I hope to try to DIY cement countertop with drop in sick. Again, so many levels in this area, even the area around the sick causes water to build up, staining, etc. Yuck!
How to Fix Multi Level Bay Window Area & Countertop?
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I have attached pics of our bay window area and our countertop. The whole area needs to be redesigned. The tile was put in so terribly with grout and even the countertop has floor tile with grout in it! With the tile, so many levels, the countertop edging, and the big wood slab in the bay window area, it is hard to keep it all clean! I am short and actually have to climb up into the bay window area to clean which is a pain literally, so doesn't get cleaned often ;) I got so upset with it a while back, I painted the bay window area, the log area and the 2 x4 with brown chalk paint to help it look semi clean all the time. I would like some ideas how to fix this mess; DIY and affordable! I was thinking of boxing the multi level ledge, log area and 2 x 4 so I can put a backsplash up but don't know how that would work. Also, really have no idea how to make bay window more accessible/better looking, etc. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! I have so many projects for this Ol' House, and one income, I have to find ways to fix it up on a very tight budget. Thanks for any advice and assistance you can provide! :)
So many levels, can it somehow be boxed in? I'm not necessarily needing to keep the logs above visible, I could cover all with a back splash if it helps the situation and makes it all look clean and neat.
Problem is several outlets in area, but if boxed in, could still have the outlets? As it is now, the outlets weren't installed correctly, don't fit the area, so sit just above the countertop, and again, like the sink area, collect dirt, water, etc. underneath and don't stay clean!
I would box it in with a thin copper over the top. It could be molded around the edges, etc... I think that would look great with the log look.
From your description I can sense your frustration, however, I think the solution is easier than you think. You need to take off the back splash tile. Once that's done I'll be you can turn the outlets sideways making cleaning around them easier. If the wood on the bottom of the window area is integral to the window structure removing it will be costly. You can cover it with a thin tile or metal sheeting. Be careful to cut sheeting exactly to the space shape using a paper template to get an exact measurement. The sheeting could be extended to wrap it over the log molding it to the shape of the log. It will take time but done well it could come out nice. Find a back splash tile that's not too large to cover that area. If you go with the metal sheeting you could get a tile mosaic with a corresponding metallic tile in it to tie it with the window metal. The counter top really needs to be your first priority. Changing that in itself will give your whole kitchen a new look/feel. Check into getting scrap granite installed. It's much cheaper and depending on how much counter you need you may get it installed on the cheap. Shop around to smaller granite shops, etc. Once the counter top and back splash are finished you may feel better about the window. I myself am height challenged but I have found if I use some of the inexpensive cleaning wands for cleaning my garden window it has made my job much easier and less frustrating. Get a good extending handle wand cleaner for scrubbing and even using it with a cloth wrapped around it to wipe down the windows for cleaning. Another option for the bottom of the window is to sand it and put a good bar finish on it. Much easier to clean.