{ taking on } the kitchen

I haven't been feeling my sewing groove lately.

As it so happens in the winter, when the children are bouncing off the furniture like pinballs and I haven't left my house in 4 days for the snow and ice and cold, my obsession turns to projects. Big projects. Like Let's Redo the Kitchen.

I am bound to be a terrible general contractor. The thing is, I really do see the good in people. I want to like people. The painter guy who came by today, for instance, was really very nice. Polite. A family guy.  Wife is a photographer and stay at home mom to two toddlers. He liked my sketches and we chatted for a while. I was impressed by his attention to detail -- even on his quote. If it were just up to me and money were no object, I would say this is a done deal.  (Actually, if money were no object, I'd be ripping out these cabinets for sure.)

Of course, I have to be realistic. Tomorrow means another round of calls and appointments. Let's be honest though. I'm pulling for this guy.

The funny thing is, once I have the contractors lined up for the kitchen, I am totally taking on the upstairs bathroom. It needs a makeover too. But that is one I can handle on my own. The contractors shouldn't have all the fun.

So this is your fair warning, I suppose. Prepare yourself for lots of home improvement posts. Or just check back in May if you're not into that sort of thing. We should surely be done by then. :)

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ps: Yes, that is a heather smith jones original sun print + watercolor hanging on the left. I have had it for a couple years now in my kitchen and it makes me smile. If you haven't picked up her new book yet and are the kind who gets inspired to try new things, I highly recommend doing so. It's beautiful and  instructive and truly does make you want to run to the art store for brand new supplies.  heather, I haven't done your book justice here, but I love it. I really really do.  I'm so proud to know you.  xo

Comments

[sarah]

i'm sure your ideas are awesome! i think women make fine contractors. we were doing our bathroom this winter. big time travel for the youngest means it's on hold. what's another few years! arggg!
good luck with your work.

[amy h]

The fact that this man even showed up to give you an estimate gives him major bonus points in my book. We've had a lot of work done on our house this year, and I'd say I get stood up at least 50% of the time.

I want to do our master bath, too. I'm scared to tile though. Are you going to tile? I have a tiny West Elm vanity all picked out. Need to save the pennies.

[chris carleton]

Really, Amy?! Is that what I have to look forward to? Yikes. Youd
think people would want the work!

We remodeled our master bath a couple years ago, but I never really
posted the official after photos here. We added tile and had the
shower redone, replaced all of the faucets and repainted the
cabinetry. It made a huge difference for less money than a a total
gut job.

I have my eyes set on the girls bathroom upstairs. It needs tile and
a new paint job. And maybe a new piece of furniture. Its strange room
and it definitely needs a facelift.

[erin]

i'm pulling for that guy, too. or any guy really. ;)