Unfortunately, the woodwork (cabinets, etc.), which we paid more than $50,000 for (labor only; another $30,000 in materials), is one of the worst things in the house. (The other is the paint job which, though we paid at least the going rate, probably a bit more, is absolutely deplorable. A fifth grader with a paint-by-numbers watercolor kit could have done a better job. To top it off, the painter and/or the trim carpenters vandalized our house and stole from us at the end of the project.) We have un-sanded, inferior wood (cheap pine, plywood as finish material and mahogany balsa); doors that are already warped and/or won’t open and close, drawers that don’t slide, broken hinges, crooked openings, un-level shelves—just a shockingly terrible job all around. And, though I picked my appliances before the foundation was even poured and we had totally custom, site-built cabinets, not a single appliance fits correctly, other than the slide-in range. (Until the drawers and doors went in—the last two months of the project—all these things were not readily apparent.) We’ve had quotes of $30,000-$50,000 to repair the cabinets and another $15,000-$20,000 to repaint. All just to get those things to what they should have been to begin with (we’ve already put more than $100,000 into paint and trim work alone.) Every tradesperson that comes into our home is appalled by what we received for the money we paid.

I’ve been debating for a while about whether to post anything at all, because of all these problems, but finally thought I’d go ahead and do so since I spent so much time on these forums researching and courting advice from others. Plus, the baby fell asleep—shocking surprise—so I actually had almost a half hour free, which is virtually unprecedented in my new role as mommy. Right now, our kitchen looks pretty good on first glance, but when you start to really look closer and use things, you see all the problems, and there are many.

Of course, there are good things too and it’s still a BIG step up from my last kitchen. (My inspiration, as I’ve talked about here at length, was/is the "Something’s Gotta’ Give" kitchen.)

I love, love, LOVE my giant pantry. At 12.4’ x 6.2’, it’s bigger than some rooms, and a true indulgence; roomy enough for dozens of trips to Sam’s Club and appliances too. (I like clear, uncluttered kitchen counters.)

The under-cabinet pot rack, which I had to fight for because no one wants to do anything "different," is working out well and I no longer have dusty pots and pans. (Though, because of its placement, I can’t get to it when the left dishwasher is open.)

I’m different than many here, in that I didn’t do, and didn’t want, a lot of fancy pull-outs, pot drawers, etc. I really don’t mind standard shelves, as bending down and sliding have never seemed terribly troublesome to me, maybe because I’m ultra-neat and organized and keep things in tidy rows with lids on, etc. (I know that’s easier when your cabinets aren’t overstuffed and I’m lucky enough to have a wealth of cabinet space.)

The only really "unique" things I did, besides full extension glides and floor-to-ceiling cabinets, was the under-cab pot rack, an open storage area for my cutting board right above the knife drawer (in-drawer block) and an extra-large, extra-deep drawer to keep all my canisters in, something I also had in my last kitchen. It works out great and keeps the counters clear; I’ve got flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, wheat flour, Splenda, cocoa and more all in one place—I use airtight canning canisters with the attached lid—where it’s easy to access and use, straight from the drawer.

What I wouldn’t do again? I’m not sure how much I’ll actually use the steam oven and I’m glad I didn’t pay full price for it. (I settled for non-matching finish and wrong-way door open, but paid about 70% of list.) The same with the Tap Master. It works, but I’m not totally crazy about it, and I could definitely live without it. The only dud is my Jade fridge—ironically the single most expensive appliance. I purchased from EuroStoves and, despite efforts on their part, it still doesn’t work right (ice maker non-functioning and freezer icing up upon arrival). I really, REALLY wish I’d chose something different and am sick that I paid $6,300 for an appliance that hasn’t worked properly from day one and that EuroStoves/Jade has, so far, refused to replace.

For those that care, here’s what’s in my kitchen (appliance mini-review to follow) …

Flooring: Premium Black 24x24 tile from StoneLocator.com
Countertops: Nordic Black Antique 3 cm granite (3 cm Bianca Romano—sp?—on hutch)
Backsplash: traditional white subway tile with gray grout (Da-Lite)
Cabinets: Shaker-style, inset, flat-panel doors (site-built, custom), painted white
Faucets:
-Pegasus Professional Kitchen Faucet (from Expo Design Center) in brushed nickel on the island and main sink
-Pegasus Old-Fashioned Pull Down in brushed nickel in my butler’s pantry/beverage center.
Soap/Lotion Dispensers: brushed nickel off-brand from Lowes
Sinks: brushed, stainless "D"-shaped undermount by C-Tech-I (all purchased on eBay from seller "euro-sink")
-10-inch deep "Britania" (model LI-200-L) is my main sink
-12-inch deep "Patras" (LI-800) is my island prep sink
-"Betica" (LI-700) in my butler’s pantry/beverage center.
Hardware:
-brushed nickel bin pulls on drawers via eBay (seller: cabinethardwaredesigns)
-glass knobs, pulls and bin pulls on hutch from coolknobsandpulls.com
-latches: Cliffside Solid Brass Cabinet Latch (in Satin Silver) from Spokane-Hardware.com
Appliances:
-Bluestar range (model #RNB366BSS; six burner with both 22k burners up front and simmer in middle back; island trim)
-Prestige High Capacity hood insert 40" (UIBTF400EC15; $1,575) with Prestige remote blower for pitched roof 1,600 CFM ($890)
-GE Profile Advantium (SCB1001KSS)
-GE Monogram 24" stainless steel wine reserve (ZDWR240PBS)
-2 InSinkErator Evolution Excel garbage disposals with air switches (STS000)
-beverage center fridge: Jenn-Air 36" counter-depth side-by-side with dispenser (JCD2295KES)
- GE Monogram 30" double oven (ZET2SLSS)
- Jade 48" Side by Side Refrigerator (RJRS4870A)
- 2 Bosch Integra 800 dishwashers (SHV99A13UC; $1375.55 ea.)
- Gaggenau 24" Steam Oven (ED 221)

Here is a link that might be useful: Susan's Kitchen Pics

kitchendetective, thank you for the info on the marble. Your baking countertop sounds gorgeous - would love to see pics. I'm heading off to a friend's tile store in just a bit to see if he carries it. The link below is to a pic of our inspiration kitchen. I think they may have used the tile beadboard and not the wood as we are doing. The piece at the bottom that looks like baseboard is what I need.

Sarah, I so remember those short-order days. And it's good to know your stone is working out so well. Thanks for helping others make their soapstone decisions. We could really use a soapstone FAQ. Maybe I'll find some time after the kitchen is finished.

Thanks again for all the wonderful compliments! I am really excited to get the rest of the kitchen finished and into full use.

Diana

Here is a link that might be useful: inspiration pic beadboard

My pantry measures 4 feet wide by 5 feet deep.
Starting at the top:

18" top shelf to ceiling(Things I don't need often or are lightweight.)
15" to next shelf (cereal boxes, etc.)
10" to next (canned goods, etc.)
10" to next (canned goods, etc.)
16" to next (small appliances)
20" from bottom shelf to floor (extra waters, heavy items)

I made the depth of the back shelf and the right side 12". The left side is 6" and holds my husbands hot sauces and other small items.

My pantry holds the satellite box for the kitchen so that I didn't have to have it in a cabinet.

Good luck..