TaDa!

After stripping, staining and protecting the cabinets over one weekend, I ordered new hinges to re-install the fronts. I also took out the overhead nasty old light, filled in the holes, texturized and painted the the "box" where the light had been. Then, in my first lighting experience, I installed track lighting and LOVE the result. I also went on to install dimmers throughout the house, one of which is on the track lights and allows for the perfect amount of light in the kitchen!


In addition, I went shopping for a slab of granite and at Stephen's recommendation, decided to go with granite tile, whih is half the cost and looks nearly identical, if properly installed. The results are amazing!

I also found a a great new cast iron kitchen sink that has a smaller sink on the left and a nice big and deep sink on the right. This allows me to choose which one will work better for various jobs. When Designer Tile installed the granite, I also had the sink installed as an undermount and am so pleased with how "clean" the lines look.

What I am perhaps most excited about are the switch plates. I didn't want to break up the look of the tile with blaring outlets. I went out and found paintable switch plates and with the help of about four different paints and a sea sponge, I was able to copy the granite look and create a contiguous look along the backsplash. In the last picture, you can see one such switch plate if you look very carefully. I ended up creating four for the room and they look amazing - I can say that because I am not naturally artistic when it comes to paints! I have included the before and after for all of you to see!