Raleigh, NC on Aug 11, 2011

After 20 yrs, we decided to design our kitchen for better use of space as well as aesthetics.

Same basic configuration w/relocation of rear entry to allow for wrap around cabinets, corner fridge and larger island. Flip flopped the sink & cooktop & added corner cupboards to the dining area which allowed us to turn the table and add the leaves. GE paneled appliances including induction cooktop for smooth, clean look. Tile from Byrd Tile, lighting from LightingDirect.com, appliances from Appliance World all in Raleigh. Cabinets: Kitchens & More, Durham. Contractor: Johnny Woody/Woodybilt. I can't say enough about my contractor...not only a friend but a first rate contractor who went above and beyond and Kelly and Steve @ Kitchens & More are a very creative and talented group of folks who made sure I had my dream kitchen. Thanks guys.

38 Comments Displaying 25 of 38 comments | See Previous

WallsTreat Studio/ Kass W... Alpharetta, GA

Don't be too hard on the old wall paper. That is exactly what was stylish back in those days. This is a great example of how a home can be in good condition but needs to receive an update. That wallpaper alone instantly dates a home!
Donna, this is lovely. You added many WONDERFUL touches. Enjoy every OOH and AHH . . . you deserve it!

on Aug 14, 2011 · Like 0
Kevin M. Veler, Law Offic... Alpharetta, GA

I love the expanded island. Makes a real difference.

on Aug 14, 2011 · Like 0
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

Love, love, love your new kitchen! Such a fan of the beautiful cabinets and the countertops! Well done!

on Aug 14, 2011 · Like 0
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmo... Duluth, GA

Donna first the bathroom now the kitchen, one great project after the other, you
are on a roll!!

on Aug 14, 2011 · Like 0
Donna Raleigh, NC

@Douglas...haven't had much time to cook on it yet as I have been trying to get the den back in order and shopping for rugs for kitchen and chairs for den. But it is similar to ceramic top. Works by magnetic induction of heat directly to pots (if a magnet won't stick to the pot bottom, it won't work on the cooktop) so that the "eye" itself does not heat up only absorbs some heat from the pot. It heats really fast and cools for cleaning much faster than ceramic. It doesn't actually ...»
heat if a pot is not on the eye when it's powered on so I felt it would be safer for my 2 yr old grandaughter who likes to help make waffles and cookies and less chance of fire from something layed on it. Plus, I like the streamlined look in my kitchen.

on Aug 14, 2011 · Like 0
Donna Raleigh, NC

@Shane...we did spend some $$$ on this project since it was a major renovation including the deck and we have been here 20 yrs and don't plan to sell. We blew out the kitchen 4' but I did save some $ by going "semi custom" on the cabinets and ordering cabinet hardware, switchplates and lighting online. Plus I bought my rugs from Capel this weekend during tax free and with 20%off coupon. Will post pics when I get them down and the finishing touches done.

on Aug 14, 2011 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Thanks, Donna. I'm definitely going to investigate induction when I re-do my kitchen, which I really hope I don't have to wait 20 years for.

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 0
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

So glad to read your info about the induction cooktop! I've always wondered about those. We currently have a ceramic cooktop, which I dislike because it takes so long to cool down. We'll be replacing it and will consider the induction.

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 0
Amy W Norfolk, VA

Love the new kitchen!!! We are in the middle of a redesign and it is really nice to see your finished product. It makes the mess and dust I'm living in now feel like it will come to an end!

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 0
Anna H Detroit, MI

The kitchen is gorgeous, but the lighting seems to be one of the best changes - it always amazes me what good lighting can do for a room. Beautifully done!

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 0
Teresa D Snellville, GA

OMG, it's my dream kitchen! You've made design choices that i've dreamed up in my head from the glass doors in the cabinets to the granite to the backsplash and even the lights over the island. I'm going to have to keep this in my collection! My kitchen is nowhere near this large though. I LOVE IT! I'll bet you grin everytime you walk into it since the renovation.

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 0
Culpepper Carpets and Int... Atlanta, GA

I recently heard Matherw Quinn (who designs appliances for Wolfe & has to know trends 8 years in the future) speak at ADAC and he believes that induction is the cooktop of the future.

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 0
Terry Haas Charleston, SC

The copper sink rocked the whole look. Good choices.
Thank you so much for sharing the pictures.

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 0
Karen V Hauppauge, NY

Simply spectacular!

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Kathy S Atlanta, GA

This is absolutely elegant! I would have to be in the kitchen ALL THE TIME!

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Lisa G Blythewood, SC

Beautiful. I think you did a great job with the configuration of the space and the design is simply gorgeous.

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Miriam I New York, NY

Donna's kitchen is now famous! Check it out http://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/columnist...

on Sep 21, 2011 · Like 0
Culpepper Carpets and Int... Atlanta, GA

HomeTalk is wonderful Miriam. It is really helping people, not just with advise but I am working with contractors, painters, & artists that I met on this site. I personally know that business leads are shared & successful jobs have been the result. What a blessing in this day. Also, I want to thank everyone for being so professional & polite & a family on this site. One more thing & then you can wipe your tears away...I am proud to be associated with you all.

on Sep 21, 2011 · Like 4
Stacey B Florence, KY

I loved this site since logging on Miriam. Got my sister-in-law on it as well-by showing her Donna's new ktichen & copper sink! Everything about the site is so helpful-and incredibly positive!!

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 1
Miriam I New York, NY

Thank you Lee Anne & Stacey! It's the wonderful members that make it so, we are so proud of the Hometalk community!

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 0
Kathy S Atlanta, GA

Absolutely beautiful.....the space was repurposed well!

on Sep 25, 2011 · Like 0
AK Complete Home Renovati... Marietta, GA

You did a great transformation of the space!!

on Nov 16, 2011 · Like 0
Marcia S Greenwood, IN

I absolutely love it! I want it.....

on Jan 22, 2012 · Like 0
Deborah C Austell, GA

Gorgeous. Regarding the red carpet, it would be nice. Why don't you compromise - get a rug with red accents in it and have the rug prominently black. This way you both win.

on Jan 24, 2012 · Like 0
Donna Raleigh, NC

Thanks for all the compliments and input guys....this project is what turned me onto Hometalk.

on Jan 30, 2012 · Like 0