When Sebastien and I moved to TN, we knew that we would sacrifice house for the lot, which we did, but it has been a great experience taking time to renovate this house that has "good bones". Our house has special meaning, as it was built by a wonderful family whose husband and father taught as a French professor at Carson-Newman. We still have a letter from the daughters about how special this house is to their family.
As Sebastien and I moved in, we knew this house would be special for us too. We have amazing sunsets over the lake as a backdrop each night. It has been our intention to share this house with those we know and love. Although serving others can happen in any house, it is especially nice to cook in a beautiful kitchen!
Our fourth phase of renovations (see Phase 1/ Phase 1, Phase 2/ Phase 2, and Phase 3), has been the biggest undertaking yet because we were truly displaced for a while. Not only was the renovation a gut of our kitchen, but we moved stairs from behind the kitchen to the middle of the house. The floors were sanded and restained, and the ceilings were sanded down as well. Yes, there was lots and lots of dust! But it is well worth it!
BEFORE:
Note the kitchen cabinets that hung down over the stove. It was impossible to talk to someone on the other side without ducking your head.
The footprint of the kitchen was a "Z" shape. The stairs were tucked behind the wall of cabinets and red chair that you see.
DURING:
Dust, Dust, Dust
We used IKEA cabinets again, which was a bit more challenging since the closest store is 4 hours away.
TA-DA: Can you believe this is the same house???
The pocket door opens to the butler's pantry between the kitchen and garage.
My pride and joy: The double oven! This is the one thing in which I would not compromise. Now, I must plan dinners where I use both ovens to prove to Sebastien that I needed it.
In the old kitchen, we had a lot of cabinets. So, when we decided to do mainly bottom cabinets, we were a little concerned with storage. With IKEA's organizers, it has worked out really well.
BEFORE
AFTER
We are so blessed to be in this incredible space, and it is our hope to use it well in loving and serving others. So, come on over for dinner!
Note: Our architect, who had wonderful ideas, is Lisa Denlinger in Philadelphia. Our contractor, who we completely love and trust, is Mike Voccola, Jr. If you are looking for someone in the Morristown area, he is amazing!
*More posts to come showing the stairs, living room, and hallway.