In fact I would label myself as the kitchen photo guru.
I am expert at finding a photo for someone to visualize.
I consider myself helpful.
I by no means can help with specifics on kitchen design.
There are others on this site with powerful knowledge that
can blow most KDs away. But if someone needs a photo of a
counter seam, crown molding, kick plates, a certain
color, appliance, window, hood.... you name it, ask, and I
try very hard to help find it for you.

But now I have turned into a total moron. I need help.
Not on kitchen specific stuff but on posting clippings.

How do I add to my clippings?
I know, I know after being here a year I still do not know
how. I have honestly been trying to teach myself and
learn by looking at others. I have even contacted GW
but they think I mean posting a photo to a message.

I want to create a journal. But How? I feel like a
total loser, moron, fool, igit, brainless putz, pathetic
half wit who does not know her _______ from her elbow.

Please help.

Because you see.
I am exactly the person my dogs would never think I am.
My dogs see me as a Goddess. The lady who can open the
cabinet to magically produce dog treats. My dogs see
me as brilliant. The lady who can unlock the door to
let them out, drive the car, open a can of food, and
yes, leash them for a good run.

Please help me. And I apologize if this is not a kitchen
topic. I tried to contact GW but they are more confused.
Thanks to all in advance. And if ever you need a picture
just ask and I will find it for you. : )

boxerpups

Details:

Cabinets Medallion Santa Cruz inset with Divinity finish
Countertop Green Mountain Original P.A. Soapstone
Butcherblock Custome made Endgrain in cherry with walnut trim
Backsplash Subway Ceramics subway tile in glossy white. Outlet covers came from them as well.
Hardware Oil Rub Bronze
Latches-Rejuvination.com
Cup pulls- Deltana Elongated Cup Pulls from www.cabinetpull.com
Knobs Restoration Hardware
Range Wolf 30" Duel Fuel
Refrigerator Liebherr 30" counter depth
Microwave Sharp 24" Drawer Microwave
Dishwasher Miele Optima
Disposal Insinkerator Evolutoin Compact
Vent Sirius 30in
Sink 30" Rohl Shaws Farm Sink
Prep sink Rohl Allia prep sink
Faucets Perrin and Rowe
Under Cabinet Lighting Kichler Xenon
Pendants Don't know! Came with house. Similar pendants at www.rejuvination.com
Paint Walls- Sherwin Williams Rice Grain in eggshell, Trim- Sherwin Williams Alabaster in gloss
Ceiling Height 9 feet
Space Roughly 11 x 15

Here is a link that might be useful: Creamy White and Soapstone Kitchen

Here a few more pictures with more of the decorating done-

Here is a link that might be useful: Original post

There are two versions of this unit- one is automatic, which we got, and one is manual. The cost difference is quite a lot between the two and it is so easy to lift that if I had to do it again I think I would save the money and just lift the frame myself. The company I bought from was TV coverups, tvcoverups.com. They were very patient with me and really help me to set up the system. The cost depends on the size of the box and of course your painting and framing costs. You can buy a painting and frame from them, but I purchased my own art and sent it to them and they framed it for me. Hope that helps!

I've done some research and found out that the soapstone would be about DOUBLE what I got quoted for my granite. Sadly, that just won't fit in the budget, especially after my splurge farmhouse sink! But, I'm starting to think such a creamy neutral granite as a perimeter backdrop will definately be downplayed by the red island and dark wood countertop on the island. So, compromise I must!

Here's my latest inspiration picture! LOVE the red island look!

- Re-install dishwasher (waiting on a replacement part)
- Find and install lights (above sink and open counter area in the kitchen proper)
- Add the "pretty" stuff (window treatments, accessories, blah, blah, blah)

It'll happen when it happens. I'm not going to rush it and end up with things I don't like. Besides, I have a lot of other things to do and don't want to wait on more kitchen indecision!

My kitchen, like everything, was mostly DIY. Things I DIDN'T do myself:
- Drywall (because I believe you should always hire out drywall)
- Cabinet install (included with the build)
- Countertop
- I did most of the plumbing, but in order to enlarge the opening to the DR all pipes to the upstairs bath had to be moved. I hired that one out because I didn't want to mess with it and I'm glad I did! It took two plumbers a full 9-hour day.
- My HVAC guys custom fabricated the exhaust vent to maneuver around pipes in the ceiling. While they were here for that, I had them re-locate the HVAC vents to the kitchen and DR
- My boyfriend helped me remove the load-bearing wall between the DR and nature room beyond. Technically not part of the kitchen, but it allowed me eliminate a door and extend the cabinet run.

Sounds like I didn't do much! But as you all know, there are a LOT of other things involved in a gut remodel. I need to show the befores for anyone to appreciate the result, so here goes. I had started packing up (and in some cases tearing into walls) before I remembered to take pics. It was even messier than usual.

Used to lead to the basement; the original kitchen had FOUR doorways

Fridge used to be where the hole is

Filthy stove and stolen corner (yes, i cooked with the help of a shop light)

More filthy stove. Admittedly, it could have looked better, but I did not want to expend the time or effort to clean this pit. The worst part was the cabinets with too short shelves that were NOT adjustable.

I HATED this window. The divider was right in my line of sight. Note the neon-yellow mini-blind to match the countertop.

Other side of the pipes is the dining room; room to the left is the "nature room". Note the upper cabinet that would not close because it was too full!

What happens when you put carpet in a kitchen. DON'T DO IT!

And now for the mostly-after (click to embiggen)

aaahhhhhhhhhh

(Do I have to take the 'Made in Italy' sticker off the range now? LOL)

I realized later that herringbone pattern is typically horizontal. Oops. I totally meant to do it this way. It's like flames coming off the stove. :)

cat door to the basement

window "sill" made by my countertop fabricator

Floor - Cork glue-down tiles from Duro-Design; pattern - Edipo; color - Cointreau
Cabinets - local custom shop; painted SW Snowbound SemiGloss. It's a crisp white with a tiny bit of warmth.
Countertop - Richlite in Chocolate Glacier
Backsplash - Landsdale Carrara from the Tile Shop
Vent Liner - Prestige
Range - Fratelli Onofri Double Evolution
Faucet - Moen Level
Dishwasher - Fisher Paykel dishdrawers
Sink - Kohler SmartDivide IronTones
Fridge - JennAir CD FD Floating Glass
Hardware - Asbury series from Restoration Hardware
Undercab Lights - Kichler 1" line-voltage xenon
Kept the old microwave and toaster oven. Ugly as they are, they're staying until they croak.

One minor lesson learned that I want to share because it bugs me.... I insisted on finding undercab lights that were not fluorescent because I wanted to be able to dim them. Well, you know what? If they're on, they're on high. I NEVER dim them. I wish I would've saved some $$ (now and in the future) and gone with fluorescent.

I still check in on the forum every once in a while, but not nearly as obsessive as I was during the thick of the work. You guys are like no other online community I've found. Thanks to everyone here for your inspirational remodels and helpful, patient advice.

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages contain helpful information about how to navigate this site as well as the world of kitchen renovations.

The Kitchen Forum Acronyms will help you understand some of the acronyms used frequently in posts.

The Finished Kitchens Blog has pictures and information about many GW members' finished kitchens. Not only can you see them alphabetically, but there is also a category list if you're looking for specific things like a kitchen w/a Beverage Center or a kitchen w/a mix of dark and light cabinets.

The Appliances Forum is very useful when you have questions specific to appliances.

To start off the process...take the Sweeby Test. Then, move on to Beginning a Kitchen Plan.

Other topics such as planning for storage can be found by doing a search on the forum.

Tips:

• Before posting a question, search the forum. There's a very good chance someone has already asked the question.
  
• When using the "search" function, be sure to use the search box on the bottom of the page, not the top!
  
• In the Subject, the site changes the inches indicator (") to a foot indicator ('). We don't know why. To compensate, use two single qoutes and it will appear as a double quote in the Subject. Luckily, the double quote works in the message box.
  
• When composing a new thread, you have a couple of options:
  
  • Have replies emailed to you: check the box offerring this option. However, you must have "Allow other users to send you email via forms at our site." box checked in your profile for this to work (see the "Your Profile" link at the very top of the page)
    
  • Insert a link: When you "preview" your message, you will be provided with two boxes for a link...one is for the link itself and the second is for the name or description of the link.
  
  
• When using the "Clip this post" option (far upper right corner of each post, small print), remember that only the current post is clipped, not the entire thread. Also, you are allowed a maximum of 50 clippings. Once you reach this max, you will no longer be able to clip or email posts.

How are the home page and the Forum organized? (from the FAQs)

The Kitchens Forum home page lists 30 thread titles, starting with those that don't yet have a response. Then threads are listed in order of most recent response. That first page displays the last 2 hours or so of activity. (If there is no response to a thread in an hour or two, an unanswered thread starts to drop down.)

Below that are page numbers 1-67 for the total 67 pages of threads available -- capturing maybe 2 months or so of threads, less when the Forum is busy.

Below that (and at the top of the thread list) is a space for you to switch to the Conversations or Gallery "sides" - these are set up similarly but not nearly as active. Conversations and Gallery.

Next down is a Search button -- very important!

Next is a place for you to start a new thread. And finally are some instructions and links at the bottom.

Kitchen Forum "Sides"

Discussions: This is the "side" you are on. It's for on-topic discussions concerning kitchens...renovations, use of, etc.
Conversations: This is the "side" where you can post off topic threads such as regional get-togthers and non-kitchen subjects.
Gallery: This is the "side" where members often post pictures...especially if you're posting a lot or a finished kitchen.

Posting a link

There are two ways to post a link:

Using the provided boxes below the "Message" box:

1. Insert the link in the Optional Link URL box
   
2. Type in the description or name of the item being linked int the Name of the Link box
   
3. If this is a new Post, then you won't see these two boxes until you "preview" your message.

To insert a link inside the "Message" box,

1. Copy the following into the "Message" box where you want it:
   <a href= http://www.XXX/>Description</a>

2. Next, replace the http://www.XXX/ with your link
   
3. Now, replace the Description with the description (words) you want displayed with your link.

With either method, you will see your link when you "preview" your message

Posting a picture from your photo hosting account (e.g., PhotoBucket)

FAQ: Adding Pictures and Links [Note: If using PhotoBucket, copy the code from the line/box labeled "HTML Code"]

Posting a picture from somewhere other than your Photo hosting account

1. Copy the following into the "Message" box where you want the picture to be:
   <img src="http://www.XXX/image.jpg">

2. Next, replace the http://www.XXX/image.jpg with the address of the image.
   
3. When you "preview" the message, you should see the picture

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Layout Help

We often get requests to help with layouts. Many of us enjoy doing this but it would help if you can post a copy of your layout, preferably to-scale.

• The best place to start is to draw up your kitchen (to scale, if possible) either without cabinets & appliances if you don't know where to start or w/your proposed new layout if you have something to start with. Regardless, measure and label everything...walls, ceiling height, widths of doors & windows, distances between windows, walls, doorways, etc.

• If you cannot move plumbing or gas, mark them on your drawing as well.

• Mark all doorways & windows (w/dimensions) and label them as to where they lead. If they're actual doors, mark how they swing.

• It also would be helpful to see the connecting rooms, even layouts so you see how they interact with the kitchen and/or extend the kitchen feel and flow.

• Make note of traffic flows in and out of the kitchen

Make a list of things like:

• What are your goals? E.g., more counter space, more storage, seating in the kitchen (island? peninsula? table?), etc.

• Do you plan to merge two rooms/areas (e.g., Nook and Kitchen into a Kitchen only)

• Where are you flexible?
  • Can windows or doorways change size?
  • Can they be moved?
  • Can windows be raised/lowered?
  • Can any walls come down?
  • Does the sink have to be centered under a window?
  • Does it have to be under a window at all?

• Do you bake? Do you want a coffee/tea/beverage center?

• What appliances do you plan on having (helps to figure out work flow, work zones, and types of cabinets...upper/lower vs full height, etc.)
  • Range or Cooktop?
  • Single or Double or no Wall Oven?
  • Warming Drawer?
  • MW? (Advantium, drawer, OTR, countertop, built-in, shelf?)
  • DW? Standard or drawers? If drawers, 1 or 2?
  • Refrigerator CD or standard depth?
  • Vent Hood?
  • Other?
  Sizes of desired appliances (e.g., 30" or 36" or 48" cooktop; 36" or 42" or 48" wide or other Refrigerator? Counter depth or standard depth refrigerator, etc.)

• Pantry: Walk-in or cabinets?

***** Very Important *****

Is there anything you:

• Can't live without?
• Definitely don't want?
• Would like if you can find a way?

This information will be valuable to not only you, but also any Kitchen Designers you may hire or talk to. Additionally, if you've been haunting the site, you'll notice that we also help with almost all aspects of the remodel, including layout help.

If you do ask for help, then all of the above information will help us help you. Sometimes we stray from what you think you want to give you some ideas that you might not have thought of, but it's your kitchen and you can veto anything...we may argue for something (we're good at that!), but in the end it's what you want. And remember, we are just giving you ideas and possible layouts, in the end when you finalize your design it's whatever you want and decide on! After all, this is your kitchen! [Keep this in mind if/when you use a Kitchen Designer--it's your kitchen, not his or hers...don't let them talk you into anything unless you're sure it's what you want!]

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When your kitchen is complete, please submit it to the Finished Kitchens Blog! This way your kitchen will join others in inspiring and helping newcomers!

Add your kitchen to the FKB!

Again, welcome and good luck! The journey is wild, sometimes bumpy, but fun!

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Links from above:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): http://kitchenforumfaq.com/
Kitchen Forum Acronyms: http://starpoohonline.com/wordpress/forum-acronyms/
Finished Kitchens Blog: http://finishedkitchens.blogspot.com/

Sweeby Test: http://starpoohonline.com/wordpress/2007/07/31/the-sweeby-test/#more-6
Beginning a Kitchen Plan: http://starpoohonline.com/wordpress/2007/08/03/beginning-a-kitchen-plan/#more-34/

Appliances Forum: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/appl/

FAQ: Adding Pictures and Links: http://starpoohonline.com/wordpress/how-to-use-the-kitchen-forum/adding-pictures-and-links/

Add your kitchen to the FKB!: http://finishedkitchens.blogspot.com/2005/10/faq.html#Adding

Here's what we have in the plans so far:
* wide plank oak flooring
* reclaimed post and beams from a dismantled barn
* Cream cabinets in the background
* A white apron sink
* Giallo Ornamental granite on the cream cabinets

Then, there's the island:
* A furniture-like island with legs on all four corners and seating
* A solid wood countertop
* Colonial red base cabinets

Here's what I'm questioning:
1) Does the granite make it feel TOO modern? Should we try to go with something more earthy? Maybe honed granite in a more neutral color?

2) Does the red island flow with the rest of the colors? Will it be too bold of a statement?

What do you think? Opinions?
Anyone have any pictures that might help convince me?
TIA!!!

Our combinations so far:

A few inspiration photos:

I spontaneously decided to just post the near-finished photos tonight. I'll post finished/finished-finished/no-really-finished photos on my website once all of the above happens, so feel free to visit it again in a couple of weeks. But for now, enjoy!

This forum has some of the most generous and spirited people I have ever encountered. I loved and still love coming to a place where people are as enamoured with design and details as much as I am, and dedicate so much time into making their house into a home. I love reading your stories and helping out whenever I can. I wanted to celebrate the success of our kitchen with all of you, and thank you as deeply as one can in the online world, because I can honestly say that our kitchen would never have turned out this way if I didn't "find" all of you on GW. So, thank you.

Click on the link to my website below for more photos and all the details.

Redroze's White and Espresso Kitchen

I personally don't like "feet" under kitchen cabinetry though I know it is a popular look. I always think about the dust bunnies and crumbs going under there, and it creeps me out.

For everyone's convenience, I am providing the direct link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to OP's Kitchen Inspiration Photos