I know. I knowwww. We were doing so well in the kitchen at the cabin! Making great strides! And then, well, I’m trying to pinpoint where we got side-tracked. I think it was the delay with the appliances before Christmas (remember how I mentioned the cabin was in a no delivery zone?!). With no appliances coming for awhile and then suddenly an island arriving that wasn’t going to work, but then finding an island that would–also backordered. It felt like the right time to take a step back and breathe and work on other projects. Sometimes that’s all you can do. And sometimes that’s what we just need to do when we can feel ourselves headed in the wrong direction at full speed. Pivot! The good news is the appliances are here and they are amazing. This post isn’t about those (yet!) because we’re still waiting on a handle for the dishwasher and then I’ll show them off.
Another pivot did happen with their arrival though. We realized the hardware on our cabinets were a little too yellow brass in comparison to the brushed bronze hardware on the appliances, so I ordered 13 of the same ledge pulls in black and I’m excited to swap them in. What else? The cabinet on the right of the range is finally in a permanent place (we had to wait for the range to be installed just in case), so we can finally trim that out and give the countertops a good oil to darken them.
And probably what we are most anxious about now is starting the backsplash! It’s almost a running joke now because when we bought this cabin, in November 2017, this same Hardiebacker board was exposed. Unfinished. There were some upper cabinets hanging on it, but the cement board was just bare. You can actually still see the previous owner’s drawings on it! It’s a constant reminder of where we’ve been and we’re not going to pretend to be sentimental about the cement board at all. We can’t WAIT to get tile up.
There are two things holding us back. 1. The tile got here, but the trim for the edge is still en route. No big deal, we just like to have all supplies on hand before we start a project so once we get going, we can finish in the same day (fingers crossed). 2. I still can’t decide what to do for a range hood. I thought I was pretty sure, but every day I’m increasingly less sure. Here are the three options I’ve narrowed it down to:
1. Tile the range hood cover like Veranda Estates Homes below. Build a box. Tile it in the same tile as the walls. This was the original idea and may still be the best idea. We aren’t doing any floating shelves, but there will be sconces on either side. I like this idea because the wall is small and the tile is gorgeous, it might make sense to keep it as seamless as possible. I’m hesitant because…? Our ceiling is not super tall in the kitchen, probably 7.5′ and I don’t want it to look like a statement and it falls flat. But maybe that’s a reason to tile it. Moving on to the other options…
2. Do some sort of smooth white boxy cover with wood trim to match the cabinets like House Seven Design below. I like this idea because the wood trim feels cabin-y and cool. And I’m always about mixed materials. I’m hesitant because we can’t really go much wider than the range without crowding the sconces, so we might have to leave any cascading details off.
3. A coordinating black range hood like the kitchen from Amber Interiors below. This would definitely be the simplest option that just came up on our radar. Cafe (the makers of our appliances) makes a coordinating black range hood that looks very similar to the photo below. I like this option because it would bring some contrast to the white walls and because it’s the same brand, I can be confident the blacks wouldn’t clash. I’m hesitant because it’s the most expensive option (although I found one on eBay for cheaper).
With the three options laid out, which would you choose?
Oh Chris Julia Greta Faye and Polly. Like all your readers, I feel like you are dear friends. My heart aches at the news that your cabin is gone. We will all be here when you feel well enough to come back to this community. So grateful no one was hurt. Sending lots of love your way.
It is a testament to your strong, sweet spirits that so many of us are with you on this journey. Encouraging, blessing, loving and praying. You will rise from the ashes, figuratively and in real life. “All things come to us for our good” may be hard to realize right now but I have every faith that the day will come for you. So happy you are all safe. Take all the time you need and know that your “people” will still be here when it is time. God Bless.
Can’t stop thinking about you guys. This is heartbreaking as a reader, I can’t even imagine how you feel. Sending you love and prayers.
I know you told us to keep calm and respect your mourning – and it is a mourning period. But, since you are reviewing our comments before posting, please help us to know that you are ok.
Give us a new post/picture as a signal that you are ok. I am seeing the same post and I worry – I’m sure we all do… Just give us a heads up that you are ok.
Love what you do and pray that all is well with your family.
I never thought I would worry so much about people I don’t personally know. I’m so unbelievably sorry about the fire. Praying for you guys and hope to hear your doing ok soon.