Almost finished...

(Click on any image to view it full size)

Still need to install the tile backsplash, and some baseboards.... window coverings (??) and glass in the cabinet doors. Some electical outlet covers... And, of course, all the *STUFF* needs to go into the cupboards... I sure like the tidy clean look of this, just the way it is, right now.... (sigh)....

Soapstone Love

Must be love... I can't take my eyes off of it... or keep my hands off of it... and I just can't help but smile when I am in the room with it.... This is far more wonderful than I imagined it would be. My new countertops... mmmmmm..... There are these incredible veins that run here and there and all around... I think I am going to like this more and more as time goes on... it feels so soft!!!!

nice
nice
nice
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Now for more photos..........

The drainboard grooves (aka "runnels") were carved on site... I like the way they look with the detail on the cabinetry. And I am happy that we will have a spot to rest sloppy wet stuff without mucking up the whole space...
The small curved area near the door is my "bake center" -- for now it seems to be where the phone and iPod want to live. This is the only spot that has been oiled so far, thus it is a bit shinier and darker... eventually all countertops will get a mineral oil treatment -- but for now, I want to enjoy the raw version for a few days...

No--- the cats are usually NOT allowed up on the counters.... but Rosie likes to push the limits, and this was her first "encounter" (pun intended) with soapstone-- I could hardly blame her for wanting to snuggle with it....

To tell you the truth, I am a bit envious that I couldn't lay on it! --

Sweet Dreams!!!!

It's Here!!

Today is the day the soapstone countertops are being installed.... I am very excited... and will post more photos soon! So far, I must say that it looks even better than I had imagined....yipeeeee!

Look at that wood!

The poor picture quality doesn't do the floors justice.... We cannot tell the old floorboards from the new ones - it all blends seamlessly! We chose an uncommon floor finish... Tung Oil-based, instead of a urethane finish... Supposed to be easy to repair, and it is quite water resistant. Natural looking. We opted not to stain... just the oak with about 4 coats of the original "Waterlox" finish. (read about it here)

I like to paint...(sorta...)

There is something I find very satisfying about rolling fresh paint onto the walls... After the effort of prepping, tarping and taping -- the actual applying of the paint seems to go so fast, and makes such a huge difference. This paint job was not a dramatic change... its the same color we've enjoyed for a few years now - in the dining area. Since I have a couple of days to myself, it seemed like a good idea to get the painting done -- less to worry about now than after the floors are refinished. Drips happen.... I painted the ceilings too -(ugh)- glad to get that done, but ceilings are my least favorite of all paint jobs.... such a splattery pain-in-the-neck.