The big day finally arrives.

As you can tell she is long and lean. She’s a true definition of a galley kitchen. Sam and his crew did an amazing job using every ounce of space without making it feel overcrowded or like the upper cabinets were skyscrapers.

Both of the above “before” pictures were taken when we first moved into our home, September ’06.

During our consult, we wanted a few things specifically within the kitchen area: a place for my cookbooks, a magnet board similar to one I saw on another blog for both the kids and our own message area (but framed), and we knew there was just a lot of opportunity for better use of space. He saw our “home command center” took up valuable real estate on the sink-side counter and suggested creating its own space along with shelving on the bathroom wall side (yeah, that door isn’t for the pantry, but for a little powder room – slightly awkward placement but it works). We also explained we were light on light: one little fixture that had bulbs constantly burning out and if you were standing at the counter, you were blocking the light. So, thankfully, Sam fixed that with some incredible ceiling and under-cabinet lighting that I have started referring to as “sassy lights” since everything is on a dimmer or has a high/low setting. Serious kitchen mood lighting here folks.

Thankfully Mr. V completely understands my love of all things related to water. I grew up in the Navy, living in locations like Pearl Harbor on Oahu, and in Monterey, CA – and it’s influenced me greatly in how I decorate; always trying to find a way to incorporate the sea (but with minimal or no kitsch). The glass subway tile has a hint of green, reminding me of the sea, and the knobs look like air bubbles underwater. The white cabinets and glass in them add to the lightness. It’s so refreshing to look at while the counter, Mr. V’s choice, gives it the right amount of weight, preventing everything from floating away.

In terms of budget, we lucked out with year-end/new year sales and realized the savings when we saw them. If you’re planning a remodel of any sort, do the research before you start hitting the pavement so you know what’s a great deal (if you’re internet snooping make sure your savings aren’t gobbled up in shipping costs and tax). Getting the hardware I had my eye on – those pulls I’d admired for years – hoping, dreaming of the day we could use them were a big score for me since they were a great price on sale.

What a journey, but what a great one. Every second was worth it. We found love once again in our kitchen. I love being in there. I cannot wait for Thanksgiving.

{images: all my own}

• Sink: Home Depot
• Faucet: Home Depot
• Counters, Obsidian: Home Depot, installed by Precision Counters
• Cabinets, Katana line with Ventura doors: Canyon Creek
• Cabinet Glass Panels, Cotswold: Hy-Lite Mirror & Glass
• Backsplash Tile, Arctic Ice Subway Tile: Tile for Less
• Pulls, satin nickel finish: Restoration Hardware
• Knobs, mint: Anthropologie
• Rug: Cost Plus World Market
• Pendant Light: West Elm
• Appliances: Sears
• Shelving & Magnet Board: Cherry Design+Build
• Wall Paint: Hopsack, by Ralph Lauren (sadly discontinued; however any paint computer system should be able to find the formula; if you need it, shoot me any email and I’ll send you a picture of the can’s label)

posts from the series: breaking up with our kitchen // finding inspiration // finding our cabinets // countertop lessons // surviving a remodel

Cherry Design+Build is a partner of Sparrow Soirées. All opinions are my own.