One Room Challenge Kitchen Week Four

We’re officially to the half way point of the One Room Challenge! And I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Last week didn’t feel like much improvement since it was mostly electrical and plumbing work inside the walls. Oh, and the flood was difficult. But the kitchen is really coming together this week, pretty items are arriving and I can’t wait to show you!

Catch up on all the Kitchen One Room Challenge Posts!

Floor Plan / Interior Window / Mood Boards / Stairs Plan / Demo & Flood / 

stair wall

Let’s start with the stair wall! Since they are now opened up (here’s the stairs plan if you missed it), we can begin adding the finishing touches.

First of all, we added hardboard over the original bead board. It was full of holes, so it needed to be covered up so it can be wallpapered. I primed the wall and it’s looking so fresh!

Though, I had one issue with priming the hardboard. It wasn’t fully attached to the wall at one point on the seam and it warped. It’s now screwed down, but I’ll need to use more wood filler and prime on that spot (you can see it in the above picture).

But still! It’s progress!

Framing

The recessed electric fireplace arrived this week. Which is good news because it needs to be framed into the wall between the kitchen and the living room. The fireplace is from the eBay store Extra Sale Store.

Here is a picture of the framing progress on this wall. Two interior windows are also being framed on either side of the electric fireplace. Soon this will be dry walled so that we can start on the tile floor and building the custom mantle.

Oh, and assembling the cabinets. There’s so much to do! But we’re getting there step by step!

insulation

After the plumbing and electrical were complete, insulation went up on the two exterior walls in the kitchen. Originally, our 1905 house was insulated with adobe brick. The brick is still partially in the wall, but some had to be removed for the electrical work. In those spots, insulation was added. We also added insulation over the adobe brick to keep it draft free in here.

drywall

Two walls in our kitchen now officially have drywall! That’s a massive step! All the sudden it feels like a room in here now, not a construction site.

My husband and our friend Kris worked hard to get the drywall up and I’m so grateful!

Soon we’ll do the shiplap ceiling and that’ll really close the room in! Do you see how we’re getting there?!

items that are arriving

Some of the accessories have started to arrive for the kitchen. I don’t have much space to stash them, so I’ve been keeping them safe on these shelves in my main bedroom. Want to see some close-ups?! I shared screen shots of some of the listings for these last week, but it’s been fun to hold and see the items in person.

staffordshire dogs

I have dreamed for YEARS of owning Staffordshire dogs. They are the definition of the Grandmillennial look! I got a white and gold pair from eBay and they’re sweet and neutral. These look like my pups and for that I love them even more. Aren’t they so cute?! Definitely a dream come true!

pink ginger jars

The first of my set of pink ginger jars that I ordered for the dining table arrived. While searching for these, I fell in love with hand painted pieces from Macau China. The style of the flowers and soft colors speak to me. 

I don’t know if you can tell, but the design is enameled. On the edges of the flowers, there’s a little indent. It’s beautiful and feels really special. This ginger jar also has these little faces on the sides that are weird and fantastic!

This is from the eBay store Collectibles Are And Precious.

mini chairs

I have dreams of creating an amazing tablescape with pretty plates once the kitchen is complete. Have I mentioned how much I miss having a kitchen?! Preparing food in my guest room while the fridge is in the living room and the stove is in the kitchen is getting a little old.

And for the perfect accent? Brass chair place card holders! I LOVE mini chairs (remember the collection I had for my laundry room?!) and when I saw these, I was a smitten kitten. I ordered two sets for when I host a party ;). These are by Lillian Vernon if you’re looking for some too!

I got mine from the eBay shop Collectibles Worldwide Online. 

scalloped place mat

I love using scallops as a design element- they’re sweet and feminine. I think these scalloped place mats under a pretty pink plate will look so soft and pretty! They’re the perfect foundation for a place setting.

These are from the eBay shop The Flying 34 which has lots of cute placemats. Including this one in pink!

salt and pepper shakers

I was searching for the perfect set of salt and pepper shakers  on eBay and was so excited when I found these brass ones! I feel like they have so much personality. Couldn’t they be on Beauty and the Beast and come to life?! Singing and dancing.

When decorating, I love using brass because it adds some glam and shiny texture. Plus the natural patina gives it character.

I found these on eBay from the shop Flipping Jane.

cabinet hardware

For my Florida kitchen that we finished renovating in December, I went over the top with the hardware. It was a big splurge (over $1000!) and super special. But, I figured this time I could try and be a little more frugal.

So when I found these brass bow knobs, I got them for the upper cabinets! They are affordable and shipped quickly all the way from India (the original ship date said it could be July so I was relieved that they came so quickly).

These are sourced from the eBay store Perilla Home. I think these would also be adorable on a little girl’s dresser!

For the lower cabinets, I went with vintage brass pulls. The details on these are really pretty! I spent less than $75 on all my hardware for the kitchen- much better than $1000. It still feels really special and unique.

Which of these items is your favorite? I’m probably most excited about the dogs or pink porcelain jar. 

By next week I’d like to have the drywall done on the last wall, the stair railing installed (if it arrives in time) and the floors tiled. We’re at the half way point- 4 weeks down and 4 weeks to go. We have a lot to do to finish up. It’s going to be so much work, but it’ll be so nice to have a kitchen that is bright, functions better, more durable, and can seat more people.

It’ll be worth it- right?! What part are you excited to have come together? I’m so looking forward to the pink fridge! Seeing the fireplace mantle will be so fun. And having a big table to set and entertain at will be a huge highlight!

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE FEATURED DESIGNERS

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