Day Thirteen

Today's goal was to make the space functional for the weekend.  The crew has been working their tails off to make this happen, and the big changes in such a short time are mind blowing.  In one week, we went from an empty space to an actual kitchen.  I can't even picture the old kitchen in there anymore.

Last night, we picked out knobs for the cabinets.  I didn't realize there was so much to consider when choosing the handles.  Our contractor recommended knobs over handles or cups.  The reasoning behind this is for future updating.  A quick, inexpensive way to update a kitchen is the door hardware.

Here's the photo from tonight.  The knobs look great on the doors and drawers.  It was also recommended we go with a circular knob--directional knobs can loosen up and change direction, leading to mismatching.  This drives some control-freaks crazy.  I have been well advised.

The microwave, range, and refrigerator are all functioning.  The gas line was run to the range and hooked up.  The husband and I decided to convert from an electric range to gas because "it's better and I wanted it", to quote the husband.  I grew up with a gas range, and it took me a long time (and a number of ruined pies) to learn how to adjust to an electric range.  I'm glad to go back.  I also liked the way this range looked.

The water line was hooked up to the fridge too.

Filling the first bottle of water from the fridge!!

We have city water where we live, and it's good, but it's very chlorinated.  I once left a water bottle closed for part of a day, and when I opened it, it smelled like a public pool.  We've been filtering our water for over a year.  I haven't filled my water bottle at home since the end of August (I could use the bathroom sink, but that skeeves me out).  This was the best moment of my day!

The crew also cleaned up everything today.  My dining room is no longer covered in a layer of grit.  It's so nice.  I haven't seen the surface of my dining room table in nearly three weeks.

All dusted and shiny.

Tip #13:  Enjoy the little things.  Throughout this project, I've been taking each little thing as a victory.  It makes the entire process, both awesome and uncomfortable, go smoother.  I did a happy dance yesterday, and today, I was overjoyed to fill up my water bottle.  Last week, I was walking around the house to grab things I needed from the fridge for grilling.  Sure, I've been frustrated at times, but the end product is going to be totally worth it.  Everything is relative.

 This is the view from the pantry into the dining room.  Those cabinets are going to end up in the pantry, but for now they're hanging out.  Even still, look at all that space!