Beautiful Modern Contemporary House Elevation

Home Renovation: Progress Update

Justin and I have been knee-deep in our home renovation for three weeks and we're making a ton of progress! This is my first home renovation, and it's ended up being <i>so</i> much more work that I expected. Justin <b><i>tried</i></b> to warn me (since home builds and renovations are part of his job), but I just didn't listen. Hee hee.<br /><br />So since we're three weeks into the renovation, I figured it's about darn time to share a progress update! As a refresher, here's our <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/08/master-bedroom-rennovation_28.html" target="_blank">overall plan</a>, <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/10/inspired-by-bed-one.html" target="_blank">the master bedroom mood board</a> and <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/10/our-master-bathroom-mood-boards.html" target="_blank">the master bathroom mood board</a>.<br /><br />Here's what we've accomplished:<br /><br />I moved my closet into the living room. Covered our furniture. And overall made our house as messy as possible.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10578959425/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_2425 by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2425" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/10578959425_63dd00717d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We've carefully taken up our carpet so we can re-use it after the remodel - it's only 1 year old! Oh, and we tore down some walls.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10579046234/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Demo Profiles by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Demo Profiles" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/10579046234_dc72af003c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We took out the old (crappy) insulation and kicked down the ceiling.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10578987815/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kicked Down Ceilings by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Kicked Down Ceilings" height="428" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/10578987815_87020b13a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Justin framed out our new walls.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10579266783/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Framing Work by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing Work" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/10579266783_c72beeb357_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We took down the dining room wall so the plumbers could get to their pipes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10579005046/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_2603 by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2603" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/10579005046_43e2e6ed82_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We took up the floors so the HVAC guy could get to his stuff.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10579025664/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_2592 by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2592" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/10579025664_3849052bcd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We hired a plumber and electrician to do their thing. And built the surround for our soaking tub. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10579025026/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Plumbing and Tub by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Plumbing and Tub" height="428" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/10579025026_f30e281fa9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And now we finally have our very own Dexter room. Renovation complete. Perfect for Halloween, right?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10590786336/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Our Very Own Dexter Room by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Our Very Own Dexter Room" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/10590786336_2935cc139f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ha. So that's about it! This week and weekend we'll be installing the new insulation and starting to put up walls. So good because it's sooo cold in the house without that insulation! Brrr...<br /><br /><b><b>P.S. Don't forget to enter my <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-tea-towel-set-giveaway.html" target="_blank">giveaway</a> for a chance to win two trendy tea towels from The Shapes & Colors Textiles! Enter through this <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-tea-towel-set-giveaway.html" target="_blank">post</a>.  </b></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10542123246/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shapes and Colors Towel Giveaway by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Shapes and Colors Towel Giveaway" height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/10542123246_d2f4ac772f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><b>Linking up to: <a href="http://www.maisondepax.com/" target="_blank">Give Me The Goods Monday</a>, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Motivate Me Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/" target="_blank">Craft-o-Matic</a>, <a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" target="_blank">Monday Funday</a>, <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank">That DIY Party</a>, <a href="http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mod Mix Monday,</a> <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tuesdays at Our Home</a>, <a href="http://www.aromaofhim.com/" target="_blank">Tell Me Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2013/09/washi-tape-home-decor-ideas/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a>, <a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank">Time to Sparkle</a>, <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Take a Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://theturquoisehome.com/" target="_blank">Work It Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://www.simplydreamandcreate.com/" target="_blank">Simply Create Thursdays</a>, <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank">36th Avenue</a>, <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank">Inspiration Gallery</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank">The Weekly Creative</a>, <a href="http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/" target="_blank">Five Days Five Ways</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" target="_blank">Inspire Me Please</a> <a href="http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/09/whats-shakin-link-party-77-share-your-creativity.html" target="_blank">What's Shaking Link Party</a>, <a href="http://obsessiveandcreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Craft Frenzy Friday</a>, <a href="http://mrandmrswinslett.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY Weekend</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/thebetterhalf/" target="_blank">The Humble Brag</a>, <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/" target="_blank">Friday Flash Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Ladies Linky</a>, <a href="http://www.littlemisscelebration.com/" target="_blank">Best of the Weekend</a>, <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/" target="_blank">Tutorials and Tips</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday,</a> <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank">Link Party Palooza</a>, <a href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Making Monday</a>,  </b></b>

Home Renovation: Progress Update

Justin and I have been knee-deep in our home renovation for three weeks and we're making a ton of progress! This is my first home renovation, and it's ended up being so much more work that I expected. Justin tried to warn me (since home builds and renovations are part of his job), but I just didn't …

31Oct2013

Reveal! Our super tiny washroom renovation

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxJNyE0jBFBzM03GqNe5-bdFTKa5cMj3fcqXv1O-G962rdi27-D4i5wFKX__HwlJnExSk31KS4sSg3_gThxaBrN1Jyd5wnJNNWCDrFLotvxF0rLcietjfRzAPFKE1-kapuFFSrkaJv3s/s1600/IMG_7002d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxJNyE0jBFBzM03GqNe5-bdFTKa5cMj3fcqXv1O-G962rdi27-D4i5wFKX__HwlJnExSk31KS4sSg3_gThxaBrN1Jyd5wnJNNWCDrFLotvxF0rLcietjfRzAPFKE1-kapuFFSrkaJv3s/s1600/IMG_7002d.jpg" /></a></div><br />So it's time to reveal our washroom renovation. :) I am <i>so, so, so </i>happy with how it turned out. Every night I have a bubble bath and unwind and I look around and feel like I'm in a fancy hotel. Although I designed the room (picking the finishes, faucets etc) Aubrey did <i>all the work</i> making it come together. So here is a full reveal of the room, now that everything has been installed.<br /><br />The main design decision that impacted the space was <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/01/washroom-planning-bumping-out-wall.html" target="_blank">deciding to bump out the washroom wall into the hallway </a>to make extra room for the vanity. This allowed us to have a nook where the vanity would fit and give us more floor space in the washroom. It was absolutely <i>the best decision.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxltab9NTYeSRoBjjDWzNDQu8vhAW0qR3bjLAX41W6Kcna1_VglSLgDujiErjLevTe6kooADD-CHzlqdB7rWMJNNQUOhs1gLIO_N1LIzABiI4i_Qy4dGV_AV5jq_hwrca1kr-JohIESuc/s1600/IMG_6870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxltab9NTYeSRoBjjDWzNDQu8vhAW0qR3bjLAX41W6Kcna1_VglSLgDujiErjLevTe6kooADD-CHzlqdB7rWMJNNQUOhs1gLIO_N1LIzABiI4i_Qy4dGV_AV5jq_hwrca1kr-JohIESuc/s1600/IMG_6870.jpg" /></a></div><br />In the shot above you can also see how all of our choices came together. The 2" hexagon marble floor compliments the porcelain marble "look a like" tile that we carried onto the face of the bathtub. The trim is bright white and the walls - Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore. Grays and whites - all working together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujPJ_xnTv_HKe10I1WSI4bGRXiMcgd9lC-sLkuxl3BhyphenhyphenmwFdhFpydXA9WnSlEMnlooly1QlzLovQRiOwcglAz5jfzDDxQy9UedNQCk5-yzVeYAy8WCoudrA5tWIlEMl4WqYfbDdS1n9M/s1600/IMG_6882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujPJ_xnTv_HKe10I1WSI4bGRXiMcgd9lC-sLkuxl3BhyphenhyphenmwFdhFpydXA9WnSlEMnlooly1QlzLovQRiOwcglAz5jfzDDxQy9UedNQCk5-yzVeYAy8WCoudrA5tWIlEMl4WqYfbDdS1n9M/s1600/IMG_6882.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4uUVaDTbfHQTCKrRNp4LgvU43jrI8ADytNeRtKLOFzEJjzgyFyHn2EdcUY2RViWtGfdoDTQUT49d-LBBcRFQ8BALu5ZSKmnAdeA_c_LpzSWBwCz-4Ouc1VtgXkcASWjOgDAcauuVSw0/s1600/IMG_6862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4uUVaDTbfHQTCKrRNp4LgvU43jrI8ADytNeRtKLOFzEJjzgyFyHn2EdcUY2RViWtGfdoDTQUT49d-LBBcRFQ8BALu5ZSKmnAdeA_c_LpzSWBwCz-4Ouc1VtgXkcASWjOgDAcauuVSw0/s1600/IMG_6862.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8nWlguhCPBcDypBVvSH3d62Oad4Zh1ghhyphenhyphen6KmeZNM1wguJCAFZHVqa0QW7rDJdG1VPFlwL6ay657sUe-ynFJm84rIl1LVqBGvpt9UnYmCGeQPPmOj-HZ2o7fIQOQX-jhCiULx9LZvwA/s1600/IMG_6925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8nWlguhCPBcDypBVvSH3d62Oad4Zh1ghhyphenhyphen6KmeZNM1wguJCAFZHVqa0QW7rDJdG1VPFlwL6ay657sUe-ynFJm84rIl1LVqBGvpt9UnYmCGeQPPmOj-HZ2o7fIQOQX-jhCiULx9LZvwA/s1600/IMG_6925.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVbeqOjC2Aj8BpFCoKLe1np2pN5lJYWXX5DGRs8921P8k-wo-rP94SoScfmCe5rnceu_ZaMASGvu46ruCSE1H9_NzVW-gPHEHn-vySE-TWmf-79jZhbqTv6DXgTJwhm4VoodF2OX9Z24/s1600/IMG_6897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVbeqOjC2Aj8BpFCoKLe1np2pN5lJYWXX5DGRs8921P8k-wo-rP94SoScfmCe5rnceu_ZaMASGvu46ruCSE1H9_NzVW-gPHEHn-vySE-TWmf-79jZhbqTv6DXgTJwhm4VoodF2OX9Z24/s1600/IMG_6897.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DeAi0E1gVFFwWimA3hpWZiZeASnKPEYS-CoVaN82uaTD3MR6r3zdAanDmatjXDwH5i4L6mybfpsJ4MpUrge8vuB1F_-FC9SOmFvPwvVCeDirjlu1U0DWe5ndmcfJJcQw-FW50xYX5Eo/s1600/IMG_6904b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DeAi0E1gVFFwWimA3hpWZiZeASnKPEYS-CoVaN82uaTD3MR6r3zdAanDmatjXDwH5i4L6mybfpsJ4MpUrge8vuB1F_-FC9SOmFvPwvVCeDirjlu1U0DWe5ndmcfJJcQw-FW50xYX5Eo/s1600/IMG_6904b.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Vanity Lighting: </b>One thing that was a bit concerning was that we had zero space for any vanity lighting. We ended up doing a single pot light right in the middle of the alcove. I'm happy to say that it gives off enough beautiful light. I wouldn't have it any other way.<br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXs48z-OO6u3sXAc4WTa-MSHhw4J36AhqQiHbSkpAqgQWLjc2SYM7egB4z5TPk6vOJq9CRWyuiT1g18zg3Ip-FWF_AuSFb8kVk9V-xbUCzf9c3rZ_C3-zVchVnsL88vmdEK2daWsJJnw/s1600/IMG_6940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXs48z-OO6u3sXAc4WTa-MSHhw4J36AhqQiHbSkpAqgQWLjc2SYM7egB4z5TPk6vOJq9CRWyuiT1g18zg3Ip-FWF_AuSFb8kVk9V-xbUCzf9c3rZ_C3-zVchVnsL88vmdEK2daWsJJnw/s1600/IMG_6940.jpg" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b>We purposefully dropped the ceiling in the alcove to be the same height as the door, so it worked together, but also so that the potlight was close enough to where we stood to give off enough light. If we had made it much higher, we likely would not have as nice a light source. (See animated gif below)<br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulL3cj56Fir6jvhERIitYqvIAkDo9HlFmdP3FBB9xKTtkRqBBq47CLxMIVmzekN1HO3u4vYCoXgiqlSMH0Ypp6e8Iur1XokQZI59r2tSdnbcewltxN6eGUOwJhGIO_W1A_TB_wL9N6D8/s1600/Untitled-6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulL3cj56Fir6jvhERIitYqvIAkDo9HlFmdP3FBB9xKTtkRqBBq47CLxMIVmzekN1HO3u4vYCoXgiqlSMH0Ypp6e8Iur1XokQZI59r2tSdnbcewltxN6eGUOwJhGIO_W1A_TB_wL9N6D8/s1600/Untitled-6.gif" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>The mirror</b> - oh, the mirror. I had quotes of getting one custom made (close to $300, framed) <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/09/mirror-mirror-on-wall.html" target="_blank">searched high and low in retail stores</a>. Nothing was right - or if it was, it was too expensive. I stopped into a Hotel Liquidators and low and behold they had the mirror above for sale for $15. Sold. Aubrey glued it to the wall and it looks like it was custom cut for our room.<br /><br />Our vanity is gorgeous and it was pretty reasonable coming in around $500 (that includes the vanity and sink, not the faucet). In terms of function - this vanity hits all of the right notes. I love that the sink portion is flat - which means that you really have a full counter in front of you if you're doing makeup. You don't have to rest things on the side of the sink - as the interior basin is flat. I love that we went with zero handles, as it saves the floor space and I can get up closer to the sink. The only downfall is, that since we have no overhang of the sink - if water drips off the sink it drips onto the front of the drawers which is occasionally annoying.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRnXbuXNJ4XnaXoa912wyup9OG4hz2P6cxqccVcq6rKnU-HQrYhJkmOIt421S2J3_nWc-wl6yEIkNRIEIP-1_MS3WTYj3cYgL_0PvSs33j_gaj5FyTQrviukkhw1TcJa6z1H4fKHP2AI/s1600/IMG_7002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRnXbuXNJ4XnaXoa912wyup9OG4hz2P6cxqccVcq6rKnU-HQrYhJkmOIt421S2J3_nWc-wl6yEIkNRIEIP-1_MS3WTYj3cYgL_0PvSs33j_gaj5FyTQrviukkhw1TcJa6z1H4fKHP2AI/s1600/IMG_7002.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b>I LOVE having drawers - they can store a ton of (my) things. Aubrey has one side, I have the other and the bottom drawer (not shown open) houses extra toilet paper, bubble bath, toys for Oscar.<br /><br />And there you have it - Our bathroom reno! :)<br /><br /><b>SHOPPING GUIDE:</b><br /><b>Porcelain Shower Tile: </b><a href="http://www.cerim.it/en/prod-184-1866-pearl.asp" target="_blank">Manufacturer: Cerim, Style Name: Precious Pearl </a><br /><b>2" Hexagon Marble Floor:</b> <a href="http://www.thetilestore.ca/" target="_blank">The Tile Store</a><br /><b>Bathtub</b>: <a href="http://www.lowes.ca/soaking-tubs/jacuzzi-p1s6032blxxxxw-60-x-32-primo-white-rectangular-skirted-tub_g1195134.html" target="_blank">Jaccuzi Soaker 60" x 32" drop in - purchased at Lowes</a><br /><b>Toilet</b>: <a href="http://www.lowes.ca/toilets/kohler-memoirs-white-elongated-2-piece-toilet_g1194673.html?isku=8788462&term=memoirs-toilet&linkloc=searchProductItemsImage" target="_blank">Kohler Memoirs</a> (I LOVE this toilet) purchased at Lowes<br /><b>Vanity</b>: <a href="http://venetobath.com/690C.html" target="_blank">Veneto Bath 690C in Walnut </a> Purchased at <a href="http://www.bathcity.ca/contactus.html" target="_blank">Bath City, Beaches Location</a><br /><b>Three Way Shower System and faucet: </b><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/04/understanding-shower-systems.html" target="_blank">TAPS </a><br /><b>Robe Hooks and toilet paper holder:</b> <a href="http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchView?catalogId=10051&storeId=10051&langId=-15&N=0&Ntt=aura&Nty=1&D=aura&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&s=true" target="_blank">Kraus Aura Line, Home Depot Online</a> (online only)<br /><b>Shower Curtain and Liner</b>: <a href="http://www.homesense.ca/" target="_blank">HomeSense</a><br /><b>Shower Rod and Rings:</b> Target<br /><b>Towels</b>: HomeSense<br /><b>Mirror</b>: <a href="http://www.advancehotelliquidators.com/" target="_blank">Advance Hotel Liquidator </a><br /><b>Paint</b>: Classic Gray for the Walls, Chantilly Lace for the trim (Both Benjamin Moore)<br /><b>Drywall</b>: <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/search?q=joe+drywall&x=-1391&y=-1431" target="_blank">Joe </a>(He's done our basement, our kitchen and now our bathroom)<br /><br /><b>Other posts of interest:</b> <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/01/washroom-planning-bumping-out-wall.html" target="_blank">Deciding to Bump Out the bathroom wall</a>, <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/01/washroom-reno-recapping-last-4-years.html" target="_blank">Washroom Before,</a> <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/04/picking-tile.html" target="_blank">Picking Tile</a>,  <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/04/understanding-shower-systems.html" target="_blank">Shower Systems, </a><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/05/how-to-choose-bathtub.html" target="_blank">Choosing a Bathtub</a>,

Reveal! Our super tiny washroom renovation

So it's time to reveal our washroom renovation. :) I am so, so, so happy with how it turned out. Every night I have a bubble bath and unwind and I look around and feel like I'm in a fancy hotel. Although I designed the room (picking the finishes, faucets etc) Aubrey did all the work making it come t…

30Oct2013

on etsy....

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW2afZq_iZ0F1lALxPbz2jX3FFr-aExGpKtcGnGE-17RS1kw-VSgn5AqH5K-exi0MY1OaCoVpi6hLsFIruZ4wD1BssU0yzVBq5THqL77dALGkBUtbTqfcPzwerY4lly3izokUptlh90E/s1600/Untitled-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW2afZq_iZ0F1lALxPbz2jX3FFr-aExGpKtcGnGE-17RS1kw-VSgn5AqH5K-exi0MY1OaCoVpi6hLsFIruZ4wD1BssU0yzVBq5THqL77dALGkBUtbTqfcPzwerY4lly3izokUptlh90E/s1600/Untitled-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Just a quickie today to mention that <a href="https://www.etsy.com/pages/littlehouseblog" target="_blank">E</a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/pages/littlehouseblog" target="_blank">tsy invited me to create a branded page with my finds</a>. Whooooo! I am obsessed with categorizing my finds. I'll go into some of the sections later on but I thought I'd just mention my new obsession. xo Linds

on etsy....

Just a quickie today to mention that Etsy invited me to create a branded page with my finds. Whooooo! I am obsessed with categorizing my finds. I'll go into some of the sections later on but I thought I'd just mention my new obsession. xo Linds…

30Oct2013

Look for Less Design Challenge

Welcome to the first ever Look for Less Design Challenge! Today, myself and six other amazing DIY'ers are sharing some great projects that we DIY'ed as part of our Look for Less Design Challenge.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10535900556/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Look for Less Design Challenge by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Look for Less Design Challenge" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/10535900556_fdc6dcc2ba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The Challenge idea is to find something you'd love to buy but is out of your price range, and then DIY it for less!<br /><br />If you've been around for long, you know that this is right up my alley.<br /><br />My Look for Less project was DIY'ing this West Elm inspired herringbone floor mirror.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10566232304/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="West Elm Inspired Herringbone Floor Mirror high res by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="West Elm Inspired Herringbone Floor Mirror high res" height="906" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/10566232304_35db9f4f24_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />With the help of Justin (of course),  we were able to DIY this over-sized floor mirror for only $36 as compared to <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/parsons-floor-mirror-gray-herringbone-w831/?pkey=cmirrors-shelving-bath-decor-sale&cm_src=mirrors-shelving-bath-decor-sale||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-" target="_blank">West Elm's $549 version</a>!! I'd like to say that it was a fun and simple DIY project, but it wasn't even close. This project took the pair of us <i>thirteen hours </i>to complete.  You can only imagine the <strike>love</strike> <strike>annoyance</strike> joy that Justin felt when I took him away from our home remodel for a "quick and easy" DIY project. Ha. Oops!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10566171725/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="West Elm Inspired Mirror by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="West Elm Inspired Mirror" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/10566171725_39135ac424_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />But even though it was hard work, I'd much rather spend 13 hours and $36 on this herringbone floor mirror than fork over $549!<br /><br />In case you're as crazy as I am, here's how we did it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10566177765/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_2719 by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2719" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/10566177765_3a2e90a106_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We started with the <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_26068-405-81658_0__?productId=1175999&Ntt=frameless+mirror&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_price|0%26Ntt%3Dframeless%2Bmirror%26page%3D1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">oversized floor mirror</a> which we found at Lowes for $25. Justin then took 2x4's and cut them to size to surround the mirror, cutting at 45 degree angles with a miter saw. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10566454033/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Building the Herringbone Floor Mirror1 by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Building the Herringbone Floor Mirror1" height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/10566454033_015deb91b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10566194286/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Building the Herringbone Floor Mirror by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Building the Herringbone Floor Mirror" height="320" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/10566194286_a1d30a2432_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />He then used his brand new table saw to cut grooves into the 2x4's at 1/8" x 1/2" to slide the edges of the mirror into. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10566192776/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_2727 by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2727" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/10566192776_cec277b3cb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then after securing each of the four corners with wood glue and screws, he sanded down all the sides so I could start on the finish work. This was the time that we had to move the project inside because it was <i>sooo</i> incredibly cold out!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10566233414/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Painting the Herringbone Floor Mirror by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Painting the Herringbone Floor Mirror" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/10566233414_e933cec7e3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now it's my turn <i>and</i> where the hard part comes in.<br /><br />First, I painted the face of the frame white with paint I had laying around the house.<br /><br />Then, I measured and cut out millions of little pieces of blue painters tape and placed them on the face of the frame. Looking back, I probably should have just created a stencil to paint the herringbone design, but what fun is that?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10566450313/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_2745 by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2745" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/10566450313_a831dee50a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I then painted the face of the frame navy blue, and because I wanted the navy to be a bit more muted similar to the <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/parsons-floor-mirror-gray-herringbone-w831/?pkey=cmirrors-shelving-bath-decor-sale&cm_src=mirrors-shelving-bath-decor-sale||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-" target="_blank">West Elm</a> example, I whitewashed the entire face of the frame, using this <a href="http://amommyslifewithatouchofyellow.blogspot.com/2013/03/how-to-whitewash-wood-tutorial.html" target="_blank">whitewashing tutorial</a> I found on Pinterest.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10566462036/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_2773 by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2773" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/10566462036_dfedcd90ac_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After letting that dry, I then stained the outside and inside edges of the frame with natural wood stain so it was a nice, light color. The one coat of varnish - and we're done! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10566501694/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Herringbone Floor Mirror Finished by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Herringbone Floor Mirror Finished" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/10566501694_54aa17bf6d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Whew. That was a lot. But what do you think? Was it worth the 13 grueling hours of hard work? <br /><br />Make sure to check out the other challenge bloggers and their amazing projects too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="Image-Maps_3201310311143456" src="http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz198/klacowsky/LookforLessInspiration_zps082d5ce8.jpg" usemap="#Image-Maps_3201310311143456" width="640" /><map id="_Image-Maps_3201310311143456" name="Image-Maps_3201310311143456"><area alt="DIY Shutters" coords="234,7,362,285" href="http://absolutelyarkansas.blogspot.se/2013/10/diy-board-batten-shutters-look-for-less.html" shape="rect" title="DIY Shutters"></area><area alt="DIY Coasters" coords="367,9,500,287" href="http://www.sewingbarefoot.blogspot.com/2013/10/look-for-less-design-challenge.html" shape="rect" title="DIY Coasters"></area><area alt="DIY Wood Bead Chandelier" coords="500,9,633,287" href="http://www.lifeonvirginiastreet.com/2013/10/diy-wood-bead-chandelier-using-chalk.html" shape="rect" title="DIY Wood Bead Chandelier"></area><area alt="DIY Pie Safe" coords="23,290,235,475" href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/2013/10/design-challenge-look-for-less.html" shape="rect" title="DIY Pie Safe"></area><area alt="DIY Peace Wreath" coords="234,290,430,475" href="http://www.lifelovelarson.blogspot.com/2013/10/look-for-less-design-challenge-cb2.html" shape="rect" title="DIY Peace Wreath"></area><area alt="DIY Drink Station" coords="433,290,635,475" href="http://likeasaturday.com/2013/10/30/look-for-less-drink-station/" shape="rect" title="DIY Drink Station"></area><area alt="Image Map" coords="638,478,640,480" href="http://www.image-maps.com/index.php?aff=mapped_users_3201310311143456" shape="rect" title="Image Map"></area></map></div><br /><div style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 640px;"></div><br /><div style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 640px;"><map id="_Image-Maps_2201310291722212" name="Image-Maps_2201310291722212"><area alt="DIY Shutters" coords="233,15,363,279" href="http://absolutelyarkansas.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-board-batten-shutters-look-for-less.html" shape="rect" title="DIY Shutters"></area><area alt="DIY Coasters" coords="368,12,499,276" href="http://sewingbarefoot.blogspot.com/2013/10/look-for-less-design-challenge.html" shape="rect" title="DIY Coasters"></area><area alt="DIY Chandelier" coords="502,16,632,280" href="http://www.lifeonvirginiastreet.com/" shape="rect" title="DIY Chandelier"></area><area alt="DIY Pie Safe" coords="15,289,236,475" href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/" shape="rect" title="DIY Pie Safe"></area><area alt="DIY Peace Wreath" coords="232,289,429,475" href="http://lifelovelarson.blogspot.com/2013/10/look-for-less-design-challenge-cb2.html" shape="rect" title="DIY Peace Wreath"></area><area alt="DIY Drink Station" coords="431,289,634,475" href="http://likeasaturday.com/" shape="rect" title="DIY Drink Station"></area><area alt="Image Map" coords="638,478,640,480" href="http://www.image-maps.com/index.php?aff=mapped_users_2201310291722212" shape="rect" title="Image Map"></area></map></div><b><b>P.S. Don't forget to enter my <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-tea-towel-set-giveaway.html" target="_blank">giveaway</a> for a chance to win two trendy tea towels from The Shapes & Colors Textiles! Enter through this <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-tea-towel-set-giveaway.html" target="_blank">post</a>.  </b></b><br /><br /><b><b>Linking up to: <a href="http://www.maisondepax.com/" target="_blank">Give Me The Goods Monday</a>, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Motivate Me Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/" target="_blank">Craft-o-Matic</a>, <a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" target="_blank">Monday Funday</a>, <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank">That DIY Party</a>, <a href="http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mod Mix Monday,</a> <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tuesdays at Our Home</a>, <a href="http://www.aromaofhim.com/" target="_blank">Tell Me Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2013/09/washi-tape-home-decor-ideas/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a>, <a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank">Time to Sparkle</a>, <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Take a Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://theturquoisehome.com/" target="_blank">Work It Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://www.simplydreamandcreate.com/" target="_blank">Simply Create Thursdays</a>, <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank">36th Avenue</a>, <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank">Inspiration Gallery</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank">The Weekly Creative</a>, <a href="http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/" target="_blank">Five Days Five Ways</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" target="_blank">Inspire Me Please</a> <a href="http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/09/whats-shakin-link-party-77-share-your-creativity.html" target="_blank">What's Shaking Link Party</a>, <a href="http://obsessiveandcreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Craft Frenzy Friday</a>, <a href="http://mrandmrswinslett.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY Weekend</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/thebetterhalf/" target="_blank">The Humble Brag</a>, <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/" target="_blank">Friday Flash Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Ladies Linky</a>, <a href="http://www.littlemisscelebration.com/" target="_blank">Best of the Weekend</a>, <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/" target="_blank">Tutorials and Tips</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday,</a> <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank">Link Party Palooza</a>, <a href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Making Monday</a>,  </b></b>

Look for Less Design Challenge

30Oct2013

A Tea Towel set Giveaway!

<b>Giveaway closed. </b>Congrats to <span>Emily Butler Maldonado for winning the two tea towels from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/shapescolors" target="_blank">Shapes & Colors Textiles</a>! </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9551861766/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="It's Giveaway Time by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="It's Giveaway Time" height="140" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9551861766_8e68c5b645_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Welcome friends! I'm happy to announce that it's Giveaway Day! This week, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/shapescolors" target="_blank">Shapes and Colors Textiles</a> is giving away a set of two, eco-friendly tea towels! I was immediately drawn to the modern and fun designs that these towels come in, especially since she has some hot pink designs - which you all know how much I'm obsessed with.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10542123246/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shapes and Colors Towel Giveaway by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Shapes and Colors Towel Giveaway" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/10542123246_d2f4ac772f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/10541759354/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tea Towels Giveaway by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Tea Towels Giveaway" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/10541759354_f2bfde7c55_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The contest runs from Today to next  Tuesday, November 5th at Midnight CST. <b>The giveaway is for two tea towels of your choice from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/shapescolors?section_id=10116522" target="_blank">Shapes & Colors Textiles</a></b><b>, valued at $24.</b>  Towels are made out from organic cotton flour sacks.  Please follow the Rafflecopter  instructions below. The winner will be notified via email and will have  48 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The giveaway is open to US only. <br /><br />And don't forget to check out the other products from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/shapescolors" target="_blank">Shapes & Colors Textiles</a> . I'm absolutely in love with this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123662288/the-city-bag-sunset-rainbow-cross-body?ref=shop_home_feat" target="_blank">city bag</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105821463/set-of-4-pillow-covers-your-choice?ref=shop_home_feat" target="_blank">these pillows</a>!  <br /><br />Good luck everyone!<br /><br /><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b3250512/" id="rc-b3250512" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>

A Tea Towel set Giveaway!

Giveaway closed. Congrats to Emily Butler Maldonado for winning the two tea towels from Shapes & Colors Textiles! Welcome friends! I'm happy to announce that it's Giveaway Day! This week, Shapes and Colors Textiles is giving away a set of two, eco-friendly tea towels! I was immediately drawn to the …

29Oct2013

your questions answered / faq's about our ikea kitchen

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2KqFYAys3g/Um8Z29-rwWI/AAAAAAAALjo/-AqJD2sowlI/s1600/welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2KqFYAys3g/Um8Z29-rwWI/AAAAAAAALjo/-AqJD2sowlI/s1600/welcome.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For those of you new to my blog, In the Summer of 2012, Aubrey and I took on an <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/kitchen-reveal_26.html" target="_blank">kitchen renovation </a>that combined the big box store cabinets (Ikea) with some high end items, budget items and of course - a few DIY's. The result of the hard work in months of planning and research paid off, and I am in <i>LOVE </i>with our kitchen. The kitchen has <a href="http://makingitlovely.com/2012/10/05/honor-roll-97/" target="_blank">got an awesome shout outs from Nicole</a>, was featured in <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/11/as-seen-in.html" target="_blank">The National Post and Sam featured it in one of her articles as well.</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/source/aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">And weekly I see people re-pinning pictures of the kitchen </a>and my favourite candid photo - <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/148126275217586532/" target="_blank">Aubrey laughing as demonstrating his trash pullout. ;) </a>It's great fun seeing something we put a lot of sweat (Aubrey), tears (me out of frustration) and effort (both of us) into, circulate and be an inspiration to others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/p/our-diy-projects.html" target="_blank">I've tried to organize past posts on the kitchen as best as possible</a> but I still get a lot of e-mails every week asking about little elements that we picked, or if we're still liking the kitchen a year later. So to help new readers I decided to post the most frequently asked questions about our kitchen here. This post will go in our <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/p/our-diy-projects.html" target="_blank">"Popular Post" roundup</a> - where you can also find a lot of posts that will help you. I really, really recommend you read through those posts as if you are thinking of doing an Ikea kitchen, a lot of information is in that section. <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/tips-tricks-for-buying-ikea-kitchen.html" target="_blank">Especially our post on Tips & Tricks for buying an Ikea Kitchen. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, all of this being said - as much as I try to help people out with questions, I can't stress enough that the best answers are going to come from you walking into your local Ikea, or home hardware with your own measurements and asking for advice. Measurements are <i>key </i>- so having your own measurements on hand when you go to a store. All that being said -  after the jump I've compiled all of our frequently asked questions directly related to our kitchen. <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/p/our-diy-projects.html" target="_blank">Remember, a lot of the great posts are in this section so do pop over there</a> if you're thinking of an Ikea kitchen.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><b>GENERAL QUESTIONS</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vjmus24RHbs/Um8aFAhmJ4I/AAAAAAAALj0/l-FHSepdaGk/s1600/Untitled-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vjmus24RHbs/Um8aFAhmJ4I/AAAAAAAALj0/l-FHSepdaGk/s1600/Untitled-3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Q: When does Ikea have their Kitchen Sale?</b><br />Q: I think it happens twice a year, we took advantage of the sale around May. I would ask around and see when they may host their sale. <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/tips-tricks-for-buying-ikea-kitchen.html" target="_blank">See Part #3 in our Tips & Tricks for Buying an Ikea Kitchen for more on buying during their sale. </a> *Update - The sale is happening September 30th to November 4th, 2013 so it's possibly safe to assume there is a Fall sale and a Spring sale. I stress that you should go into Ikea before the sale in order to design the kitchen. Once the sale starts - it becomes crazy busy in the store and you'll be hard pressed to find an associate in the kitchen area to help you.<br /><br /><b>Q: Are you still happy with your Ikea cabinets?</b><br />A: Yes. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e2h-5xcPlXU/Um8eKKJB8lI/AAAAAAAALks/kGxvn94zfYY/s1600/doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e2h-5xcPlXU/Um8eKKJB8lI/AAAAAAAALks/kGxvn94zfYY/s1600/doors.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Q: Are the Adele Doors off white?</b><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: Yes. But given the right lighting (pot lights) and matching it with the right accent choices (like countertop and backplash) the white doesn't look off white at all. See more on the doors below. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TN8-GraqOII/Um8cDxLkP1I/AAAAAAAALkQ/4Bq8HmruIE0/s1600/drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TN8-GraqOII/Um8cDxLkP1I/AAAAAAAALkQ/4Bq8HmruIE0/s1600/drawer.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q: Did you use ikea's organization items for the inside of the drawers? utensils etc? </span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: Yes. By the design of the drawers, you're "forced" into buying their organizational drawer units because the drawers have slanted insides (for the top drawers at least) which means traditional fork/spoon divider trays won’t fit. So we ended up buying their drawer organizers. But it's not a negative as their drawer units are actually quite nice. (See the photo above)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Q: What are the measurements of your cabinets?</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We get this question a lot and we have varying cabinet sizes. <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/12/ikea-hack-how-to-make-cookbook-shelf.html" target="_blank">This post on how to make a cookbook shelf using Ikea cabinetry shows you some of the cabinet sizes. </a></span> Ps., I'm not totally sure how our measurements will help others so I haven't gone into great detail answering this one. Really what it comes down to is what fits in your kitchen - so again, bring your measurements to Ikea and they are there to help!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtgxkMP2xO8/Um8df895j2I/AAAAAAAALkg/hDqs1HaWMwQ/s1600/handles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtgxkMP2xO8/Um8df895j2I/AAAAAAAALkg/hDqs1HaWMwQ/s1600/handles.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q: Your door handles, are they from Ikea as well? I wondered whether you had ideas of where I could source handles.</span></strong></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A:  Our door handles are from <a href="http://www.shophickoryhardware.com/hickoryhardware-all-products.html?text=studio&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Hickory Hardware </a>and were supplied to us from the manufacturer but you can find them on special order at Lowes or if you are in Toronto, at Upper Canada Hardware. <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/05/picking-handles.html" target="_blank">See this post on our hardware. </a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recommend popping over to our</span><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/kitchen-shopping-guide.html" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"> Kitchen Shopping Guide</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to see our full list of where everything came from. The finish is polished nickel. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tAWEhFIkuc/Um8VhBNkjEI/AAAAAAAALjA/AKHhmmH-8KE/s1600/countertop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tAWEhFIkuc/Um8VhBNkjEI/AAAAAAAALjA/AKHhmmH-8KE/s1600/countertop.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Q: What is the thickness of your countertop?</strong><br />A: We ordered a countertop that was 1.5" with a <b>miter joint</b>. We bought Caesarstone and the colour is Misty Carrara. In Canada Caesarstone is not sold via Ikea. You have to find a fabricator that deals in Caesarstone to order it for you and cut it to size and obviously install. <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/kitchen-shopping-guide.html" target="_blank">You can see who we hired in our Kitchen Shopping Guide. </a></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ds1IpxQWiY/Um8i23MfHiI/AAAAAAAALmE/gYKeiBft1n0/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ds1IpxQWiY/Um8i23MfHiI/AAAAAAAALmE/gYKeiBft1n0/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4skJwoLI8o/Um8TtUkk6fI/AAAAAAAALik/ZX3cNq0gzk8/s1600/waltile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4skJwoLI8o/Um8TtUkk6fI/AAAAAAAALik/ZX3cNq0gzk8/s1600/waltile.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Q: What brand of subway tile did you buy?</b></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">A: We bought our white subway tiles from Home Depot. At the time our Home Depot only sold <em>one</em> subway tile style so I didn't pay much attention to the manufacturer. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">I went through photographs and found the one above that shows Aubrey tiling and all I can see on the box is the company <a href="http://www.daltile.com/" target="_blank">Daltile </a>. </span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQf6IeZTP6Y/Um8e25NqY1I/AAAAAAAALlI/4C2GkWtuBU4/s1600/adel+doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQf6IeZTP6Y/Um8e25NqY1I/AAAAAAAALlI/4C2GkWtuBU4/s1600/adel+doors.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Q: Did you paint any of the cupboards? The off white color of ours is not my favorite but I am not sure it is worth the money to have them professionally spray painted. Would be interested in your thoughts on this!</b></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">A: I was worried about the Adele doors too but I can assure you, you needn't worry - We love them! In the end with the bright pot lights and matching things like the counter and backsplash -  the doors appeared whiter vs. creamy.<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/kitchen-shopping-guide.html" target="_blank"> See our shopping guide here. </a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Q: </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How noticeable is it that you backsplash, cabinets and counters all different shades of white? Would you do the white subway tile over agin if you had the chance?</b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: Because of the amount of pre-planning in accent choices, the <em>off white doors</em> are not noticeable at all.Once everything is installed and you're looking at everything straight on it is fantastic. We're really happy with<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/kitchen-shopping-guide.html" target="_blank"> all of our choices in the kitchen</a>. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q: The Ikea Adele doors are shaker style, do you find dust collects on the groves a lot?</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: Yes, but not a lot.  I often take a cloth and do a quick wipe down weekly or every other week when I'm cleaning the counter anyways. It's not major and it doesn't bother me at all. I'd rather have the look of shaker doors and wipe them down monthly (which doesn't take any time at all) vs. a flat door. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUdnhLJ0qaI/Um8fDjH7NeI/AAAAAAAALlU/ZfFB3q48Hro/s1600/construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUdnhLJ0qaI/Um8fDjH7NeI/AAAAAAAALlU/ZfFB3q48Hro/s1600/construction.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eH5CVtKnQfE/Um8n7Vs1ttI/AAAAAAAALmo/HYTHRG2vftY/s1600/waltile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eH5CVtKnQfE/Um8n7Vs1ttI/AAAAAAAALmo/HYTHRG2vftY/s1600/waltile.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 22px;">Q: "H</span>ow did you attach the door to the drawer on your trash pullout?  Did you need  additional support up the door? Is it still secure after months of use? What  drawer is it (fully extending/deep fully extending)?"</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: Instead of using a drawer front we used a full size cabinet door. And we used the drawer kit that is meant to be a bottom drawer, in order to have the most stability possible. It is a fully extending drawer. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Q: "</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Can you tell us the measurements of the wood used in the valances on your top cabinets. Also how you attached them together (nail or glue) and how you attached them to the cabinets. I love how yours turned out!"</span></b><br />The valances are 1.5" tall. It's a standard 1x2 piece of lumber found at any major lumberyard. These are what hide the under cabinet lighting from plain sight. We primed and painted them in advance. They are miter cut and attached with small L brackets on the inside to remain out of sight.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q: "I was looking at the pictures of your kitchen and I see that the back of your upper cabinets are flushed to the wall. When I look at our uninstalled cabinets sitting on the floor, I see two pieces that stick out (top and bottom) and I know once we install them to the wall they will stick out and leave maybe a half inch gap along the back. What did you do to hide this? Use filler?"</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: That's what the cover panels (or gabels) are for. We didn't need them because of the layout of our kitchen - the gaps all hide because of trim or walls that jut out. But all you need is to buy the panel from ikea that matches your cabinet door colour and then cut it to size. Also ---- You can also return those panels if you don’t use them, we got back a few hundred dollars after the fact by returning stuff, so if you don’t use those panels, do return them!</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoeA6MutuI2oDi62kTZz0qVx9xcwMMKx4_c6bE2ljvM1sZT3KIKHe0CbwrgoeeU01Rdwm1YGs9O8H05n7Ndw1Lgcrl89BrF2Bi1mvnMMdGkwzHrIyPsIAppnaZwaMn9HHRP6BN0PE6Io/s1600/Untitled-1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q: "What is the height of your cabinets, and in particular what is the height of  the cabinet above the microwave?  It looks like it fits perfectly in line  with the bottom of the adjacent cabinets, which I am hoping to achieve with  ours."</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: The cabinet above the microwave is 24" tall in order to have an even line across the top. The other cabinets are 39" tall.  </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoeA6MutuI2oDi62kTZz0qVx9xcwMMKx4_c6bE2ljvM1sZT3KIKHe0CbwrgoeeU01Rdwm1YGs9O8H05n7Ndw1Lgcrl89BrF2Bi1mvnMMdGkwzHrIyPsIAppnaZwaMn9HHRP6BN0PE6Io/s1600/Untitled-1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q: "Did you use any panels to finish the ends of the runs of  cabinets, and if so, how did you do it?"</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: We found it unnecessary to use end panels because we had the brightest white cabinets that Ikea sells. This wouldn't have been possible if we had gone with a cabinet colour other than white. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoeA6MutuI2oDi62kTZz0qVx9xcwMMKx4_c6bE2ljvM1sZT3KIKHe0CbwrgoeeU01Rdwm1YGs9O8H05n7Ndw1Lgcrl89BrF2Bi1mvnMMdGkwzHrIyPsIAppnaZwaMn9HHRP6BN0PE6Io/s1600/Untitled-1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEcK2rzjia0/Um8fQ501foI/AAAAAAAALlk/aPQcdjdtpPY/s1600/cost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEcK2rzjia0/Um8fQ501foI/AAAAAAAALlk/aPQcdjdtpPY/s1600/cost.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Q: Roughly would you be able to say how much you budgeted for your reno? And I recall you saying you had ordered the cabinets just or after the chaos of the Ikea sale- can you remind me again of those details so we can take advantage as well.</b></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">A: Here is a rough breakdown of some of the main things that were necessary. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Cabinetry was $4,000, Counters $4,000 (which is on the higher end of counters because we splurged on quartz) and hardware was $500+. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Depending on what else you need to do in your kitchen (Move plumbing, electrical, new floors, lighting, and whether you're hiring someone to do all the work) the price of a new kitchen can vary greatly. Here are a few areas that we managed to save on: Doing the demo ourselves, assembling the cabinets ourselves, not putting drywall behind where cabinets are going to stay permanently... Lots of little areas where you can save, contribute to the savings in the end. </span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">There you go! I hope this helps! Again, be sure to visit our <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/p/our-diy-projects.html" target="_blank">POPULAR POSTS that include a lot of posts on Ikea Kitchens. </a></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Lindsay </span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"></span><br /><div></div><br /></div>

your questions answered / faq's about our ikea kitchen

For those of you new to my blog, In the Summer of 2012, Aubrey and I took on an kitchen renovation that combined the big box store cabinets (Ikea) with some high end items, budget items and of course - a few DIY's. The result of the hard work in months of planning and research paid off, and I am in …

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your questions answered / faq's about our ikea kitchen

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