The Ikea cabinets and the Semihandmade fronts were installed this past weekend. It would be fair to say that planning/executing this kitchen has aged Josh a few. For someone who likes perfection, he really is a custom cabinet kind of guy but we are working off an Ikea kitchen kind of budget.
Anyway, after many trips to IKEA and a last minute one the night before installation, we had what we needed for the install. We hired the company that IKEA contracts out with to install the kitchen since we are on a tight time schedule. Also, looking back, sure we could have done it, but it would not have been done like these guys. Ernesto was so fast (two days), and so precise. They did great work. They were also for us - after the first day we decided to move the fridge/pantry unit to the right four inches they did it no problem. They used less material than we needed because they new how to cut and handle the filler and the spacing for the appliances was measured dead on. Josh and I have been very happy with these guys and our tile guy.
A lot of agonizing decisions went into this space. Do we extend the hood range to the top of the ceiling? Which wall do I put the open shelving? How much open shelving do I use? How much space goes between the window and the cabinets? How far to the edge do the cabinets go? Island/no island? counter depth fridge? regular fridge? height of cabinets since our ceilings are so high? height of scones? size of range? what to do with the corner upper? on and on..
The range will go below the white hood, the dish washer to the right of the sink, the counter depth fridge in the tall wall unit, and the built in microwave next the fridge (in part of that white space).
The island has been cut for now. We may or may add it later depending on if we need it, want it, can afford it.
We are both happy and relieved with the final product. In the end, the biggest concern was how it felt in the overall space. When we stepped inside, it didn't feel like the kitchen was too big for the room. *sigh of relief
Another thing about IKEA cabinets - they have a lot of different storage options. Like this drawer within a drawer. I'm looking forward to laying my spices flat and not spending 5 minutes looking for one of them in an upper. Geeking out!
They also have a great warranty so if something breaks (which they feel sturdy) we just take it back and get a new one. Presto!
If you read the previous post regarding color, we ended up going with the Sherwin Williams Light French Grey cut at 10% for the bottom cabinets. The uppers will be the same color as the walls, Benjamin Moore Super White. It's risky for me to add color since I'm so pro white so here's hoping I like the end product.
Paint, countertops, backsplash, and appliances coming soon.
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