A New Year, A New Project

Its a common theme around here that we take on a 'bigger' house project in the beginning of the new year. Last year it was a bathroom renovation, the year before was trying to somewhat finish off our basement, etc. So now that 2014 is here we've decided to work on our kitchen, again.

When we first moved into our house our kitchen had very limited counter space and all of the appliances were not full size (ie. I couldn't put a large cookie sheet into our oven, it wouldn't fit). So with some help from Svens dad we put in a new laminate counter top and tile back splash. Putting in a new counter top allowed us to get a full size stove, add an additional bottom cupboard where the old refrigerator was and open the kitchen up to the family room a little more, while creating additional counter space. The upgrade definitely has made a difference over the last four years, but like most projects there were still small details that have yet to be finished off.

One of the those details, which is actually not something small and unnoticeable, was building in the refrigerator. We've been brainstorming how we wanted to finish the area around the refrigerator and have it tie in with the look of the rest of the kitchen. Well, I think it's safe to say we finally have it figured out.

While Sven's parents were here over Christmas he and his dad built open shelving on the left side of the refrigerator and two cupboards above it. It's still not complete as now it's my job to finish it. I'm planning to paint the cupboards and while were at it we're going to give the doors more of an updated look. Here is our inspiration picture...

Oh, and we think we might also redo our back splash and get new counter tops. I'm hoping this project will be painless and somewhat quick, but I'm sure that's completely unrealistic.