Tag: jbd home

Master Bathroom Renovation: DEMO!

Written by Jenna on November 28, 2016. Posted in DIY, Renovations.

Hi All!

Last I left you, I mentioned we were about to undergo a major renovation of the master bathroom. It was a space that got a DIY makeover a few years back, but with wear + tear it was time for an overhaul.

As much as I adore color, I could only image this new bathroom to be soft + serene and clean + calm. The overall aesthetic will be based more on texture rather than color. Plus layers will add an important element to give the overall space contract + depth.

Just to share a reminder of the ‘before’ space…

The morning of demo day, I snapped the picture above of the bathroom, and in no time the contractors got to work…

From the tub to the vanity to the toilet, everything was ripped out!

As I mentioned in my last post, this renovation is a dual endeavour. Due lack of time + components outside our skill set, we are taking on some areas of the renovation, while other areas will be performed by a contractor. As I previously said, I don’t want to be without a bathroom for months AND I want to stay sane (somewhat).

The contractors are tackling the major areas including demo + installing the main components – shower pan + fittings, toilet, vanity + faucet.

DAY ONE

On the first day, the three-man crew removed the existing pre-fab tub, the sheetrock above the tub, the toilet, and the vanity. It’s a small space, but by lunch time, the space was cleared out…

Instead of installing a new tub, we decided to use the 30″ x 60″ outcove for a shower. After the tub + sheetrock was removed, the space was ready for the new shower pan. For the new tile to adhere to, hardiboard (also known as cement board or backerboard) was installed.

Sheetrock is still a great product for the walls and ceiling of a bathroom, just not in the tub/shower area. Cement board is made with actual cement + a firberglass mesh exterior, so it’s waterproof and won’t deteriorate over time when/if it comes in contact with water.

Additionally, the new vanity that I chose is 48″ whereas the existing is 36″… I’m gaining 12″ of counterspace – I’m over the moon! Because of this change, the electrical wiring for the light needs to be moved so it will be centered on the new 48″ space.

By days end, this was the result…

Check out the purple wall color that was behind the toilet… it was from before we renovated the last bathroom… Gosh that color is ghastly and I was hoping to never see it again, ha.

DAY TWO

On the second day of renovation, the new shower pan was installed and the remainder of the space got prepped for tile. After another day’s work, it was my turn to step in to install the tile.

Here’s a peak of how the finished cement board looks upon installation with the new shower pan…

It’s ready for me to tile!

More details of the master bathroom renovation coming soon.

I gotta get back to tiling…

Oh, and I’m still deciding on the accent tile. Any suggestions? What do you like best??

DISCLAIMER: THIS BATHROOM RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN.

Kitchen Renovation: Details

Written by Jenna on January 26, 2016. Posted in Decorating. 3 Comments on Kitchen Renovation: Details

I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness + sweet thoughts for the new kitchen space.

It being called, A HAPPY KITCHEN, was by far my favorite comment because that just completely + perfectly sums up the new setting. A happy space is exactly how I envisioned the new kitchen to look + feel.

As a whole, the kitchen from top to bottom is entirely new, and last weeks KITCHEN REVEAL post focused on the before + after, as well as the overall design & changes. But there is still so much more to tell… a follow up post to share the nitty-gritty details + thought-process of WHY & HOW the design came to be, had to be told…

When the planning process of the kitchen renovation began, I started by focusing on the big picture; the space as a whole. From there I put my efforts into spending time on the details + layers. This attention to the smaller elements is what really makes a space complete and unique.

Upon making the decision to change the layout & have the new cabinetry be white, I set out to find inspiration. Before putting together the mood board for the new space, I wanted to analyze + dissect other kitchens to see what elements I liked and didn’t like. With this process, along with my past experience designing client kitchens, here is a list I created as to what details were important and needed extra focus + attention:

> tile backsplash

> open shelving

> outlets

> cabinet hardware

> lighting

> color

> storage

With attention to detail in these 7 areas, I knew my kitchen would be set apart from the norm.

Here’s How…

1. TILE BACKSPLASH

The white subway tile I chose is probably the most common + least expensive tile out there. Yes, very ordinary. That’s okay though, because I was still going to set it apart from the others.

How? Grout and Layout.

Instead of choosing a grout color that coordinated with the tile (which would’ve been white), I chose to use a contrasting grout color. Lowe’s has a display with all their grout colors and with a sample of the island color in hand – a dark grey called Greyloft by Kraftmaid – I chose a grout color that matched. By choosing a like color to the island, this allowed the deep hue to carry through in other areas of the kitchen. The dark island color wouldn’t be a stand-alone in one spot but instead a common thread throughout.

The staggered / brick layout of the subway tile is Oh So Norm, BUT I set it apart by continuing the tile behind the hood, as well as up and around the window. Instead of stopping the tile at the line of the upper cabinets, I continued it up to heighten the space. Additionally, the tile was installed behind the open shelves, which makes the space feel larger.

>>> CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE TILE INSTALLATION

2. OPEN SHELVING

Since we’re on that subject, let’s jump right in… Open Shelving. Most of you would never think of open shelving in the kitchen. Who would want to display plastic cups + mismatched dishes?! Wrong my friends… My kitchen doesn’t have all open shelving. In actuality only a small portion of the space has open shelves. Like you, I have cups, plates, and a lot of other things that I want hidden. And those things are behind closed doors. BUT, I do have some nice dishes, pretty glasses, and colorful bowls. All perfect for display + easy access to grab.

Why open shelving? Shelves add depth, openness, and a way to introduce color. Look through your cabinets and figure out how many ‘nice’ things you have to display, then figure out how much open shelving is appropriate for your kitchen.

3. OUTLETS

Still on the subject of the backsplash, outlet locations are important to figure out during the design phase. More often or not, outlets are typically every 18-24″ apart and are positioned half way between the counter and the upper cabinets. So basically, they’re an eyesore smack in the center of the tile. Outlet placement can be daunting, but avoid the eyesore mistake by giving thought to the outlet placement BEFORE you renovate.

Moving the outlets lower, about 3″ above the counter, and to a horizontal position, will help keep them out of sight and in line with your appliance plugs. As an alternative, try one horizontal outlet on the backsplash for the appliances / items that sit permanent on the counter – think beforehand about where they’ll be placed – then add outlets to the underside of the upper cabinet for the temporary plug-in / take-out items.

The outlets in my new backplash can barely be seen…

And please always use GFCI outlets above countertop level to avoid electrocution!

Outlets in the island is another area of focus. You want + need outlets in the island (and they are required by building code), but it is important to place them in a pleasant looking place. Have a recessed panel on the side of the island? Be sure the outlet is centered and position it in the same orientation as the backsplash.

Aside from the major appliances – refrig, micro, hood – it’s important to think about what will be going where when the kitchen is finished. I knew I wanted to create a coffee station + charging station in the new pantry next to the refrigerator. With the specs of the cabinet – showing the heights – in hand, the contractor and I layed out the outlets to provide electric for our needs.

4. CABINET HARDWARE

Hardware (and lighting, which I’ll get to) is like the jewelry for an outfit. A black shirt + jeans are nice, but the outfit is set apart by the layers that are added. That is where hardware plays a huge part in a kitchen! White cabinets + White backsplash in a kitchen are pretty norm, but it was the details that were added that set it apart from others. I had this nutty idea about placing the cabinet hardware in the center of cabinet doors instead of at the side which is typical. Because many of the doors lined up with the drawers below, I had a feeling it was going to look stellar as a whole. In the end, it did!

I chose polished nickel for the modern cup pulls and they are bold. Against the basic, minimal door, they shine. Truly, the polished pulls shine and make a statement.

Doors are doors, make a statement with the hardware!

5. LIGHTING

I’m a lighting snob. I like big lights and I can not lie! that was corny… sorry.

Seriously though, big or small, lighting is important.

I had a difficult time with the lighting because I knew it would make or break the new space. I didn’t feel polished nickel lights (to match the cabinet hardware) would work well in our open concept home where the other lights are black / dark. I found these gorgeous statement-worthy pendants from Rejuvenation and hit place order. They took a few weeks to arrive and when they were installed, the kitchen looked truly complete.

For the pendant over the sink, I chose something that was different but that coordinated well with the oversized island pendants. This prism pentagon pendant was the right match.

6. COLOR

I’m a color person. I heart color. Yet everything was white. What? I knew when all was complete, the kitchen would come alive with the layers of color that I would add. From the dishes to glasses to artwork to food, this kitchen comes alive with the color that has been injected into it with all the layers.

7. STORAGE

The insides of the cabinets are truly just as important as the exterior. The insides of the Kraftmaid cabinets are filled with savvy storage components. Everything has a place. There is no question of what goes where…

These are a few favorites…

Full depth cabinet above the refrigerator with Vertical Dividers, perfect for trays, cookies sheets, and more…

Trash Bin + Recycling Pull Out… no more floating garbage can in the center of the kitchen.

Tilt Tray at the sink front to hold sponges + clothes, which eliminates sitting on the counter.

Full extension roll-out drawers in the base cabinets so from front to back, everything can be seen!

As you can see, the details are important and those details are what make up the whole to create something different. The details are what make the kitchen stand out of the norm. Most elements are typical and ‘most popular’ but it’s how they are mixed together that sets them apart.

One more post coming soon… the Resources of the kitchen. I’m sharing all the scoop of where I shopped!

If you want to see all the posts documenting the kitchen renovation, here they are from start to finish:
Wonderful White Kitchen Inspiration
Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action
Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen
Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors
The Cabinets Arrive + Get Installed
Natural Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen
10 Countertop Materials to Consider for the Kitchen
Subway Tile Installation + Choosing the RIGHT Subway
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspiration
Choosing a Paint Color + Wallpaper for the Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Renovation: The Appliances
Dissecting the Details
Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + RESOURCES

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S, KRAFTMAID, FRIGIDAIRE, AND HGTV HOME BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWEâ€™S DESIGN TEAM.

Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + Resources

Written by Jenna on January 21, 2016. Posted in DIY, Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 15 Comments on Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + Resources

In less than a month, we’ll be living in our home 6 years. 6 years. The fastest 6 of my life. More than double the time of any place we’ve lived before.

We moved here as a family of 3 and now we’re a family of 5 + a cute white little kitty. Life has changed so much and as much as our family + lives have evolved, so has the house we stepped in to – and almost walked away from – 6 years ago.

The shell that was a vacant house, has been transformed into a home. A chaotic, crazy, bustling HOME. Every surface has been touched. Walls has been repainted + wallpapered (some a few times over). Floors have been recarpeted + retiled. And most importantly our home is now adorned with key elements that show who we are, what we love, and where we’ve been. Our mark has been made.

The kitchen, the hub of our new house in 2010 seemed fine. The cabinets were in fine shape, the counters weren’t pretty but functional. A few months in, we changed the hardware + the sink, and called it done.

Until… 2 years later and I was itching to freshen it up. A $300 kitchen revamp + new appliances left us happy campers. We were in love. The do-it-yourself upgrade on a budget was perfect. At that moment it reflected us.

>>> TO SEE THE DIY KITCHEN MAKEOVER CLICK HERE

In the 3 year time gap from then to now, our lives have turned upside down – all for the good! When we bought our home, we had just came off a really rough patch with the economy affecting our jobs.

Thankfully things have changed a lot…

Fast forward… the Misters job has been stable & growing + I’ve been able to continue expanding my blog + business – designing LOTS of other peoples homes. Life has been good. Real good. And truly grateful. And the time had come for US to get the kitchen of our dreams. It was finally our turn. Surreal, but true. I wanted – and needed – a gourmet kitchen of my own. And here it is. Finally complete and still pinching myself with excitement.

WELCOME to our kitchen

This kitchen could not have been possible without the assistance + backing from my friends at Lowe’s, Kraftmaid, and Frigidaire. I’ve collaborated with Lowe’s countless times over the years and I am blessed that they never ask questions and always believe. I strive to execute outside-of-the-box creations which in turn inspires you, my amazing & dedicated readers. That’s what I’m here for. That’s what I do… Inspire. And that’s what I hope the take away is with the new kitchen space I designed.

Enough chit-chat, come on in…

Where to begin, is the question…

The inspiration for the color palette came from a piece of art. I snagged this canvas from Ikea last year and at the time it was meant for the living room, which I had been in the process of remodeling. I loved the white background layered with bold pops of color – yellow, blue, raspberry, green, turquoise.

I was drawn to it’s simplicity, yet intricate focus on detail. And that’s exactly the vision I wanted the kitchen to evoke – clean, simple, and BOLD.

This was the mood board I created…

… And months later, I feel I’ve achieved just that. I’m content. This new kitchen truly evokes everything I am and everything my style is.

From edge to edge, here it is…

The cabinetry in the new kitchen is by Kraftmaid, one of several cabinet companies displayed at Lowe’s. I chose the Kraftmaid line of cabinets for a range of reasons. Not only does Kraftmaid have an extensive selection of cabinet styles + colors, their attention to detail is exquisite, as well as the craftmanship of their product. When I started the design process for this renovation, I was quite impressed with all the â€˜bells & whistlesâ€™ that they offer (many of which come standard with their cabinetry) + the variety of storage solutions they offer.

More on the details of the kitchen + cabinetry in a post coming soon.

When the process of the remodel began, the intention was to remove the soffit above the upper cabinet and the soffit above the window. Unbeknownst to us in the beginning stages, the soffit above the window is a beam that is holding up the back of the house and couldn’t be removed – obviously. What we WERE able to do was have a higher ceiling in the window section, which allowed the new subway tile to continue up and around the entire window, which really heightens the space.

Instead of having a lower cabinet under the soffit, it was decided that open shelves would be best – for aesthetics + function.

I love the open + airy feel that the 10″ deep thick shelves give to this section of the kitchen. Plus the 3″ thick shelves are ultra beafy (I confirmed this many times with the contractor) so they hold all the large dishes + small plates and bowls. Super easy to access and grab.

On the other side of the window, the left side, there are two additional shelves with decorative corbels. These shelves are only about 7″ deep and can’t hold as much weight, so they’re perfect for glasses + smaller light-weight bowls. Again, so easy to access.

As we continue around the kitchen, the range + exposed hood are flanked by 2 closed upper cabinets that now are full height to the ceiling and hold the glasses (left cabinet) and pantry food (right cabinet).

Continuing the subway tile backsplash up the wall behind the hood was an absolute. Again, another way to heighten the overall space and not have the wall start / stop at a certain point.

In the new kitchen, the refrigerator moved about 18″ to the left to create a full depth pantry that touches the side wall. Ahhh, it’s wonderful. Singing-from-the-hilltops incredible! I love it because there is so much storage.

The 24″ deep pantry is the same depth as the refrigerator + cabinet above and holds some of the small appliances like the coffee maker + toaster. The coffee maker sits on a roll-out shelf and there is an outlet in the cabinet back, which makes mornings so easy for brewing our cup of joe.

Also in the bank of pantry cabinets is a charging station for our various electronics including the cell phones, ipads, etc. Another outlet was installed for these components in the back of the cabinet and a grommet was drilled in the back of the drawer for the wires to pull through.

Having a ‘home’ for all these kitchen essentials has really cleared off the counters to leave open space for what a kitchen is really used for… cooking.

Talking about cooking, I basically prep + do everything for our meals on the island. The Island. The huge island that I always dreamed of and still can’t believe I have.

It’s wonderful.

The Kraftmaid cabinetry on the perimeter cabinets is Dove White and on the island is a deep + rich grey/blue hue called Greyloft. Never having an island before, I didn’t know what to do with myself when it was installed. It provides so much storage and in the island is also where the microwave now sits.

On the far end of the island that faces the living room, I chose to have open shelves instead of closed cabinetry. I thought it would be the perfect spot for my many cookbooks + basket storage for dishclothes, cloth napkins, etc.

Having open shelving also allows the ability to bring color into the kitchen. Instead of the solid, one-tone look of cabinets, open shelving adds depth and a way to introduce color.

Another way to bring in color amongst the sea of white was on the walls. The old kitchen paint color was yellow and for the new wall paint I chose a light gray. Wrong choice. In the end, I went back to yellow, but this time the sunshine yellow color is a completely different hue – much more lighter & brighter.

And check out the colorful + bold wallpaper in the dining room. It adds a gorgeous focal point to the overall open space.

The marble-looking countertops are quartz and truly complete the clean + simple aesthetic of the kitchen.

And let me not forget to discuss the lighting…

I am a major light-aholic! Lighting is SO IMPORTANT. Lighting makes a statement and with my home, I wasn’t going to skimp.

Go Big or Go Home!

Being completely honest, I had a difficult time choosing the right lighting. With the cabinetry hardware being polished nickel, I questioned the lighting style + finish. In the end, I chose these amazing matte black dome style pendants from Rejuvenation for over the island.

And for the light above the sink, I decided on this open style glass pendant from Shades of Light.

They are both amazing, compliment each other perfectly, and overall I am in love with the many different finishes in this kitchen.

There you have it…

We have to look at a before & after comparison. Check out how far this space has come in 6 years…

Do you see how / why I’m in disbelief that this makeover really happened?!

Here’s another walk down memory lane view…

This has been a strenuous – what big renovation isn’t? – but wonderful renovation process. I won’t lie, I’m glad it’s DONE, but I can’t ask for anything better. And that is a project labeled SUCCESS.

RESOURCES

I’ve showed you what the kitchen looks like, and now it’s time to share the scoop on the sources…

Cabinets
Perimeter Cabinets: Kraftmaid, color – Dove White, door style – Cayden
Island: Kraftmaid; color – Greyloft, door style – Cayden

Appliances
Frigidaire: Smudge-Proof Stainless

Countertop
Quartz: Silestone, color: Lagoon

Cabinet Hardware
Kraftmaid, Fordham Bin Pull, Polished Nickel

Backsplash
Tile: Allen + Roth 3×6 white subway tile; Grey grout color

Paint Color
Wall Paint: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, color – White Citrus, finish – satin

Pendants over Island
Rejuvenation, Haleigh Wire Dome Pendant 12-inch, oil rubbed bronze

Pendant over Sink
Shades of Light, Clear Glass Prism Pentagon Pendant

Sink + Faucet
Lowes, Vigo 32″ x 19″ Stainless single-basin Undermount with Industrial Faucet

Wallpaper (in dining area)
Anthropologie, Frosted Kaleidoscope

Accessories
Pineapple Art – Hobby Lobby
Blue Geometric Rug – Target
Sisal Runner – Target
Bowls – Crate & Barrel, Homegoods
Cutting Boards – World Market
Yellow Industrial Barstools – Target

I think that wraps it up. Something you liked and want details on… email me!

Subway Tile Kitchen Backsplash Installation

Written by Jenna on January 6, 2016. Posted in DIY. 3 Comments on Subway Tile Kitchen Backsplash Installation

We’re 6 days in to the new year and I finally have a post up – HAPPY NEW YEAR.

My biggest personal project ever closed out 2015, AND the same project is kicking off 2016…

THE KITCHEN.

It’s almost complete. I’m days away from sharing the big reveal, but before that I’ve been excitedly awaiting to share what tile I chose for the backsplash + the process for installation.

Check out the new + classic + gorgeous subway tile now adorning the kitchen backsplash…

Now to the details of what I chose for our kitchen renovation…

When the I created the PLAN OF ACTION for the kitchen remodel, I knew subway tile was the best choice because it’s not only affordable, but timeless + clean + the perfect compliment to our new minimalist quartz countertops.

Once the decision was made to move forward with white subway, the search began for the perfect tile.

And like paint, white is not just plain ole’ white.

In the end, I chose the beautiful 3 x 6 white subway by Allen + Roth at Lowe’s, then complimented it with charcoal colored grout.

You can’t ever go wrong with white subway tile as it’s classic and works with all style kitchens. BUT, there with so many subway tiles to choose from, it can be challenging to pin point the best for the setting.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUBWAY TILE

Here are some helpful tips for choosing the RIGHT subway for the project…

SIZE

The typical size for subway tile is 3″ x 6″, but with the vast selection of natural and man-made tiles, comes a huge variation in size availibility. From mini tiles, around 1″ x 2″, to larger proportioned tiles around 4″ x 12″ +, size matters.

Choose a subway size appropriate for the project by looking at how much area will be covered with the tile. For small tile areas, smaller to medium sized tiles are best, where larger tiles will beautifully compliment larger, more open areas.

COLOR

If you’re looking for a white subway tile, not all whites are white. When I started the process of searching for white subway tile, I was so surprised how each manufacturers white looked so different. Some have more yellow undertones, where others are more blue.

I chose white subway tile by Allen + Roth because it was a true white and it looked closest to the Kraftmaid Dove White cabinetry that was chosen. Others that I looked at were too yellow and when next to each other, the two surfaces wouldn’t have blended well.

LAYOUT

I chose to layout + install the subway tile in the most classic way, which is staggered, but there are many other ways to layout subway tile to create an interesting + unique pattern. Try herringbone or vertical or cross hatch or stack bond.

via a beautiful mess

COST

Typical of most tile, there is a range of pricing for subway tile, but it’s one of the most least expensive style tiles. Cost comes down to the quality of the tile, but with most, it won’t break the bank.

GROUT

The grout color really doesn’t have to do with choosing a subway tile, but the grout color that is chosen will make your tile come alive. As with anything, there is a range of color choices for grouts. Have a white subway, white is the safest choice. Want to be dramatic and have your backsplash stand-out? Try a darker hue, like I did…

White subway tile might seem like a ‘Safe Tile’, but with the right size, color, and layout, this timeless tile can look unique to create a one-of-a-kind, stand-out kitchen.

INSTALLATION

Once the counters were installed in early December, we were ready to get crankin’ on the backsplash.

I’ve tiled many projects before, but I was happy and willing to have our contractor handle the tile installation to keep the kitchen remodel process moving along. At this point being 6 weeks in, we were READY TO BE DONE!

The contractor started the tile installation at the sink, since that is the center point of the window on the overall wall.

From that point, the tile was installed on either side of the window – there were a lot of cuts!

Because the subway tile is ceramic, it was very soft and easy to cut. A tile cutter was perfect for the job and since it’s mid-winter, it was a blessing to be able to cut indoors.

Once the tile was all installed, which took about 2 days, it was time to grout. As I mentioned above, I chose a charcoal color for the grout to give a beautiful contrast + pick up the color of the dark gray island.

I had never used dark grout before and it was incredibly messy when applied on to the white tile!

After cleaning the tile surface many times of the gritty dark grout, it resulted just as I had hoped and honestly, better!

from this…

to this…

At the only corner of the kitchen, I chose a vertical pencil liner to finish the edge. It looks so good and pulled together!

And then it was complete.

Once the grout was dry – within a day – we were able to install the open shelves + add the dishes.

Eek, it’s almost complete.

Here’s a peak…

More to come soon!

In the meantime, if you want to retile your kitchen NOW with subway or want to use this post as a resource for the future, save it or pin it…

What do you think of subway tile? Yay or Nay for the kitchen?

Tomorrow on the blog, I’ll be sharing 11 other tile fool-proof favorites for the backsplash. Don’t miss it!

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S USING KRAFTMAID CABINETRY. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF KRAFTMAID AND THE LOWEâ€™S DESIGN TEAM.

Kitchen Renovation: Choosing a Quartz Countertop

Written by Jenna on December 16, 2015. Posted in Decorating, DIY, Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 3 Comments on Kitchen Renovation: Choosing a Quartz Countertop

Demo is complete.

Hardwood floors are stained.

Cabinets have been installed.

Countertops are FINISHED.

You heard me right… we have counters, which means we have a sink, which means we have use of a kitchen. YES!

It has been a busy few weeks around our homestead, but the kitchen is taking shape and I am thrilled to share with you all the details on the countertops I chose (natural quartz) + why…

When the process of the kitchen remodel began, I was dead set on using granite for the counter material. I’ve always steered my clients towards granite. believed it was the best choice because of the vast selection, durability, and its uniqueness. No one anywhere will have the exact same piece.

When the time came to choose a material for my kitchen remodel, I wanted something light and minimal, like the gorgeous + drool-worthy look of marble. And I say the look of marble, because it’s a material I wanted to steer clear of because it is too porous and will easily stain from acidic spills like orange juice, tomato sauce, and red wine. As a family of 5 with young kids, I can’t be watching + micro-managing our kitchen like a hawk every minute.

With marble crossed off my list, I started my search out with lighter toned granites. I found 2 I loved – Bianco Gabrielle and Bianco Romano – at Lowe’s, but I felt they had too much movement for the overall minimal, clean look I was trying to achieve.

Then my eye honed in on just what I wanted aesthetically + functionally!

Natural Quartz.

After giving myself a day to think it over, I knew that choosing quartz was the right + best choice for our kitchen.

The design options for natural quartz has grown tremendously over the past years and with it being a natural material (a must on my checklist), incredibly durable, and maintenance-free, it truly was the perfect material.

WHY NATURAL QUARTZ?

> Natural stone

> Extremely hard mineral giving it great strength

> Nonporous

> Stain-resistant

> Maintenance-free / never has to be sealed

> Cleanup can be done with water + mild soap.

> Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot

Once my cabinets were in place and I finalized my order for Silestone Lagoon quartz, a templater came to my home to take all the needed measurements for the new counters.

After a few weeks of living with plywood counters…

… and no sink…

…the day had finally arrived for install.

I was floating on cloud 9 with excitement.

It was estimated for the counters to take 2-4 weeks for fabrication, but it took just about 2 weeks from templating to installation (with Thanksgiving in between).

The independent contractor that does the fabrication + installation through Lowe’s was incredible. They were timely, courteous, and did a great job. I was 100% satisfied!

eek – watch my wreath. they did.

Because of the countertop overhang on the island, a steel plate was installed to give extra support.

And then they laid the tops in place on the island and on the perimeter cabinets.

There was one area on the perimeter cabinets that needed a seam. The process for connecting the seam was very interesting. They used this neat gadget to level + tighten the joint to make a perfectly, unrecognizable seam.

And then they were done + gone, and I was left with gorgeous new countertops that I could finally stop dreaming about and instead enjoy for many days + months + years ahead…

And here’s a peek at the kitchen and how it’s progressing… It’s almost done.

There are many other materials to consider for the kitchen, but our top choice was Natural Quartz!

Want to learn about other countertop materials for the kitchen? Check out this post with a breakdown of 10 countertop materials to consider for the kitchen + the pros & con for each.

Faux Stacked Log Fireplace Screen

Written by Jenna on December 10, 2015. Posted in DIY.

2 weeks till Christmas, WHAT?!

How can it be?

Last week was so great with the Holiday Housewalk! Thank you to those who toured my home and left such sweet comments – I can not tell you how much your kind words + thoughts mean.

One part of the tour that I received a lot of happy comments on was the fireplace, specifically how I stacked all the logs so perfectly.

Fooled ya!

They’re not stacked at all, but instead it’s a FAUX stacked log screen that sits in front of the fireplace. Not only does it look fabulous & hides the not-so-pretty-that-we’ve-wanted-to-replace-for-years fireplace, but it also is a barrier to keep the cold air from filtrating through.

Whether for aesthetic purposes or for heat conservation, if you love it, here’s how to make it…

MATERIALS

> 1/4″ thick plywood cut to desired size

> Black Paint + Paint Brush

> Fallen Trees / Logs

> Powered Miter Saw (check out my favorites here)

> Liquid nails

> Magnetic Strips (optional, if needed)

HOW-TO

For Christmas and beyond, this is a great project to jazz up the fireplace.

Whether you are fitting the faux ‘screen’ into a fireplace opening or covering part of the fireplace (like I did), cut a piece of plywood to your desired size.

I measured beforehand and had Lowe’s cut my piece so I didn’t have to do it at home.

Paint one side of the plywood using black paint. I used leftover paint from the black wall in the living room.

The black paint allows the eye to be fooled that the space behind the logs is a lot further back than it actually is…

Let it dry and in the meantime, head to step 2…

While the paint is drying, start gathering fallen trees + logs. Look for logs in various diameters between 1/2″ to 3″.

Here’s my lumberjack in our woods cutting a few trees that had just fallen. Be sure to gather logs that are solid inside, holes = bugs (yuck)!

What a guy…

When you have a collection of various sized logs, it’s time to cut them into discs.

Imperfect is better! When have you ever heard that before…

Cut the wood in to discs that are about 1/2″ to 2″ thick. This will make the “screen” look 3-dimensional like real stacked wood.

In all, we cut about 125 discs in varying sizes and as the Mister was cutting, I was putting this jigsaw puzzle together…

The key is to start with the bigger pieces and fill in with the medium sizes, then the smallest.

In no time, the puzzle was complete and it was time to glue. No picture for this part, but one-by-one I used liquid nails to attach each wood disc to the painted plywood. Don’t skimp out on good glue… if you do, the discs WILL FALL OFF!

Once the discs were in place, the board was heavy. The screen is fairly thin, but with 125 +/- wood discs there is a lot of weight! I had to be sure to secure it so it wouldn’t topple forward.

For my fireplace, the “screen” lays on top of the glass doors instead of being inset into an opening. To secure it to the fireplace, I added heavy-duty magnetic strips to the back of the plywood + I have it leaning on the fireplace handles.

In place and complete…

If you missed my Christmas Home Tour that I shared last week, here it is with the faux stacked log fireplace, front & center… What a focal point…

RECAP

Do it now or save it for later…

Kitchen Renovation: The Cabinets

Written by Jenna on December 7, 2015. Posted in DIY, Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 1 Comment on Kitchen Renovation: The Cabinets

It’s been about 2+ weeks since I shared an update on the progress of the kitchen renovation and A LOT has happened!

Once the hardwood floors were complete and we were able to move back into our home, the CABINETS ARRIVED. It was a very, very exciting day to say the least.

For this kitchen renovation that I am partnering with Lowe’s on, I chose to use cabinets by Kraftmaid.

Not only does Kraftmaid have an extensive selection of cabinet styles + colors, their attention to detail is exquisite, as well as the craftmanship of their product. When I started the design process for this renovation, I was quite impressed with all the ‘bells & whistles’ that they offer (many of which come standard with their cabinetry) + the variety of storage solutions they offer.

Once the design plan was in place and the cabinets went into production, a date for their arrival was lightly scratched in stone (versus ‘set in stone’ – bad joke, I know). We didn’t know if the cabinets would actually arrive on that date, but the Lowe’s independent contractor worked day after day to have everything with the walls + floors buttoned up by this magical date.

So the morning of the date comes and I heard crickets… I never was so anxious to receive a call, and THEN my phone rank and I was jumping for joy.

The cabinets DID arrive as planned on the date and I was able to breathe again…

The delivery company unloaded the truck box by box and stacked them ALL into my garage.

There were a lotta boxes and the garage was filled to the max!

The cabinets were gorgeous. Just how I imagined.

And then the fun began of installation…

The following Monday, the contractor got started with installing the cabinets in the empty shell that we once called our kitchen. The upper cabinets (which there are only 2 of) were the first to go into place. They set the placement for everything else thereafter.

Once the upper cabinets were in place, the base cabinets were installed, followed by the cabinet above the refrigerator + the pantry to the right…

By the end of Day One, this was the progress that was made.

I loved watching the new space evolve.

I literally gasped with excitement as each new cabinet was set into place.

Day after day, more progress was made and it started to look & feel like a kitchen.

A real kitchen.

After dreaming about this space for so long + being without a functioning hub for weeks, it felt so good.

In about 5 days, about 95% of the cabinets were installed.

And then IT HAPPENED… after weeks of living out of boxes, I was able to put away all my kitchen essentials.

A glass of wine + some serene tunes on Pandora and IT WAS A PARTY. By myself. With my dishes.

Above…

Below…

…There is so much incredible storage + space. From the outside to the inside, every nook & cranny is so pretty!

CABINETRY

For this kitchen renovation, I chose the Cayden line of cabinets in Dove White (perimeter cabinets) + Greyloft (island cabinets) by Kraftmaid. It’s a full overlay door with an inset panel and minimalist detailing.

For the hardware, I chose the sleek polished nickel Fordham pull.

This was the palette that I created during the design phase and the actual space is really coming together how I envisioned. squeal…

Without giving too much away, here are a few close up peeks at how the finished cabinets look once installed…

The crown moulding still has to be finished, but the flat stock has been added.

CABINET INTERIORS

Check out a few snapshots of the cabinet interiors…

WHY KRAFTMAID.

It’s a fair question. From Ikea to custom, there are a zillion cabinetry companies out there to choose form, so why Kraftmaid?

DESIGN. Lowe’s offers a great service of working with a kitchen designer who can create a plan for you. Whether you know exactly what you want or need hand-holding + direction, the Lowe’s design team will work with you to implement a plan. You not only want to create a high-functioning space, but also a kitchen area that fits your style + aesthetic… the Lowe’s kitchen designers can do that for you!

SELECTION. Kraftmaid has an incredible selection of cabinet styles, colors, decorative enhancements (add-ons), storage solutions, hardware, etc… Having options allows the possibility of achieving a custom-to-you, one of a kind kitchen!

QUALITY. Kraftmaid stands behind their product (check out their warranty) and with a big investment you want a company that cares about their product. Their attention to detail + the craftsmanship of their product is exquisite. What other cabinet companies upcharge for, Kraftmaid cabinets come as standard including solid wood dovetail drawers that are full extension + soft close and a finishing system on their doors to make them twice as resistant to scratches.

STORAGE. Kraftmaid has a huge selection of storage solutions. As much as the outsides of the cabinets need to be pretty, the insides have to be functional.

I am so thrilled with the progress of this kitchen renovation. I will be 100% honest, the renovation process has been exhausting + wearing and I haven’t even lifted a finger (with all the DIY we do, I couldn’t not imagine doing this as a do it yourself project… that’s just too much for me). There have been frustrating + tiring days, but I just keep focusing on the end result. In mere months, this renovation will be simply be a past moment in time. For now, I’m just thankful to have cabinets + focusing on the day-to-day progress!

Next up… countertops. I can not wait to share with you what I chose!

Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors

Written by Jenna on November 18, 2015. Posted in DIY, Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 4 Comments on Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors

We are still full-force ahead with the kitchen renovation through Lowe’s.

Last week was equal to a roller coaster ride with lots ups & downs, but we kept chugging along and now another week is upon us. I *think* I can say, I see the light…

Since I left off last, a lot of progress has been made. Day one of Demo was very exciting + eye-opening. It was amazing how we woke in the morning with a full working kitchen, but by the days end, it was completely taken apart with only the shell of the space remaining…

The remainder of week one was filled with patching and repairing the walls, moving electrical openings (in the walls + ceiling), and sanding the walls to prepare for the cabinet installation.

Once the vertical surfaces were complete, the next area of focus was the hardwood floor, which started out week two of renovations.

Because of the new cabinetry layout, there was an area of hardwood where the dishwasher used to sit that needed to be patched with new material. Once patched, it would all be sanded, then stained…

The major stresser started with locating material… Our existing hardwood is 3-1/4″ wide maple and it was challenging to find material in a short amount of time – literally we had less than 2 days.

Hardwood should be in the home 3- 7 days before installation so it can acclimate to the setting. After locating enough material at Lumber Liquidators, we were good to go.

It took about 3 hours to weave in the new hardwood material to patch the vacant area.

The new material is lighter than the existing, but no worries, because it would all be sanded down to bare wood…

At this point, we ‘moved out’ of the house because despite it smelling bad, all of our furniture was piled high in the family room & it was like walking through a maze in the foyer…

Next step for the floors, sanding…

We hired out for the floors through our Lowe’s independent contractor, who used an industrial sander to sand all the floors down to the bare wood. When finished, the gorgeous maple shined through, but in my taste they had to go darker especially with the new white cabinets.

Here were a few samples of stains that they applied…

In the end, I chose a stain called COFFEE and it’s the 2nd board from the left. It was the perfect medium brown hue with no red or orange.

After the floors were sanded on day 2, they stained the floors, and applied a clear coat of oil sealer in a glossy finish.

It looked like a gym floor with the high-gloss finish but this wouldn’t be the final finish. They apply this high-gloss finish (2 applications) because it is most durable. Once dry (2 days later), the floors were lightly sanded again and the final coat of sealer in a satin finish was applied.

After 5 days we moved back home – yay – and this is how the floors look now…

I just can not contain my love for them…

The before & after is breathtaking. It looks like a completely new space!

They are so rich + warm.

I’m in love.

The floors will take 30 days to fully cure, just like paint on a wall, so for now all the furniture is placed on blankets, craft paper, or felt. I want to protect these bad boys!

Look how beautiful the front room looks with the new floors (ignore the bright red blankets, lol)…

And there you have it. Walls complete. Wood complete.

Next up cabinets + appliances! They will be arriving in the coming days…

RECAP

Before I leave you, here is a recap for staining hardwood floors:

Staining hardwood floor can be quite an undertaking. It’s not difficult, but time consuming and involved. A good sander + high-quality product is key!

THE PROCESS FOR STAINING HARDWOOD FLOORS

– 1 – Clean + Clear out the room(s)

– 2 – Sand floors to bare wood – coarse grit sandpaper to fine grit sandpaper

– 3 – Stain floors (a roller works best)

– 4 – Polyurethane floors (3 times using a roller)

– 5 – Let the poly cure for at least 48 hours

– 6 – Move back in!

>>> Polyurethane takes 30 days to full cure, so no shoes. Be Remember to place furniture down, don’t drag!

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWEâ€™S DESIGN TEAM.

Decorating the Home using Fall Favorites

Written by Jenna on September 15, 2015. Posted in Fall, Seasonal. 2 Comments on Decorating the Home using Fall Favorites

The chill is in the air and I’m wearing a sweater today. I’m actually lovin’ it!

How about in your neck of the woods… Does it feel like Fall yet?

Aside from my favorite Fall things like wearing oversized cable knit sweaters, going apple picking, and Sunday football with the family, I love the changing over of blankets from light linen to heavy wool, and the swapping out of pillows from bright hues of yellow to deeper plums and emerald.

And that was exactly what I did last weekend.

Check out this living room shot I snapped & shared on Instagram…

Even though I am not completely ready to say goodbye to the long, warm days of Summer, Fall has a special place in my heart. Itâ€™s the season when I got married, itâ€™s the time of year when my daughter was born, and itâ€™s when a routine can once be established as the kids head back to school.

Whether you love the look of warm, rich hues (all year round) or simply adore the Fall and want some inspiration for making a few seasonal updates, there are a simple ways to spruce up your home dÃ©cor using Fall Favoritesâ€¦

PUMPKINS, GOURDS, PINECONES, APPLES
Fall is all about nature, and layering in as many seasonal favorites amongst your everyday dÃ©cor can make a simple, but big impact look.

> Pumpkins in a platter.

> Gourds on the mantel.

> Pinecones as a centerpiece.

These are all easy and beautiful ways to decorate for the season. Gathering leaves from the yard (or faux from the craft store) can be the perfect base as seasonal go-toâ€™s are layered atop. Or after your family apple picking adventure, put together an overflowing collection of apples in a low bowl or basket that can adorn the dining table.

All simple ideas that make a big impact!

Still one of my favorites EVER… a log centerpiece with leaves + pumpkins.

tutorial for >>> log centerpiece

Fall mantel with feather

Lantern filled with pumpkins

DECORATE WITH NATURE
You may not need to go far or spend any money to adapt your dÃ©cor for the coming season. Be inspired by your surroundings. Head outdoors to collect leaves, branches, and any natural materials that would be ideal to create an eye-catching table centerpiece or wreath. Arrange a bunch of branches with leaves of varying colors in a vase or glass mason jar and display them on a dining table or entry table vignette.

One other idea is to press your leaf findings and display them in a picture frame as I did with these ferns found in my yard.

Fall tablescape {gourds galore}

tutorial for >>> Fern Art

ADORN YOUR DOOR
The front door, often thought of as the â€œmouthâ€ of a home, is the perfect place to make a statement. Have little time or a small budget, focus on the areas of the home that get the most traffic. Adorning your front door with a beautiful seasonal wreath or decorating a front porch with colorful mums will truly create an inviting and welcoming first impression.

Other seasonal favorites to decorate with can be indian corn, hay bales, and varying sizes and colors of pumpkins. Adding in a plaid throw or tweed pillow can truly create the feeling of a textural cornucopia of color for the season as well as the springboard for whatâ€™s to come in the homes interior.

tutorial for >>> Autumn wreath with plum + peacock accents

SEASONAL COLORS + PATTERNS
The unique and range of seasonal hues including reds, oranges, and yellows can lighten up not only your spirits but add warmth and contrast to your everyday interior. Beyond the typical warmer colors of Fall, other favorites include deep plum, emerald, mustard, and winter white â€“ all ideal to layer in for the coming Fall season.

Fall is all about feeling cozy and warm. Swapping your everyday dÃ©cor staples with ones that have more texture (like a new linen lampshade), will give an instant boost for the season. The simplest and least expensive way to update a space for Fall is to swap out those lighter, brighter throw pillows of Summer for a style that is more lush and soft. Try fabrics like velvet, wool, and flannel in hues of chocolate, golds, and warm pastels.

Another big impact look would be to introduce a new rug that will set the tone for the rest of the space. A rug can anchor a room and can instantly change the aesthetic of a space. A rug with warm hues and an interesting pattern could be the perfect change to immediately update a room.

Fall Front Porch

Fall tablescape {gourds galore}

SMELL MATTERS
Home is not only about how it looks, but also how it feels and smells. Making a natural air freshener using cinnamon and apples can truly make for a yummy, cozy, welcoming aroma. Or try a candle that has a wood or spice scent.

3 yummy favs…

Retwined candle / Baies Scented Candle / Woodwick Gingered Pumpkin

Autumn is truly like no other as the days turn crisp and the leaves reflect the hues of colorful candy corn. Seasonal dÃ©cor doesnâ€™t have to be elaborate or time consuming.

A few simple touches go a long way â€“ the simpler, the better.