Today is the day. I’ve been putting this off because in my mind, the perfect time to share a big before and after post is once everything is done, complete, decorated and looking perfect.
But that’s not going to happen for a while yet. And I’ve already been sitting on a nearly finished project for months now. Eventually, they will be art on the walls. Someday, the ceiling fan will get an upgrade. Once things slow down (maybe never), I’ll have a prettier shelving unit in the dining room.
It’s time to show you.
But first, an Oscar-style thank you speech to everyone who made this day possible:
So many of you cheered me on through this major project. I cannot thank you enough. And I know a lot of you feel invested–because you kept up with the progress daily through my Instagram stories. The virtual hugs and pats on the back kept me going. Especially when Derek was out of country for months and I needed to continue work with only a toddler in tow. Especially once I found out I was pregnant and felt nauseous around the clock, but still had lots to do.
I also owe a big thanks to Derek (obviously). He sets us up for success in any project we take on. He makes sure I can move forward when he’s gone. Thank you’s to friends in Minot who watched Gideon while I worked, and helped with heavy lifting and installation. Thank you to my parents for getting me through the finishing touches (and unpacking all my kitchen goods into the new space). And thanks to Gideon, for being the world’s best subcontractor.
Okay. Enough of that. Let’s get going.
Acorn House Kitchen Remodel
When we first moved in to Acorn House (you can see the full “before” tour here), the kitchen was completely closed off from the rest of the house. Although we are not advocates of creating totally open floor plans in old homes, this one needed better flow. The living room and dining rooms are modest in size, but opening up the kitchen a bit has made all the rooms feel bigger.
Acorn House has five bedrooms. It’s ideal for a family. Opening up walls to give better sight lines to where littles might be playing was particularly important to us. This way, a parent in the kitchen can easily see the shenanigans happening in the living room. All without needing to leave the stove.
The whole process for the kitchen remodel was jump-started after the great cabinet crash of 2019. The bank of cabinets on this side of the kitchen fell off the wall. The second photo shows how we regrouped after the fall. (All about the crash here.)
Sink and Fridge
We were able to keep the sink and dishwasher in their original locations. The refrigerator was also moved to this wall. This gave us space for a corner cabinet and peninsula work space. I was originally concerned about the lack of counter space over here, but it’s proven to be plenty.
We’re in love (and so is everyone else) with the scalloped backsplash. I try to keep the counters clear–but the coffee and coffee maker are always in use, and always at the ready.
The Peninsula
When we started, the doorway to the kitchen was 32″ wide. We raised the opening height. Then opened the wall to accommodate a peninsula and “pass through” cabinet to the dining room.
I am so happy with how this space turned out. It’s a dream to have a large area for prep. Especially since it can be accessed from both sides.
The mixer is stored in the countertop appliance garage and the peninsula is the perfect space for baking. Gideon likes to help with that. Or play play-doh while I cook and unload the dishwasher. This little space brings us all together.
Our Realistic Remodel Approach
Whenever we take on a remodel or renovation, we approach it with a “preservation mindset.” I ask questions. What was fitting for this style of architecture when it was built? How can we make this space work for modern life, while respecting it’s past? Without making this space a time-capsule, how can we stay true to it’s roots?
Not every house is meant to have a farm house kitchen. Or a boho living room. And that’s okay.
We also approach projects from a realistic perspective. What can we take on? How can we best steward the gifts God has given us? (Time, money, skills, relationships, etc are all taken into account.) We are realistic about what we can afford, what is practical and what the house can sustain.
There are a few things left to do. Like art on those blank dining room walls and that missing piece of baseboard (which will come after living room carpet is installed.) But the space has been totally transform and God has inspired my heart in great ways through this process.
I’ve learned to be happy with less, to be hospitable in the mess, and to take heart when things get ugly. The kitchen inspired the “Moving Forward in a Difficult Season” series. And it’s a space I love to love everyday.
Thanks again for being part of the journey. I love you all dearly.
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