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My Kitchen Update!

Oct 05, 2015

It all started during my renovation when my 20 something daughter said “Mom you are redoing the kitchen too!, Its so 2000!”  My first reactions was 2000, that’s yesterday, then I thought to myself 2000 was 15 years ago.

My Kitchen Update!-Segreto Secrets Blog

Having to piece meal most of my renovations, the last one in the kitchen 13 years ago was no different.  The granite was 20 years old and so was the base cabinetry-they remained.   The uppers were rebuilt since we were covering up windows which were previously there.

My Kitchen Update! Segreto Secrets Blog!

As you can see the styles of the cabinets above and below even differ-inset vs overlay!  It worked, because I changed the finishes on each, which masked the fact the door styles were different! Tip–the window was an original aluminum one, circa 1968, which I painted to look like a steel casement.  By painting these windows with a finish or just your trim color, their outdated appeal is really masked!

My Kitchen Update!- Segreto Secrets Blog

But where to start! I love the lighter colors of marble but really wanted a maintenance free surface so quartzite was my first pic!  After scouring all the slab yards I settled on the first one I saw at Walker Zanger-Perla Vella.  It is similar to Taj Mahal but has a bit more gray in it! I loved the subtle veining!

My Kitchen Update!- Segreto Secrets Blog

Seeing the difference that amazing hardware does in a space during my master bath renovation, I went to Acera Bella for help!  I like them because they are a small boutique, very knowledgeable and so patient and helpful!  It was so hard to decide weather to go with brass or polished nickle.  Because it went all gold in my master bath, I decided to switch it up and be all about silver in the kitchen! Above it the faucet I chose! Now for the sink!

My Kitchen Update! Segreto Secrets Blog

Previously, I had two sinks separated by granite which made it hard to stack things and wash big pots and pans.  I saw this over sized farm sink in their showroom which was the best of both worlds.  Unfortunately my space was too small so I went with the one sink version of this.

My Kitchen Update! Segreto Secrets Blog

You can see the new sink all protected and the bottom cabinets being rebuilt to match the uppers! I have a galley style kitchen with no room for an island.  Wanting it too feel more open I felt the original window needed to be replaced and go up to the ceiling,  removing the cabinets above.  In addition, changing the design of the range hood so it wouldn’t come  out into the room should make the room feel wider!!!

Silver Kitchen Hood Segreto Secrets Blog

I have so many great inspirations photos on my Kitchen Pinterest which really helped. I love the metal range hoods, but their cost wasn’t in my budget, so……….

Kitchen Hood Segreto Secrets Blog WM

……..I pulled out Segreto Style to a  home where we finished a wood hood to read like metal and it dawned on me that I could paint it!! Duh!!!!!

Kitchen Hood Segreto Secrets Blog

The enamel and metal combination on this hood spoke to me but mine had to touch the cabinets on both sides.

Metal Kitchen hood Segreto Secrets Blog

Like this one where it slopes up into the crown!

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So begins the construction of mine!! Henry with Goodchild Builders was so patient with me. see the door and drawer fronts are already done but wanted to share all the organization ideas that I incorporated into the space.Segreto Secrets Blog-My kitchen update!

I loved this idea that I borrowed from a kitchen we finished where there was a chopping block with a hole in it that opened over the trash can!  Brilliant!!!

My Kitchen Update! Segreto Secrets Blog

Two hidden trash cans instead of one!  Love the extra storage for the bags!

My Kitchen Update! Segreto Secrets Blog

A bit pull out drawer under the stove with two pull out, one for pans and the other for lids.

My Kitchen Update! Segreto Secrets Blog

A spice drawer.  I used to have the pull outs on either side of the stove. I really disliked these, because you had to bend over each time and the labels were hard to see.

My Kitchen Update! Segreto Secrets Blog

I really liked doors to make sizes standard but when open, drawers are specifically sized to hold specific items.

My Kitchen Uppdate!-Segreto Secrets Blog!

The colors were easy!  The quartzite I picked went so well with one of my favorite tones-SW Collanade Gray.  I had used it in my offices and have never tired of it!!

I can’t wait to show you the finished project next week and the professional photos I took!! Hope everyone has a great week!  Mark your calender’s for the Houston Launch of my new fabric line!! The full story is in last weeks blog!

 

 

 



16 Comments
  • Taylor Greenwalt
    Posted at 08:33h, 05 October Reply

    Leslie, I love all of your ideas…cant wait to see the transformation.

    • Leslie
      Posted at 13:32h, 05 October Reply

      Hope you have a wonderful week! the weather is getting so nice here. More like your neck of the woods!!!

  • Karena
    Posted at 08:56h, 05 October Reply

    Leslie, you are keeping us hanging!
    I know it is gorgeous with all of the ideas you incorporated! So excited to see the finish!!
    Hope all is well with you, have a great week!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena
    Parish-Hadley Tree of Life

    • Leslie
      Posted at 13:31h, 05 October Reply

      Your so funny! I just thought it was getting so long! Have a great week!

  • Design Chic
    Posted at 09:15h, 05 October Reply

    Your kitchen is going to be amazing…love the countertops and the faucet, and I just know the hood is going to be my favorite part!! So wish we could be in Houston for your signing and seeing your fabric line…hoping soon!!!

    • Leslie
      Posted at 13:31h, 05 October Reply

      Wish you were going to be here as well! It should be fun! Have a great week my famous author friend!!

  • teresa
    Posted at 10:00h, 05 October Reply

    Can’t wait to see how it turned out…I bet it is divine!
    We are building right now…so I’m always on the hunt for inspiration.
    Happy Day

    • Leslie
      Posted at 13:30h, 05 October Reply

      HI Teresa!! So fun to build but so many decisions to make!! I think next week will give you some good tips for saving space! Have a wonderful week!

  • Cathy Zimmermann
    Posted at 10:13h, 05 October Reply

    Your kitchen will be beautiful. I love the fact that you picked Quartz counter tops. Beautiful yet practical!

    • Leslie
      Posted at 13:29h, 05 October Reply

      HI Cathy! I do love the counters!! So far they are wearing well! To your dining room!!

  • Joanne
    Posted at 11:32h, 05 October Reply

    Your new kitchen is going to “wow!”. I renovated my kitchen five years ago. I wanted it to be timeless and I still say ” I love my kitchen”. Lol I put in all drawers but some look like cupboards. It makes it much easier to see and retrieve items when you pull out a drawer. Not one bit of space was wasted. Making your window bigger, even if you lose a cupboard, will make your galley kitchen that much brighter. I’m surrounded by windows in mine and I love the natural light and views to the garden. Looking forward to your reveal.

    • Leslie
      Posted at 13:28h, 05 October Reply

      Hi Joanne!! I want to see your now!! Send me pics!! I hope you like the reveal next week!! Have a great day and thanks for following!!!

  • Shirley@Housepitality Designs1
    Posted at 19:08h, 05 October Reply

    You are so very talented and coupled with the amazing ideas that you have, I am sure your kitchen will be a showstopper!…Love all of your ideas and inspiration.

    • Leslie
      Posted at 06:52h, 06 October Reply

      Hi Miss Shirley! I am so glad they might have inspired!!! Can’t wait for you to see the outcome!! Have a great week–weather is finally getting cooler here!! Hip Hip Hurray!!!

  • Janie
    Posted at 22:36h, 05 October Reply

    Cannot wait to see your next post of the completed space. I love a beautiful, yet functional kitchen. We are almost ready to break ground on a new home in South Carolina. I must have that kitchen faucet and the countertops. Would you mind sharing the brand for the faucet. I visit my son in Houston often and can pick it up from Acero Bella with the right information. Couldn’t find Perla Vella quartzite when I did a search. Any suggestions? Your work is absolutely fabulous!

    • Leslie
      Posted at 06:50h, 06 October Reply

      Hi Janie! How exciting!! You live in such a beautiful part of the USA!! Contact Bryan Maley and she can give you the information and probably just ship it too you! I love all of their hardware there though so a visit might be fun! You are right about the slab so sorry!! I should never go on memory!!! Its Perla Venata! Hope this helps and thanks so much for following!!!

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