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 ...

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corkboard in the kitchen

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU8-UscymPTvrxPbwf9rJ82F4QZrGiaNCb3RfiE1qr4bwDjyJHvF6_y7JwS2dPA0HDUJYCCevBI6A3QMtJ0TvsPEaN2IHajrKJpz7bX-VxzvDexkRrzugT-KfCf4udANZ6CkOpiSjwUY/s1600/IMG_2735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU8-UscymPTvrxPbwf9rJ82F4QZrGiaNCb3RfiE1qr4bwDjyJHvF6_y7JwS2dPA0HDUJYCCevBI6A3QMtJ0TvsPEaN2IHajrKJpz7bX-VxzvDexkRrzugT-KfCf4udANZ6CkOpiSjwUY/s1600/IMG_2735.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6qka1tfpgcyJrgYlHo4Sf_TTXBNhH2RyPrnJ9L-hSBZF4Rr_UDc572bntByvbBCmq-litiCq-ZNbzUC-eJ8YIDI9FXHCgIIKJofFdcqeFxH9IlaO72TBBzHDwAW6pwNlUBk7EulFq54/s1600/IMG_2799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6qka1tfpgcyJrgYlHo4Sf_TTXBNhH2RyPrnJ9L-hSBZF4Rr_UDc572bntByvbBCmq-litiCq-ZNbzUC-eJ8YIDI9FXHCgIIKJofFdcqeFxH9IlaO72TBBzHDwAW6pwNlUBk7EulFq54/s1600/IMG_2799.jpg" /></a></div><br />I installed some cork squares on the back of a kitchen cabinet door - I've seen the idea on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/164170348888646551/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>and I thought it was a brilliant way of staying organized. The cork is from Dollarama, (package of two for a dollar) and I attached it to the door using <a href="http://www.gorillatough.com/" target="_blank">Gorilla Glue</a>. Aubrey and I can now stay organized and pin up phone numbers, flyers, coupons and grocery lists but we don't have the mess of seeing it out on display.<i> (Visual clutter gives me the heebie jeebies) </i>I purposefully installed the cork on the back of our "junk" cabinet door as I didn't want to necessarily see cork board every-time I went to grab a glass or plate. It has been installed a week and has already made a huge improvement in our organization.<br /><br />The second picture of our kitchen bench is random, and no relationship to the cork-board  I thought it was an especially pretty shot. :-)<br /><br />Ps., In somewhat related news, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151362895748434&set=a.420165853433.191660.190977078433&type=1&theater" target="_blank">Ikea posted a link to our cookbook shelf on their facebook page.</a> And some of the responses to the shelf are a wee bit funny. :-) (For example installing a cookbook shelf above our sink means we obviously don't cook) It's all in good fun. I do appreciate the major link love from Ikea. It was a nice treat, and hello to new visitors.

corkboard in the kitchen

I installed some cork squares on the back of a kitchen cabinet door - I've seen the idea on Pinterest and I thought it was a brilliant w...

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Ikea Hack - How to make a cookbook shelf

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_xEz83svVZ3yjEX71Z013l02-jxjLOm0_2cjzAJaU0cb0Izm9wStJo8YINz6jgwOamp_3jNMieFFdK6t63w-iG9EBCr8yGM2GmpaoE3iEUw7UPvEM3QzDL4GH21ApTbptDGySai1pyw/s1600/IMG_7467.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/AVvXsEjN_xEz83svVZ3yjEX71Z013l02-jxjLOm0_2cjzAJaU0cb0Izm9wStJo8YINz6jgwOamp_3jNMieFFdK6t63w-iG9EBCr8yGM2GmpaoE3iEUw7UPvEM3QzDL4GH21ApTbptDGySai1pyw/s1600/IMG_7467.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The cookbook shelf is one of my <i>favourite </i>elements of the kitchen. I really do think that it it is one of the main details that makes our ikea kitchen look custom. Up until now I haven't had an chance to describe how you can recreate this look - but thanks to some vacation time and Aubrey helping me with some "how to" details, I have put together this post just in time to end 2012. This post is long with diagrams ... I'm really hoping that it is clear and helps you design your own Ikea kitchen in the future. xo Lindsay<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hScIc6HDIfQyUn3Vy0SB_QGH7aFXGXPZcMJXR1ocUhmWW7KmcYthd1_QZPWtM_C7ouOTSUGNJYbQZ6yfplt3hCX9avU7Vrn0hCtQ28shkT6LbN6bG_b141p-tAxg_mOcl3byJMows_g/s1600/intro.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/AVvXsEg-hScIc6HDIfQyUn3Vy0SB_QGH7aFXGXPZcMJXR1ocUhmWW7KmcYthd1_QZPWtM_C7ouOTSUGNJYbQZ6yfplt3hCX9avU7Vrn0hCtQ28shkT6LbN6bG_b141p-tAxg_mOcl3byJMows_g/s1600/intro.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />If we had gone with a custom kitchen this kind of element would have been easy. But when you're working with big box cabinets, something like this takes a wee bit of "hacking". The <em>easy</em> way to create a shelf would be to put up an Ikea cabinet in that space above the sink and just leave the doors off. The problem with this method is that you would see all of the fronts of the cabinet`s walls and also all the holes on sides that are supposed to allow for adjustable shelves. In our case this way defeated our hope of making our Ikea kitchen look <em>custom</em>. So although it was the easy route, it wasn't the right route for us.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYz3bhsCu6Dpqn0cs976bRVI0S1oBTzRW56yMjYzbHQ6xaOSh-CMrGaqcDj7U6WxP9Tdve8akIkaCJcIBPoB0bAKi3wR3u3n5RvjqVkooBx2TBKvUb2cobHjxC8Gcax16S-1CkozusIQ/s1600/diagram1.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/AVvXsEjnYz3bhsCu6Dpqn0cs976bRVI0S1oBTzRW56yMjYzbHQ6xaOSh-CMrGaqcDj7U6WxP9Tdve8akIkaCJcIBPoB0bAKi3wR3u3n5RvjqVkooBx2TBKvUb2cobHjxC8Gcax16S-1CkozusIQ/s1600/diagram1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Before diving into the instructions, I wanted to show you a diagram that shows the basic measurements that we were working with. This will hopefully help you with understanding the instructions that follow. Keep in mind that your measurements will differ as each home has different ceiling heights.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmSUZeRXB2GuSw_aElTMIzbeTpKWXVh0wsNccRfhywdgENtmB8h-d0aE_R1ovz-szg3NWUkTNjaHaP37FwhE77wq7L06x4RP-Y6T-Ld_efrqdz-_VFNuEShKTVp0-y_20hv_OfW6GaG0/s1600/1.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/AVvXsEiQmSUZeRXB2GuSw_aElTMIzbeTpKWXVh0wsNccRfhywdgENtmB8h-d0aE_R1ovz-szg3NWUkTNjaHaP37FwhE77wq7L06x4RP-Y6T-Ld_efrqdz-_VFNuEShKTVp0-y_20hv_OfW6GaG0/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNBikqKKFyRLuqq9W_DeqlmxFHqOFk9uGpVxF_9UJDtgCUoRp5QV9nQiZkDqQxY1j2yqNU9VIzQsJa0_nK-gCnNchswez-d_5oDEq34bdT-Vp3-zPxNoHsFdZoKFkh4z5fMiz2oQzhDU/s1600/diagram2.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/AVvXsEjsNBikqKKFyRLuqq9W_DeqlmxFHqOFk9uGpVxF_9UJDtgCUoRp5QV9nQiZkDqQxY1j2yqNU9VIzQsJa0_nK-gCnNchswez-d_5oDEq34bdT-Vp3-zPxNoHsFdZoKFkh4z5fMiz2oQzhDU/s1600/diagram2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />You need two larger cabinets [Fig A and C shown below] on either side of a shorter upper cabinet [Fig B]. We used the tallest cabinets possible for our main cabinetry [A and C], as our ceiling height allowed for it. You don't order any additional cabinetry for beneath the middle (shorter) cabinet [Fig B].<br /><br />The shelf itself is nothing other than an Ikea cover panel. Cover panels are sold for the purpose of adding to the end of cabinets. The cover panels were the perfect colour - they are made to match the colour of your cabinetry (so no extra painting required) In addition to being the right colour, they were the right depth as they are already designed to fit the depth of cabinetry.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR30wcNOEXZqJfqvFFw58Gip3yGOqAiVOqYyyqfdgXn8grD8Rk_6YVt-NnLsEj_OQpvKem5btJXJm8tgI5nSFnWuV_7QgkVhRTJBtABOlyuPPue7UBBlF5o7mnwmMpYFNvOh_RLJ8tBJg/s1600/2.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/AVvXsEiR30wcNOEXZqJfqvFFw58Gip3yGOqAiVOqYyyqfdgXn8grD8Rk_6YVt-NnLsEj_OQpvKem5btJXJm8tgI5nSFnWuV_7QgkVhRTJBtABOlyuPPue7UBBlF5o7mnwmMpYFNvOh_RLJ8tBJg/s1600/2.jpg" /></a><b></b><br /><b><b><br /></b></b><b><br /></b><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80nW77hrp_gbbydZfD1PudVzwpNbdqyFPmwGja7-8IPcw7lwgoE-GsZF83RM_ydGDnj1L6RaWyuQDmEamifNGuF8dVrXioOnBecyVdJ02nUhiy0cSfXdjPRIeX8YNT4I2Hu4fY0SNwgM/s1600/diagram3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80nW77hrp_gbbydZfD1PudVzwpNbdqyFPmwGja7-8IPcw7lwgoE-GsZF83RM_ydGDnj1L6RaWyuQDmEamifNGuF8dVrXioOnBecyVdJ02nUhiy0cSfXdjPRIeX8YNT4I2Hu4fY0SNwgM/s1600/diagram3.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/AVvXsEh80nW77hrp_gbbydZfD1PudVzwpNbdqyFPmwGja7-8IPcw7lwgoE-GsZF83RM_ydGDnj1L6RaWyuQDmEamifNGuF8dVrXioOnBecyVdJ02nUhiy0cSfXdjPRIeX8YNT4I2Hu4fY0SNwgM/s1600/diagram3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />We cut both panels to the right width which was 30 inches in our case (the width of the cabinet in figure B above). One panel was attached to the bottom of the upper cabinet to hide some of those fasteners that are exposed on Ikea cabinets. This was done by screwing down from inside the top cabinet with the right length screws (too long and they`d show and ruin your custom look, so be careful there.) The other panel became our shelf.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7vZrycPH2ZrhP-ML_kUH-JOC2YAMZsSMNMq2JJ_Yi-oLXu3hCKe-gnfVd25G7FMWt1Yc0M7LYP4TXqQ_nS8UoIiqpUkXA0DhBiX5g1pt53mwH-5O8HPDUEr1s2foqZXzBX_uGx1O9lM/s1600/shelf_a.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/AVvXsEiP7vZrycPH2ZrhP-ML_kUH-JOC2YAMZsSMNMq2JJ_Yi-oLXu3hCKe-gnfVd25G7FMWt1Yc0M7LYP4TXqQ_nS8UoIiqpUkXA0DhBiX5g1pt53mwH-5O8HPDUEr1s2foqZXzBX_uGx1O9lM/s1600/shelf_a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsf5ENtE0WKjo6RJEyjW1bG4DRnGcONBwFKjGleSPNHCGuRClFvY0SwgJ2mwhE1wqectzGVsQ8njhbjbsYDTZ5NeNxvD0O4MCcZPlG8F8a-ozrbnfk1TBxwTMsLROKD1wVqDCBqietd4/s1600/diagram4.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/AVvXsEjDsf5ENtE0WKjo6RJEyjW1bG4DRnGcONBwFKjGleSPNHCGuRClFvY0SwgJ2mwhE1wqectzGVsQ8njhbjbsYDTZ5NeNxvD0O4MCcZPlG8F8a-ozrbnfk1TBxwTMsLROKD1wVqDCBqietd4/s1600/diagram4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>To support the shelf we installed supports along the back wall (small `L` bracket`s) and along the sides (neatly cut strips of scrap cover panels) so that the shelf sits 5-6 inches higher than the bottom of the high cabinets to the left of right of the sink area. [Picture below shows a view from under the shelf]<br /><br />One thing we didn't account for was that these cover panels are not very sturdy because they aren't very thick. In order to make sure the shelf didn't sag in the middle because of the weight of the cookbooks we used a solid piece of wood (1x2 inches that was not finger-jointed) as our valance.<br /><br />Since we had chosen a valance profile that was more traditional and not from Ikea it worked very well and added to the overall custom look. If we had chosen an Ikea valance (that also wouldn't be too sturdy) we would have had to add in a supporting beam behind it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEwTGv_54I-aAKK9f-lWessD3DX5tVOPnAbzP89qsF5QNszrZzxrzS6dmU0DEt_IJ8jZ8Zwasu_LrVru05ldpb4PqAWptlO4-LPTUWO3zPg_EetrmeQYcqO1UkWXmjZL1xWDHigjcl_c/s1600/01+%2528412%2529.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/AVvXsEhOEwTGv_54I-aAKK9f-lWessD3DX5tVOPnAbzP89qsF5QNszrZzxrzS6dmU0DEt_IJ8jZ8Zwasu_LrVru05ldpb4PqAWptlO4-LPTUWO3zPg_EetrmeQYcqO1UkWXmjZL1xWDHigjcl_c/s1600/01+%2528412%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_sTCMTVI6yIpRxddaUuz5DhcKEoNADNPcjwEKlcRC4XZSkkKGKLdPfM1KrWJ59XXOPTIWlVhQ517Glt088MbKS6a5zvRE8cNqg1e6dMwUF8FnvtDxr-LZU3r1qeFjfWy0VErA7IJU9I/s1600/diagram5.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/AVvXsEiM_sTCMTVI6yIpRxddaUuz5DhcKEoNADNPcjwEKlcRC4XZSkkKGKLdPfM1KrWJ59XXOPTIWlVhQ517Glt088MbKS6a5zvRE8cNqg1e6dMwUF8FnvtDxr-LZU3r1qeFjfWy0VErA7IJU9I/s1600/diagram5.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Aubrey and I held up books that were the size we needed the shelf to hold and made sure they`d fit and that there was enough space above them.The space that we ended up with (the height of the inside of the shelf, ended up being <b>15 inches.</b>  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4FWz0U6xpYdN-4EPR5dCiQpYUtIB39kyzRmsYzttsPYwmO3zohvKLMc0IN4Z0npmcWubV89dOwaVIwkDB3SBP4qy7v6Tg_Dyak5FbdERRxFlf5zEWsZ_PZS5eUAO3pEvop3rlpBgdus/s1600/height.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/AVvXsEik4FWz0U6xpYdN-4EPR5dCiQpYUtIB39kyzRmsYzttsPYwmO3zohvKLMc0IN4Z0npmcWubV89dOwaVIwkDB3SBP4qy7v6Tg_Dyak5FbdERRxFlf5zEWsZ_PZS5eUAO3pEvop3rlpBgdus/s1600/height.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPizS4UN9B4yf1_PDlvfHJ-b9o1UmY4I3TeokvOp9NuNJtqZ7nZy6yVEWsS4OxxQOq2o_-jmJLniWhY_mpJf-Y6lenQ2b187JuOQqAQjvpaE5iNfhXdu7_tB5bALK0BaUPCshgmsQ6g8/s1600/diagram6.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/AVvXsEhjPizS4UN9B4yf1_PDlvfHJ-b9o1UmY4I3TeokvOp9NuNJtqZ7nZy6yVEWsS4OxxQOq2o_-jmJLniWhY_mpJf-Y6lenQ2b187JuOQqAQjvpaE5iNfhXdu7_tB5bALK0BaUPCshgmsQ6g8/s1600/diagram6.jpg" /></a></div><br />As for the back of the shelf, you have a few options. You could extend your backsplash up so it becomes the backdrop for whatever you put on your shelf. However we elected to go with another cover panel that was a bit larger that we cut to the right size and glued to the wall with PL. Although you can hardly see it, it`s that little detail that makes it seem like custom built cabinetry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There you go. I hope this helps! xo Lindsay<br /><br /> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- BIG Ad for posts --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1823932887598627" data-ad-slot="9770787480"></ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script>

Ikea Hack - How to make a cookbook shelf

The cookbook shelf is one of my favourite elements of the kitchen. I really do think that it it is one of the main details that makes our ik...

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quartz countertops revisited

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMCvbspBr5gTI_TMIIS8I7xlQQEuLjFf337zo5br3JV4YWyPqgCxDHpAFW1eAB_GGXHmj37VXOxA0SUktCk1RD-1sbXX7dQvLIg1Vl7J5LKXXWoucvlB5w6pDXYcI4G1rsdZ4vbxFg3VS/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/AVvXsEiIMCvbspBr5gTI_TMIIS8I7xlQQEuLjFf337zo5br3JV4YWyPqgCxDHpAFW1eAB_GGXHmj37VXOxA0SUktCk1RD-1sbXX7dQvLIg1Vl7J5LKXXWoucvlB5w6pDXYcI4G1rsdZ4vbxFg3VS/s1600/Untitled-2.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You may recall that choosing a countertop for our kitchen renovation took up a <em>series</em> of blog posts. I loved the look of Carrara marble but felt that it wasn't very practicle for our household.  Even if sealed properly marble is prone to staining and etching. Over the course of a few months<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/05/3-counter-alternatives-to-carerra.html" target="_blank"> I narrowed down my counter top options to three contenders</a> that gave me the look of Cararra Mable, but without the upkeep or worry of staining. As you now know because we revealed our kitchen, <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/07/countertop-selection-tips.html" target="_blank">I chose Caesarstone in Misty Carrara</a>. So why post it again?<br /><a name="more"></a><br />I'm surprised at the amount of traffic my blog gets by people searching alternatives to carrara marble. It's obvious I'm not the only one that goes through the stress of wondering what counter top material to pick. Some people e-mail to ask whether we still love our counters as much as we did when they were installed and I can tell you it was the <em>best decision</em> to go with quartz. (I love, love the counter) But what made me want to re post this was that I watched this new online episode featuring Sarah Richardson, talking about counters - specifically <i>quartz </i>- that you may find helpful. It was also a nice confirmation of what we chose, to hear Sarah herself give the same reasons to go with quartz as we said a few months ago. :) <br />  <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tz50xaKObgA" width="640"></iframe> <br /><br />Just to remind you, here is a helpful page I ripped out of House & Home. Quartz falls under Engineered Stone. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6ETsOnFme4UhNPyGqdeoY0EOKzmvL-aAi3De8MjEQEALiheDawpFy4e14jy-dgHY7LHWMvlu-EmJt2Ua__9U5LuGhzKog16vu8oV8zb4y64M17QC3iN1zNaSFC_ycpECVXt3uYUet5Gj/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6ETsOnFme4UhNPyGqdeoY0EOKzmvL-aAi3De8MjEQEALiheDawpFy4e14jy-dgHY7LHWMvlu-EmJt2Ua__9U5LuGhzKog16vu8oV8zb4y64M17QC3iN1zNaSFC_ycpECVXt3uYUet5Gj/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/kitchen-reveal_26.html" target="_blank">See our kitchen "after" in this post </a>if you want to remind yourself to how the Quartz looks in our house. Hope this helps my fellow kitchen renovators! xo Linds

quartz countertops revisited

You may recall that choosing a countertop for our kitchen renovation took up a series of blog posts. I loved the look of Carrara marble but...

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as seen in ....

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgF3fH-HC9X_iuyrukEEVxuLzMHY8JP_wqOgFQOdaxwJdWVWEaPklyboj0pC3Ae7RmYpz1opqnVPtpgfKgY4h3VdRn6L4wEFyaei1_yooF7LJm5Bu6Af4u7bDGETwmPyz0e1P8jLYXVHd/s1600/IMG_6784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgF3fH-HC9X_iuyrukEEVxuLzMHY8JP_wqOgFQOdaxwJdWVWEaPklyboj0pC3Ae7RmYpz1opqnVPtpgfKgY4h3VdRn6L4wEFyaei1_yooF7LJm5Bu6Af4u7bDGETwmPyz0e1P8jLYXVHd/s1600/IMG_6784.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwT9qT6jKiX60kHjIUBu_AhWEp5sFCLS5SuVpgBbngZ10-70vkKhWySxHlelRfc_1xU8h6-omVgCkmI6nD3QnFWD1g62WLXScMlVHF4dZWjUSNXh9gfJXgkKl8FibjkG8Yh9EdOXiLetT/s1600/IMG_6787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwT9qT6jKiX60kHjIUBu_AhWEp5sFCLS5SuVpgBbngZ10-70vkKhWySxHlelRfc_1xU8h6-omVgCkmI6nD3QnFWD1g62WLXScMlVHF4dZWjUSNXh9gfJXgkKl8FibjkG8Yh9EdOXiLetT/s1600/IMG_6787.jpg" /></a></div><br />I know that posts like this aren't likely to gain much feedback but it's a nice moment in my household so I felt as though it is still worthy of a post. Last Saturday<i> The National Post</i> published the "<a href="http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/11/02/ikea-hack-attack/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Ikea Hack Attack</a>" article that I was interviewed for. BUT right <i>beside </i>that article was<i> </i>as<a href="http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/11/06/time-to-shelf-this-idea/" target="_blank"> <i>another </i>article by Samantha Pynn </a>giving us a huge mention. Thank you to <a href="http://www.samanthapynn.com/" target="_blank">Samantha Pynn</a> for using our cookbook shelf as an example of how to display cookbooks and to<a href="http://life.nationalpost.com/author/oz4acause/" target="_blank"> Adam McDowell</a> for including us in the <a href="http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/11/02/ikea-hack-attack/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Ikea Hack Attack</a> article.<br /><br /><i>I feel like my level of excitement the last few weeks can be best explained by these<a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/lists/1d2da3358d/the-best-dancing-gifs" target="_blank"> animated gifs.</a> ;) </i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

as seen in ....

I know that posts like this aren't likely to gain much feedback but it's a nice moment in my household so I felt as though it is sti...

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Kitchen Appliances // GE Cafe Line

<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/AVvXsEjVFgn1eILtUqO_YfsHvPggJ956mzKhXEngJ_MOJ7gv9wq-AUjOyZk7rfBi-0F6czVR0oy-SZ8BVDvS2q5T_T9X6CY2Jm_W20ApIjJI3hRrlcpdiOaCGj2-vNYUhAxiN5SZowbJMRIO_psX/s1600/IMG_77691.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/AVvXsEjVFgn1eILtUqO_YfsHvPggJ956mzKhXEngJ_MOJ7gv9wq-AUjOyZk7rfBi-0F6czVR0oy-SZ8BVDvS2q5T_T9X6CY2Jm_W20ApIjJI3hRrlcpdiOaCGj2-vNYUhAxiN5SZowbJMRIO_psX/s1600/IMG_77691.jpg" /></a></div><br />As we wind down our kitchen renovations posts one important element that I need to write about our appliances. Appliances are a <i>major </i>financial investment in a kitchen. In some cases you may be able to work with the appliances that you already have (which saves you a fair bit of $$) but in our case, we desperately needed to purchase everything new. (Our fridge was making monster noises at night)<br /><br />I initially found the selection process really overwhelming - I was considering function, quality and the aesthetically how it would look in our new renovated kitchen. We ended up falling hard for the <a href="http://gecafe.ca/" target="_blank">GE Cafe collection.</a> You can read about <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/03/kitchen-reno-appliances-what-we-picked.html" target="_blank"><i>why </i>we picked the collection in this post</a>, but the rest of this particular post will give you more details on each piece.  <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=cook&Product_ID=6&TypeID=1&ProductID=6&ModelID=62996&lang=en&title=CBC980STSS" target="_blank">Stove</a>, <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=micro&Product_ID=13&TypeID=1&ProductID=13&ModelID=55029&lang=en&title=CVM2072SMC" target="_blank">Microwave</a>, <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=ref&Product_ID=15&TypeID=1&ProductID=15&ModelID=60674&lang=en&title=CFCP1NIZSS" target="_blank">Counter Depth Fridge</a>, <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=dish&Product_ID=23&TypeID=1&ProductID=23&ModelID=62831&lang=en&title=CDWT980VSS" target="_blank">Dishwasher</a>. If you're looking for top of the line appliances that give you great style and function, I would highly recommend you consider this line by<a href="http://gecafe.ca/index.html" target="_blank"> GE Cafe.</a><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">1. GE Cafe Microwave </span></b><br />We decided that we wanted a <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=micro&Product_ID=13&TypeID=1&ProductID=13&ModelID=55029&lang=en&title=CVM2072SMC" target="_blank">microwave </a>that would go above our stove. The beauty of choosing this kind of microwave that you install above your oven is that 1. It saves counter space (I hated loosing counter to appliances) and 2. It acts as a vent for the cooktop below. Because we are in a semi-detached house - and this wall is our shared wall, we couldn't vent outside. This vent feature sucks the steam when you're boiling/grilling something and moves it up and out.<br /><br />I love, love this microwave. The touch pad screen is easy to use, you can pick to cook, reheat or defrost and it has a feature that automatically judges how long it needs to reheat something. (Press "Reheat coffee and WHAMO! it's done) <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=micro&Product_ID=13&TypeID=1&ProductID=13&ModelID=55029&lang=en&title=CVM2072SMC" target="_blank">See it online here.</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEhEgpViICtx_OeGScGt8Rnc5BITthTnsZb5NJ8gboZHS6hgGsewE7EZsXHP6t__UASRsYjxWRCdJMl6D7i9WyOBVI_1cQmISGle0_CPtC4_rhW3HtPOh0GKwIJVitDzNW2MgoULYGec1VYl/s1600/1.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/AVvXsEhEgpViICtx_OeGScGt8Rnc5BITthTnsZb5NJ8gboZHS6hgGsewE7EZsXHP6t__UASRsYjxWRCdJMl6D7i9WyOBVI_1cQmISGle0_CPtC4_rhW3HtPOh0GKwIJVitDzNW2MgoULYGec1VYl/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIf9MdpWdeRyzvtx8ELCg-hxq_77fjWRAnxwGGZkCHC4HlZNz9lQsNfYJFNYgtEf5d6EsSlqAvYsFbBI8E1BY0rYh0A8uChM2ej8hziWFafUSldy7VoZdw3fh15g1xHcQz1nHiTYospGi/s1600/3.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/AVvXsEjAIf9MdpWdeRyzvtx8ELCg-hxq_77fjWRAnxwGGZkCHC4HlZNz9lQsNfYJFNYgtEf5d6EsSlqAvYsFbBI8E1BY0rYh0A8uChM2ej8hziWFafUSldy7VoZdw3fh15g1xHcQz1nHiTYospGi/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vPOIMuk8CAzCJqhq7WJEUWlwx5KJxnavQvVySMxCzsdsgEib9BBe0WKHxJIt5Qj-KUFDWXPYHTalF7IoFKMoD529w1qijp-XgXYXv0rJzS7sWRoYG-3Jvozgxt2CXfjysg2L1TVqHIix/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vPOIMuk8CAzCJqhq7WJEUWlwx5KJxnavQvVySMxCzsdsgEib9BBe0WKHxJIt5Qj-KUFDWXPYHTalF7IoFKMoD529w1qijp-XgXYXv0rJzS7sWRoYG-3Jvozgxt2CXfjysg2L1TVqHIix/s1600/2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">2. GE Cafe Electric Stove</span></b><br />Although we have an electric top our oven still reads as industrial because of the details that <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=cook&Product_ID=6&TypeID=1&ProductID=6&ModelID=62996&lang=en&title=CBC980STSS" target="_blank">GE put into the overall look.</a> The straight handle. The huge oversize industrial knobs. The brushed stainless steel. In terms of style, it's amazing. Function wise, it's equally as amazing. When you warm up the stove, the digital screen on the front tells you the temperature that the oven is, as it warms up. It's kind of fun watching the number climb from 100 degrees and up. For a control freak like me, it's nice to know how much longer I have to wait until I can pop my baking in the oven. The inside of the stove is gorgeous, and the weight of the door is substantial. It looks, feels and acts as a professional stove. The cooktop is great - heats up water super quickly and offers a consistent heat for grilling etc. When you take off the pot/pans a little light feature shows you which elements are still hot, so you don't rest anything on it. In an ideal world I would  have had a gas cooktop - but since we couldn't vent outside (the wall is a shared wall with our neighbour)  we couldn't properly vent the gas.<br /><br />As a new Mom I hadn't fully considered and that was having all the functions on the front of the oven .... easy for Oscar to play with. I panicked a wee bit when Oscar went to touch the controls. Thankfully Oscar has learnt not to touch the buttons or the knobs but also GE also has a "lockout" function that means no little ones can set the stove. Problem solved. <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=cook&Product_ID=6&TypeID=1&ProductID=6&ModelID=62996&lang=en&title=CBC980STSS" target="_blank">See it online here. </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEqX54SvNmTXd57XwgjpFghid0mS5K930RWqkURzAUxxrJdyNHvmxPBoo6qS0hqsSJprj8Ewp833eJ8YaShcCRbW-fqJLfk3UCaCIEp6g29FbybJ1LRMUhlz2YBqBJO7vqR3g3CmZv3e5/s1600/IMG_8003b.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/AVvXsEinEqX54SvNmTXd57XwgjpFghid0mS5K930RWqkURzAUxxrJdyNHvmxPBoo6qS0hqsSJprj8Ewp833eJ8YaShcCRbW-fqJLfk3UCaCIEp6g29FbybJ1LRMUhlz2YBqBJO7vqR3g3CmZv3e5/s1600/IMG_8003b.jpg" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy4_0uv_xmpC_5KfYKL0JCcc8Hq9baZQgRc2ZFhjHflJaTu4c9V0OrODu0uZOUpyeA6MsLuURPFShPS5SkrDa2P7_2hUyIOkII1fKodRHLNQ0ON4OoDE9QJ2fIG4uuOrMDNUxcpRWXRak/s1600/closeup_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWy4_0uv_xmpC_5KfYKL0JCcc8Hq9baZQgRc2ZFhjHflJaTu4c9V0OrODu0uZOUpyeA6MsLuURPFShPS5SkrDa2P7_2hUyIOkII1fKodRHLNQ0ON4OoDE9QJ2fIG4uuOrMDNUxcpRWXRak/s1600/closeup_1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">3. GE Cafe Dishwasher</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pUUsDy_wc4PKCW5oFePFYlw1Dh_uoslNSu4aaqSj81BdHwa2MV7fNYezBmrXi_fh2H1canBhYKv6yakGwmLuIiclVgFvJx2ZgAwx1luFg5GulYLTkQ2_MP77l-8jZK36gZ85dKOsZjT7/s1600/IMG_80002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pUUsDy_wc4PKCW5oFePFYlw1Dh_uoslNSu4aaqSj81BdHwa2MV7fNYezBmrXi_fh2H1canBhYKv6yakGwmLuIiclVgFvJx2ZgAwx1luFg5GulYLTkQ2_MP77l-8jZK36gZ85dKOsZjT7/s1600/IMG_80002.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ77H24HS4qbczjXB1ehlYVwOlvZJrx_DhTBoTY6CE5K5oGiyJzDBOjq9vKW9Dv4Io91nQ0yfVLmZIHSvp65BqWJrnV7b9fW0g1sRq1ikt35uUfteQ5MfIKOTa-1O90wxkb_mv83FDci2l/s1600/IMG_7782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ77H24HS4qbczjXB1ehlYVwOlvZJrx_DhTBoTY6CE5K5oGiyJzDBOjq9vKW9Dv4Io91nQ0yfVLmZIHSvp65BqWJrnV7b9fW0g1sRq1ikt35uUfteQ5MfIKOTa-1O90wxkb_mv83FDci2l/s1600/IMG_7782.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYu8fymzBlB7XvnmFuicV5I3F-rC3Fer37UW8n0B6-wzXT9AK5uGrc2Y7FzK7MhgUhOPRPRMEHGXpT8dXMgte679gOuDfRRN9NYpfjAJT6jVsT7WU5nWoW-3Fd9CLm2sGXTPeksgyDaN4k/s1600/dishwasher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYu8fymzBlB7XvnmFuicV5I3F-rC3Fer37UW8n0B6-wzXT9AK5uGrc2Y7FzK7MhgUhOPRPRMEHGXpT8dXMgte679gOuDfRRN9NYpfjAJT6jVsT7WU5nWoW-3Fd9CLm2sGXTPeksgyDaN4k/s1600/dishwasher.jpg" /></a></div><br />The dishwasher is pretty easy to review. Super easy to use, works really well. It is slightly smaller than other models, but this maximized extra cupboard space elsewhere. I like having the cutlery bin in the bottom drawer as I'm able to just pull that out after the cycle is done and walk it over to the drawer where I keep everything. <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=dish&Product_ID=23&TypeID=1&ProductID=23&ModelID=62831&lang=en&title=CDWT980VSS" target="_blank">See more information online here. </a><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">4. GE Cafe Counter Depth Fridge</span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRpFg9p4WnsZPlpBUB9mneHjJtGT6g7p_4G4BQoXsIr1w-3xKIPTIhYUlo_SwO3a_4KuKndR597gFLJs64e3dXLne8Y4c1YJzkYrBCIJ15qZvLvFkettYwNpAXvAbXte1vIeiLHCtBv1-/s1600/after_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRpFg9p4WnsZPlpBUB9mneHjJtGT6g7p_4G4BQoXsIr1w-3xKIPTIhYUlo_SwO3a_4KuKndR597gFLJs64e3dXLne8Y4c1YJzkYrBCIJ15qZvLvFkettYwNpAXvAbXte1vIeiLHCtBv1-/s1600/after_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />This is a showstopper. I LOVE OUR <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=ref&Product_ID=15&TypeID=1&ProductID=15&ModelID=60674&lang=en&title=CFCP1NIZSS" target="_blank">FRIDGE</a>. Where to begin? I love, <i>love</i> the handles. I know it sounds ridiculous but ever since designer <a href="http://www.designinc.ca/tt/" target="_blank">Tommy Smythe</a> pointed out on an episode of Sarah's House that he didn't like "Bow and Arrow" handles on fridges, I was in love with straight handles, like GE Cafe offers. Not many manufacturers make these handles - so if you're like me and design plays a major role in decisions, well, GE Cafe nailed it. The handles also take up less room - perfect for a galley kitchen. This is a counter depth fridge  so not as deep - but wider than most fridges. It means we save on walk space but don't loose much in terms of fridge storage. Seriously, BEST fridge ever. Would buy this again in a heart beat. <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=ref&Product_ID=15&TypeID=1&ProductID=15&ModelID=60674&lang=en&title=CFCP1NIZSS" target="_blank">See more online here. </a><br /><br /><i>*Although we purchased our appliances, GE Cafe did extend us a discount. </i>

Kitchen Appliances // GE Cafe Line

As we wind down our kitchen renovations posts one important element that I need to write about our appliances. Appliances are a major financ...

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Ikea Hack, Trash Pullout

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlwu8w-nKBs3BLm9U4A58mVa-jit3dnuTk3MT-izfSMq2oSdpCH_XR_I-BrwwJlfZuX_zlcwmtQJYd-qXPvHgUIJ4VOpEfypyv35EtHhH9oYuhcDS3-N3OKhghBfUUvlp5lmD_maTgLy9/s1600/IMG_7456.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/AVvXsEhqlwu8w-nKBs3BLm9U4A58mVa-jit3dnuTk3MT-izfSMq2oSdpCH_XR_I-BrwwJlfZuX_zlcwmtQJYd-qXPvHgUIJ4VOpEfypyv35EtHhH9oYuhcDS3-N3OKhghBfUUvlp5lmD_maTgLy9/s1600/IMG_7456.jpg" /></a></div><br />One of our favourite Ikea hacks in our new kitchen is the trash pullout.  We tried to go with the system Ikea sells but we think <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/S99870740/" target="_blank">their bins are way too small</a>. We didn't want to be taking out the recycling/garbage twice a day. <br /><br />Here is how Aubrey created something way better....<br /><br />He ordered a base cabinet that was 18" wide and came with a full height door. He added on one large drawer unit (18" Rationell.) He installed that drawer unit at the very bottom, and attached the door. <br /><br />This allowed us to use the <a href="http://www.rubbermaid.com/Pages/GlobalHome.aspx" target="_blank">Rubbermaid bins</a> that you see above. They are 16" x 11" (about twice the size of Ikea's largest bin) and available in most hardware/home improvement stores. <br /><br />Ta-da! Awesome. <br /><br />This is a perfect example of how you have to think about functionality when you are designing your kitchen. Imagine yourself actually using it on a day to day basis. Aubrey did, he's the one that takes out the garbage. <br /><br />You don't have to stick to what's available - take what a big box store offers, and improve it. <br /><br /> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- BIG Ad for posts --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1823932887598627" data-ad-slot="9770787480"></ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script>

Ikea Hack, Trash Pullout

One of our favourite Ikea hacks in our new kitchen is the trash pullout.  We tried to go with the system Ikea sells but we think their bins ...

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Kitchen // Shopping Guide

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQWn0HikCDpWFWtsVvQbGhJX1kT2gv4XLcIla9X4ivmUlGKXTRk9Eot6VCMocHkOhsWWllMzSMzWsFrkd2y0tn7K-btNvMmNhyphenhyphenoBqseN6Ib9t9eITYvoTHTdgddJOtmWbeKHFaTCKUlLU/s1600/1.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/AVvXsEieQWn0HikCDpWFWtsVvQbGhJX1kT2gv4XLcIla9X4ivmUlGKXTRk9Eot6VCMocHkOhsWWllMzSMzWsFrkd2y0tn7K-btNvMmNhyphenhyphenoBqseN6Ib9t9eITYvoTHTdgddJOtmWbeKHFaTCKUlLU/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So you have likely seen our<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/kitchen-reveal_26.html" target="_blank"> Kitchen Reveal </a>and <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/tips-tricks-for-buying-ikea-kitchen.html" target="_blank">tips and tricks for buying Ikea Kitchens.</a>  This particular post is going to tell you where we got <i>everything else</i> - the essential elements in making our Ikea Kitchen look custom. Things like what hardware, countertops, sink, faucet etc.... This is a long post so all the info is after the jump. Cheers! - Lindsay</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a name="more"></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>MAIN KITCHEN </u></span></strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><strong><br /></strong><strong>CABINETRY</strong><br />Purchased all cabinetry from Ikea.<br /><b>Door profile</b>, <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/30080364/" target="_blank">Adel</a>. <br /><b>Blog Posts of Interest: </b><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ikea-adele.html" target="_blank">Here</a> and <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/tips-tricks-for-buying-ikea-kitchen.html" target="_blank">how to make an Ikea Kitchen Look custom (aka. Hacking an Ikea Kitchen)</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b>HARDWARE<br />Made by:</b> <a href="http://www.shophickoryhardware.com/hickoryhardware-all-products.html?text=studio&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Hickory Hardware Studio Line, in Polished Nickle</a><br /><b>Relevant Posts</b>: <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/05/picking-handles.html" target="_blank">Here</a><br /><b>Comments</b>: This hardware is GORGEOUS. It sets the tone for the whole kitchen. I adore the polished nickle and it matches the same finish as our faucet. I'm not really a fan of "knobs" so these pulls/handles are substantial and are really a major part of the design of the kitchen. Small handles (4") were for the majority of the doors, and, smaller drawers. I used the larger handles that are 5.5" approximately for the bigger drawers and as well on the larger pantry door in the Eat in Kitchen.<br /><em>*Hardware was gifted to us.</em> <strong><br /><br />  </strong><br /><div><b></b><br /><b>FAUCET</b><br /><b>Made by:</b> <a href="http://www.perrinandrowe.com/" target="_blank"> Aquitaine Single Lever faucet made by Perrin and Rowe</a><br /><b>Relevant Blog Post:</b> <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/07/what-we-picked-our-kitchen-faucet.html" target="_blank">Picking our Kitchen Faucet</a><br /><b>Comments</b>: This is probably my <i>favourite </i>part of the kitchen. It's the most beautiful faucet I've ever laid eyes on, and I knew it was going to be the focal point of the kitchen - and the main part that was going to dictate the "traditional" vibe to the area. This faucet gets comments from ever single person that walks through the kitchen. It's <i>really </i>beautiful.<br /><div><i>*Faucet was gifted to us. </i></div><br /><strong></strong><br /></div><strong><br />APPLIANCES (Fridge, Dishwasher, Microwave, Oven)</strong><strong>Manufactured by: </strong><a href="http://gecafe.ca/" target="_blank">GE Cafe Line</a> - <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=cook&Product_ID=6&TypeID=1&ProductID=6&ModelID=62996&lang=en&title=CBC980STSS" target="_blank">Stove</a>, <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=micro&Product_ID=13&TypeID=1&ProductID=13&ModelID=55029&lang=en&title=CVM2072SMC" target="_blank">Microwave</a>, <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=ref&Product_ID=15&TypeID=1&ProductID=15&ModelID=60674&lang=en&title=CFCP1NIZSS" target="_blank">Counter Depth Fridge</a>, <a href="http://gecafe.ca/Model.aspx?cate=dish&Product_ID=23&TypeID=1&ProductID=23&ModelID=62831&lang=en&title=CDWT980VSS" target="_blank">Dishwasher</a><br /><b>Details</b>: Growing up, Aubrey's family owned a restaurant in Toronto. Because he grew up around chefs and  industrial appliances, we were looking for something that would give us a chef kitchen look - and also the quality. We fell in love with the GE Cafe look as it looks slightly industrial. I have nothing but amazing things to say about these appliances. LOVE.<br /><strong>Blog Posts of Interest:</strong> <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/03/kitchen-reno-appliances-what-we-picked.html" target="_blank">Appliances that we picked</a><br /><b>Coming soon:</b> Full details on each appliance, when posted I will update this page.<br /><i>*We received a discount on our appliance purchase as a result of our blog</i><br /><em></em><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">SINK</span> </span></b><br /><b>Purchased at:</b> <a href="http://tapsbath.com/taps/Pages/" target="_blank">TAPS</a>. Manufacturer by Julien.<br /><b>Comments</b>: Our contact at Taps is fantastic. If you're looking for someone that really knows their stuff, make an appointment to see <a href="http://tapsbath.com/taps/Pages/contactStaff.htm" target="_blank">Daniel Scheffel at TAPS</a>. We LOVE having a single sink. </div><div><b>Blog Posts of Interest:</b> <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/05/buying-sink.html" target="_blank">Buying a Sink</a>, <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/04/one-sink-one-and-half-or-two.html" target="_blank">The debate about how many basins (comments are worthwhile to read)</a><br /><i>This sink fit in our 30" Ikea Cabinet</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><strong>COUNTER TOP<br />Type of Countertop: </strong>Caesarstone in Misty Carrara<br /><b>Who we hired: </b><a href="http://mgstonecraft.com/" target="_blank">MG Stone Craft</a><br /><b>Comments</b>: I loved the look of carrara marble but I didn't want the hassle of the upkeep.  I cannot express how much I <em>love</em> the Caesarstone. It doesn't stain, the veining in it is subtle and is slightly gray so it's not a "super-white" kitchen. Everyday when I see drips from the strawberries, coffee, or juice  - I am SO thankful I went with a quartz. Love, love it. It is more expensive than other counters, but it is something I really, really recommend spending that money on. <br /><b>Blog Posts of Interest: </b>See some blog posts on the countertop debate <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/05/3-counter-alternatives-to-carerra.html" target="_blank">here</a>,and <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/04/two-new-counter-options.html" target="_blank">here</a>. See the <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/07/countertop-selection-tips.html" target="_blank">Countertop Reveal</a> and tips. See <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/03/what-didnt-get-blogged.html" target="_blank">this page of the breakdown of counter-top costs</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><strong>BACKSPLASH - Tile and Grout</strong><strong></strong><br /><strong>Purchased: </strong>Home Depot, Aubrey installed<br /><b>Comments on the Tile</b>: If you've ever decided to paint your house "white" you'll know how many whites are out there. Paper white, cloud white, oxford white etc. etc. As with paint, the same is true with white subway tiles. No two are identical. Although they don't have different names, different manufacturers have different tones. I found the Home Depot white subway tile worked best with the Ikea Adel doors. It is worth noting that with these particular tiles we didn't use spacers.<br /><b>Comments on the Grout: </b>Grout for the back-splash was purchased at Home Depot. Although we are very happy with how it turned out, it is worth directing you to <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/08/grouting-surprises.html" target="_blank">this post showing you that the labeling on the packaging is somewhat deceiving. </a><br /><b>Blog Posts of Interest:</b><b> </b><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/04/white-subway-tiles-story-of-two-shades.html" target="_blank">Choosing the right tile</a>,<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/07/what-we-picked-for-kitchen-backsplash.html" target="_blank"> installing the tile.</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><strong>HARDWOOD FLOORS</strong><br /><strong>Purchased and Installed: </strong>We had our hardwood floor installer come and install the wood floor and they sanded and stained it on site. The wood was stained <a href="http://www.duraseal.com/products/stains/penetrating-finish/" target="_blank">Antique Brown</a> (the stain manufacturer was <a href="http://www.duraseal.com/products/stains/penetrating-finish/" target="_blank">DURASEAL</a>) and it was stained to match the rest of our house. (We had installed new hardwood when we purchased the house)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><strong>CROWN MOLDING and VALANCE</strong><br />We purchased the wood at <a href="http://centralfairbank.com/" target="_blank">Central Fairlank Lumber</a>,<strong> </strong>installed by Aubrey.<br />Painted it <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/papermache" target="_blank">Benjamin Moore Paper Mache</a>, in Semi Gloss which is a great match for the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/30080364/" target="_blank">Ikea Adel doors</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b>UNDER CABINET LIGHTS</b><br /><a href="http://www.homedepot.ca/product/illume-19-xenon-plug-in-linear/911405" target="_blank">Xenon Lighting via Home Depot</a><br /><b>Blog Post of Interest: </b><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/05/under-cabinet-lighting.html" target="_blank">Three under cabinet lighting options via Home Depot</a><br /><b>Comments</b>: They do heat up a lot, so sometimes it makes the cabinet kind of warm. I love the light that this collection gives off. Highly recommend.<br /><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">TRADES</span></u></strong><br /><br /><br /><b>CABINETRY INSTALLATION</b><br /><b>Who we hired:</b> <a href="http://www.eurekaassembly.com/assemble-kitchen-cabinets-toronto-service" target="_blank">Eureka Assembly & Installations</a><br /><b>Comments</b>: Ah-ma-zing. We really appreciated the help from these guys. Aubrey built the cabinets himself, but hired this company to come in and help install. Although you can hire them to biuld your cabinets as well. I really recommend them, we were super happy with the service.<br /><b>Relevant Blog Post: </b><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/06/when-to-hire-help.html" target="_blank">Here</a><br /><br /><b>DRYWALL and PLASTER</b><br />Aubrey and my brother tore down old plaster ceiling, <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/06/chugging-along.html" target="_blank">hired Joe to do the drywall</a>. We have used Joe for all the drywall in our house and we are always happy with his work.<br /><br /><br /><u><br /></u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>EAT IN KITCHEN</u></span></b><br /><i>The eat in kitchen was primarily renovated when we first bought the house, 3.5 years ago. But it is worthwhile to still provide the resources for this room, as it really is quite beautiful. </i><br /><br /><b>KITCHEN BENCH</b><br /><b>BENCH</b>: We made our kitchen bench using Ikea Upper Cabinets.<br /><b>Relevant Blog Post</b>: <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2009/11/making-seating-bench-in-kitchen.html" target="_blank">You can read the post on our DIY Bench here. </a><br /><b>PILLOWS ON BENCH</b>: Pillows on the bench are various fabrics, all purchased from Designer Fabrics. (I'm sorry - I don't know the manufacturers.)<br /><br /><b>KITCHEN TABLE</b><br />Our Kitchen table is vintage. Unknown origins.<br /><br /><b>KITCHEN LIGHT</b><br />Home Depot<br /><b><br /></b><br /><strong>OTHER: PAINT </strong><br /><strong>Manufacturer:  </strong>Benjamin Moore<br /><b>Walls</b>: Cloud White, Benjamin Moore<br /><b>Crown Molding: </b>Paper Mache, Benjamin Moore (Matches perfectly the Ikea Adele doors)<br /><b>Trim elsewhere</b>: Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>OTHER</u></span></b><br />Purple Hydrangeas in first photo and kitchen reveal photos: <a href="https://www.google.ca/maps?q=&layer=c&z=17&iwloc=A&sll=43.680610,-79.287353&cid=10423626496127168586&cbp=13,3.2,2.4,0,0&panoid=rz31Rzk6izdsDeXRUtz7jg&q=kingston+road+flower+market&sa=X&ei=9vZoUKLDFMHF0QGYpYGYBw&ved=0CKgBEJ8CKAAwBA" target="_blank">Kingston Road Flower Market</a>, Victoria Park and Scarborough Road, Cutting Board; <a href="http://www.homesense.ca/en/index.asp" target="_blank">HomeSense</a><br /><br /><br /><i>Ps., All of the posts related to the Kitchen all have Tags of KITCHEN in them. <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/search/label/Kitchen" target="_blank">You can see all posts by visiting this link. </a></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- BIG Ad for posts --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1823932887598627" data-ad-slot="9770787480"></ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script>

Kitchen // Shopping Guide

So you have likely seen our Kitchen Reveal and  tips and tricks for buying Ikea Kitchens.   This particular post is going to tell you where...

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Tips & Tricks for Buying an Ikea Kitchen

<div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/tips-tricks-for-buying-ikea-kitchen.html#more" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2QNS1Hgh_98sJQE2vTOqBvJ4XutXjv_EFCiDDR1uhgjXU0vOxLMM6jisWWsBaPOHL9QFunRq25zNm_n39UEYnOkgIXFICxAliZDcEXlJxGiFQa0RYqZszgUOBgPmhC_VkAZ3EzdyP0Vk/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />I know that someone may fall upon our <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/kitchen-reveal_26.html" target="_blank">kitchen reveal </a>in a few years time and will have missed all of the entertaining posts leading up the grand reveal that explained how and why we chose things. I'm going to create some posts that include a lot of information for readers who may be interested in renovating their own kitchen.<br /><br />For this particular post I'm focusing on the main element - our cabinetry, which is Ikea, and the door style is the Adel door. This post doesn't go into the details of <i>what </i>we picked elsewhere (counter, tiles etc) that you can find in our "<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/kitchen-shopping-guide.html" target="_blank">Kitchen Shopping Guide</a>". This is just a list of things to consider when designing an Ikea kitchen.  Warning. This is a LONG post. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /><a name="more"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DoJjQTPFWmiNPyVfKZoo9zCn5G42tNV1Jp-qjipY2kT0EeMyP64M9Khg1iliGaoDIR2eWnItY9aiH7VZu-R-yQ3Ut5aRB9YHQK-j2DxcjYjrn-JEafB_Cu4ll7Lr-VBtdjF4JttloZIG/s1600/1111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DoJjQTPFWmiNPyVfKZoo9zCn5G42tNV1Jp-qjipY2kT0EeMyP64M9Khg1iliGaoDIR2eWnItY9aiH7VZu-R-yQ3Ut5aRB9YHQK-j2DxcjYjrn-JEafB_Cu4ll7Lr-VBtdjF4JttloZIG/s1600/1111.jpg" /></a></div><br />If you read my blog regularly you'll know I'm a fan of "hacking" Ikea things to make them look custom.  There is my <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2009/09/side-table-project.html" target="_blank">Ikea Rast side table project</a> from 2008 (inspired by Style at Home Magazine), there is my <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/05/ikea-frame-hack-inspired-by-sarah.html" target="_blank">Ikea Ribba Frame Hack</a> (inspired by Sarah Richardson), our <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2009/11/making-seating-bench-in-kitchen.html" target="_blank">DIY Bench in our Kitchen</a> (inspired by Samantha Pynn) <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2009/08/making-new-desk.html" target="_blank">my DIY $300 Desk using Ikea</a>, and most recently another <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/ikea-hack-gold-frames.html" target="_blank">Ikea Ribba gold frame hack</a>. So my kitchen is no different. We've gotten creative with Ikea cabinetry and worked in elements from other stores - giving us a custom look at a better price than custom. Anyhow, without further delay - here is my summary of buying an Ikea Kitchen.  - Lindsay<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5doyOBkFIAGvQSCgBn0XWg9ddkTGg0lgM15Zf-BIQNWdWQevUQaGS-Ec_bvSImETL1vxj-3n98PFtRVOReDtnP1hE5UBnTAMoOWKgY9nTVwF3UYewML0nW3eccvDJHQO_KuFXoFvZyZi_/s1600/1_why.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/AVvXsEi5doyOBkFIAGvQSCgBn0XWg9ddkTGg0lgM15Zf-BIQNWdWQevUQaGS-Ec_bvSImETL1vxj-3n98PFtRVOReDtnP1hE5UBnTAMoOWKgY9nTVwF3UYewML0nW3eccvDJHQO_KuFXoFvZyZi_/s1600/1_why.jpg" /></a></div>The pros to an Ikea kitchen are pretty clear - they are economical, easy to buy, things are usually in stock so you can walk out with them the same day. The downside - your Ikea delivery may<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/06/kitchen-progress.html" target="_blank"><em> look like this and will be a little intimidating.</em></a> And ....you're really on your own to design and build your kitchen.<br /><br />I'm not going to go into the differences between custom kitchens and Ikea, there are a lot of factors in support of both - but for us the cost savings of an Ikea kitchen was very hard to ignore. For cabinet purchasing- Ikea really came in as the economical choice.  We ended up choosing the<a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/30080364/" target="_blank"> Ikea Adel door,</a> a classic shaker that I think is the best profile they have. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /><br /></div><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGqAbxIwYKTNU89TLMBR7HZYaf2drt6_p1NFBQ720rz4YZBu5ECCEkoH1jI6JksFXzDUzUx66RIKSyzGl24D1Gq-d-h7TpBtDdQCEmXsPTZELkLuiGNtlSSfmrLpvr6PH49QUovIRAo6N/s1600/1_why2.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/AVvXsEjlGqAbxIwYKTNU89TLMBR7HZYaf2drt6_p1NFBQ720rz4YZBu5ECCEkoH1jI6JksFXzDUzUx66RIKSyzGl24D1Gq-d-h7TpBtDdQCEmXsPTZELkLuiGNtlSSfmrLpvr6PH49QUovIRAo6N/s1600/1_why2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px;">We've all done it - open the Ikea Catalog, seen kitchens that are economical and look like they could just be installed the next day. I wouldn't say it looks <i>easy </i>to accomplish, but it definitely looks achievable for the every day homeowner. Which, is true. <i>BUT</i>, if you want it to look built in, a lot of pre-planning is involved. <br /><br />We spent a lot of time designing because we really wanted the kitchen to look built in, not just "installed". This meant that we had to do a lot of planning, something that took us <em>months and months. </em>Aubrey stresses that you really have to pre-plan EVERYTHING when doing an Ikea kitchen and it's a domino effect. Everything effects spacing - appliance dimensions, what crown molding you use, what height is the valance you use. <b>Know everything you are going with before you start the design process. </b><br /><br />Although we have a relatively easy space I found the design process stressful. The one downside to an Ikea kitchen is that although they have a very large selection of cabinetry - inevitably they are limited in cabinet sizes. So it's a bit of a puzzle working out which cabinets should go where. In the beginning I did debate hiring a designer to help design the layout. I have read that many designers can offer select services - such as helping design layouts - which may make it an economical opportunity for a homeowner. (For example, <a href="http://www.thedesignshop.ca/Site/Kitchens.html" target="_blank">Carol Reed offers this service</a>) In the end Aubrey and I worked it out - I'm pretty creative, and Aubrey is great with numbers/measurements.  I can break our designing process into three important steps/stages.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><ul><li><u>Researching Ikea Kitchen Pictures</u>: I spent a few hours going through <a href="http://carolreeddesign.blogspot.ca/2009/10/why-i-love-ikea-kitchens.html" target="_blank">Carol Reed's blog</a>, soaking in some of her designer tips of working with Ikea kitchens. I also <a href="http://www.google.ca/search?q=ikea+kitchen&sugexp=chrome,mod%3D12&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=Op9jUOekMaju0gH1x4GYDQ&biw=1920&bih=1075&sei=PZ9jUIT0O6Xw0gGL1ICgAg" target="_blank">googled a lot of "Ikea Kitchens"</a> and tried to really spot what I did, and also what I <i>didn't </i>like of Ikea Kitchens. </li><li><u>Ikea Kitchen Designers</u>: We took advantage of the staff at Ikea in the Kitchen Department. They were great. With our measurements in hand, they helped get set started using their kitchen design tool. That initial meeting with a kitchen designer set us off on the right foot. You still have to do the design yourself, but the kitchen staff will helped start us off with their design program. </li><li><u>Ikea Online Kitchen Design Tool:</u> The last step for us was tweaking the design that we did in Step #2, at home. When you go home, you can tweak the design using their online design tool. I found the online tool confusing and frustrating so Aubrey ended up taking over and handling it. (Guess which one of us has more patience in the relationship)</li></ul></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>TIP</b>: Be creative and think outside the box. You can hide some empty spaces with "Filler Panels". One great example is shown below. I wanted to connect the "Eat in Kitchen" with the Kitchen we brought the counter further into the eat in area. The space for cabinetry in the kitchen area allows for normal depth cabinets. But the eat in kitchen is an extension, and the wall is actually further set into the room. We couldn't maintain the same base cabinet size along the run. So to maintain a straight line of base cabinets into the eat in area, we had to fake it a little. We added in less deep base cabinets into the eat in area. We added in a brace for counter top, and knew that "cover panel" would hide the wasted space behind - and in the end, seamlessly blend in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqERQdQV6uyQnnxIhx3TcAFo2MbP78kynpXfKf94xJe1y8PG0zBVCa33iCDczZyGV9gQECsoCLVTPJft9X0GL-s-NUCEisuGZyNa8X8IchzMNMIN_5wIJOwYYfiPwgsCZsYyv7e-NuUNk/s1600/kitchen_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqERQdQV6uyQnnxIhx3TcAFo2MbP78kynpXfKf94xJe1y8PG0zBVCa33iCDczZyGV9gQECsoCLVTPJft9X0GL-s-NUCEisuGZyNa8X8IchzMNMIN_5wIJOwYYfiPwgsCZsYyv7e-NuUNk/s1600/kitchen_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />There are more tips on the design process below in section D. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30cFDurpkwtsTtisVFWWLcbch6n6W1EBe0YM2ucFyr5Yf-jvqrUXP27qtiB1EdGueXlj8aWDACfCmA-6-wfeq7D8oS8-FIsAE6D87oNWocvi4isbUMAyYnDzv5yskzIpQgq4TBWxyO6j7/s1600/1_why3.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/AVvXsEi30cFDurpkwtsTtisVFWWLcbch6n6W1EBe0YM2ucFyr5Yf-jvqrUXP27qtiB1EdGueXlj8aWDACfCmA-6-wfeq7D8oS8-FIsAE6D87oNWocvi4isbUMAyYnDzv5yskzIpQgq4TBWxyO6j7/s1600/1_why3.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here are some tips on ordering your Ikea Kitchen. <br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><ul><li>DO ask for help from the Ikea Kitchen Staff. </li><li>DO Take advantage of the Ikea kitchen sale. You get 10% back in Ikea gift cards when you buy Ikea cabinets from the store during the sale. </li><li>DON'T plan your kitchen design in the middle of the Ikea Kitchen Sale. It's going to be crazy busy and getting one on one assistance (uninterrupted) from a Kitchen specialist will be impossible. Plan and design your kitchen <i>well </i><em>before</em> the sale happens. </li><li>DO ask about their sale policies. We found out that Ikea will honor the 10% sale discount if we bought up to 45 days prior to the sale. [Call the store and ask what their policy is on honoring sale prices] We ended up getting back $400, in gift cards but skipped the mad rush of the sale in the store.</li><li>DO call your order in vs. going into the store and picking each piece out of the warehouse. </li><li>DO have your order delivered. We had a bad experience with the delivery company that Ikea used/uses. Ikea called for feedback (standard policy) after the order was delivered, and Aubrey gave an account of what happened and we did receive an apology. But still, just be ready to instruct the delivery guys/women on where to put the order and be prepared for your delivery to <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/06/kitchen-progress.html" target="_blank">look like this.</a></li></ul></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_h5r7XWy1ufGfFIGVg8GkIZIUoNV73bjUa6ZG5oLIckD-iH6Yys2oeuz7E4p3X9u_2azLdUhWCUCFP3g8t2ogV5vvw6gljVC6y4rHz1JcO9fPjNv0zV7NplErF9dVqfADQNgnzUtQbZZ/s1600/1_why4.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/AVvXsEhp_h5r7XWy1ufGfFIGVg8GkIZIUoNV73bjUa6ZG5oLIckD-iH6Yys2oeuz7E4p3X9u_2azLdUhWCUCFP3g8t2ogV5vvw6gljVC6y4rHz1JcO9fPjNv0zV7NplErF9dVqfADQNgnzUtQbZZ/s1600/1_why4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">You can hire a company to build and install your Ikea cabinets. When we priced this service out it was going to cost approx $100 per cabinet. So if you have 20 cabinets (which is normal) you're looking at $2,000 for this service. Because we were watching where our money was going, we decided to do 1/2 the job ourselves. Aubrey built the cabinets, and <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/06/when-to-hire-help.html" target="_blank">hired a company</a> to just install. Be warned.....Some companies <i>won't do this</i> - they only offer the Build AND Install combo. So call around before you start to build your cabinets. Either way - I thought it was really valuable to hire a company to help with the installation. Ask whether the company will install the cover panels/filler panels - these little details are what finish off your design. It's ok to hire help, and there are a lot of reputable companies that are around that will help you install. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyKQj4mmFg3pYSOxVsrfy6y47m3W3AxferQM7gG7KNSB5_29-Yn8zzUYKFRThpdnxKQhg1x3yndZbogr92wpBxjxg864qlrxM-6fguOaF1hMNGBfTolmAO-CZkztYHGLY4rfA589aJtIL/s1600/IMG_75072.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/AVvXsEiKyKQj4mmFg3pYSOxVsrfy6y47m3W3AxferQM7gG7KNSB5_29-Yn8zzUYKFRThpdnxKQhg1x3yndZbogr92wpBxjxg864qlrxM-6fguOaF1hMNGBfTolmAO-CZkztYHGLY4rfA589aJtIL/s1600/IMG_75072.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><strong><br /><br /><br /><br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67NtfjU-Xu7YgHPUg4ZbcfHLHBzFBD0qBsVuU1HNFDKOesQhOgtLISjgF1dR0hlrn7zo6Xyj1eL4JP04DKmzRDn3eGEIZo6uqfTEWVfU-tJDArjDmTmeqWr3WTymG8FWnHRxCfP6Z-G0n/s1600/1_why5.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/AVvXsEh67NtfjU-Xu7YgHPUg4ZbcfHLHBzFBD0qBsVuU1HNFDKOesQhOgtLISjgF1dR0hlrn7zo6Xyj1eL4JP04DKmzRDn3eGEIZo6uqfTEWVfU-tJDArjDmTmeqWr3WTymG8FWnHRxCfP6Z-G0n/s1600/1_why5.jpg" /></a></div>Here is what I think are important tricks for making an Ikea Kitchen look custom. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><ul><li>DO BUY the tallest cabinets possible, so that they go as close to the ceiling as possible. I think wasted space above the cabinets always is an obvious sign to the fact that you bought "store bought" cabinets. </li><li>DON'T BUY any of the trim from Ikea. Build your own valance. You need to have the right tools, but this kind of detail makes a HUGE difference. If you don't have the tools, maybe hire a handyman for the day. </li><li>DO consider adding in crown molding. I think crown molding gives a gorgeous "finished" look. [See photos below for examples]</li><li>DO Paint the trim to match the Ikea doors. Ikea Adel door paint match is Benjamin Moore Paper Mache.</li><li>DO BUY an Ikea door to bring around town with you as you try to match elements for your kitchen. That one Ikea Adel door stayed in my car for a month as I went looking for counters, tile, etc. </li></ul></div><strong></strong>I guess my analogy is this - I think buying Bedroom Sets from a store doesn't result in a very nice look. It looks too matchy matchy. (This is totally a personal style, so don't take offense if you have a matchy-matchy bedroom set.) They sell them as sets because people like them, and need them. But for <em>me</em> - I think things look more unique and custom, when you mix and match from different stores. The same goes for Ikea and their kitchens. Buy the cabinets from them but look elsewhere for everything else. It likley won't cost you more, but it will take you some time to source things. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnyUR2solrTkaUHItSWF6PncBG9YTY0UzGY0WT2D9N_rCdBZh-6HW8O1rbQoeolzx7yt2iIsdppA-r9LYnGhZg4p7enO-kaTH7N1KxTRTTDSh6y5MxgiCh3fXoUek1DSlbVfVfii_X_sg/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnyUR2solrTkaUHItSWF6PncBG9YTY0UzGY0WT2D9N_rCdBZh-6HW8O1rbQoeolzx7yt2iIsdppA-r9LYnGhZg4p7enO-kaTH7N1KxTRTTDSh6y5MxgiCh3fXoUek1DSlbVfVfii_X_sg/s1600/012.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">Our kitchen - Note the crown molding is painted the same colour as the doors. Have your local paint store help match paint. Benjamin Moore's PAPER MACHE is a perfect match for Ikea Adel Doors. </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cpdVDEOmdtnj3JfNbOy5nFkKTGjfMawLpwi4ZsT1fQm-nHsXcCCk_SeeNNQihRcReXBETKfO5Ejk3VSJOkBP1uw2K5oh3JeLrULi8pQhcmbt2CvpEV9CmHWatGyGD82gNitSFuOB8gx7/s1600/IMG_7489.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/AVvXsEh7cpdVDEOmdtnj3JfNbOy5nFkKTGjfMawLpwi4ZsT1fQm-nHsXcCCk_SeeNNQihRcReXBETKfO5Ejk3VSJOkBP1uw2K5oh3JeLrULi8pQhcmbt2CvpEV9CmHWatGyGD82gNitSFuOB8gx7/s1600/IMG_7489.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAJSaE1UPxxMspCRY5LFbPu5us2YxAoyxIiSCRf1GLNizgmYTbxFnSuBmFuwOyqjGwncxCkGksOLBCGcC6Oh0vTZmQEpL0f6zQE4jFXhTDZmxc7c5gmILiwB8ONsMUjqzqvz06PYgXOl5/s1600/1_why6.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/AVvXsEirAJSaE1UPxxMspCRY5LFbPu5us2YxAoyxIiSCRf1GLNizgmYTbxFnSuBmFuwOyqjGwncxCkGksOLBCGcC6Oh0vTZmQEpL0f6zQE4jFXhTDZmxc7c5gmILiwB8ONsMUjqzqvz06PYgXOl5/s1600/1_why6.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />We likely spent more hours designing than the majority of people would but we really wanted it to look built in. Do you need to spend as many hours as we did designing? No - but it's worth it in the end. As Aubrey stressed when he saw me writing this post - it's imparative that you know everything you're working with before you start designing. The cost savings of choosing the Ikea cabinets made it worth it. And, they look fabulous. In my mind, go with the Adel doors, they are so classic. <br /><br />I'm sure I've missed certain things. I appreciate this isn't a buider-guide-how to, but at least you get the inspiration to take away to create your own kitchen, and see the tricks we used.<br /><br />I hope this has helped!<br /><br />xo Lindsay<br /><br /><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/p/our-diy-projects.html" target="_blank">Update: Be sure to check out this page for other Ikea kitchen related posts. </a><br /><br /><br /><em>Disclosure: Because of the extensive (LONG) review, I feel as though it is worth noting that this post was <u>not</u> sponsored by Ikea.  </em><br /><br /><br /> <script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- BIG Ad for posts --><br /><br /><ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1823932887598627" data-ad-slot="9770787480" style="display: inline-block; height: 280px; width: 336px;"></ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script>

Tips & Tricks for Buying an Ikea Kitchen

I know that someone may fall upon our kitchen reveal in a few years time and will have missed all of the entertaining posts leading up the g...

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