Just Fix It!

This is where we are with the upstairs kitchen.  There was a full counter against this wall and Gary had tiled it along with the back splash above it.  The counter eventually warped and cracked.  Something had to be done.  However, with all of the stuff that needs to be done with the house a full second kitchen remodel didn't seem to make sense.  We figured the best plan would be to at least return the room to a "clean slate' sort of state.  Since the house is for sale, the new owners might have their own ideas.  I think it would make a wonderful laundry room.  Someone might even want or need to use it as a bedroom.  For that reason, we aren't even sure we want to mount a new sink just yet.  Rather than install cabinets, we have a large, well-made free standing unit which is old and unique.  It needs a backing piece and we'll put on on that matches the newer style bead-board.  With out it affixed to the wall, the next owners can move or use it however they want.

Restoration is a lofty goal, but this section of the house was a late addition. In fact, from the construction we've seen, it looks like it might even have been a porch that was eventually enclosed.  What we do know is that there were four layers of floor tiles with various areas exposed.  This made for a very uneven floor. We opted to put down a sub floor and will put new tile over that.  Also, the wall board had been added on to enough that it was time to take it off and start again.  When we pulled away the hutch against the back wall, we found the floor board were mismatched and hacked together, so they couldn't be saved. We put up a neutral board in its place that won't need to be painted. We will put a small quarter molding over it at the base once the tiles are down.  If the next owner wants a color, they can choose it.

The rest of the room is being painted and non-working lights have been replaced.  The original tile appeals to us so we are keeping the back splash.  We also put a sub-floor layer down in the hallway that leads to the kitchen and will put down the same tile.

Our main goal is to create a clean base layer.  What was there before had gotten into pretty sad shape. It will be very nice once it's done and everything is cleaned up.  Stay tuned!