In last week’s Vlog, you saw how we came to pretty much take over our friends’ kitchen renovation. But the short version is after we withdrew from the flip house, it felt like another disappointment. Another roadblock and we were feeling pretty down–even though it was the right choice.

Our friends, the Fullmers were already in the process of starting a kitchen remodel at their home when we asked if we could hijack it. A few years ago, they bought his (Caleb’s) childhood home and have been fixing it up over time. They did a mini remodel by painting their cabinets a couple years ago (maybe you remember when we broke into their house and swapped out all the hardware last year?) but now they are ready for a big one. They are due with their 4th baby in May and have been saving for a renovation and although they asked for a few opinions during the planning process, they were planning on hiring the project completely out with a strict by-May deadline–and after we stepped away from the flip, we were like, “Wait! No! We can do all of that!”

Here’s how their kitchen looks now:

The other thing that attracted us to the project, besides knocking down walls and extending cabinetry–it’s going to be so good–they were already planning on using the Cove cabinetry (a beautiful light wood) from our Semihandmade line for their island and pantry wall! You see, the finished kitchen at our cabin, with the Dusk doors from our line, was supposed to be in every magazine and plastered over the press to really push and celebrate our cabinet line.

Obviously, we never got finished or take any official after photos. So we’re treating this as that kitchen. A celebration of our cabinet line. A redemption story. A way to help our friends before their 4th child arrives. A way to get our creative juices flowing again and to get our DIY hands dirty. A rescue effort for a childhood home and for us, too.

The other day, Jordan said, “Jules, you seem happy lately.” And Chris chimed in with, “I think it’s because she’s designing the kitchen.” And I think he’s right. I feel rejuvenated.

Here’s what we visually have planned:

1. CLJxSemihandmade Cove Cabinetry for Island and Pantry wall

2. Semihandmade supermatte white cabinetry for the rest of the cabinets

3. Bin pulls for drawers and knobs for doors from Rejuvenation

4. Dish towels and wood-topped glass canisters

5. Behind the Range Slab Backsplash

6. Cloe Tile in White from Bedrosians (this is the same tile we were planning on using in the cabin kitchen and it’s too gorgeous not to.

7. Island Chandelier

8. Above the window sconces

9. Counter Stools

10. Kitchen Runner

We start demo this weekend and are still trying to decide on appliances–eeks! And with a hard deadline of May 4th–they are hosting a large family get together that day–we’re excited to share the process as we go. More on the new layout plans next week!