Installing an Ikea Sink

 Lately I have been sharing about our current diy kitchen remodel project in steps, from demo to prep work to installing ikea butcher block counters and today I get to share about installing our farmhouse sink.  You guys, this sink is the bomb.com - (and yes I was teenager in the 90s.)  But seriously, I really can't say anything bad about it.  If you are in the market for a farmhouse sink no doubt you have looked at this one - its the domsjo sink from ikea.  By far it is the best priced farmhouse sink for its size out there.  Its such a great deal that we had to wait on a list for months to get one.  So know up front your closet ikea may not have one in stock if you just randomly show up.  Call before you go!  Now to be clear, we have currently been using this sink for about 2 weeks so I can't speak on longevity - but still I love it.   

For a little background (if you are just joining in) we decided recently to upgrade the majority of our kitchen - pretty much everything has been replaced besides our cabinets.  This made installing counters and this sink a little different since they are from ikea and made to install really easily into their own (ikea) cabinets.  But it can easily be done and we are living proof.  It just took a little extra work.

The fist steps in this process was back in our demo days which involved removing the old plumbing and cutting out the area in our cabinets in which this sink was going to sit.  Next, we cut our counters to size and cut in the notches for the sink.  After that we secured our counters in place and we were ready for the sink to go in.  So that brings us to the picture below - the mini beams.

This sink is massive and heavy - no exaggeration- and needs really good support.  If you look at the instructions from ikea you can see that the cabinets you buy from ikea have this support already built in.  To make it work for us, Justin built two "mini beams" (one for each side of the sink) under the cabinet for it to rest on and to be secured to.  Honestly, this was the most complicated part of the whole process...besides maybe the plumbing portion..but this is all about the pretty stuff right now.  

After the sink was firmly in place the next thing we did was seal around it (not pictured).  We used a caulk gun and some silicone based sealer around the edges of the sink.  There are some great tutorials out there but basically we taped off the sink and counters with painters tape and ran the caulk down the crease, wiped with a damp cloth and removed the tape.  I'm not going to lie I was pretty sure I was going to ruin the counters at this point but it all worked out.  Just take my advice and have some damp cloths readily available. 

We still need to fix the bit underneath the sink - its on our immediate to do list.  I'm also seriously considering painting the lower cabinets a darker gray...to be continued.  

But look how far this little kitchen has come!  I just love this before and after.

Cool thing is, we still have a few more things to do and it already looks a bajillion times better.  

I am a believer that a little goes a long way and patience pays off.  We have slowly worked to get this thing to where we want it and have not broken the bank at all.  Everything we have done has been within a small working budget.  Remodeling a kitchen does not have to be the biggest deal ever and all those little things make a major difference.  I'll share more soon about some of the little details!

Installing Ikea Butcher Block Counters

I'm excited to continue sharing more of our little diy kitchen remodel today.  Last week I shared about the demo and prep process so today its getting into more of the fun stuff - installing the countertops! Since moving in to our home almost 5 years ago I have been researching different counter options.  I went back and forth with the whole butcher block idea but ultimately decided it was a great choice for us.  To keep the costs down we are not replacing our cabinets (just painted them) and we wanted to install the counters ourself - butcher block just made the right fit.  Ikea has some great options and really great prices so we went with the karlby counters in walnut.

The installation process was pretty straightforward for us.  We really just needed two cut pieces, plus the sink notches cut out (more on that later).  To keep things even more super simple we also chose the domjso farmhouse sink.  This sink sits on top of the counters so any cuts we made would be covered, kind of perfect for first time kitchen installers.

The countertops come in two sizes - we needed two of the larger size to make it work.  So we measured our cabinet length and got ready to cut.  I should say too that we also had the sink out and did a lot of measuring the sink and cabinet lengths - it is nerve racking to make a big cut on something you only have just enough of.  So when we felt confident we went for it.

It was a nasty weather week (so-much-rain) when we got into this so we had to do it all inside - this picture looks deceiving but we did have the countertop raised off the floor while Justin was cutting it (also pay no attention to the lack of safety going on here).  After making the big cut the moment of truth had arrived and we nervously placed the countertop in and held our breath - thank goodness it was correct!  We did another check on the level to make sure it was all coming together right.

Once we had the length cut we had to cut in notches for our sink (it won't fit without these).  So we measured the area (a billion times) and made the cut.  Here again, the sink will sit on top so no need for an absolute perfect cut.  We cut the notch on both sides and sat the sink in to make sure it was correct - not that there was any fixing anything at that point.  Oh and just a little tip - you need to measure both notches - the sink we had was not perfect and the notches were both a little different.  So don't do one and think you can just use that as a template for the other side.  I don't know why but that would not have worked for us.

It was actually fairly simple and only mildly stressful.  We really had an easy set up to work with.  

The final step in installation was fastening the cabinets underneath.  It was just a few screws and bolts and now everything is in place and not going anywhere.  I am so loving these counters. It fits the feel and look of our house so well.  Counters = Complete!!

The next step of this diy process was our sink - and man, do I love it.  I'll share with you tomorrow how we made it work in our existing cabinets!  Have a great Monday!

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Installing Ikea Countertops: Demo & Prep Work

I'm so excited to begin to share with you the fun things we have been up to in our kitchen!  As I began to write this post I was prepared to write a full installation of the ikea countertops we purchased but- as I began editing things and thinking through this I realized that would have been the longest post ever.  So I have decided to break down this whole process into several posts.  Today is all about the demo and prep work we needed to do to even begin to think about the installation.  Its not a glamorous post with beautiful before and afters but this is a big part of the diy process and something we spent an entire day doing so I hate to just skim over it.  

Before we get into the nitty gritty I feel like I should say this - 

1. We are by no means experts or professional kitchen remodelers.  This was a total diy project and we learned as we went.  But I'm hoping that through our process you can get inspiration and encouragement to tackle your own projects!

2.  Each house is really different (obviously) so what worked for us may not work for you.  We have a tiny kitchen with not a lot of special corners or pieces so this was fairly straight forward.  We do know that old houses can be a pain the the rear when it comes to getting things straight, level, etc so we feel your pain.

3.  Personally, I was not the brains behind this project - my wonderful husband was.  I was there each step of the way but mostly to lift things, hold things in place, double check measurements, say yes or no to what I wanted (be bossy) etc.  So as I'm typing this I will mostly likely leave something out or not know how to exactly explain each step.  I will do my best in hopes that it helps you visualize what all may be needed for a diy kitchen project. 

Ok, so now you know where I'm coming from so lets get to this thing.

First thing: ripping stuff out - this is when things get real.  This was actually a really exciting thing for us to do because after months of waiting we finally had some time to get started.  Back up just a bit - we are prepping to install the ikea karlby butcher black countertops in walnut finish and the domsjo farmhouse sink.  Here are the steps we took to get things out and prepped and ready:

1.  Remove all your mess from the cabinets - it will be everywhere and you won't have a clue where everything is but then you get to purge and organize everything when it goes back in!

2. Disconnect the plumbing (I'm not even going to pretend I know how to do this)

3. Remove the countertop - Our countertop was held in by a few screws/bolts underneath.  It was actually really simple to locate them, unscrew and lift off.

4. Check how level your cabinets are - (this is not really pictured) But we needed to see how level the base cabinets were before we started putting stuff back on.  Ours was surprisingly level except for the very end cabinet - we were able to just use a wood shim under the countertop to get things level on that end.

5. Remove the faux cabinet pieces (they pretty much just popped out)

After all of that was done we were left with a really crazy hodge lodge gross wall behind where the old countertop had been.  Out next step is to install a tile backsplash but we were not going to get there during this portion of the project and I really didn't want this nasty wall in the meantime.  So we set out to remove wallpaper, smooth out the wall and paint everything white.

Yay! Everything was all bright and clean and way more livable for the time being.

The final step in this whole process was the cut out the portion of the cabinet where the sink was going to fit.  We had already measured and knew this was going to be a good fit for the sink.  We just simple cut out the portion where the faux drawers used to be.  And with that we were ready to start the install process!  Tomorrow I will start sharing more of the fun part when you actually get to see our new countertops looking all pretty and fancy.  Can't wait!

Replacing the Range Hood

You guys, we have been up to some crazy things over here.  Our kitchen is getting more updates and we are closer to being completed with some of our kitchen goals than ever before.  As I am sitting here typing this we have installed new countertops, a farmhouse sink (just a few little things to finish with this), new faucet - oh and a new range hood (hello, this post). Also, we are preparing to get started on a kitchen backsplash, building an extra cabinet and who knows what else.  Why does the list keep extending?  Mainly because we are really enjoying this kitchen remodel thing.  This has been a slow process but I'm thankful for that because I've enjoyed each step and we really have a good grasp on the final goal now.  Each step has been a labor of love and something we have enjoyed doing together.  Everything we have done has been within a budget we have set and we have tackled each diy process and learned a ton.  So stayed tuned for more kitchen posts/oversharing coming soon...

Ok, so rewind from the picture above - before we started ripping out countertops and sinks we removed and replaced our old range hood.  Within the last year we were able to upgrade our appliances to stainless.  We were super thankful when some close friends offered their range/oven to us (they were upgrading to gas) and that kind of started a trickle effect on each appliance upgrade.  Our dishwasher was on its last leg so we set out for a new one.  Another friend of ours is an appliance manager at a big box store and was able to help us get a great deal on some discontinued floor models.  We pretty much were able to score all 3 appliances for less than the cost of a new fridge (crazy).  My advice for upgrading appliances on a budget would be to check places like craiglist, buy/sell/trade and such.  Also, we learned that discontinued floor model appliances are very negotiable.  You never know what prices you might be able to score if you are willing to negotiate and look at something not brand spanking new.  

So back to the range hood - this was actually a really easy upgrade.  Removing it pretty much involved unscrewing it and disconnecting the wires.  Also - please make sure and switch off the breaker when you are removing the hood since you will be disconnecting the old wiring and reconnecting the new wires.  Before you buy your range hood take some measurements!  Usually our house has weird pieced together oddly shaped things and I was really worried this would be the case- but thankfully it was really standard.  But, I would measure just to make sure - standard has not always been the case for us (old house status).

The ultimate goal for this space behind the oven is to install a tile backsplash (that will run the whole length of the counters) so we went ahead and removed the old plastic piece that I guess was serving some sort of purpose.  Of course it was gross behind there.

Since we are working towards tiling I just decided to grab some white paint we had and paint over the ugliness.  After that we installed the new range hood - and tada! Done.

Its nothing incredibly fancy but its nice and everything is now back to matching.  Its a little addition but something I really think makes a big difference - something maybe you don't even realize until you do it.  

If you want to check out what we have done so far in the process of remodeling the kitchen- we have painted our knotty pine cabinets, replaced the cabinet hardware, installed a tile floor, replaced some lighting, painted the walls and painted a chalkboard door.

Lots more to share about with our little kitchen remodel!  Stay tuned this week!

Kitchen Update

Last week I shared our progress on the living room and today its time to share our {work in progress} kitchen...

I'm here to say it is possible to get the kitchen you love on a budget.  Our kitchen is still not complete, its a work in progress- but it has come a really long way (check out the before and afters at the bottom of the post).  We have made updates throughout the last several years and each one brings us closer to our goal.  

We painted everything (cabinets, walls, trim), replaced the flooring, replaced the hardware, replaced some lighting, and recently replaced our appliances. 

Overall I think the paint made the biggest difference and the tile floor is one of my favorite things we've done so far.  We painted these cabinets 4 years ago and they are still holding up really well.  If you are on the fence - go for it.  I love our white cabinets.

We still have the old countertop (don't worry though we actually have a new one waiting to be installed...can't wait!).  But its crazy how updating the paint and a few other things makes the countertops not seem as bad.  So it is possible to enjoy your kitchen with just a few easy and inexpensive upgrades.

This may be one of my favorite little spots in our house.

Don't look too closely at the door, it is on our replace list.  It has seen better days for sure.

Recently we were able to upgrade all of our appliances.  And, we were able to do so rather inexpensively.  You can probably tell that they are not all the same brand - something that I could care less about but maybe for others is a must.  Our stove came by a friend who was upgrading to gas and the fridge and dishwasher were outdated floor models.  If you are looking to upgrade but want to save some cash - try the floor model approach...we saved tons.  We still need to adjust everything in its place (see stove below) but we are waiting on installing the countertops...which is waiting for the sink that is backordered.  We will get there eventually.

Look at how far this little kitchen has come....

This little kitchen gets a ton of use from monday night meals with our community group to college ministry cookouts.  It has served us so well and its amazing how many people you can actually get in here and feed at one time.

Hope this helps some of you have hope in your little kitchens.  A little time and some work pays off.  Next on the list - replace countertops and sink!  We are pumped.

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Replacing the Kitchen Floor

Not too long ago we dove into a project to replace our junky kitchen linoleum with a bright new tile. Changing the flooring in a room is a huge game changer.  After pulling up the carpet in our house and freshening up our hardwood floors the next logical project was the kitchen floor (especially since our living room and kitchen are open together).

Here's a quick shot of how our kitchen was for a while before we repainted the walls..and changed the floor obviously.  If you look closely you can even see the duct tape that held the floor down where it had begun ripping up.  I'm pretty sure that tape drove everyone who came over crazy.  But, you do what you have to do when you have 1,000 projects in an old house waiting to be done.

I wish I had more pictures from this project but it was quite a whirlwind.  We started it a week before we were going out of the Country - so great planning on our part.  The really awesome factor in this whole thing was Justin's brother (Jason) - who happens to be a tiling professional.  We definitely needed his expertise and help.  After ripping up the floor is was very much clear that our floor was majorly slanted and laying tile down would be impossible.  There was some major floor leveling that had to happen.  So thankful for Jason.  After we had a level working surface Justin and Jason intalled the duroc and we were finally ready to tile.

Even with the floor now level it still was a difficult job considering all of the off angles and such that we still had.  But in the end it turned out so great and having a level floor is awesome.  Quickly, lets talk tile for a second.  We ended up choosing a grayish white plank type tile.  It has some lighter grey wood grain design as well.  Since we decided to keep the original flooring in the rest of the house I liked the combo of the two floors together where they meet.  I love it!

This little kitchen has come a long way!  Slowly we are checking those projects off the list.  Still on the waiting list includes countertops, a backsplash, new appliance, a new door and sink...Oh and flooring trim.  There is always something but we have enjoyed the process.  

Painted Interior Cabinets: Pinterest Challenge Spring Edition

The Pinterest Challenge (Spring Edition)  is here!  It's time to join in on the pinterest project party fun.  Last challenge I was a guest host (still crazy to me) and put together a diy fabric ottoman.  The Pinterest challenge is just a fun way of getting all of us to stop pinning and actually doing!  I love it.  This time around Sherry and Katie have two new awesome co-hosts Emily and Renee.  Make sure you stop by their blogs to check out their projects and link up with them!

Ok, so on to my pinterest project - painting the interior kitchen cabinets.  Here is my "pinspiration" - I'm  sure lots of you have seen this cute photo and even pinned it yourself.

This project is from Elsie and Emma over at A Beautiful Mess.  Isn't is so cute and fun?  I want my cabinets to look like this.  Challenge accepted.

Ok - first confession.  I'm not as finished as I would have liked to have been.  I do have the painting completed just not the cabinets filled yet.   But, I'm getting ahead of myself - let's take a look back (way back) to the original state of our kitchen cabinets when we moved it.

Not pretty.  Almost immediately the first thing we did was paint our kitchen cabinets.  We love them now.  They are obviously not new but way better.  We have debated so many times on what to do with this kitchen.  Do we gut the whole thing, leave the cabinets and just replace the countertop - the questions loom.  The longer we live here the more we lean towards not gutting the whole thing.  We do however want to replace the the countertops, add a backsplash, take down that weird middle piece over the window, etc.  We just don't want to over upgrade our small house.  So, those questions are for another day.

Here's the secret behind those painted cabinets - they are totally crazy half primed on the inside.

This was one of those - I'll get to it one day things.  Well, the one day has finally come.  

Here's a glimpse at the bottom cabinet - that shelf is old and grody.  Don't freak - I had it covered with shelf liner but removed it to clean and paint.

So, the color choice.  I wanted something fun but not too crazy and something that would be a pretty contrast/background for my dishes and kitchen gadgets.  This pretty navy/indigo color by valspar wonderfully named "Jazz Club" totally won.  I also loved the quality of this paint - it went on really smooth and nice.  I did do two coats but my cabinets were totally weird and half primed so I went into this knowing that would be the case.

I love using a foam cabinet roller when painting cabinets - the interior was no different.

This is my first coat before edging it all out.  Its a little brighter here (this is during the drying phase).  Paint almost always dries a little darker - and this paint is no exception.

The actual painting of the interior of the cabinets was actually really easy and quick.  The worst part about this project was pulling everything out and having your kitchen all over your house while you are in the middle of this.  

So after two quick and easy coats we have this.  I.love.it.  I love this color, I love that our cabinets feel finished now, I can't wait to re-stock them and organize them - I could go on.

Oh, here's the bottom shelf.  I love the pop of navy down there.  Now I need to find a really fun and pretty cabinet liner for the bottom.

I go by and just open the cabinets up for no reason now to just see the insides.  This totally makes me want to replace a few doors with glass doors so I can easily see inside.

I still have some white touch ups I need to do and of course - actually filling the cabinets back up.  But for now I'm in love.

Thanks so much to Katie, Sherry, Emily and Renee for hosting the pinterest challenge!  

Thanks for stopping by today!