Kitchen Renovation: Tiling Our Life Away

Posted by Paula in Kitchen Sink | 23 comments

I’m actually starting to think we might finish this thing…before the end of the year. Or at least that’s the plan. Since our LAST UPDATE we’ve had major changes. We’ve had the granite counter tops installed. Once those were set we installed a white subway ceramic tile backsplash (after a little You Tube Video Class. P.S. they make it look easier than it is) Then we called up our plumber back in and had him install our Moen plumbing fixtures: Pot Filler (pinch me still) and sink faucet. Whew I’m tired just writing that.

After traipsing around Raleigh looking for the best deal we decided to go with NC CUSTOM MARBLE AND GRANITE (if you’re in Raleigh I highly recommend them. They are a family owned company and were just fantastic to work with). We chose Delicatus White granite from Brazil. 73 square feet of that gorgeous rock to be precise. 2 weeks after stepping foot in their showroom our counter tops were being installed. How’s that for speedy service. I was amazed that they one placed ONE seam in the entire kitchen. ONE and you can’t even tell where it is. I could not be any happier. They were worth every single penny.

Now that the counter tops were in we could tile the back splash. We dedicated to tackle this ourselves after watching a few You Tube tutorials. Isn’t that how everyone does it? After a few trips to LOWES (where I feel like I’m spending most of my money these days) for supplies we got started, it was just like icing a cake but not as tasty. And just like making a cake, it was messy. Very VERY messy. Did I mention messy? We still have to finish the trim on the back splash. Hopefully soon. Tapping fingers.

Moen Classic Brushed Stainless Steel Pot Filler

When we decided to renovate our kitchen I put together a long list of dream features. One of those features was as a pot filler. I can hardly believe I actually have one. I know it’s completely luxurious and I feel very spoiled by it. It has a swing hinge and reaches to every SINGLE burner on the stove. I use it more than I would have ever imagined.  Since we had to add additional plumbing behind the stove for the steam technology it was an easy decision to go ahead and add plumbing for the pot filler. We had a Moen faucet that we purchased ourselves in our kitchen prior to the renovation that we loved and knew Moen’s quality was excellent.

Moen Spot Resistant Stainless One Handle High Arc Pull Down Kitchen Faucet

REFLEX FAUCETS:
Only Moen pullout and pull down faucets feature Reflex™ – a comprehensive system of features and design enhancements that improve the way your faucet functions. Engineered specifically for pullout and pull down, these improvements work in concert with each other to enhance overall functionality and usability. Because Reflex was created based on input from actual users, faucets with Reflex naturally respond to the way you work, and the way you want your faucet to work.

REFLEX PULL DOWN FEATURES & BENEFITS:

• Easiest to Release: Compared to any other pull down design, Reflex makes Moen pull down faucets at least 40% easier to unlatch and extend*. (*Test measured lbs. of force required for straight extraction of sprayer from spout.)
• Exceptional Range of Motion: Combined with an ultra-flexible hose, the spray wand swivels to offer a wide range of motion and effortless, natural response.
• Self Retracting Action: Only pull down faucets with the Reflex System will retract to the docked position from any distance without additional assistance.
• Generous Reach: Ample hose length extends the convenience so you can accomplish more tasks in and around the sink.
• Smooth & Secure Retraction: The Reflex System ensures the pullout sprayer travels easily in and out of the faucet but holds firmly in place when not in use.

I have to admit I am REALLY happy with the way our new addition turned out. It was totally worth ripping out the pantry and desk to make all of this additional space. Our new KitchenAid Built In Microwave/Convection Oven is such a dream. I love having a second oven. Although I do have to admit the first time I put a metal pan in there I was kind of nervous. It’s amazing how it can switch back and forth from an oven to a microwave. Magic I tell you.

What’s next? We need to repair the crown molding, patch the sheet rock hole in the laundry room from the pot filler installation, install can lighting where we removed the pendant lighting over the breakfast bar and THEN we are going to tackle removing the sink in the laundry room (off the kitchen) to install a floor to ceiling pantry so I can get it out of my dining room where it’s making me crazy. We’ll also be pulling up the ridiculously ugly white laminate floor to replace it with tbd. So much to do, so little time.

Oh and bar stools, we need bar stools. Got any ideas? Come on over for coffee and let’s chat about it? P.S. my kitchen isn’t always this clean and I might be in my pajamas.

Previous renovation posts:

• Kitchen Renovation: Counter Tops are Coming
• Kitchen Renovation: Installation Day
• Kitchen Renovation: Demo Days
• Kitchen Renovation Starts in 3-2-1

Baci!

Disclaimer: I was supplied these Moen faucets for review. KitchenAid provided me with the appliances for my kitchen renovation. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own. Always have been. Always will be.