QeXdaqHFLRVxeB4YKXgoQUANsjlXAAScKQQ6j3J6C6YPY-Ot2IKbbJNjzWmhiKzAYvni3c/s1600/IMG_0829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgoLKYZ8rCLoI__JWEX9xt7aJzl9A3wwZcopMYdKRq0CMqkGUPxDw2ZmXkMu6bfR2D79Y9QeXdaqHFLRVxeB4YKXgoQUANsjlXAAScKQQ6j3J6C6YPY-Ot2IKbbJNjzWmhiKzAYvni3c/s1600/IMG_0829.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having to decide what one wants to do with their life at the age of 16 is</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">one of life's cruelest jokes.  If it weren't for earning a scholarship to attend</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">nursing school, I might have taken a much different path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I'd known I could build forms with balsa wood, cut things with</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">X-acto knives, use a hot glue gun, smell magic markers,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and see the inside of a million different houses, surely I would</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">have wanted to become a counter templater.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5y76pmRZNAu4MQ81d_jKlFb8CoW7t6Fa9u9w3ohNMa5ReYdIBT900lq4snbnthMGueEOHkS3LHN557sY3NvKF7ReQdthw7KmsDAH5HmpiZVCxQG39GQZm12Dt1Q4ysS9p-B4XFsVtTAQ/s1600/IMG_0831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5y76pmRZNAu4MQ81d_jKlFb8CoW7t6Fa9u9w3ohNMa5ReYdIBT900lq4snbnthMGueEOHkS3LHN557sY3NvKF7ReQdthw7KmsDAH5HmpiZVCxQG39GQZm12Dt1Q4ysS9p-B4XFsVtTAQ/s1600/IMG_0831.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've never seen this done before and I thought for sure they</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">would have arrived with laser instruments to ensure a perfect</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fit right down to the micron.  But, no, it's still a very old-school</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">process.  Simple square of wood are made to outline each section of</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">counter. Smaller squares of balsa wood are lined up tightly against</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the wall to follow any small curves in the wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqIo2yBcjmx7o-k8jGDDCW8ySSfm8Eh0lnoRwpUUxXrI-piV1H9jp2eU8M7OzA9bdxIb7elxtrOyNiQWlCeKHc33ezYO4BDfgy1muAhyFlxgRovdOEm0yiZpdp-t3XEI2L2aaVv9rjvw/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqIo2yBcjmx7o-k8jGDDCW8ySSfm8Eh0lnoRwpUUxXrI-piV1H9jp2eU8M7OzA9bdxIb7elxtrOyNiQWlCeKHc33ezYO4BDfgy1muAhyFlxgRovdOEm0yiZpdp-t3XEI2L2aaVv9rjvw/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And each template is marked with instructions such</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as the size of the radius cuts in the inside and outside curves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of the sink and notes where the counter is to be placed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxn9gJ5B-LCActW3k3MZHUEngYf_dqY0L26t4bhIbWkUwxz2SLy9F69yWuUCwK7lHnzyFKOrW52b9XndDeeERjbIEiOJAKNwRGmtNSJbatd9BWGAVCgJj0TzzNjvrkBKlVJ1OnyfaTp5A/s1600/IMG_0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxn9gJ5B-LCActW3k3MZHUEngYf_dqY0L26t4bhIbWkUwxz2SLy9F69yWuUCwK7lHnzyFKOrW52b9XndDeeERjbIEiOJAKNwRGmtNSJbatd9BWGAVCgJj0TzzNjvrkBKlVJ1OnyfaTp5A/s1600/IMG_0841.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the template that shows a tricky portion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of the counter next to the fridge.  The "No BS" means</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">no backsplash as well as the one place in the kitchen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">where I needed to have a seam in the counter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This area will end up a built-in for a small microwave,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a small TV, some cookbooks, and other doo-dads. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just under the counter, you'll see a gap next to the fridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a little four-inch gap there so instead of filling</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it with a panel...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcL4YIP8MlMuI2vUQypXC3PO85qnPHXD9h5L0dfvo8yNLhnmlWoUbiCarv-uXsmQHJBojRg9N6hENDHJgHA1xNyZmWKJ3awq3f6WS6CuagAE5_4IKmkEGTcpQiipYO2cMPaqgj6BT160/s1600/IMG_0773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcL4YIP8MlMuI2vUQypXC3PO85qnPHXD9h5L0dfvo8yNLhnmlWoUbiCarv-uXsmQHJBojRg9N6hENDHJgHA1xNyZmWKJ3awq3f6WS6CuagAE5_4IKmkEGTcpQiipYO2cMPaqgj6BT160/s1600/IMG_0773.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...the little bit of mahogany countertop that could be reclaimed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from the store counter got cut up to become little shelves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for a wine rack.  With a little sanding and about seven coats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of tung oil, they're almost too beautiful to hide.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulXvNExzcvUxfVhkeF4C-62iszs09APjMlFge-9QpzOAQXqYBEmrXU0wCR0ae1Gvb89Ubho1K3QQ2At106-iSrUEFtRDyXCGHFSFxzzNMC5K2EL0qjKXKlZhCsahFgHILo3O88du_do8/s1600/IMG_0766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulXvNExzcvUxfVhkeF4C-62iszs09APjMlFge-9QpzOAQXqYBEmrXU0wCR0ae1Gvb89Ubho1K3QQ2At106-iSrUEFtRDyXCGHFSFxzzNMC5K2EL0qjKXKlZhCsahFgHILo3O88du_do8/s1600/IMG_0766.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My desire to have no upper cabinets in the kitchen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">required a solution for adding some good storage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That proved to more difficult than I expected.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This beautiful piece from <a href="http://www.darbyroad.com/" target="_blank">Darby Road</a> was too wide</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as were many I found over the past several months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzXOsjTxceFahLK6_RhpZlbUzCHU7A9p04HEstr_SiURvLkPUk3shM5VDkWKGT-1x3H-FfJh2vOp0VAVhQls7-j6MRwrNFzATKmClkLMXhRhGcIYgj38-COFdXB4-ZLI78AwbcEglSuc/s1600/IMG_0803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzXOsjTxceFahLK6_RhpZlbUzCHU7A9p04HEstr_SiURvLkPUk3shM5VDkWKGT-1x3H-FfJh2vOp0VAVhQls7-j6MRwrNFzATKmClkLMXhRhGcIYgj38-COFdXB4-ZLI78AwbcEglSuc/s1600/IMG_0803.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one was too tall as were most that I liked.  Also</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from the Darby Road warehouse.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF8fcS3XUjr4T3yLOX7jqK0Xa0S6IzlGSn6qjm9TLzdop5PCJtshfW0f2Bum0wEcf-MgZbqye4OlH0PTTQAbZGGaK761AzHtFkhGjFFQ8caL_H_PQ1yGesGLrf3dCkLrbI99hqK2YR18/s1600/builtin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF8fcS3XUjr4T3yLOX7jqK0Xa0S6IzlGSn6qjm9TLzdop5PCJtshfW0f2Bum0wEcf-MgZbqye4OlH0PTTQAbZGGaK761AzHtFkhGjFFQ8caL_H_PQ1yGesGLrf3dCkLrbI99hqK2YR18/s1600/builtin.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've also been on the lookout for some cool old doors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or window to do a custom built-in piece between the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">dining room and kitchen, but, after a year, nothing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowNzh_HpwoBh0SdHeOCjW943H1ZOuxk64n38VVHPuasWnSirU3g0vBC73Ec8siBm1YK1OMlX9Q7eN4gJjWf3SZtyoKWxuMlPx7bqVFChZwr-YQsHUIKqqVrrVNJRxZzfhx27hL_EgqNk/s1600/IMG_0876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowNzh_HpwoBh0SdHeOCjW943H1ZOuxk64n38VVHPuasWnSirU3g0vBC73Ec8siBm1YK1OMlX9Q7eN4gJjWf3SZtyoKWxuMlPx7bqVFChZwr-YQsHUIKqqVrrVNJRxZzfhx27hL_EgqNk/s1600/IMG_0876.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finally found a piece over the weekend that seems</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">just right to hold many of my dishes and serving pieces at</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ecountryantiques.com/" target="_blank">European Country Antiques</a> right here in Cambridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Sorry for the blurry iPhone photo.)  It's a great place to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">check out if you're in the Huron Village neighborhood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's just packed with rustic European pieces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's nice and deep with really sturdy shelves to hold the</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">weight of dishes.  I was hoping for something with a little</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hidden storage but I could put baskets in the bottom to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hide some of the less pretty stuff.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL0p1xKEWdeCa-35TkWcP0S9S3x2Izb7Oq9u-KCmzXcA2IR-uRvnmIUqf-SWG2kJWKF7fN8zLGXGdCH0Ak9HPZCpAW8GxedG6wdxq2Uay5hos0EeibTfpzpMZRQLLymklI7AfiHtppZ8/s1600/IMG_0878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL0p1xKEWdeCa-35TkWcP0S9S3x2Izb7Oq9u-KCmzXcA2IR-uRvnmIUqf-SWG2kJWKF7fN8zLGXGdCH0Ak9HPZCpAW8GxedG6wdxq2Uay5hos0EeibTfpzpMZRQLLymklI7AfiHtppZ8/s1600/IMG_0878.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I look forward to the day I can have it delivered and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">start putting things on their forever shelves.</div></div>

Counters and Storage

Having to decide what one wants to do with their life at the age of 16 is one of life's cruelest jokes.  If it weren't for earning a...

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Kitchen Ceiling and Cabinet Paint Tests

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg3PekgxAkbbMi8oVGEQjmhJ32WoQ56oEA3sXyj_jgu4xndqAveBMUUffaEDdlba2OA2m4zPaxd91eWqr6HKBGYlI_o08V8Z3zdwU4PAQ3jRqL9zApyqxST4JwHq2fFbgAkPPThggwQk/s1600/IMG_3551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg3PekgxAkbbMi8oVGEQjmhJ32WoQ56oEA3sXyj_jgu4xndqAveBMUUffaEDdlba2OA2m4zPaxd91eWqr6HKBGYlI_o08V8Z3zdwU4PAQ3jRqL9zApyqxST4JwHq2fFbgAkPPThggwQk/s1600/IMG_3551.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There hasn't been a lot of progress on the kitchen the last few weeks but</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the holidays gave me some time off that I was able to step right in and get</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">some things done without getting in the way.  The walls are now all primed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and ready for paint but most of my time was spent on the ceiling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZ-gpd702wIHIXJg5OS5u_AXJ13vDrhS5y68yBtq63mZWyPfy8haZqrHCQxjMwqTWKT_Jrj_rQv8wIPMD7YwABw4SxVCDoLheG_4Y0n_yUsFe3ACzNVxAI9MQuFQhs6zOHXa6JzJBpWs/s1600/IMG_3552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZ-gpd702wIHIXJg5OS5u_AXJ13vDrhS5y68yBtq63mZWyPfy8haZqrHCQxjMwqTWKT_Jrj_rQv8wIPMD7YwABw4SxVCDoLheG_4Y0n_yUsFe3ACzNVxAI9MQuFQhs6zOHXa6JzJBpWs/s1600/IMG_3552.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wood planks took quite a lot of prep work, filling and sanding before a coat of primer went</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">on.  And then I walked around and marked trouble spots with blue tape.  There were quite a few</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">rough spots, nail holes and dents that needed to be filled and sanded down before touching up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with a second coat of primer.  If you ever decide to put in a planked ceiling, let me suggest doing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as much of this work before installing the wood.  It's neck- and shoulder-breaking work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36leF48LNQ7mktW49K9qFKW2RC4Fyiq8OmwLCyh7bpo69DnyHVv1KDtFG9v03pEJCAF6HN9JPY9eKoWRPBvYftIR9Kr_fdS9ZmQoA4AhPQOggZhTyev_tWiNXcXsak25FK-aXzVQQxtU/s1600/IMG_3566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36leF48LNQ7mktW49K9qFKW2RC4Fyiq8OmwLCyh7bpo69DnyHVv1KDtFG9v03pEJCAF6HN9JPY9eKoWRPBvYftIR9Kr_fdS9ZmQoA4AhPQOggZhTyev_tWiNXcXsak25FK-aXzVQQxtU/s1600/IMG_3566.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally on Sunday I put on the first coat of semi-gloss.  It's Benjamin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moore Decorator's White in Aura.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VcjP0OJI96fjMoet8Z9dYbApsflUQsVSxbudM6ZPfkV1pJ4xbZ_8QdnNJOWf3G8-ggixPH8lGAw8sSZdzLmOU7Xo97MhqbRPAauXegJ8QrdX5F2qQEhZ3Hv7am_xd67LAUC620tOuuM/s1600/IMG_3591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VcjP0OJI96fjMoet8Z9dYbApsflUQsVSxbudM6ZPfkV1pJ4xbZ_8QdnNJOWf3G8-ggixPH8lGAw8sSZdzLmOU7Xo97MhqbRPAauXegJ8QrdX5F2qQEhZ3Hv7am_xd67LAUC620tOuuM/s1600/IMG_3591.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's really brightened up the whole room.  This is one of the things about the</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">old bakery from my hometown that I loved so much.  It seems so clean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really want to lighten these cabinets so paint seems pretty certain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzD-aszT-EvdE7J4mKL6H4_4BrZeiBCQyUuTqqM0kTYKuT9LWAQaiydQb43zWvvDTkFD4QKIYpZgOcmfOmX09zh0KMUl3OTnfvNtHM-eWt_brcmtLev_L-O0vGamb1ZOQknOF77bj0gQ/s1600/IMG_3570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzD-aszT-EvdE7J4mKL6H4_4BrZeiBCQyUuTqqM0kTYKuT9LWAQaiydQb43zWvvDTkFD4QKIYpZgOcmfOmX09zh0KMUl3OTnfvNtHM-eWt_brcmtLev_L-O0vGamb1ZOQknOF77bj0gQ/s1600/IMG_3570.jpg" width="529" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been playing with some paint to see what it might look like on the cabinets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought some rosettes at Home Depot--the little things that would go in the top</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">corners of door or window casings--to experiment with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would put a lot more effort in the final finish but these are good</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"sketches," if you will, of layering a few different colors.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl57kg3sfIHTL6zAiY8yiwZUT_BYu-cVoCNgGQdBUeibzngcJtgh8MAxuWjukIX61oMDHRx1dxDWhY4HB57sbu2WQf8XqEfYPlG2OtUN9Eoat4jsQiZKJNK5HFpSK2qhbZOCKm22YnxKk/s1600/colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl57kg3sfIHTL6zAiY8yiwZUT_BYu-cVoCNgGQdBUeibzngcJtgh8MAxuWjukIX61oMDHRx1dxDWhY4HB57sbu2WQf8XqEfYPlG2OtUN9Eoat4jsQiZKJNK5HFpSK2qhbZOCKm22YnxKk/s1600/colors.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used colors #2 and #5 from the Farrow & Ball paint samples</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made up which are Lamp Room Gray and Mole's Breath.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnA-3NKOtMcgd4DEVfE5HopUSR8WnnXhzNTHV3kcJDR0nefXJbyo-BP78I4GCXtW7E1xryThoqyCKY0hhDoG-JTDLDEjYP25nWSY1FpSIvlBD9GuPnYYTktR_wpUHSqCnhdHFs9mHewk/s1600/IMG_3577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnA-3NKOtMcgd4DEVfE5HopUSR8WnnXhzNTHV3kcJDR0nefXJbyo-BP78I4GCXtW7E1xryThoqyCKY0hhDoG-JTDLDEjYP25nWSY1FpSIvlBD9GuPnYYTktR_wpUHSqCnhdHFs9mHewk/s1600/IMG_3577.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Lamp Room with a wash-n-wipe of burnt umber</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">acrylic paint that was thinned down juxtaposed against</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the Carrara marble counter in my bathroom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think it's a little dirty looking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOjCxSnHdZacvaz6tvwMJTIa4-ywCAsO8aItrMDco15AWeZukY0oVSArc-zw4tzS8B94Toxk-ND7yvk0T0S2Pgl0JDmR2u83zJ9-LTxU3Cc-OtGGhraxhEZ_5lrGynpyEYuwsSQUmLbY/s1600/IMG_3578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOjCxSnHdZacvaz6tvwMJTIa4-ywCAsO8aItrMDco15AWeZukY0oVSArc-zw4tzS8B94Toxk-ND7yvk0T0S2Pgl0JDmR2u83zJ9-LTxU3Cc-OtGGhraxhEZ_5lrGynpyEYuwsSQUmLbY/s1600/IMG_3578.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Lamp Room with a little Mole's Breath</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">brushed in the recessed and then rubbed down to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">almost bare wood in a few spots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like this one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X27uTmsmRgwR7z3EENjU_z2SXv_AS0nA2E1sJ4vJ8cimgVOuPaGrJIKz35eA-r1JheR9oaGfJA7EXCT8XopBMxk7mJ0oEzWiLQ6ybinXphUE1pgUvztA03kqvNH1kMjvCSJsKhqDkJY/s1600/IMG_3579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X27uTmsmRgwR7z3EENjU_z2SXv_AS0nA2E1sJ4vJ8cimgVOuPaGrJIKz35eA-r1JheR9oaGfJA7EXCT8XopBMxk7mJ0oEzWiLQ6ybinXphUE1pgUvztA03kqvNH1kMjvCSJsKhqDkJY/s1600/IMG_3579.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is Mole's Breath undercoat with a dry brushing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of Lamp Room over the top.  The effect is just a little</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bit darker than the previous one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also like it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to try a darker gray glaze on these to really highlight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the details.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqSoLrgbj5SG84Y7ChjE2OINWq-E4mjzAqIlmFVX7UXxqepvfCTudMSIce3tSIDlmetkCLeTIuhkHl99ks6W0rBQupgQRzjo2N8G270Q8vBH16DJfKmbKSPF8j2Ve5wt98R3mUNrie2k/s1600/IMG_3582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqSoLrgbj5SG84Y7ChjE2OINWq-E4mjzAqIlmFVX7UXxqepvfCTudMSIce3tSIDlmetkCLeTIuhkHl99ks6W0rBQupgQRzjo2N8G270Q8vBH16DJfKmbKSPF8j2Ve5wt98R3mUNrie2k/s1600/IMG_3582.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the three of them next to the stainless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Excuse the fingerprints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJHR26_3vraOeSdnTO0fQSYFjnVf8xBXHlkK70hlqCLheZWU43_EmwTYfgh4SBt_w8S3KWyy-ulclLe-DC3436DdyywSkREjlNwtWDhlTkY_o8XYFRcY74dTc0rUeqBnXKqEBW_S-Izg/s1600/IMG_3585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJHR26_3vraOeSdnTO0fQSYFjnVf8xBXHlkK70hlqCLheZWU43_EmwTYfgh4SBt_w8S3KWyy-ulclLe-DC3436DdyywSkREjlNwtWDhlTkY_o8XYFRcY74dTc0rUeqBnXKqEBW_S-Izg/s1600/IMG_3585.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a little section of the cabinets that's had the finish sanded</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">off a bit.  Ideally, I'd like some of this grain to show through so it</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">might take a delicate dance of brushing paint on and caressing it off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I only get one chance to get it right so I'll do some more samples</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and perhaps look for a piece of furniture I can buy and experiment on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stay warm!</div><br /></div>

Kitchen Ceiling and Cabinet Paint Tests

There hasn't been a lot of progress on the kitchen the last few weeks but the holidays gave me some time off that I was able to step rig...

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Counter Deconstruction

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12Hj6zMfoNawKU3H1P1sXOqk3jiF1AFCRWCJDi5bt4rZmeWsh-nV27TYJmwiFgmtBUxlmAjL8EJJ_qAZFQlMALmY7AQ23qzBWNC4GGU9IfyoqzlbZRuvZzh2rNt3dpW73teiY6I86mJM/s1600/20131119_101724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12Hj6zMfoNawKU3H1P1sXOqk3jiF1AFCRWCJDi5bt4rZmeWsh-nV27TYJmwiFgmtBUxlmAjL8EJJ_qAZFQlMALmY7AQ23qzBWNC4GGU9IfyoqzlbZRuvZzh2rNt3dpW73teiY6I86mJM/s400/20131119_101724.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a long week of playing nursemaid to the cat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Warum had a little bit of a complication with is surgery but</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">after two visits to the ER and a second procedure at the dentist,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm relieved to say he's doing much better.  Poor little thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He has no idea why he has no teeth or why he hurt so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you all for the thoughtful comments.  They really helped.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyhoo, I've had very little time to get anything done around the house</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the wet polyurethane really put a damper on things anyway so I thought</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you might like to see the store counter outside of the cramped <a href="http://www.darbyroad.com/" target="_blank">Darby Road</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">warehouse where it was really difficult to get good photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUU94u-d_oLge-3RUb1J7LLIRfKpvrRLp-B12THpgizcDZWqTXDUo2X02GbkgWkL0JNA58UIco-QRJCw6dyrfDdL0qYthYybTUrSFaNYXmvFO3ROozv8YJt7kBgrb7YQjLtfLFHsz8iss/s1600/20131119_101659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUU94u-d_oLge-3RUb1J7LLIRfKpvrRLp-B12THpgizcDZWqTXDUo2X02GbkgWkL0JNA58UIco-QRJCw6dyrfDdL0qYthYybTUrSFaNYXmvFO3ROozv8YJt7kBgrb7YQjLtfLFHsz8iss/s640/20131119_101659.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the full monty--all 12 feet--of the front side.  It turns out that the top which we thought was</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">solid walnut isn't really solid.  It's a pine frame with an thinnish piece of walnut set in to that frame.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was also heavily glued down so there's not a lot of walnut that can be reclaimed for the project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My goal is to get the finished kitchen cabinets to have the "flavor" of this side of the counter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcnAZ8_QJ9SeZ3CeDSSxIDb6AfZTAD8MUoE9mpoAgKCoboQQ-R_pBdP_obpjPRONvxIdztTMlc7MLVBK8q2wI-uaZ3Ou9gmtG1GF0v6yPkwmt1R2BnJCEBTPm3CEE09EGgj9hSxlK-dQ/s1600/20131119_101601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcnAZ8_QJ9SeZ3CeDSSxIDb6AfZTAD8MUoE9mpoAgKCoboQQ-R_pBdP_obpjPRONvxIdztTMlc7MLVBK8q2wI-uaZ3Ou9gmtG1GF0v6yPkwmt1R2BnJCEBTPm3CEE09EGgj9hSxlK-dQ/s640/20131119_101601.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All of the drawers have been taken out for the move but the back side has all of these</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">drawers and shelves that will be put to use as part of the kitchen cabinets.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDB2bh6zPQaTd0f6M7WPWBNaCUY-9pq7J9R7PqR6RusNBH0hq2PEK2DTBjTcBjZmZUNBgQe7WUa6N7dhU2MSbRtCr_spRT54CnehqM7YkxCyH7d00GwXiqLMMCvD1xW9vSqz2AjqZnFEk/s1600/20131207_095257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDB2bh6zPQaTd0f6M7WPWBNaCUY-9pq7J9R7PqR6RusNBH0hq2PEK2DTBjTcBjZmZUNBgQe7WUa6N7dhU2MSbRtCr_spRT54CnehqM7YkxCyH7d00GwXiqLMMCvD1xW9vSqz2AjqZnFEk/s1600/20131207_095257.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once in Sam's shop, the entire piece was broken down.  Here are a few of the drawer units. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgBu2Q_xQiA1rLZjRgRKb9rf-Ewmt4u1ZokbnUg93_O8uSTTm5sSZjBaHTwkGhG6-0iTuyydnNBHU6h-IMtC1oIYHaJ1uWjiYlWQURUQOIFvs2cJxx9w4bKRarVfSAmMFTsOYL1W2EuU/s1600/20131207_095314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgBu2Q_xQiA1rLZjRgRKb9rf-Ewmt4u1ZokbnUg93_O8uSTTm5sSZjBaHTwkGhG6-0iTuyydnNBHU6h-IMtC1oIYHaJ1uWjiYlWQURUQOIFvs2cJxx9w4bKRarVfSAmMFTsOYL1W2EuU/s640/20131207_095314.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All of the decorative columns have been removed leaving these panels which will become cabinet doors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5sCokh2uo8bPqDBG8iNJD1aY-2tTydIbclvhz38W-HqWW8LEDtj69ISmDAj_xUVgmN6MPguX-t-EBOGSHxcjlMjcgexMJ6POR56_GYYV_3gIwqfUk9AqZQ1zGJk0d16lkXI3LFrc1bw/s1600/stove+elevation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5sCokh2uo8bPqDBG8iNJD1aY-2tTydIbclvhz38W-HqWW8LEDtj69ISmDAj_xUVgmN6MPguX-t-EBOGSHxcjlMjcgexMJ6POR56_GYYV_3gIwqfUk9AqZQ1zGJk0d16lkXI3LFrc1bw/s640/stove+elevation.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So here's a first round of CAD drawings that Sam drew up of the stove wall elevation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see the panel detail is replicated in the doors of the cabinets and one</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of the drawer units worked in to the right of the stove.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ignore the wall above the stove.  We haven't worked that out yet.  I would like</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">some glass fronted cabinets but they may not be in the budget right now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijozQQFNEYEtVGFgFui5A10sxfKMLeMAIip639Z1GgULWQQq0fWLk9MLQOD9vvX8qdHSAK4K_-DTjcHmSbrwsO9NvcXcxlHiBqO_gqn3L6LKHkspoylaMTICNY463c4GK-m4Tyl-T7FsA/s1600/sink+elevation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijozQQFNEYEtVGFgFui5A10sxfKMLeMAIip639Z1GgULWQQq0fWLk9MLQOD9vvX8qdHSAK4K_-DTjcHmSbrwsO9NvcXcxlHiBqO_gqn3L6LKHkspoylaMTICNY463c4GK-m4Tyl-T7FsA/s640/sink+elevation.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the sink wall elevation.  Two columns are flanking a farm sink.  One of the drawer units</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">again being used to the left of the sink and a cabinet with paneled doors to the right of the dishwasher.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see the side view of the refrigerator on the very right and the planked wall on the side of it. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i_eI3WPCYbJG2e3R8_Lc9OXh7yqQbzhGHBzFHJVdb4nQEf-lt7_q6fff4Brlux4FNoafVy0oZ8sdw0A4QSgCXOBBJRsLkGY0C9ZcrCU2j7WGTbHIpxhcz39lOikrOpNdCOOALzxS5Ls/s1600/fridge+elevation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i_eI3WPCYbJG2e3R8_Lc9OXh7yqQbzhGHBzFHJVdb4nQEf-lt7_q6fff4Brlux4FNoafVy0oZ8sdw0A4QSgCXOBBJRsLkGY0C9ZcrCU2j7WGTbHIpxhcz39lOikrOpNdCOOALzxS5Ls/s400/fridge+elevation.JPG" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the refrigerator elevation (which faces the stove).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's a built-in above the counter where I'll put</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the microwave, a little TV and cookbooks, etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there was a little room left over next to the fridge where I</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">thought a wine rack would go.  I'm hoping to use the little bit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of walnut reclaimed from the store counter top as the shelves.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nNyb4lZ-e_jZ-lwIqgG0ujnVCsEIiqFAV6h7WmY_P6_OaoPq4Ks7PkrOj9gG6zziBYCnVXEza_ihHVR9ow5uLXlGs7evDfZqTELjMU4sopSgC8ccV2z2jKFrasZFyzunshRFLezPkUo/s1600/planking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nNyb4lZ-e_jZ-lwIqgG0ujnVCsEIiqFAV6h7WmY_P6_OaoPq4Ks7PkrOj9gG6zziBYCnVXEza_ihHVR9ow5uLXlGs7evDfZqTELjMU4sopSgC8ccV2z2jKFrasZFyzunshRFLezPkUo/s400/planking.JPG" width="392" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the planking that just went in yesterday.  This is in the</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">space between the dining room and kitchen.  I'm looking for</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">old armoire or cabinet to use as a pantry in this space but I </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">thought it would be nice to repeat the planking that I used in</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the bathroom in this transitional area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We're supposed to get snow all weekend and I'm kind of looking</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">forward to it.  I'm going to crank up the hot plate and heat me up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">some soup.  And hopefully get some painting done.</div></div>

Counter Deconstruction

It's been a long week of playing nursemaid to the cat. Warum had a little bit of a complication with is surgery but after two visits to ...

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