Friday, January 25, 2013

Guest House: Kitchen & Fireplace


The old kitchen cabinet was a rectangular wood cabinet topped with peeling yellow Formica. To save money and resources, we decided to adapt the cabinet to a new farmhouse sink, install a wood counter, and add an under-counter refrigerator. 

This farmhouse sink is actually the second one we bought. The first one was too small and modern. So we opted to use one from the same company that had we used in our main house. 

You can see how the cabinet is slowly being adapted to the new sink. 

You can also see that I originally intended to use an antique French dish rack (which I LOVE) over the counter, but in the end it just didn't work. Due to the slope of the ceiling, the dish rack came out too far and interfered with the use of the refrigerator and counter. 

I am the kind of renovator that cannot move forward confidently without a lot of visual mock ups. Here, Mike created a fake counter so that I could get an idea of how the kitchen would look with a new ell. Also, he cut out a piece of fiberboard to mimic the size of the table we were thinking of using. 

The mock up also allowed us to determine where the new pendant light would go. This new light would replace the light over the sink which was removed when the new window was installed. 

Here, the new Ikea counters are in and the cabinet for the refrigerator has been built. We had to find just the right size of refrigerator (width, height and depth) to be able to run the cabinet surround evenly across from above the adjacent drawer. We wanted the refrigerator to look as built-in  as possible, so this detail was important to us. 

Once the cabinet was painted, it all started coming together. Here, the cabinet drawers and doors were removed so that we could fill old holes, paint and adhere new nickel-plated hinges. 

The last project on the 'to do' list was to build the electric fireplace. The depth and width was dictated by the size of the electric log heater, while not having the fireplace protrude into the room too much. Mike then built from there. 

He used our fireplace in the main house to determine a lot of the detail, although we decided to make it a much more simple design. 

When we were at Home Depot getting some supplies, I came across these shower tiles. They came in square packs and looked like small bricks. I thought it would be a good way to simulate a hearth. I suggested just throwing them down (I'm not the handy one in this house) but Mike gave me a look that said, "it might be a bit more involved than that." He gives me that look a lot. 

He did take a few short cuts just due to the nature of the installation (glued the tiles directly to the floor for instance) which did make it less involved than a proper tile installation. 


We bought a large sheet of faux brick paneling at Lowe's (it was a classic 60's-style red) that Mike cut down to fit in the firebox. After he spray painted it black, he came to me and said, "this is too black, don't you think?" 

I had to laugh because that was something usually I would say. I agreed of course, and so he repainted it in a grey black (you can see the difference between the two colors above). 


The opening has been cut out at this point, with the trim pieces installed. The hearth is nearly complete, with just the faux-brick installation remaining. 

I'll post after photos next! I thought I'd share the renovation phase first for those who are interested in the process of it all. 

Country Living AFTER photos. 

53 comments :

  1. I am really enjoying seeing the process of getting this guest house renovated. Thanks for sharing it all. Pamela

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  2. i'm really interested in the fake fireplace. i need one here!

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  3. Love it Tina !!!! Can't wait to see that fireplace finished ! Have a wonderful weekend ! Have you shown the outside yet would like to see that as well .

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  4. It is wonderful to see your projects take shape. Thank you for sharing. You guys (both of you) are an amazing combination of vision, skill, and patience!

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  5. I just love how you give everything a happily ever after.
    pve

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  6. Yes, 2x4's are screwed into the ceiling. The holes were then filled and painted over.

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  7. It is coming along nicely. I love what you two have done so far. The fireplace will be beautiful.

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  8. First time here leaving a comment... Thank you for your inspiring blog! You have a really handy man :) I´m definitely one of those who are intrested in the process of it all. Thank you for sharing it with your illustrative pics! Usually we have very few photos of processes because we are both involved in our construction projects, and neither really remember photograph... I´m impatient to see the end result. I think it´s amazing, as always:) Have a nice weekend!

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  10. I love the little tiles making the hearth. That's such a great idea. The guest house is so peaceful. Love it.
    Lisa
    leeshideaway.blogspot.com

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  11. This was the part of your reno I was most looking forward to. Can't wait the see the finished product! Also, Trina, I noticed the front door seems to be different than in the Country Living spread. Did you change your minds on one or the other? Just curious. And as always, love what you've done. :)

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  12. I think I'm the same exact way...need to do mock ups to get the full on visual!
    I like the way the cabinetry looks. With it just being a guest house, you weren't concerned with dead space in the corner? Lost storage?
    It would be prime real-estate in a kitchen if you were living there all the time, I guess.
    The faux fireplace is nice. I've got one in the spare bedroom. Haven't done much with it except mount it to the wall.
    But, I'm getting ideas from you!

    Pat

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  13. Hi Ami,
    The french door you see in the renovation photos is the old door. It had a lot of damage so we replaced it with the new Simpson door, which is seen in the CL photos.
    Best, Trina

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  14. Be careful enclosing the new fridge too much, if it doesn't get enough air flow to the coil in the back it may not function properly or overheat. Maybe add an hvac grille to the side panel so it can breathe?

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  15. So inspiring as usual....you are too clever :)

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  16. I cant wait to see it all finished.Im sure its going to be gorgeous!

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  17. I love ya'lls guest house! I also love the faux hearth with the electric fireplace. We have an electric Amish fireplace (as my husband is military and we live on base, without a real fireplace). We have it on right now and absolutely love it. I love the idea of a built in electric fireplace in a guest house.

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  18. So fun to watch your process, can't wait to see more. :)
    Have a great weekend,
    Cindy

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  19. Cutest guest house ever! Love the white and the wood counters...love everything.

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  20. Thank you so much for sharing. Your LOVE for the antique dishrack jumps across the page, so I'm sorry you didn't get to use it. I honestly can't think of another use for something like that, but hopefully it will find its way into your home at some later point, one way or another. Looking forward to more. Em

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  21. Oh my, what a wonderful space to re-do- love watching the mantle come together-
    Thanks for sharing-
    Karryann

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  22. It's wonderful to see the process - thank you!

    I seem to be the same way with needing visual mockups. Glad I'm not the only one.

    Looking forward to the next segment...

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  23. I love these posts so much! Not just the before and after ones but the 'how we did it' episodes!!! Gives me such good ideas and I'm sure Mike and my DH must be related cos i also get 'that look' quite alot!!! Thanks so much! xxx

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  24. I love these posts so much, not just the before and after ones but the 'how we did it' episodes too!!! Gives me such good ideas... I'm sure Mike and my DH must be related cos I also get 'that look' quite alot!!! Thanks so much. xxx

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  25. I love seeing the along the way photos and the mock fire place makes it warm and cosy you both are very clever and inspiring. Regards Kathy A , Australia

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  26. I really appreciate the detailed descriptions of the renovation process. Your details and ideas can be inspiration for our next home.

    Deborah E

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  27. It's looking amazing. Can't wait to see the faux brick surround!

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  28. I am enjoying these before and after guest house posts so much. I am craazy with what you have done on the walls and ceilings. thank you so much for bringing us along, trina. donna

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  29. You two are so talented! Beautiful.

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  30. Love seeing the process of your guest house. I love the farmhouse sink. I would love to have one someday! I hope you have a great weekend!

    ~Dan~

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  31. What is it about white paint. The best 'fresh' element, ever. I'm enjoying watching the renovation. Lucky you to have a patient, willing and capable husband!

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  32. seriously CAN NOT wait to see how this little guest house turns out....we are about to build one too...

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  33. Trina,
    These tiles are perfect..such an awesome and amazing thing you have going on here!

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  34. WOW! I think I feel warmer....and you haven't even installed the roaring fire yet!

    Love the little kitchen!

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  35. Maybe you've already mentioned this, but what kind of paint did you use to paint your floor? Is it just paint or is there some sort of sealer on top?

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  36. Such a cozy, warm, inviting guest house. Thanks for sharing this with us. I only wish we could clone your Mike. He's quite the handyman.

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  37. Your guest house is lovely. Since this is a renovation, I was wondering if Mike had to insulate the walls or install new plumbing to keep pipes from freezing during the winter. Is the new electric fireplace on an automatic themostat for climate control? We restored a 100 year old farmhouse, so I am always interested in the "behind the walls" details.

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  38. I love this guest house renovation. We are considering adding a guest house on our little farm made from an old barn and this gives me inspiration. Thanks.

    Throughmyporchwindow.blogspot.com

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  39. I have loved seeing these process posts. Ya'll have such great vision. I think the fireplace is my favorite addition. I like seeing the after photos in Country Living and I can't wait to see yours too. I especially want to see how you style it compared to how the magazine styled it. Looking for to more posts.

    Thanks.

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  40. Yes, we do leave the heat on to prevent pipes from freezing (although some winters we just turn the water off). The pipes have been wrapped in insulation but the rest of the guest house is only insulated in the walls. It had been a rental house before we bought it so people did live there year round. For us, most of our guests come during the warmer months when the fireplace (heat) is only really needed on a cool night.
    Best, Trina

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  41. The floors were given two coats of paint. The paint is Porch and Floor by Benjamin Moore. The color is Platinum Gray.
    Best, Trina

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  42. Very interesting! This made for great reading over breakfast. Your husband is quite the builder. Great job!
    Claudia

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  43. Hi Trina,

    We're considering the Vanvik Bed for our son. Are you using a box spring and a mattress with your bed? I went to the Ikea site and still could not tell what is required to complete the bed. Our nearest store is 3 hours away. ;-( Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my question.

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  44. Denise, Yes we used a box spring and mattress. We had to order a low profile box spring however as the thickness of the mattress made the bed come up too high on the head board. They sell them at mattress stores and are about $100. Best, Trina

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  45. Trina,
    I just LOVE your home. You have inspired me to remodel my 200 year old farmhouse in Maine. I am curious about your Counters. The one you have in the house I believe were beech and you stained them. The one in the guest house is Oak.Did you stain them as well?If so with what color? I am putting the oak in my kitchen and adore the ones you have. Blessings Jenny

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  46. Hi Jenny,
    We used the IKEA oil that they recommend. The counter was naturally darker so the oil worked just fine. Good luck!
    Trina

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  47. Hi. Trina,

    I love this! May I ask the source for your electric fireplace/log heater?

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  48. Could you please tell me where you got the pendant light. It's super cute and exactly what I am looking for! Thanks

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  49. Could you please tell me where you got your pendant light. I love it and it's exactly what I am looking for.

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  50. I love this! Would you tell me where you got your sink? I'm on the hunt for one myself...

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  51. This is so incredible stunning!!!! I was wondering if you could share where you purchased your faux logs for in your fireplace from. We are looking at add a faux fireplace in our home and want something that looks legit and not super fake. Thank you so much in advance!

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine

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