Life In Pleasantville

Food, Travel, Life

The Kitchen Reno Begins – Finally

by Candace Sampson

 

In April of 2011 we decided it was time to renovate our kitchen. Yup, almost 17 months ago.

Going on 23 years old and totally not functional for a girl that would live in the kitchen if she could, it was time. So we knocked down the wall between the dining room and the kitchen, and then came abruptly to a screeching halt.

Why? Well because I am the world’s most anal retentive renovator, that’s why.

The wall before it came down separating galley kitchen and dining room. It had a fridge, small pantry and wall oven on it.

Every single decision has been tossed over backwards and forwards a million times. I have analyzed the pros and cons, not to mention the cost of every decision from flooring, to lighting, to appliances, to hardware and cabinets. And I do all of this because I want to love it. Really and truly love it. For the next 25 years at least, I want to walk in my kitchen and say “Damn, Martha, you would be proud.”

We also didn’t have a plan when we took down that wall. We really just wanted to see what it would look like first and live with the space for awhile. My new kitchen will now be 12 x 23, that’s a lot of space to play with.

We also thought we could do it on our own. Oh, the folly! This project was and is just far too big and complex for my husband and I to come up with a plan that really works. So, the first bit of advice I can offer when undertaking a major kitchen reno is, hire a designer. Also, make sure the designer you hire actually knows how to use a kitchen. Not all do and that might cause you heartache when the job is done.

The kitchen is the heart of my home. It’s where I spend time with my family daily, it’s where I entertain and laugh with friends, it’s where I find my zen baking and cooking. So this is a big deal for me and I want to share what I’ve learned with you. Hoping you’ll find information, inspiration and ideas here.

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About Candace Sampson

Candace Sampson is the founder of Life in Pleasantville and the host of What She Said, Canada’s longest-running women’s talk show turned podcast. A trusted voice in Canadian lifestyle and travel media for over a decade, Candace blends storytelling with sharp insight to connect with women on everything from solo travel to social issues. She’s also the creator of Girl Trips, a women-focused retreat and travel brand. Find her on Instagram @candace_said @whatshesaidtalk and @girltrips.ca

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Comments

  1. Kat

    We’re planning a partial remodel. The layout in our kitchen works, but the solid cherry cabinets don’t so we’re going to paint them, change the counters and sink, and add a backsplash. So far our plan has passed the one year mark.

  2. Lisa

    We are about a week away from the completion of our kitchen renovation. Demo took place June 28th. It was a very long and difficult journey, but now that we’re coming out on the other end of it, have to say that it was worthwhile. Such a huge change and a kitchen I can “live in.” Will tweet before and after pics when we are done.

  4. Candace

    Thank you! It’s so big and that was part of the problem, was determining what to do with all that space.

  5. Candace

    I can’t wait to see pics!

  6. Candace

    It’s the expense I think that makes everyone balk a little. We’ve told the kids they may not go to university 😉