Remodeling the Kitchen Step One

Every year around bonus time we tend to do something significant (or necessary) to improve the quality of our life. Last year it was new cars.  This year it will be a major kitchen upgrade starting with the counters & paint and then appliances.  We started with the appliances last year when the refrigerator died and we opted to not scrimp and got a pretty nice stainless steel model.  The next step happened last week when we had the white tile counters removed and replaced with granite.  As soon as it was installed it was apparent that we need to change the red accent paint and cabinet/drawer hardware, as well as the nasty light fixture above the kitchen table that we've tolerated since we moved in.  Since I am going to paint anyway, I went ahead and ordered a new stainless microwave/convection oven that matches the refrigerator and that will arrive this coming Tuesday.  And since I had to install an exhaust vent for the microwave in anticipation changing out the electric stove for gas, I will also run the gas line into the wall behind the stove so I only have to fix, prep and paint back there once.  The good part is that we don't really have a large family here right now, and so there isn't the huge emergency to get it done quickly. The bad part is that it isn't really convenient to make meals right now since we don't have a microwave and I have the stove moved out for working back there. I cooked Sunday dinner tonight on the BBQ. Not sure now long that is going to continue to work with winter weather coming this week.  I may move the BBQ up to the deck to buy me a little more time.  That being said, here are pictures of the new counters: