Island Expansion

When we first moved into our home (6 years ago) I had visions for a larger kitchen island.  The kitchen had a space designed for a small table, but I didn't want to put a small table in the kitchen that would be right next to our large dining room table.  It made more sense to just expand the island.  My family expanded this year (we had our 5th boy), so...... 

it was time to do the island expansion!

Before

After

I went with a "T" shaped countertop (rather than a square) so that the barstools on the sides could easily slide in and not crowd the walkways in my kitchen. 

First, I hired a cabinet guy (McKean Woodworking) to build me a box.  The original island stayed (the top part of the "T") 

and he built the box off of that.

Next was the countertop.  I love the look of marble, but I didn't want the worry and stress that goes along with marble countertops.  We decided on Quartz.  It is called "Tranquility" by HanStone.  I am VERY pleased with the look!!!  I looked at other Quartz countertops but the veining had a pattern to it so it didn't look natural.  This one had a random veining pattern which I really liked.

My smart sister encouraged me to go with the 3" mitered edge (instead of an ogee or beveled edge).  It gives the illusion of a very thick and large slab, but as you can see below....

it's all an illusion!

 I am loving that my whole family can sit at the bar together!  I love that my kids can spread out their homework or coloring books and it doesn't interfere with my cooking space!  I love that there is tons of space for a buffet line at my annual family Thanksgiving party!  Love, Love, Love it!!!

Sources:
Barstools - Ballard Designs 
Wooden Tray and Glass Terrarium - World Market


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Entryway Redone!

Before:

After:

For this trim work project, I wanted to find a new guy to hire.  The trim work I had done in the past was done well, but took a long time to complete so I wanted to find someone that could get it done quickly for me.  I HIGHLY recommend this guy.  He was extremely reliable, detail oriented, worked hard, and got it all done in 3 days!  I couldn't have been happier.  

His name is Lee Hyland (801-815-1862).  

If you live in or around the Salt Lake City area then you're in luck :)

Here are some pictures of the process:

I also had him add a bigger header to all my doors in my hallway, 

and a bit of trim to the inside of these wide arches that enter into my kitchen.

The next step was painting, Lee recommended some painters for me that he often works with and they too were fabulous!  I requested that they paint it all by hand (I hate the mess that spraying creates) and they accommodated my craziness and did a beautiful job!

Once it was painted, I had grasscloth wallpaper installed.  This is the wallpaper I ordered.  I felt comfortable going with "faux" grass cloth since it wasn't at eye level so nobody would notice otherwise (I don't think I would use it if it was eye level?).  I used the company Details by Others for the installation.

Now I'm itchin' to get the last 2 rooms in the house done!  Just my bedroom and the office to go!