Hi there, first I want to thank you for your vote in my poll about an island sink vs no island sink. I decided to not do it. The range is close enough to the long wall with two big farm sinks and I will have a pot filler above the range, so think that was the right decision. I love the idea of a big open countertop to prep on/entertain, etc..without the interruption of the sink.
We had a big meeting with the team yesterday and I have to admit I felt a little delayed hearing it will be another year. In my mind, I was thinking maybe 6-8 months. I like hearing months. more than the word, year. But it is what it is. We will do our best to stay ahead of the building curve and make decision in advance, get things that need to be ordered early, done ahead of time, etc… The key word today is windows! Yippee…got them all in and it was an exciting step. The roof has been full prepped to start roofing, I believe next week. The roughing inside has begun, and we have been busy at plumbing appts and signed a contract for our kitchen/pantry which is exciting! My ideas have not wavered at all, just need to start thinking about appliances and flooring.
I have started thinking more about kitchen flooring- I am leaning towards something along the line of peacock pavers, stone pavers. Just not sold on the wood. I had the limestone in my old house and really loved it. We are starting to look at appliances as well. Only real appliance I am totally open to is the range. I love the look of an enameled range and for that reason am considering Cornue Fe or Lacanche however I really like a glass door to the oven. Viking is apparently experiencing a renaissance in having been taken over so I am looking at what they offer as well. And then there are brands I have never even heard of! Here are some of the various options I have been steered towards-
In case you missed the last post here is my mood board for the new kitchen-
Want to talk about something funny? I went down a rabbit hole the other day and found out the very first house we built about 23 years ago was on the market and sold. It was so much fun to see the listing. They changed a number of things (many that I personally did not love as much as what we had done but it’s their home and I heard they were happy in it so that’s all that counts) I was thrilled to see they kept the kitchen as it was except for the decor and there’s no blue/white porcelain:)
I had used delft tile in there and still love it! I will be using delft tile in this new kitchen. Some parts feel a little dated but I still think its a pretty and classic kitchen. They also kept the original window treatment. I think for a nearly 25 year old kitchen, it looks pretty darn goof.Have a peek!
Here are some of the flooring options I like-
This is the reclaimed limestone we had in our old kitchen but we add more grays, warmer tones to that kitchen
And if doing wood, there is always the option to do something interesting like a herringbone in a softer color
A soft checkerboard can be beautiful in a kitchen but because we are doing this in the foyer, I would not repeat it in the kitchen, can look great though
And here’s a few picture of the house lately, as of now all windows are in and almost all french doors. We are now waiting for the original part of the house to get the windows. Roof has been prepped for the roof. Baby steps!
Love this dramatic space which is where the three story back stair hall will be
The glass in cupola getting put in
Above is eventual breakfast room
On the right side of the breakfast room, it will lead to a covered porch (flanked by breakfast room and family room) similar to the one we had in the old house
Eventual kitchen, the window is actually huge, doesn’t look it here, its about 9.5 ft and offers a lot of light
Our bedroom where we are opening it up to attic and love that we get to incorporate that absolutely gorgeous window that has been there a long time
So ironic how this part of the house worked out, almost identical to this area in our old house. Second floor is part of family room and bottom is walk out basement which will lead to a patio
And that’s the latest! Next time I will show you some of the “raw” spaces of the bathrooms and what my plans are. Yes, very busy suddenly putting together ideas for kitchen and baths. If you have any suggestions as far as ranges go, would love to hear your comments. Lots of chapters to come,thanks for stopping by. Wishing everyone a wonderful day. Until next time…
PS Many have asked the porcelain ginger jar rechargeable mini lamp and it is on the site. We are in fact, close to selling out of our first shipment of these fabulous lamps. They will be here within the next 10 days. Couldn’t love these more. Click here for info
Good Morning Tina,
What a renovation!! But such fun!! I have had Induction Ranges in all my houses since I spent a month living in an apartment in Paris. I always had gas but it is not available in a lot of areas of France. When you go to an appliance store, most of the offerings are induction stoves. My husband and I graduated from The University of Richmond (after 5 yrs of night school) with a degree in Culinary Arts. They had gas of course. After Paris, I replaced the gas stove with Induction. Gas gives off a lot of CO2 and not environmentally safe, especially if you have any breathing problems. Induction offers the gourmet cook plenty of levels of cooking (10). Cleaning it is a breeze. You should look into it before going gas.
Tina. I would seriously consider installing an elevator where the back staircase is located. They are very pratical and as you age you will need it. You can now build a large China, Crystal, Flatware. Silverware and large serving pieces in your lower level and then easily take them up to your kitchen;. dining room area. Its far more practical and you can also store all your extra fold up tables and chairs for large events. If you want you can put a Silver Safe in it also. I am now 87 and although I can do stairs and am in good shape I am currently looking for a house and I specifically am looking for one like yours that has a back staircase so i can put the elevator in it. I am a retired Architect Designer and the back staircase is the easist solution, as it gives you the space for the elevator on all levels. You have the grand entrance staircase in your entrance so putting in an elevator is far more practical off the service area; and as you and your husband age you will be so happy you did it. I live in the Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills. Franklin Hills area of Michigan; all affuent sunurbs of Northern Detroit and most new large construction have elevators in them and many restored Colonials and Tudors also have put them in. You now will never have to leave your home as you age. These homes are well over multi millions with all the bells and whistles you can think of. on our lakes and acerage. if it were me redoing your beautiful home i would put one in wthout a second thought. Especially as you do entertain a lot of large gatherings..Trust me, Tina, we get more and more practical the older we get lol lol Its also a great investment for your home as far as resale value..
have no fear, that was the first thing my husband made room for! Yes we have an elevator (one I will NEVER use) as i have not taken one in over 30 years and don’t plan to ever again, after a very traumatizing experience in one. But agreed its good for even carting things up and down and my husband will use it plus its great for resale!
It warmed my heart to see your cupola going in. We had one at our last home and I loved it! Ours had a central light on a timer so that it was illuminated at night. A grace note everyone commented on.
The Delft tile is beautiful and I can see why you are considering using it again. A beautiful Lacornue range was in a house we bought 13 years ago. While it was absolutely beautiful and I loved seeing it everyday, I did not like using the oven because it always seemed to cook to fast and food would get burned on the top but not be ready on the inside. I just could never get it right. It also was not self-cleaning.
Hi Tina … Let me begin by saying – I love your blog, Renovation Diaries, Instagram posts, blog, Seven on Sunday, product lines, etc.
I have a couple of questions concerning the renovations of your beautiful historic home.
-I noticed in an earlier Renovation Diaries post, the brass hardware in your newly installed windows … Is it natural brass or aged brass? Would you mind sharing the brass window hardware source for the windows?
-Also, noticed in an earlier post – a slate roof will replace the black roof shingles … Does the house require structural reinforcements/changes to support the slate shingles?
Thanks!
This is all so exciting. Love your mood board and your old kitchen is gorgeous. Does not look dated at all (except I don’t understand the hot air balloon)? Delft tile is so pretty.
I have a Wolf range which I love, had had no issues but do not think they make colors/enameled versions. Smart move to not do the island sink. I have one and wish I didn’t. Drives me crazy when. my kids leave dirty dishes there (often)!
The house is looking incredible. I look forward to following along.
Tina, I am one of your biggest fans…your design esthetic is amazing and so similar to mine. Please think about your kitchen floor if you truly plan to be in there a lot. Wood is much softer and easier or the back, feet, and legs that stone, especially as we age. Just a suggestion!
Please consider induction. And use “All Clad Copper Core” pots and pans.
They are so responsive to the heat on an induction stovetop.
I am a classically trained chef who thought that gas was the best.
I have a 48 inch Induction Bertazzoni range and I will never return to gas cooking.
Limestone floor in kitchen is tough if you are standing a lot…you may be used to it since you have had it. Also tough on sweet babies crawling and things break — herring bone wood is just the best
I would agree with what others have said re: the elevator and the unforgiving nature of stone floors. Yes, they are beautiful. But with grandparenting upon you, and aging coming for us all…..wood wins. I did have a thought to pass on re: the fabric in the over-island lighting. I had that in our last kitchen. Over time it was hard to keep clean/dusted and the fabric seemed to absorb and retain cooking odors. It also looked sort of “tired” w/in a few years. Not as crisp. Maybe there is treatment for such fabrics now that I did not have. Just a thought. I love following the building process; thanks for sharing! And your 23-year old kitchen is still beautiful. The balloon shades maybe not so current anymore, but the design is timeless. Delft=classic!!
I have a La Cornue gas range I put in my renovated kitchen 10 years ago. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!
I did read the one person having problems with it and not being able to get the food baked properly. I’ve never had a problem with that. With the range I purchased 10 years ago, it was recommended to bake on the very lowest position for everything. I don’t know if the newer one still recommend this.
Yes, it is not self-cleaning. This was not a problem for me. I have made a habit of cleaning the oven with a damp cloth every use. I also do the top everyday I cook. My husband and I rarely go out to eat except for dinner invitations. Mostly, we do the hosting.
I highly recommend. I couldn’t be happier with the range
This looks great Tina! Will you have an accent island color? Matching the stove perhaps? If you were to have valances, what fabric would you use keeping in the mind the delft tiles>
Hi Tina,
I’m offering a bit of experienced knowledge to your renovation. My husband and I have built three homes and I am now hoping to downsize and do an adorable cottage. I know you mentioned you just turned 60. Being on the sunny side of 60 has wonderful benefits.
Heading towards the dark side of 60 and into 70 comes with joint issues no matter how well you stay in shape. I’m there.!! I suggest you do NOT put the reclaimed limestone in the kitchen. I too love the look but there will come a time when that floor will be unforgiving on knees and hips. It would look wonderful in your back hall, mudroom, powder room area. Go with the herringbone wood, or painted wood with a check pattern. My favorite. You won’t be sorry.
My husband talked me out of the colored porcelain ranges because he thought it may be difficult to find parts or someone to service them. I have a Wolf range. It is FABULOUS!
Love love love all of your ideas. It’s going to be absolutely stunning!
As a fellow designer, I have done three renovations for our personal home along with gut jobs and kitchens for other clients. If you haven’t researched Blue Star they are definitely worth a look! They have the strongest BTUs on the cooktop and they also offer a dual fuel options versus all gas. They do custom colors as well as sealed, burners or open burners.
They are all handmade in Pennsylvania and it’s very easy to get parts! Something else to think about. Viking has gone downhill in my opinion and I have not heard good things about them over the past few years.
All that I have seen over the years via various builds indicate you have impeccable taste…dare I say ‘class’ ‘tradition’ in what you have chosen…as such, I find it a bit peculiar that you would consider wood flooring, of the type one would find in a dining room (not planked) for your kitchen. My reason for asking is…I’m hopeful that you will have many grandchildren and family gatherings in this new adventure and as such, stone radiant flooring is the only way to go…think crayons, cookie dough, etc. on the floors…if you should be so fortunate. It is what I chose for our home when my children were mere toddlers and it was and continues to be…gorgeous, classic and absolutely carefree (as in no sanding, never off limits, no wearing in spots, easy to sanitize, etc.)…..AND….with regard to your range…the blue enamel is beautiful But when shown on your mood board with the stunning Delft tiles….well lets be polite and say simply…something is amiss since the Tiles no longer look stunning and the range not either. I surmise that the etherial blue enamel and the strong delft blue aren’t harmonizing…something has to change (hopefully the range). I can’t speak for all but I love the moments I get to see what your are considering, why and of course, the progress…especially since the decisions/headaches/quandaries aren’t mine….sort of like grandchildren. Enjoy the process! And of course, Thank you!
Want your daily dose of Enchanted Home? Then join our email subscriber list and don't miss a single post of The Enchanted Home delivered right to your mailbox!
Hi there, first I want to thank you for your vote in my poll about an island sink vs no island sink. I decided to not do it. The range is close enough to the long wall with two big farm sinks and I will have a pot filler above the range, so think that was the right decision. I love the idea of a big open countertop to prep on/entertain, etc..without the interruption of the sink.
We had a big meeting with the team yesterday and I have to admit I felt a little delayed hearing it will be another year. In my mind, I was thinking maybe 6-8 months. I like hearing months. more than the word, year. But it is what it is. We will do our best to stay ahead of the building curve and make decision in advance, get things that need to be ordered early, done ahead of time, etc… The key word today is windows! Yippee…got them all in and it was an exciting step. The roof has been full prepped to start roofing, I believe next week. The roughing inside has begun, and we have been busy at plumbing appts and signed a contract for our kitchen/pantry which is exciting! My ideas have not wavered at all, just need to start thinking about appliances and flooring.
I have started thinking more about kitchen flooring- I am leaning towards something along the line of peacock pavers, stone pavers. Just not sold on the wood. I had the limestone in my old house and really loved it. We are starting to look at appliances as well. Only real appliance I am totally open to is the range. I love the look of an enameled range and for that reason am considering Cornue Fe or Lacanche however I really like a glass door to the oven. Viking is apparently experiencing a renaissance in having been taken over so I am looking at what they offer as well. And then there are brands I have never even heard of! Here are some of the various options I have been steered towards-
___________________________________________________
In case you missed the last post here is my mood board for the new kitchen-
Want to talk about something funny? I went down a rabbit hole the other day and found out the very first house we built about 23 years ago was on the market and sold. It was so much fun to see the listing. They changed a number of things (many that I personally did not love as much as what we had done but it’s their home and I heard they were happy in it so that’s all that counts) I was thrilled to see they kept the kitchen as it was except for the decor and there’s no blue/white porcelain:)
I had used delft tile in there and still love it! I will be using delft tile in this new kitchen. Some parts feel a little dated but I still think its a pretty and classic kitchen. They also kept the original window treatment. I think for a nearly 25 year old kitchen, it looks pretty darn goof.Have a peek!
Here are some of the flooring options I like-
This is the reclaimed limestone we had in our old kitchen but we add more grays, warmer tones to that kitchen
And if doing wood, there is always the option to do something interesting like a herringbone in a softer color
A soft checkerboard can be beautiful in a kitchen but because we are doing this in the foyer, I would not repeat it in the kitchen, can look great though
And here’s a few picture of the house lately, as of now all windows are in and almost all french doors. We are now waiting for the original part of the house to get the windows. Roof has been prepped for the roof. Baby steps!
Love this dramatic space which is where the three story back stair hall will be
The glass in cupola getting put in
Above is eventual breakfast room
On the right side of the breakfast room, it will lead to a covered porch (flanked by breakfast room and family room) similar to the one we had in the old house
Eventual kitchen, the window is actually huge, doesn’t look it here, its about 9.5 ft and offers a lot of light
Our bedroom where we are opening it up to attic and love that we get to incorporate that absolutely gorgeous window that has been there a long time
So ironic how this part of the house worked out, almost identical to this area in our old house. Second floor is part of family room and bottom is walk out basement which will lead to a patio
__________________________________________________
And that’s the latest! Next time I will show you some of the “raw” spaces of the bathrooms and what my plans are. Yes, very busy suddenly putting together ideas for kitchen and baths. If you have any suggestions as far as ranges go, would love to hear your comments. Lots of chapters to come,thanks for stopping by. Wishing everyone a wonderful day. Until next time…
PS Many have asked the porcelain ginger jar rechargeable mini lamp and it is on the site. We are in fact, close to selling out of our first shipment of these fabulous lamps. They will be here within the next 10 days. Couldn’t love these more. Click here for info
Good Morning Tina,
What a renovation!! But such fun!! I have had Induction Ranges in all my houses since I spent a month living in an apartment in Paris. I always had gas but it is not available in a lot of areas of France. When you go to an appliance store, most of the offerings are induction stoves. My husband and I graduated from The University of Richmond (after 5 yrs of night school) with a degree in Culinary Arts. They had gas of course. After Paris, I replaced the gas stove with Induction. Gas gives off a lot of CO2 and not environmentally safe, especially if you have any breathing problems. Induction offers the gourmet cook plenty of levels of cooking (10). Cleaning it is a breeze. You should look into it before going gas.
Tina. I would seriously consider installing an elevator where the back staircase is located. They are very pratical and as you age you will need it. You can now build a large China, Crystal, Flatware. Silverware and large serving pieces in your lower level and then easily take them up to your kitchen;. dining room area. Its far more practical and you can also store all your extra fold up tables and chairs for large events. If you want you can put a Silver Safe in it also. I am now 87 and although I can do stairs and am in good shape I am currently looking for a house and I specifically am looking for one like yours that has a back staircase so i can put the elevator in it. I am a retired Architect Designer and the back staircase is the easist solution, as it gives you the space for the elevator on all levels. You have the grand entrance staircase in your entrance so putting in an elevator is far more practical off the service area; and as you and your husband age you will be so happy you did it. I live in the Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills. Franklin Hills area of Michigan; all affuent sunurbs of Northern Detroit and most new large construction have elevators in them and many restored Colonials and Tudors also have put them in. You now will never have to leave your home as you age. These homes are well over multi millions with all the bells and whistles you can think of. on our lakes and acerage. if it were me redoing your beautiful home i would put one in wthout a second thought. Especially as you do entertain a lot of large gatherings..Trust me, Tina, we get more and more practical the older we get lol lol Its also a great investment for your home as far as resale value..
have no fear, that was the first thing my husband made room for! Yes we have an elevator (one I will NEVER use) as i have not taken one in over 30 years and don’t plan to ever again, after a very traumatizing experience in one. But agreed its good for even carting things up and down and my husband will use it plus its great for resale!
It warmed my heart to see your cupola going in. We had one at our last home and I loved it! Ours had a central light on a timer so that it was illuminated at night. A grace note everyone commented on.
The Delft tile is beautiful and I can see why you are considering using it again. A beautiful Lacornue range was in a house we bought 13 years ago. While it was absolutely beautiful and I loved seeing it everyday, I did not like using the oven because it always seemed to cook to fast and food would get burned on the top but not be ready on the inside. I just could never get it right. It also was not self-cleaning.
Good to know I wish it had glass doors. Anyway have an appt in a week or so to go over the various options. Yes, delft tile is a classic!
Hi Tina … Let me begin by saying – I love your blog, Renovation Diaries, Instagram posts, blog, Seven on Sunday, product lines, etc.
I have a couple of questions concerning the renovations of your beautiful historic home.
-I noticed in an earlier Renovation Diaries post, the brass hardware in your newly installed windows … Is it natural brass or aged brass? Would you mind sharing the brass window hardware source for the windows?
-Also, noticed in an earlier post – a slate roof will replace the black roof shingles … Does the house require structural reinforcements/changes to support the slate shingles?
Thanks!
This is all so exciting. Love your mood board and your old kitchen is gorgeous. Does not look dated at all (except I don’t understand the hot air balloon)? Delft tile is so pretty.
I have a Wolf range which I love, had had no issues but do not think they make colors/enameled versions. Smart move to not do the island sink. I have one and wish I didn’t. Drives me crazy when. my kids leave dirty dishes there (often)!
The house is looking incredible. I look forward to following along.
I love the herringbone wood floors. Also comfortable underfoot.
I would think a wood floor would be easier on legs standing on stone while cooking.
Tina, I am one of your biggest fans…your design esthetic is amazing and so similar to mine. Please think about your kitchen floor if you truly plan to be in there a lot. Wood is much softer and easier or the back, feet, and legs that stone, especially as we age. Just a suggestion!
Please consider induction. And use “All Clad Copper Core” pots and pans.
They are so responsive to the heat on an induction stovetop.
I am a classically trained chef who thought that gas was the best.
I have a 48 inch Induction Bertazzoni range and I will never return to gas cooking.
Eeeekkkk!!! It IS “coming along!!”” franki
Limestone floor in kitchen is tough if you are standing a lot…you may be used to it since you have had it. Also tough on sweet babies crawling and things break — herring bone wood is just the best
I would agree with what others have said re: the elevator and the unforgiving nature of stone floors. Yes, they are beautiful. But with grandparenting upon you, and aging coming for us all…..wood wins. I did have a thought to pass on re: the fabric in the over-island lighting. I had that in our last kitchen. Over time it was hard to keep clean/dusted and the fabric seemed to absorb and retain cooking odors. It also looked sort of “tired” w/in a few years. Not as crisp. Maybe there is treatment for such fabrics now that I did not have. Just a thought. I love following the building process; thanks for sharing! And your 23-year old kitchen is still beautiful. The balloon shades maybe not so current anymore, but the design is timeless. Delft=classic!!
I have a La Cornue gas range I put in my renovated kitchen 10 years ago. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!
I did read the one person having problems with it and not being able to get the food baked properly. I’ve never had a problem with that. With the range I purchased 10 years ago, it was recommended to bake on the very lowest position for everything. I don’t know if the newer one still recommend this.
Yes, it is not self-cleaning. This was not a problem for me. I have made a habit of cleaning the oven with a damp cloth every use. I also do the top everyday I cook. My husband and I rarely go out to eat except for dinner invitations. Mostly, we do the hosting.
I highly recommend. I couldn’t be happier with the range
This looks great Tina! Will you have an accent island color? Matching the stove perhaps? If you were to have valances, what fabric would you use keeping in the mind the delft tiles>
So excited for you !
Hi Tina,
I’m offering a bit of experienced knowledge to your renovation. My husband and I have built three homes and I am now hoping to downsize and do an adorable cottage. I know you mentioned you just turned 60. Being on the sunny side of 60 has wonderful benefits.
Heading towards the dark side of 60 and into 70 comes with joint issues no matter how well you stay in shape. I’m there.!! I suggest you do NOT put the reclaimed limestone in the kitchen. I too love the look but there will come a time when that floor will be unforgiving on knees and hips. It would look wonderful in your back hall, mudroom, powder room area. Go with the herringbone wood, or painted wood with a check pattern. My favorite. You won’t be sorry.
My husband talked me out of the colored porcelain ranges because he thought it may be difficult to find parts or someone to service them. I have a Wolf range. It is FABULOUS!
Love love love all of your ideas. It’s going to be absolutely stunning!
As a fellow designer, I have done three renovations for our personal home along with gut jobs and kitchens for other clients. If you haven’t researched Blue Star they are definitely worth a look! They have the strongest BTUs on the cooktop and they also offer a dual fuel options versus all gas. They do custom colors as well as sealed, burners or open burners.
They are all handmade in Pennsylvania and it’s very easy to get parts! Something else to think about. Viking has gone downhill in my opinion and I have not heard good things about them over the past few years.
All that I have seen over the years via various builds indicate you have impeccable taste…dare I say ‘class’ ‘tradition’ in what you have chosen…as such, I find it a bit peculiar that you would consider wood flooring, of the type one would find in a dining room (not planked) for your kitchen. My reason for asking is…I’m hopeful that you will have many grandchildren and family gatherings in this new adventure and as such, stone radiant flooring is the only way to go…think crayons, cookie dough, etc. on the floors…if you should be so fortunate. It is what I chose for our home when my children were mere toddlers and it was and continues to be…gorgeous, classic and absolutely carefree (as in no sanding, never off limits, no wearing in spots, easy to sanitize, etc.)…..AND….with regard to your range…the blue enamel is beautiful But when shown on your mood board with the stunning Delft tiles….well lets be polite and say simply…something is amiss since the Tiles no longer look stunning and the range not either. I surmise that the etherial blue enamel and the strong delft blue aren’t harmonizing…something has to change (hopefully the range). I can’t speak for all but I love the moments I get to see what your are considering, why and of course, the progress…especially since the decisions/headaches/quandaries aren’t mine….sort of like grandchildren. Enjoy the process! And of course, Thank you!