Butcher, Baker, Candlestick-maker.

My latest posts are proof that I've been spending a lot of time in the kitchen lately, and I had a revelation: life cannot go on any longer without a dishwasher. No forward progress can be made while carrying the burden of all our dirty dishes. With that decided, I called an architect and he came over straight away to discuss where the dishwasher would go. The best part? I paid him in cheese and crackers. (He's my brother! I'm a lucky gal — check out his work!)

Since there is no place to put the dishwasher under existing countertop, the project will be a little bit of an undertaking. We'll be knocking out part of a wall, creating an island, moving the sink, and getting new countertops. It will make a big impact in the flow and functionality of the kitchen (probably the most important room in the house) for not too many bucks. We have been strongly advised not to let ourselves become dominoes, falling for new cabinets, floors, and new appliances while we're at it. It isn't that hard once you see the price tags. 

What am I most excited about, besides saying goodbye to dishpan hands and revolving resentment about who did the dishes last (that's a biggy)? New countertops. Specifically new butchers block countertops. I have loved them for a long time and can't believe they're about to be mine. I love the look, love the functionality, love the price. You can get them at Ikea for about $11/sq. ft. 


I've been combing the internet for inspiration. We are keeping our white cabinets so the overall look will be bright and clean.

 

From Restoring A House in the City by Ingrid Abramovitch, via Katy Elliot's blog.

Antonia Thompson's kitchen, from lonnymag.com.

Isn't it bea-u-ti-ful?


Found this photo by googling "domsjo" — the Ikea sink we are considering. These homeowners also picked the faucet I like. Looks good although it seems like they sealed their wood which we will pass on.