It’s been 2 weeks since we took out a wall in our kitchen (if you missed that post, you can read about it here). We have a small, 1930’s cottage-style house and taking this wall down only served to let much needed natural light into the kitchen. It did not join it miraculously to the other parts of the home like most people do when they take a kitchen wall down. Our kitchen is tacked on to the back of the home like it’s something shameful. It’s interesting how times have changed so completely regarding kitchens in homes.
If you remember, I had been planning (and saving for) a bathroom renovation this summer. My bathroom is now going to have to stay in its beige, fake travertine glory for a little while longer and we are all in now on the kitchen renovation (I imagine you could see this coming).
Here’s where we left off 2 weeks ago on Sunday:
Dave was really freaked out about the possibility of asbestos being in the ceiling around the stove (pretty common in older homes). He dropped off samples at a testing place in Denver, paid about sixty bucks and twenty-four hours later we found out – no asbestos! Yes, this is cause for celebration. Let’s also talk about how awful the photo is so that you can congratulate yourself on not living here. Notice the biscuit Kenmore electric stove, notice the tile countertops with grout that’s literally more than a half an inch thick, notice the old greenhouse window in the corner and the black painted cabinets that are almost 60 years old – I think a little schadenfreude is nice sometimes.
First step: Enlarge the little west facing window. I found an inexpensive window that was in stock at our local home improvement store.
We decided to plank the wall for a few reasons: A. We don’t know how to finish drywall nicely and it’s not in the budget to hire someone for this B. We’re lazy. C. I like the look of it for this little 1930’s cottage and D. We’re cheap and lazy.
What do you think about greenhouse windows in kitchens? I thought I might replace this one with another greenhouse window and then I saw the prices of them (ha) and decided that I will decide to love it or will replace it with a normal window. If I keep it, I’ll replace the trim, paint it white and I promise to put something in it besides elderly jade trees. Any thoughts on this one are welcome!
The week after next I’ll go over style inspiration, floor tile (I’m a terrible client), counters and other fun stuff!
“I guess if you keep making the same mistake long enough, it becomes your style.”
The Colorado Nest 
I’d keep the greenhouse window and update it! I remember thinking those were the coolest things. And lets face it, old is new again. House plants are showing up everywhere these days. Whatever you do– love the wall with the bigger window. what a difference already.
All the best,
Gwen
Good advice – after thinking about it more I completely agree. If there was a great view out that window I might change it up, but there’s not. Thanks for your kind words and yes, the power of a larger window is significant to daily life! Something to think about for schools, offices, even jails! 🙂