“This is the kitchen remodel that never ends…yes it goes on and on my friends….”
As a food blogger, my kitchen isn’t just a space; it’s the heart of my home and the engine of my creativity. So, you can imagine my anticipation – and yes, a touch of impatience – as my new downtown Kansas City kitchen remodel continues! It’s been far too long since I shared an update after the initial introduction to this exciting project, and I’m thrilled to finally unveil some significant progress. While home remodeling projects often come with their share of unexpected delays, making them feel like they go on forever, every new installation brings me one step closer to cooking up a storm in my dream kitchen. We’re truly on the home stretch now, and I’m crossing my fingers that there will be no more postponements!
Despite the slight setbacks, the transformation has been phenomenal. The major components – tiling, state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, and stylish lighting – are all beautifully in place. Each installation phase felt like a mini-celebration, and I truly believe they look even better than I dared to imagine. My contractors even playfully commented that I was their most enthusiastic client, and honestly, who wouldn’t be giddy witnessing a space come to life like this?
Our current milestone involves the highly anticipated installation of the countertops, which unfortunately faced yet another week-long postponement. Once these crucial surfaces are in place, we can finally integrate the sink and cooktop, and fully activate all the innovative appliances that require these connections. Then, mark my words, this kitchen and I will be ready to party! I’ll be diving back into recipe creation with renewed vigor and inviting everyone I know to experience this incredible new space.
Before the grand reveal, which I promise will be packed with details and mouth-watering images, here’s an exclusive peek at the incredible progress we’ve achieved so far. For more real-time updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses, be sure to follow my Instagram account. Stay tuned – the finished kitchen is almost here!
The Genesis of Transformation: From Gutted Space to Blank Canvas
For those who joined us last month for Kitchen Remodel: Part 1, you’ll recall the dramatic starting point. After the complete demolition of the previous kitchen, we were left with a raw, expansive space – a true blank canvas awaiting its modern transformation. This stage, while daunting, offered endless possibilities for designing a truly functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen in the heart of our Kansas City loft. It was the perfect opportunity to shed the old and embrace a vision for a brighter, more efficient culinary hub.
Laying the Foundation: A Flooring Upgrade for Modern Kitchen Design
Our very first task in rebuilding this kitchen was to address the foundation – literally! The old flooring, which you might have glimpsed in previous photos, was an unfortunate choice: a black industrial tile that perpetually highlighted every speck of dust and dirt. Not only was it aesthetically unappealing, but its dark tone absorbed light, making the space feel smaller and less inviting. Adding to this, our design plans included expanding the kitchen’s footprint by a few feet, necessitating a complete overhaul. So, with no regrets, the old black tile had to go, paving the way for a brighter, cleaner aesthetic.
In its place, we’ve installed this absolutely stunning new tile from Lowe’s. Choosing the right flooring for a high-traffic area like a food blogger’s kitchen is paramount, and this selection exceeded all expectations. I am utterly in love with this tile! It’s not only visually beautiful, lending a sophisticated yet understated elegance to the space, but it’s also incredibly solid and durable – perfect for a bustling kitchen. And perhaps its best feature for someone who spends every day cooking is its remarkable ability to hide dirt. A little spill or a few crumbs hardly show, which is a game-changer for maintaining a tidy appearance without constant cleaning. Expect a deep dive into its features and why it’s a top choice for modern kitchen renovations during our big reveal week!
Crafting the Core: The Cabinetry Journey and Installation Tips
With the foundation set, our next big step in this Kansas City kitchen remodel was the installation of the cabinets. However, as is often the case with home improvement projects, we encountered a minor hurdle. We discovered the need for additional wiring and plumbing adjustments, which caused a few days’ delay. While frustrating in the moment, it underscored the importance of ensuring all foundational elements are perfect before proceeding with the visible aesthetics.
Once all the necessary wires and pipes were precisely in place, we celebrated the much-anticipated arrival of our new kitchen cabinets from Cabinet Giant! I had received glowing recommendations from friends who had previously used this cabinetry company, praising both the exceptional quality and the surprisingly reasonable prices. What stood out most in their reviews, however, was how incredibly user-friendly these cabinets are to assemble, a crucial factor for any large-scale kitchen renovation.
While I might be adept in the kitchen, hanging cabinets is definitely not my forte. That’s why we were incredibly fortunate to have Nathan from Nathan’s Carpentry on board to tackle this intricate project. For anyone in the Kansas City area contemplating cabinet installation, I cannot recommend Nathan and his super handy wife enough. They not only assembled but also meticulously installed the entire kitchen’s worth of cabinets in just one day! Their efficiency was astounding, and Nathan’s expertise shone through as he masterfully customized the cabinets to seamlessly integrate with our new appliances. This professional touch ensured a cohesive and highly functional kitchen layout.
Witnessing their teamwork was truly impressive, transforming a pile of flat-packed boxes into elegant storage solutions. The sheer volume of packaging generated by a full kitchen of cabinets was quite a sight!
And you see that initial mountain of boxes growing in the background? By the end of that week, that mountain had nearly doubled in size. So. Many. Boxes! But every box represented a step closer to the dream kitchen.
Appliance Paradise: The White Ice Revolution in Modern Kitchens
Once the beautiful new cabinets were expertly installed and ready to house their counterparts, it was time for the long-awaited (and truly much-anticipated!) arrival of my new kitchen appliances from Whirlpool!!! Oh my goodness, the excitement was palpable. I had been “stalking” Whirlpool’s stunning White Ice Collection online for months, admiring its sleek, modern aesthetic and innovative features. Then, seeing them in person at Nebraska Furniture Mart truly solidified my choice. To finally see them installed in my very own kitchen was an absolute thrill!
And oh, people, get ready for an abundance of pictures and stories during reveal week, because I am madly, deeply, unequivocally in love with these appliances. The White Ice finish is simply breathtaking – a sophisticated blend of white and stainless accents that exudes contemporary elegance. If you’ve ever pondered the idea of a white-on-white kitchen, let me wholeheartedly assure you, this White Ice line makes the kitchen look truly outstanding. It provides a crisp, clean, and incredibly chic focal point that elevates the entire design. The seamless integration of these appliances creates a cohesive and luxurious feel that I can’t wait to share in full detail. You’ll definitely want to check them out soon!
Illuminating the Space: Strategic Kitchen Lighting Design
After the appliances found their rightful homes, it was finally time to banish the shadows and let there be light! When the original kitchen was torn out, our 1000-square-foot loft space was plunged into surprising darkness. Imagine trying to strategize a new kitchen layout in near-darkness – it adds an extra layer of challenge! So, you can understand my immense relief and excitement when these gorgeous new lights from Lowe’s were finally installed.
I must admit, I was a little nervous about this particular design choice. Throughout this entire remodeling process, I’ve realized that interior design is much more complex than it appears on paper. What looks fantastic in a sketch doesn’t always translate perfectly into a three-dimensional space. My vision was to mix and match different sets of my favorite lighting fixtures from Lowe’s, creating layers of light for both ambiance and functionality. To my absolute delight and relief, the actual installation turned out even better than I had hoped! The combination of task lighting and ambient fixtures creates a bright, inviting, and highly functional environment.
I can’t wait to share all the intricate details of our lighting choices and their impact during reveal week. But for now, let me just assure you that there is now a lot of voltage happening in this loft, and it makes me incredibly happy. A well-lit room, especially a kitchen, is truly my happy place. It transforms the mood, enhances visibility for cooking, and makes the entire space feel open and welcoming.
Beyond the Kitchen: A Dining Nook Makeover for Entertaining
Amidst the whirlwind of the kitchen remodel, an exciting new development emerged that I’m particularly thrilled about! While I was scouting out the Whirlpool appliances at Nebraska Furniture Mart (the incredible mega-store in town that also expertly installed our appliances), I decided to browse their dining table section. My old dining table had become far too small for my entertaining needs, especially with the vision of hosting grand dinner parties in my new kitchen. And wouldn’t you know it, I found the perfect one!
This absolute beauty from Broyhill is even more stunning in person than in pictures. It boasts a rich, beautiful wood finish that adds warmth and sophistication to the open loft space. Its sturdy design promises to support countless feasts and gatherings. But what excites me most is its generous size – this table will comfortably seat 10 people! My mind is already buzzing with plans for my very first dinner party in this transformed space, bringing friends and family together around delicious food and wonderful conversation. It’s the perfect complement to my new cooking haven, extending the functionality and hospitality of the entire area.
The Final Countdown: Countertops, Sink, and Faucet – The Heart of the Kitchen
So now, we find ourselves back in the familiar waiting game, eagerly anticipating the arrival and installation of the countertops. My trusty supervisor, Henry, even made sure to oversee the measurements, so we know they’ll be a perfect fit! The installation of countertops is a pivotal moment in any kitchen renovation, as it unlocks the ability to complete several other critical installations, transforming the space from nearly finished to fully functional. As a dedicated food blogger, being without fully operational countertops has proven to be a unique challenge, making everyday cooking a bit of an adventure. I’m truly longing to get back to creating and sharing recipes without these temporary limitations!
As soon as those beautiful countertops are in place, we can finally unpack and install this gorgeous cast iron sink from Kohler, along with its cutting-edge Sensate™ Touchless Kitchen Faucet. It’s currently staying safely tucked away in its box, and for good reason – this baby is seriously heavy! The anticipation for this specific combination of durability and modern convenience is immense. The Kohler sink and faucet will not only be a stunning centerpiece but also a powerhouse of functionality, making daily kitchen tasks effortless and enjoyable. It’s going to be absolutely awesome, and I know it will make this new kitchen truly feel like home.
Thank you for following along on this incredible kitchen remodel journey! Your support and enthusiasm mean the world. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the incredible brands who have been such generous and patient sponsors of this project. Their contributions have made this dream kitchen a reality, and I am beyond thankful for each and every one of them.
Gimme Some AMAZING Kitchen Remodel Sponsors!
Whirlpool
Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & Pinterest
Cabinet Giant
Website, Facebook, Twitter,YouTube & Pinterest
Lowe’s
Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & Pinterest
Kohler
Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & Pinterest
Nebraska Furniture Mart
Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & Pinterest
Disclaimer: Products for this kitchen remodel are being generously sponsored by Whirlpool, Cabinet Giant, Lowe’s, Kohler, and Nebraska Furniture Mart. All opinions shared are authentically my own, as always, and I am genuinely thrilled to be collaborating with these fantastic brands and sharing their contributions with you.