In this week's video, we added wall cabinets - finally! - to our DIY kitchen!
The open shelves (plans coming soon) were such a fun and perfect addition to our kitchen.
I thought I'd also share a few photos of the kitchen for those of you who haven't seen the video.
Before .....
A dozen sheets of plywood later .....
We've got alot going on in the ceiling woodwork, so I knew I wanted simple white cabinets to not compete.
We DIYed all the cabinetry - I'd estimate about $2000 in materials, for this huge kitchen, with no less than 18 drawers, hidden dishwasher, and a built-in fridge and wall ovens.
Quite a bargain!
Over the years, I've found the number one most important factor in having a "beautiful" home - bar NONE - is that my home is CLEAN and TIDY. No matter how well designed, how well accessoried, how perfetly coordinated - if my home is messy, the mess is all I see.
So all of the decisions in this kitchen were made with with that in mind.
I dumped the 60" professional gas range that was supposed to be the focal point of the kitchen for an induction cooktop. I've got better things to do in life than scrub a gas range every night. Like tickling kiddos or playing Go Fish.
I insisted on doors on all but one wall cabinet to hide clutter. Sorry open shelving trend, everyone has stuff, and mine needs somewhere to go and I don't want to see it (or dust it).
The kitchen is designed into "zones." When I started planning the kitchen, the first thing I did was make a list of the main tasks that needed to happen in the kitchen, and the main storage needs. Then I thought about the "flow" of these tasks - for example, you don't want to run across the kitchen to fill the coffee pot.
From there, we refined each task - little things like a pot filler for the coffee pot.
And a low counter for the mixer (and rolling out pie crusts or kneading dough) in the baking area.
The results?
It took me about an hour to go from the kitchen in it's messiest state to it's cleanest.
I am so grateful for this kitchen. It has changed everything. Cooking and cleaning is simple, quick and enjoyable. It is almost like a professional kitchen, but with a homey feel.
When we have gatherings, it's here that everyone ends up. I love that the kitchen is somewhat closed off from the rest of the house (expect the dining area), so a dish or two (or an entire dinner's worth on a busy hockey night) doesn't nag me from the living room.
We've still got some tweaking to do -
- I want to add crown moulding to the wall cabinet tops
- It feels a little sterile, so some artwork or florals will help
- We need a second drawer dishwasher at the coffee sink just for coffee cups and glasses
- The island is getting used ALOT and the white paint isn't the best solution where feet scuff it, so I'm thinking about painting it dark gray and adding some beams to dress it up a little
- I need to add the drop down lights on the island
- A rug under the stools will add texture, pattern and color and also protect the floor
But for now, we are just going to enjoy and be thankful for our dream DIY kitchen.
XO Ana
PS - If you want to watch this kitchen come together, here are the videos -
In this video, we build the cabinet carcasses and toekicks and island -
In this video we get the wall oven cabinets built and the giant fridge boxed in -
In this video, the kitchen comes together with doors and drawers -
And in this video, we finish the wall cabinets and open shelves -
Comments
svz
Tue, 02/20/2018 - 11:34
Can you tell/show me your countertops?
We have this same flooring (I think - Armstrong architectural remnants L3101 or L301) with white shaker cabinets. We’re ready to replace the gross laminate countertops but are struggling to find something that is simple enough not to take away from the flooring and still look nice. Thanks!
rachel.young
Wed, 02/21/2018 - 12:35
Range Hood vent - can you share the details
HI!!! I love your kitchen. I love the weekly videos on the build. Can you share the brand and model of the Range Hood vent you installed in the island. It looks like it is high enough, above eye sight\head level so it does not interfer with the view.
rachel.young
Wed, 02/21/2018 - 12:38
Isalnd exhaust hood vent
Hi, can you share the maker of the ehaust hood vent you installed in the island. It looks high enough that is does not interfer with the view.
rachel.young
Wed, 02/21/2018 - 12:40
Island hood vent - can you share the brand
Hi, can you share the maker of the exhaust hood vent you installed in the island. It looks high enough that is does not interfere with the view.
In reply to Island hood vent - can you share the brand by rachel.young
Ana White
Fri, 02/23/2018 - 13:04
Range Hood
Hi, the range hood is a Wolf. It matches the cooktop. We installed it just high enough so my husband's head doesn't hit it, and cheated it a little forward.
egoble
Thu, 02/22/2018 - 13:32
Kitchen Island Plans
Are there any plans available for the kitchen island?
In reply to Kitchen Island Plans by egoble
Ana White
Fri, 02/23/2018 - 13:06
Kitchen Island Plans
Hi I haven't done plans for the island since hadn't had any requests, but I'd be happy to if you are interested! Thank you, Ana
egoble
Fri, 02/23/2018 - 18:10
Yes Please! That would be so
Yes Please! That would be so appreciated. Also any help with plans or suggestions on building an apron front sink base cabinet would be so greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!
In reply to Kitchen Island Plans by Ana White
mhstarkey60
Sun, 07/26/2020 - 16:55
Inset cabinet doors - plans for cabinets.
We are about to build a new home in North Carolina. I would LOVE to know how you built the inset doors on the cabinetry!!
Charity Stratton
Sat, 02/24/2018 - 08:57
Looking for plans
I LOVE the flush front cabinet doors in your kitchen build. I haven't been able to find plans for how you make those. Do you have instructions for that?
Also, I would love to see plans for the kitchen cabinet base that is all drawers. Maybe they are on your site already and I can't find them, which is totally possible. I'm hoping to piece together your plans to make a double sink vanity with a bank of small drawers in the middle. Thank you SO much for sharing your talent with us all!!! You are a blessing to us budget-minded diy-ers!
cheriek
Wed, 03/25/2020 - 09:41
Cabinet plans
Your kitchen is beautiful!
I’d love plans for the cabinets including the island.
My husband and I are redoing our kitchen soon and I would love to build our own cabinets.
Thanks in advance!
jami.cw
Sun, 04/26/2020 - 13:20
Pulling the kitchen build altogether
Howdy from Oregon,
I too could use more details on this kitchen build ♥
More info on the farmhouse sink please....
I would love to see your floor plan for the kitchen; so I could better understand the spacing of corner cabinets/drawers, built in fridge, etc. I have limited space and do not have the skill to layout a kitchen. A visual would really help :) me understand how to plan before a build.
I love what you do ~ Thank you for sharing
Coolgoil
Sat, 02/06/2021 - 22:22
Would LOVE the plans for…
Would LOVE the plans for this island with the drawers. Please please please lol
In reply to Would LOVE the plans for… by Coolgoil
Coolgoil
Sat, 02/06/2021 - 22:23
P.s. you are my hero
P.s. you are my hero