Kitchen Renovation - before/after

[FireFly]

A couple comments; it's really nice but definitely not a cook's kitchen. First off, one sink? I have a very hard time living with my one sink and I only do it because it's not my apartment. Why didn't you go for two? Second thing, there isn't nrealy enough cupboard space for a cook. Heck, I'm not even a real cook and I don't have enough cupboard space and it looks like I may have more than you.

As I said, it looks really nice. However, it doesn't look at all practical for someone who likes to cook.

[urban1]

Id agree with the lack of space comments but you have to consider the size of the condo itself and the space dedicated to the kitchen. If you notice the old pics, it seems the kitchen functioned as a home office as well.

A chef will make do with the kitchen that he has. Ive seen restaurant kitchens that are smaller than what the guy has above. And Ive got friends who have kitchens in their homes that would put many restaurant kitchens to shame yet rarely does anything get used to its potential.

Originally Posted by FireFly

A couple comments; it's really nice but definitely not a cook's kitchen. First off, one sink? I have a very hard time living with my one sink and I only do it because it's not my apartment. Why didn't you go for two? Second thing, there isn't nrealy enough cupboard space for a cook. Heck, I'm not even a real cook and I don't have enough cupboard space and it looks like I may have more than you.

As I said, it looks really nice. However, it doesn't look at all practical for someone who likes to cook.

[Phaneuf3]

Originally Posted by FireFly

A couple comments; it's really nice but definitely not a cook's kitchen. First off, one sink? I have a very hard time living with my one sink and I only do it because it's not my apartment. Why didn't you go for two? Second thing, there isn't nrealy enough cupboard space for a cook. Heck, I'm not even a real cook and I don't have enough cupboard space and it looks like I may have more than you.

As I said, it looks really nice. However, it doesn't look at all practical for someone who likes to cook.

The biggest thing I find in my kitchen is lack of counter space which it looks like he was facing before as well. this seems to be solved now.

as for cupboard space - it all depends on your circumstances i guess (i.e. how many people in the house and how far away the store is). i usually am only cooking for two and make a stop at the grocery store that's a minute and a half walk from my house every day or two - that kitchen has enough cupboard space for me.

[surferguy]

Good points firefly! I think that the overall size of the kitchen is getting skewed by the photos. I actually have 65 sq/ft of counter including the island. The one wall is 17ft long. Under that entire stretch are pull out drawers. From one side to the other it goes 30", 36", 30" cabinets (each with 4 pull out drawers 2 big 2 small) washer/dryer, 36" sink cabinet, dishwasher and then a small 20" cabinet with one door inside it has 3 shelves (which includes my microwave). In the island there is one cabinet with 2 36" drawers a wine cooler and a 24" cabinet with 3 pull out shelves.

Behind the curtain in the back corner is a closet with full shoe rack, coat rack and four sperate bins (vertically placed) for recycling... paper, cardboard, bottle and cans - just clap your hands. Beside the fridge is a tiny cabinet that hides a built in spice rack and above the fridge is another full recessed area for stoarge.

The upper cabinets are all 4' x 1' x 1'. The only reason the pots are atop the one upper cabinet is that they are a double set (my roomate just moved in with all of his stuff).

the sink is the same size as a double sink. 30" long by 20" (? not sure on that dimesion) and 18" deep. The sink can easily hold a full cookie sheet where you can submerge wash, then rinse (without touching the bubbles) and then place on the built in drying sink run.

I think I have addressed any storage issues in the kitchen and expect similar concerns with the sink. That said it is very functional, you are more than welcome to test cook a meal for me anytime!!!

[mykalberta]

Very very nice, when i was looking for Condo's i saw similar looking ones but not to that extent. Can I ask where you got your bar stools?

Again, great work.

[surferguy]

bar stools from revolve home furnishings. They were the most affordable hydraulic stools I could find.

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by FireFly

A couple comments; it's really nice but definitely not a cook's kitchen. First off, one sink? I have a very hard time living with my one sink and I only do it because it's not my apartment. Why didn't you go for two? Second thing, there isn't nrealy enough cupboard space for a cook. Heck, I'm not even a real cook and I don't have enough cupboard space and it looks like I may have more than you.

As I said, it looks really nice. However, it doesn't look at all practical for someone who likes to cook.

sheesh the guy makes himself an amazing kitchen and you come in and cut it down

I personally like reno's done with that modern look.
With regards to space (as smurfer has already addressed) You don't need a lot of stuff to enjoy cooking or be a really good cook. I actually find the best cooks are the ones that can make something out of practically nothing.

Thumbs up on a job well done, is this your first project?

[Titan]

How difficult was the countertop to put in? Would you recomend it?
And how much did it cost for what you did? Thanks.

[surferguy]

Thats a tough one Titan. It depends on what you like. If you have the time to do a proper mold (other than pour in place) to make your counter top then do that, the results are much better. If i did it again that would be my choice, its an overall cleaner look. I spent about 1000 to do the counters, using a special "counter weight" concrete to cut down the over all weight of the counters.

This was my first large project. I did my living room 1.5 years ago. I will post those photos tonight if I can

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by return to the red

sheesh the guy makes himself an amazing kitchen and you come in and cut it down

I personally like reno's done with that modern look.
With regards to space (as smurfer has already addressed) You don't need a lot of stuff to enjoy cooking or be a really good cook. I actually find the best cooks are the ones that can make something out of practically nothing.

Thumbs up on a job well done, is this your first project?

The guy asked for opinions and I gave him mine. I said it looked nice but that it didn't look functional. Even with the explaination, it still doesn't seem that functional to me, but then I'm one of those people who has to have every type of pot, pan, bakeware, corningware, etc and I'm frustrated with the lack of cupboard space in my apartment, not to mention the fact that I have a single sink and hate it. Sure, I can use it and 'make do' but I'd rather have a dual sink so I can do dishes as I go. Do I know I don't need a lot of stuff? Yes, I'm well aware of that. however, I like variety. He asked for OPINIONS, and that's mine.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by surferguy

bar stools from revolve home furnishings. They were the most affordable hydraulic stools I could find.

Thanks, they must have gotten rid of them as they arent on the website. I know have a reason to drive south of 6th Ave SW this weekend.

Thanks.

[surferguy]

^^^ FYI they are called "Equino" barstools.

Fire Fly - I welcome the opinion. Thank you for speaking your mind, that is what I wanted. I know that the design wasn't going to fit everybodys perception of functional. It works for me and that is who it was designed for my style. That is all. That said there is a lot of room for storage in there... I don't care how much you think you need, I guarentee there is enough!

[Titan]

If you are interested in countertops here is a neat link I found:

http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/countertops/

[Flames_Gimp]

nice..givin me some ideas for my kitchen. I love the modern look, i'm thinking of going with stainless steel cabinet fronts or stainless steel countertop. or maybe granite counter.

[Flames_Gimp]

your backsplash tiles, are those just a small subway tile?

[surferguy]

glass subway tile, from home depot. 1' x 1' sheets for 7.50/ square foot.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Why the stove on the island and sink on the counter?

That looks great. Like, professional.

When we built our house around 20 years ago, I went with cooktop in the island, 36" unit. I would never go any other way again. The light is superior for cooking, I have a great downdraft unit that raises up from the island when in use and goes back down and sits flat with the island when not in use. Clean up is a snap compared to any conventional cooktop against the wall. It is just such a nice clean look as well.

I have my sink in a traditional place, in front of a triple window, big double sink, extra deep. I live in the country, when I look out that large triple window, I have a 180 degree view of the Rocky Mountains, works for me.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Very nice, I just redid my kitchen last year too and know how much of a process it is.

No hood/ventilation for the cooktop? Hopefully you don't cook anything oily or stinky. It killed me during my renos (island fans are ridiculously expensive) but it was something I don't think I could really do without in the long run.

[Prototype]

Just tell me you didn't sell the turn tables to afford the kitchen...

[surferguy]

Here are some shots from my living room, it was the first project I did. I built everything from scratch. I purchased the plans and hardware for the wallbed from lee valley tools.

I don't have any before photos here, but imagine a empty room with white walls.