Transitional Southlake Kitchen Remodel

It is always such a wonderful feeling to complete a remodel.  I always feels so bad for the clients that have to live in the space while the chaos is going on.

 This kitchen got a total transformation. Originally it had 2 islands which really was not very functional.  The cabinets were too busy and they needed a lift with a fresh color.  The pickled "pink wood" is no longer in as we all know.

 As you can see, we left all the appliances.  We made one large island,  extended the cabinets to the ceiling and added glass cabinets with lighting.  We refaced the cabinet doors so they weren't so fussy, added undercounter lighting, took out the desk area and made it into a mini bar with a wine refrigerator.

New backsplash, granite and hardware.  The lighting in the shelving really makes the accessories look beautiful.  I really love the rain glass for cabinets.  Allows you to see the items but hides the dust.

 Don't you just love the tile wall behind the shelves?  The hardware on the cabinets is fab too.

Ruthie Tip:  If you want to do a quick update to your kitchen, hardware is a great way to revamp it instantly.

New recessed lighting.  We also moved all the plugs down so that they aren't in the middle of our beautiful backsplash!

 The island is the star in this kitchen.  The pendant light is from "Restoration Hardware."  I LOVE IT!

We added a pull out garbage drawer and some extra storage.  We painted the island a different color than the cabinets, it really makes it feel rich.

Gorgeous granite!

 We made the pantry door taller to match the other doorways in the home.  Amazing the difference that made!

Added accessories and it was a wrap!

Don't you just love the glass backsplash all the way around the windows?

New hardwood floors throughout the entire downstairs really makes this kitchen so warm!

Now it's the perfect kitchen for entertaining!

Thanks to Debbie for allowing me to make her home beautiful and to T. Lamar Photography for doing such a great job with the photo shoot!

"Rocky" Inspired Kitchen Remodel

 There has been lots of labor going on with DecRenew Interiors the past few months!

I've been working with these clients on several projects over the years in their home.  The kitchen was Phase II of the projects we have done so far.  Next week we start on all their bathrooms!

They have a wonderful home in a very wooded area.  They purchased the home because of the amazing backyard and the rustic, casual feel of the home.  They love all the wood that is in the interior but felt that the kitchen was too dark. I totally agreed.

BEFORE

So we lightened it up!  They were really hesitant about changing the kitchen because they didn't want it to feel out of place with the rest of their home.  They were nervous that it would look updated and everything else would look out of date.  I assured them that we could update the kitchen and make it look fantastic with the rest of the rooms that flow from the kitchen.

AFTER

We got to work and selected cabinet color, granite, venta hood, faucet, sink, hardware, stone work for bar, gas stove, double oven, refrigerator and lighting.

BEFORE

AFTER

We adjusted the cabinets above the bread box for a bigger microwave.  The island also got a makeover with new legs and a new stylish color.

We worked with the paneling in the other rooms and made sure that we kept some consistency in the kitchen with what is going on everywhere else.  We left the crown molding wood so it ties in with the adjacent dining room.

We added new lighting to the cove in the dining room and that really made it look fabulously updated.

Love these mercury glass pendants that we placed over their curved bar area.  The client wanted to keep her existing island lighting since they had just replaced it a year ago.

The granite we selected was the one thing that my client was terrified of.  She felt like it would make the kitchen darker.  I assured her that it would be the focal point in the kitchen and would be beautiful with the woodwork in the home.

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

 

So bright and still looks very warm!

The stone work on the bar is my favorite, it really makes the kitchen fresh and it adds a masculine feel to the space.

Rocky the dog is happy because his coloring matches the kitchen beautifully!

I'm now taking the long weekend off to hang with my family! Hope you take time to enjoy Labor Day too!

Ruthie's Thanksgiving Menu

 

 

I'm preparing for our Thanksgiving Menu.  Excited to have 14 of us here to celebrate Turkey Day!

 

 

We've had a big winter "warning" the past few days so lots of activities have been cancelled and the girls have been able to help me some which is nice.  We also got to have breakfast with my mom this morning which was a treat for a Monday!

 

Our rose bushes were covered in red roses and I hated to think they would go to waste in the freeze.  I cut just about every one off the bush and I've placed them throughout my house which I'm LOVING!

 

We did a big shop last week for all the big stuff ...

 

 

and last night we purchased all the perishables like fresh herbs, vege's, appetizers, etc. 

 

 

 Trader Joe's is my favorite place to this kind of thing!  I even bought myself a couple Rosemary trees.  Can't wait for their new location in Southlake!

 

 

Their fresh cranberry sauce is out of this world delicious which I purchased of course!

 

Here's our TURKEY DAY MENU: 

 

 

Appetizer - Curried Sweet Potato Soup.

  This is a new addition to our Thanksgiving table this year.  We will see how it goes over.  I'll add some candied pecans to it as well.  Each person will just get a little bowl prior to the big meal.

 

 

We always have a variety of cheeses, candied nuts, fruit and a few slices of a nice salami.  I include a variety of crackers so there is a nice selection to choose from. I like to place the appetizers in a different room than where all the cooking takes place. This makes it easier and less chaotic for the cook. I also place an assortment of chocolates throughout the house to make it extra special. 

 

 

Deep fried Turkey injected with Jalapeno Butter. Our family loves to "DO" things together.  Frying the turkey is a fun way to spend time together before the meal!

 

 

My husband is setting up the fire pit in the backyard too and it becomes a place for the teens to hang out while the turkey is cooking. Watch this funny video we laugh at each year!

 Deep Fried Turkey & The Dingle Dangle

 

 

Sausage, Cranberry & Apple Dressing - Recipe

New recipe for me this year.  I read all the reviews and they rave about the sausage in the dressing.  I know my family will love that!

 

 

Jalapeno Corn - Recipe

 

 

Scalloped Potatoes - My own recipe.

  The trick is that I add a packet of Ranch Dressing to the cream and lots of garlic and fresh onion for great flavor.

 

 

Green Bean Casserole - made by my wonderful sister. Always a big hit with the crunch onions on top :)

 

 

Sweet potato casserole (my favorite) Recipe

I love the pecans on top and will add some golden marshmallows to the top too!

 

 

My husband will make the turkey gravy because that's his specialty!

 

 

Of course Pumpkin and Pecan pies!  This year I have eggnog ice cream to serve with it.  I also only use REAL whipping cream which makes them divine!

 

I wait until a few hours after the meal to serve the desserts and look forward to serving them with the wonderful coffee my sister gave me.

 

 

Here is a great link to print Thanksgiving menu cards that I thought were nice.

 

I'm off to figure out who is sitting at what table.  Time to iron tablecloths, put my apron

 on and get cooking!

 

I've also learned that these family gatherings can't be perfect.  It's a time to enjoy each other, laugh together and nobody is going to freak out if things don't go as I'VE planned. 

 

I'd love to hear your favorite meal items or traditions this time of year!

 

 

Visit my website, DecRenew Interiors to see my Design Portfolio.