A Year in My Life - Kitchen Project - The Finale!

Week 7 Update and Conclusion

Finalmente!!!  Hallelujah!  It's done! I spent Monday and Tuesday cleaning out the new cabinets and drawers and putting in the shelf liner.  Wednesday couldn't come fast enough.  I  also loaded up those cabinets that would be not affected on Wednesday and did not need any adjustments.   Wednesday morning finally arrived. I loaded up the car with everything from the apartment and Oscar and I took off for Acquavella!!  HOME!

While waiting for the workers I walked outside and who was there to greet us?  LuLu, the neighbour dog.  I had left the back gate open and he came in to greet us and take a rest in the sun!  He too, is glad we are back!

LuLu - protecting our house

The workers finally arrived and the completion of the kitchen began.  They finished their work in a few hours.  Then the electrician and plumber arrived to complete the cook top installation and to make some final last adjustments.  Some were a bit more challenging than others but I was not deterred.  They clearly understood everything MUST be done today.  One more day was not acceptable.  They did not disappoint.  By 7:30 that evening I was wishing everyone a "buona serata" as they walked out the door.  The celebration began for Oscar and me!!

And now the final set of photos!!

Thank goodness the new piece of 

counter top was correct!

Many have asked where the refrigerator is

It is hidden on this wall - tough to see

but it is at the far right

The three stools should arrive this week

The furniture store just needs to deliver them

First things first - Coffee!!

And for my first meal I made a Ragù

It was delicious!

So this blog sequence comes to a close.  Thanks to those that followed along and took the time to comment through emails.  I will continue blogging monthly going forward.  

For those in the states have a blessed Thanksgiving!  This year I have alot to be grateful for and will so enjoy cooking Thanksgiving dinner in my new beautiful kitchen.

A Year in My Life - Kitchen Project - Part 7 - Oh so close!

Week 6 Update:

Appliances were delivered on Saturday as planned.  All was go for start on Monday for the furniture/cabinet delivery and installation.  Everything arrived on time and the work commenced.  I was amazed at how quickly everyone was working and the quality of the work. However, late in the day as the counters were being installed a major OOPS was discovered.

One piece of counter had been cut wrong.  At first I thought it was no problem.  I could live for a week or so without a small piece of counter top.  But on further inspection we realised this section butt up to the next section in a unique way as the next section held the cooktop.  So........2 pieces needed to be remanufactured.  And what did that mean?  I could not move back in as I would have no way to cook.  And by the end of the day there were other small items that still needed to be handled.  Tuesday was another day of work - installing trim and making some adjustments.  But in the end the project is now delayed for completion until this coming Wednesday.  I would spend the rest of the week cleaning out the newly installed cabinets, installing shelf and drawer liner and figuring out where in the world I would put everything - a wonderful problem to have.   I also took time to clean the refrigerator, vented hood and the oven. 

The lights were installed on Tuesday as well.  Now the challenge is finding the right light bulbs to use as the color of the lights changes dramatically depending on the brightness of the bulb.  

Some photos of the installation.  You will have to wait one more week for the final, final photos.  Plans are to move back in on Wednesday as the final pieces to the puzzle will be complete.

The truck arrives on time - a great start!

Unpacking of each piece was done by

Antonio and I while the installers began 

their installation

Lots of boxes

The two installers were a great team

and at times Antonio assisted

Installing the vented hood

This area will house the oven and

the refrigerator 

I love the LED light under the counter

That was a surprise and a gift 

as I didn't order it

Ready for the counters to be installed

First counter installed and then it's lunch time

Panini and beer?  Yes they drink beer for lunch

with no problem

Enjoying the sunshine and a little break

after our lunch

And we discover the counter is too 

short - first big oops of the day.

The counter for the bar

being put in place

Ensuring the counter is seated in

the wall properly

Precision and lots of help

It has to be set quickly and accurately

as the cement underneath sets quickly

The counter is "inserted" into the wall 

for stability.  This allows us to

not have braces or support underneath

I will love doing dishes in this sink

And a nice big faucet to clean

all those dishes - I didn't buy a dishwasher

Here we go - the lights are being hung

It takes two!

All even and ready to be turned on

Oh my - not liking the brilliant colours

Found a smaller bulb that shows off the color 

of the light much better but now I have to find

more of them.  

And now the wait continues.  Just a few more days and the final adjustments will be made, the counters installed and the stove top put in place.  Stay tuned...... but I am so pleased!

Buona settimana!!

  

A Year in My Life - Kitchen Project - Part 6

Week 5 Update:

This week was tile completion, including the niche over the stove.  In addition painting, base finish and electrical work was done.  On Tuesday the lights from Murano (Venice) arrived.  They won't be installed until the last moment to ensure they remain safe!!  The electrician worked to complete installing the lights, new plugs and switches.  There was a slight delay in painting so I pushed the appliance delivery to Saturday.   On Friday night I went to the house to ensure it was ready for the appliance delivery on Saturday afternoon.  The plan was to clean on Saturday morning in anticipation of this delivery and the delivery of the furniture (cabinetry) on Monday. When I walked up to the house I was amazed at just how clean the back terrace was.  That amazement continued when I walked into the house.  The workers had cleaned the house better than I could have ever imagined. They also cleaned the back and front terrace.  Holy smokes you would never get that in the states (in my opinion).  These guys were amazing.  So looks like if all goes well late next week I could be moving back in.  

On Monday when I arrived at the house the tile worker was just starting to install the tile in the niche. I stood there and watched the entire process.  He was so precise.  And the architect was there to watch and help along the way.  The architect has been wonderful.  Totally engaged and owning the project and the process.  Sometimes I think he is more excited than me!!

Enjoy the pictures - next week you will see the complete kitchen!!

The border material matches the counters

The tile for the mural begins to be installed.  He not only ensures

it is even but also ensures the depth of the cement

is even for each and every tile.  He truly is a master!

Row one complete

The architect was fully engaged and assisting

with the tile installation.  Row 2 underway.

Nearing the finish

The artist noted the company in the right corner........

..... and the artist's name and year in the left corner

These are my lights from Murano

The artist (glass blower) provides this photo

and on the back is the certificate and guarantee. 

Excited to see them hung soon!

Painting begins

Can lights installed after painting

And now the finished product!!

Chimney for wood burner all fixed

The view from the living room

End wall - to the left will be the 

refrigerator and oven

Cabinetry will cover the white tile

Kitchen side of the island

And the lighted masterpiece!

I can't tell you how happy I am with the finished product to date - and with just over one month of work. What a great team I have!!  I look forward to sending you the final update next week.