Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Hopelessly Devoted To You

The Kitchen Cabinet Reveal - 2 -


When I showed you my kitchen cabinets, I promised I would tell you what choices I had made. I'm going to explain the sink side today. Pictures have been taken when I had free moments on different stages of the kitchen progress: it's not blog-perfect, I hope you'll understand that this is just real life going on as I try to do little kitchen projects every day after school.

Quand je vous ai montré l'avancée de la cuisine, je vous avais promis de vous expliquer mes choix.  Voici la première partie. Les photos ont été prises à divers moments de l'évolution et ce n'est pas digne d'un magazine.. J'espère que vous comprendrez que c'est ça la vie quotidienne quand on aménage sa cuisine petit à petit après le boulot chaque jour.

I'm still working on my old computer, so loading a picture takes forever... But as I'm hopelessly devoted to you, I'm going to try to add some photos to show you what I'm talking about.

Je travaille toujours sur mon vieil ordinateur, chaque photo prend très longtemps à charger, mais comme je vous suis dévouée, je vais tenter d'en mettre quelques-unes!

1. SAVING MONEY / On économise
My first idea when I began drawing my kitchen was to have a double L of cabinets: one on the oven side and one on the sink side. When I got the first quotes, I knew that I would need to forget some of my ideas. That is how I decided to have cabinets only on the back wall on the sink side: it saved a lot of money not to have a cabinet (and countertop) under the shelf I have between the kitchen and the dining-room. I hoped I would find an idea for that space at some point.


Ma toute première idée quand j'ai conçu ma cuisine était d'avoir un double L: un côté four et un côté évier... Après avoir reçu les devis, je savais qu'il faudrait faire des choix. Ne pas avoir de retour sous l'étagère qui sépare la cuisine de la salle-à-manger a permis de sérieuses économies... Je me suis dit que je trouverais une idée plus tard pour utiliser cet espace.

2. SPLURGING / On dépense
Do you remember that very pretty boiler that got damaged in the last storm, was such a beautiful eyesight in my kitchen and that could even be seen when we came into the dining-room?

Vous souvenez-vous de ma superbe chaudière, endommagée par l'orage, mais surtout bien visible depuis la cuisine et même la salle-à-manger?


I had a cabinet custom-built to hide it. I do not regret spending money on that one bit! It's just so nice not to see the boiler anymore.

Je lui ai fait construire un meuble sur mesure. Et je ne regrette pas un instant cette dépense.


Oh, and what can you see on this picture? Isn't it a sneak peek of what is replacing the cabinet under the shelf?

Mais, qu'est-ce que j'aperçois sur cette photo? Ne serait-ce pas un aperçu de la solution que j'ai trouvée pour occuper l'espace dont je parlais auparavant?

3. SAVING MONEY / On économise
To the left of my washing-machine, I chose not to have a cabinet. It gives me a place to hide the cat's litter and I've added a hook for the litter scoop. By the way, big splurge here, I couldn't resist that adorable scoop where the holes are in the shape of paws...


A gauche de mon lave-linge, j'ai choisi de ne pas avoir de meuble. Juste un espace pour la litière et un crochet pour la pelle à litière. Je ne résiste pas à l'envie de vous montrer la nouvelle pelle d'ailleurs, avec des trous en forme de pattes!


I only had a shelf added... A drawer was a little expensive and I created one with a wine bottle crate. I store my laundry soap there.

J'ai juste fait ajouter une étagère et une caisse de vin sur petits patins glissants me sert de tiroir : j'y range la lessive.


4. SPLURGING / On dépense
I  wanted the dishwasher to be disguised as a cabinet: it could have been a very expensive idea, but as I sold my previous dishwasher and I bought a new one that wasn't very expensive, it turned out I could do it. I'll write a post about choosing appliances, but knowing exactly what you want them to do for you is key.

Je voulais un lave-vaisselle intégré: certes, c'était une dépense, mais comme j'ai revendu l'ancien et que j'ai choisi un modèle assez simple de lave-vaisselle grâce à des critères mûrement réfléchis, cela s'est avéré assez raisonnable finalement.


On the other hand, I decided to use a simple curtain in front of the washing-machine, just like Donna did. For now I reused the one that was under my sink. I'm proud to say I used my new drill for the first time for thecurtain rod.

J'ai par contre conservé mon ancien lave-linge, caché par un rideau comme je l'avais vu sur le blog de Donna. Je ne suis pas peu fière d'avoir utilisée ma perceuse pour la première fois pour fixer la tringle!

5. SAVING MONEY / On économise
The contractor had suggested a cabinet to the right of the sink to hide trashcans... But I didn't want a cabinet blocking the window, so I found a trashcan I liked and had the countertop cut in a diagonal in front of the window.


Le cuisiniste avait suggéré un placard à droite de l'évier pour cacher la poubelle... Mais ce n'était pas donné et puis, un placard bloquant la fenêtre ne m'emballait pas. Du coup, j'ai plutôt cherché une poubelle pas trop moche et j'ai juste fait couper le plan de travail en diagonale. 


I have a tea towel hanging there. I like that it's close to the sink, but not visible from the dining-room. Although the Laura Ashley tea towel Elisabeth sent me is so pretty, I won't mind anymore if my guests see it! I repainted an old hook that I found in an empty-your-attic sale. It's straight, even if it doesn't look so on the picture!


J'ai aussi un torchon ici, j'aime qu'on ne le voit pas de la salle-à-manger, quoique celui-là, offert par une lectrice est tellement joli... J'ai repeint un vieux crochet trouvé en brocante.


I thought behind the trashcan there was some unused space, which is not possible in a small cottage. So I added a shower caddy. 

Un serviteur de douche a été reconverti pour contenir les trucs dont on ne sait jamais quoi faire... Pas de place perdue!  


The glass door for the upper cabinets are supposed to be delivered next Friday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Can you share what you think is worth splurging on or saving on in a kitchen, according to you? I know we all have different ideas there and it could help readers who are going to remodel their kitchen.

Avez-vous des idées sur ce qui mérite des dépenses dans la cuisine et ce qui au contraire peut être économisé? Chacun d'entre nous a des idées différentes sur la question et cela pourrait guider des lecteurs qui sont sur le point de refaire leur cuisine. 


See you soon,

A bientôt,


PS1: The countertop was also one way to save a lot of money. But that deserves a post of its own, of course!

Le plan de travail a aussi été une façon de réduire le budget. Mais cela mérite un article séparé!

PS2:  Thank you for all your kind words about the damages linked to the storm, but really you seem more worried than I am.

PS3: A little singing along might cheer you up!


PS4: I'm partying with the following bloggers.

Photobucket                  http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-features-62-par-tay/                               













47 comments:

  1. It's coming along beautifully Magali!!! For a tiny kitchen, you've managed to fit in all your needs without much compromise! I love how you put your cat litter and other paraphernalia in one designated area! I definitely think too that you made a right choice of splurging on not having the boiler seen, it would have irritated you later on. I would definitely splurge on the same things you splurged on too dear!

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  2. Your kitchen is absolutely wonderful Magali!!!! I am really impressed with how you have fitted in all your needs. You have the most beautiful kitchen. Well done!!! I wish you many happy years in your gorgeous cottage.

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    1. Thank you very much! A small kitchen needs a lot of planning, but now it feels big to me!

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  3. Covering up is such a good idea. I had a cupboard built round my electric meter to hide it. I love your little ideas such as the pretty caddy behind the waste bin, and the hook for the LA towel. Perfect!

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  4. Your kitchen is looking so cute. Your smaller kitchen seems to be able to fit all your needs in. I would of covered the boiler too, it was a good choice. The one thing I spurge on in our kitchen remodel was drawers, wonderful drawers. Drawers are more space sufficient, so I have all drawer and only one cabinet on the bottom. I didn't spend money on an expensive granite counter top, I like to change things out a bit, so I would be able to with the expense of granite, I was with Formica, but it has a great look, not like the old stuff!

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  5. The shower caddy is such a good idea. And splurging on the cabinet to cover the boiler was very smart, it looks so much prettier.

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    1. The shower caddy idea cameto me out of nowhere, but it's really useful to store the cleaning sponge and the garbage bags...

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  6. My favorite idea is the shower caddy for extra storage. I am honest - I am stealing this idea! Also love the wine crate "drawer". Is a boiler a hot water heater? I had to ask.

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  7. It's really nice. I love the curtain idea for the washing machine.

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  8. I really like what you have done in your small space and how you saved money to get what was important to you. I like the fabric of your curtain too.

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  9. You have done a wonderful job on your kitchen. When you only have one income money is very important as you do not have that second income to play with. I am retired on SS so I have to watch every penny, and I hate it. But that's life. Everything looks terrific.
    Mary

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  10. Your kitchen looks wonderful, Magali! I think you have made great decisions and have used a lot of creativity to stretch your budget. I'm sure you're really looking forward to it being finished.

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  11. You really put a lot of though into your space. I think you made very wise choices. I like that you chose to cover the washer with a curtain...adds to the cottage charm. I also like the angled counter with the garbage can underneath, as well as the cat litter station. I love everything about your little kitchen so far!

    Blessings, Vicky

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  12. I think everything in life is a balance between economizing and splurging. You pick the things you really love to splurge on and play with the rest. My favourite part of decorating is finding second hand pieces to use in unusual ways. You could find a buffet to use instead of the counter you were hoping for. You could install a shelf on brackets at countertop height and have stools underneath for a breakfast bar. You could find an old skinny table, etc., etc. This is the fun part, it takes a while to find the right piece but the fun is in the journey! xox

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  13. I think you made some great decisions for your kitchen. Top of my list would be to block in my boiler too, but it means filling in a small window, which is why it's not happening soon. Worktops are always such an expense, but as one of your other reader's said, the Formica ones are so much better now.
    I love your curtain and wine crate drawer and can't wait to see your glazed cabinet all finished with a great display inside !

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  14. You really have a good sized kitchen. You have plenty of storage and open floor space and I love every detail you added. A carefully thought out space! Cheers to you for such a great design!

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  15. Congratulations on a job well done! Very clever solutions you've come up with and what an improvement in looks and function.

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  16. C'est idiot, mais j'adore ton "coin poubelle" avec la petite astuce pour ranger les éponges et différentes bricoles. Et bravo pour le rideau !!! Quant à la pelle "patte de chat", c'est d'un glamour !!!

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  17. Looks very charming Magali - very charming!

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  18. I think you have done a wonderful job on your kitchen.. It looks lovely!

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  19. Well it is certainly coming together beautifully. I agree with the rest of your readers that covering up an eye-sore is always at the top of my list. Personally, I don't know as I splurged really on anything. My main concern was to have it all balance out. I guess my favourites are the drawers we put in to our space since they are just so practical and perhaps I splurged by having our subway tiles go all the way to the ceiling and run right down to the floor in some places. That felt really special to me and a bit of a splurge since it is really not necessary. So, ha! That was my splurge after all. Right? When it is not a necessity then it is a splurge.
    Oh and the curtain is perfect. I change mine up through the seasons just for a little fun. what are the measurements of your curtain magali?

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  20. Lovely and functional. You really chose well. I don't know that I can top the accolades that have already been heaped on you!
    But let me say, I could move right in.

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  21. Adorable. I think that it is important to splurge a little, but good to know when to save so that you don't go too far into debt, or at all if possible! It seems you did a good job in that regard.

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  22. I love your new kitchen cabinets, and the pretty soft green you chose to pain the walls! What a difference it makes for your kitchen--very beautiful!

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  23. It's looking great, Magali! I can't wait for the glass cabinets and to see how you will use it. I need some inspiration there.
    Glad you are well, have a great weekend!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  24. Love your kitchen it is such a perfect choice for your cottage. Patty/NS

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  25. I'm loving it so far, Magali! Looking foward to seeing the glass cabinets. When I lived in NYC and had a tiny kitchen, we did the same thing you did, by cutting the counter on an angle so it wouldn't block the window. For me, splurging on appliances was important.

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  26. Your kitchen looks so adorable - just perfect for your country cottage !!!
    You must smile every time you walk into it?
    Happy weekend Magali!
    XOX

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  27. Everything is looking wonderful.

    What will you do all summer with the kitchen no longer your focus?

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  28. It's growing up into the most wonderful cottage kitchen! Appliance's are a important splurge...and I lived without cupboards doosr in one kitchen I had for 10 months...curtains work! I think your on the right track..I worked at a cabinet shop and learned how to build kitchen cupboards... they charge a hefty price for something that in many ways is easy to build...once you have the know how and tools. So I think leaving that one space under your pass through empty of cabinets works...you will find the perfect piece to go there, that will add to your kitchen and feel like it was made to go there...it's looking so cozy already! hip hip Hooray~

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    1. I may have find something that I love that is now under the pass through, but it has received mixed comments from my family... I feel it adds warms to a white kitchen, I'll show it as soon as I have a computer able to load pictures! Thank you so much for your kind words!

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  29. What a perfect little cottage kitchen!! Do I sense a little jealousy in my heart?? I'm afraid so, but I perfectly know that your kitchen would not fit in my home (4 sons and a husband need to sit SOMEwhere :d ) and my kitchen would not suit your cottage either (too much clutter I'm afraid!) Sooo, I am very happy for you, seeing it all come together nicely! Marcy

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    1. Boys can sit in the dining-room! And clutter is something I can't get rid off! It'll appear soon in my kitchen, I'm afraid!
      Magali

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  30. Oh my goodness, where to begin? I just love it all, Magali. I had to go back and look at your other post to see the other side of the kitchen again. By the way, is your refrigerator to the right of the cook top and oven? You told me you were going to "hide it" and so that must be it, correct? If so, well done. I like your garbage can. It has a clean, vintage look that works so well. Shower caddy is a smart idea. Great idea to have a designated place for the kitty litter. I like the wine bottle crate and the curtain hiding the washer. Very charming. Oh, it's going to be fun to see how you decorate this wonderful kitchen. You made so many good decisions. I will be blogging very soon about our new cottage design. I've had to make some hard decisions about what I really want throughout the home, but to answer your question about the kitchen, there are two things I wanted in the design more than anything else: a farm sink and as many windows as we could get over the sink area. I can't wait to share it with you, as I feel we have kind of been through this kitchen thing together. :) Hugs ~ Nancy

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    1. Yes, the fridge is hidden in that tall cabinet to the right of the cooking area. I'll show that side of the kitchen as soon as I can take pictures and upload them. If I had had a cottage built, I'd have loved to have may windows above the cabinets rather than the huge one that I have. I think you had a brilliant idea there.
      Have a nice weekend,
      Magali

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  31. It's looking so beautiful!! Please don't mistake the poop-scooper for a pancake turner!!!!!

    xoxo
    -andi

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  32. C'est drôlement bien pensé tout ça, tu as tout mené de main de maître. J'aime bien le coin litière, c'est bien vu. Chez moi j'ai une chatière par laquelle tout mon petit monde passe, en l'occurrence 4 chats et 3 chiennes.
    Paraît il qu'il faut faire 3 maisons pour ne plus faire d'erreurs dans l'agencement.
    J'attends la suite. Bon weekend . Bises. Babette

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  33. What a fun kitchen to cook in! Lots of light from the window reflecting on the white cabinets and light seaglass wallpaint!
    Clever to use that wine crate as a drawer! The cabinet used to hide the boiler is a grand idea and one I would have chosen as well as skipping the cost of a cabinet just to hold the garbage can. Instead you have made wise decisions! Your pelle for the litière is sooo cute! Don't show it to my cat, he might feel left out (missing something!). Kitchen planners are highly paid and spend years perfecting their craft. You have spent the necessary time to research the possibilities, reviewed your tastes while comparing yours to others and now you have a wonderful kitchen that you designed! You need to pat yourself on your back and enjoy that luscious-looking pastry and tea whenever you get the chance! I, for one, know exactly what I would be doing over the summer - just enjoying that delightful kitchen!!!

    Mary in OR

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    1. Thank you so much, Mary! I'll try patting my own back... It might help as it's quite sore from mowing this afternoon. I must confess that I had left the grass grow quite out of hand and I could barely see the cats in it! It's difficult to find a balance between taking care of the garden and taking care of the kitchen!

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    2. Yesterday I would have been mowing, but with my broken wrist (now it has been 5 weeks) in a brace, I had to hire the mowing done. The grass (actually weeds) was almost 2 feet high so Matisse would definitely have been invisible if he were an outside cat. Balance in our lives is the difference between happiness and a messy house - or in this case - garden! Hope you could massage your back or else I'm hoping the pain has subsided.

      Mary in Oregon

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  34. Hello Magali,
    How sweet of to you visit...Thank you so much for your kind note about my little panda... I am so blessed, she was spoken for before I was even finished with her...
    Enjoy your weekend.
    fondly,
    Penny

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  35. Évidemment pour avoir une cuisine à moindre coût il faut déjà choisir le modèle qui n'a pas 18 couches de laque. Ce n'est pas pour cela qu'il faut acheter le bas de gamme avec les finitions qui se décollent 15 jours plus tard. Il vaut mieux éviter d'acheter tous les compléments de tiroirs (pourtant bien pratiques et qui peuvent sans doute s'acheter plus tard) ou comme toi la poubelle.

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  36. “BRAVO”............Magali, you’ve certainly created an adorable kitchen in your French cottage! I love how the cabinets look and you knew just where to splurge and where to cut costs. I do love that you hid the boiler behind a cabinet. Great idea to leave the bottom open for the kitty box and I love the curtains hiding the washer, so French! Saving by using the pretty crate rather than a drawer was so smart and I love the way it looks. Keeps the character of a seaside French cottage. Well Done my friend!

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  37. Hi sweet friend, I love everything and I mean everything that you have done. It all looks so clean and pretty. I have been trying to figure out how you somehow got dropped from my blog roll so that I thought you hadn't been posting. Rest assured you are back on it once again. xo Laura

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  38. I love to see rooms that are so personalized! You have planned everything to suit the way that you live - that is the way it should be done. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with that cabinet with the soon-to-have-glass-door!

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  39. Think you've made all the right choices for your kitchen. I really think hiding ugly appliances (no disrespect i have them too) is absolutely spurge worthy! Love the way you use and customise every inch!

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