Kitchen Remodel

I moved into my grandfather's house in November, 1989. The kitchen was one of the first major remodelings I did. Since I replaced everything, including the windows, ceiling and floor, it took me almost two years. I did the entire project myself including making the kitchen cabinets in my new woodworking shop. I made the cabinets using my version of the European (frameless) style, with oak plywood for the cabinets and solid oak for the doors and drawer fronts. I used walnut knobs for the cabinets and carved walnut pulls for the drawers.

photo of before sink area photo of after sink area
Above is what the sink area looked like when I moved in (left) and after the remodel (right). The light fixture was original to the house (after electricity was added in the '30's and the mirror in the right picture was one my grandmother had hanging there all of my life. I found it in the attic and rehung it.
photo of before chimney area photo of after chimney area
The above pictures show the chimney corner before (left) and after (right). The "spice rack" hanging on the chimney is another find from the attic. My father believes he remembers it from my great-grandparent's house, but doesn't remember what they used it for. I added shelves and purchased spice bottles and it is perfect as a spice rack.
This is the view just to the left of the above after photo. It was amazing how much bigger the room got after moving the refrigerator from beside the stove!
 photo of after stove area
photo of before west wall photo of after west wall
The above views show the same area before (left) and after (right). It is hard to see in the before picture, but the dark area in the corner was a corner cabinet that was built into place by my great-great uncle. I didn't want to lose it, so moved it around the doorway into the living room corner. I put in a shorter window and then cabinets to the left and right of the floor register, leaving a perfect space for a high chair.
photo of tv corner This photo is just to the left of the above after picture. The tv shelf in the corner is made out of antique oak table leaves I found in the attic.
One of my favorite additions is the "ironing board in a drawer". I don't do much ironing but this is so convenient! I also made all of the cabinets with pull-out shelves, top and bottom. photo of ironing board in a drawer
photo of new ceiling In keeping with some ceilings in other areas of the house, I put in a beadboard ceiling. The ceiling fan/light replaced to old ceiling fixture and I added 8 recessed lights as well. I love my new kitchen!