KitchenCRATE is built upon a simple premise: providing the maximum value for each dollar spent.
It’s the essence of who we are.
And once in a while, we run into a project where, with a few minor, low-cost changes, we can completely transform the look and function of a kitchen. Such was the case with the kitchenCRATE Mable Avenue project completed a few weeks ago.
You see, their upper cabinets, while providing great storage, significantly restricted the site lines from the kitchen to the adjacent living room. It made the two spaces feel separate like they were turning their back to each other.
By simply removing one section of upper cabinets, fabricating a new smaller corner cabinet, hanging a few pendant lights, cutting down a half-wall, and extending the quartz countertop 14 inches, we were able to completely change the form and function of this kitchen.
Scroll down to read the details and explore the before and after images!
Day by Day Progress
(Note: We added 2 days to our normal 7-day process to accommodate the owner-request add-ons, like these…)
Here’s how we did it:
Day 1 – Demo Day! On this first day, we set up plastic walls to protect the home from dust, protected the path from the entry door to the kitchen with building paper, and then went to town removing the appliances, countertop, backsplash, plumbing fixtures, cabinet doors, drawers, and an upper section of cabinets. Next, we removed the old lightbox to make room for the new LED can lights. To support the cantilever countertop, we reinforced the plywood sub-tops with steel straps. Toward the end of the day, we created the template for the new quartz countertops, which take a few days to fabricate off-site.
Days 2 & 3 – The electrical team began the wiring for the new can lighting, while the half wall was modified to extend the countertops and create a cantilevered seating area.
Day 4 – The kitchenCRATE team began installing new crown molding, a custom shelf, new toe skins, and a new upper cabinet. The electricians also got to work installing the pattern-specific can lighting. Six 6″ can lights were placed strategically around the kitchen to optimize the lighting over workspaces.
Day 5 – Since all the walls and the ceilings had been protected, our painters began preparing and priming the cabinets. Using a high-grade, oil-based primer, every inch of the kitchen cabinets were caulked, sanded and primed. This is the first (and perhaps most critical) step of creating a durable paint finish.
Day 6 – The painters then applied two coats of Kelly-Moore Dura-poxy in Shadow Cliff to the thoroughly sanded and primed cabinets. This same priming and painting process was used on the doors and drawers, which are painted off-site in a climate-controlled paint booth for the highest possible quality.
Day 7– The capable team at AAI Granite & Tile arrived to install the beautiful double-bowl Kohler Executive Chef under-mount sink in White and the MSI Iced White quartz countertops with a mitered edge.
Day 8 – AAI Granite & Tile was back on-site, this time to install the Daltile Matte Arctic White 3 x 6 tiles with Laticrete Bright White grout on the backsplash.
Day 9 – Lastly, the kitchenCRATE team installed the homeowner’s previous appliances. The transformation then hit the home stretch with the installation of the freshly-painted cabinet doors and drawers. The final day of the project included an array of “touch-up” items: all outlets and switches were replaced, the Moen Align faucet was installed and the entire project was cleaned, top-to-bottom.
Before and After Pictures
Click image to enjoy a larger view.
Technical Details
Countertop: MSI Iced White Quartz
Backsplash: Daltile Matte Arctic White 3 x 6 tiles.
Grout: Laticrete Bright White
Cabinet Finish: Shadow Cliff in semi-gloss finish using a top-of-the line Kelly-Moore Dura-Poxy paint and primer.
Cabinet Hardware: Liberty Satin Nickel knobs and Liberty Satin Nickel Cup pulls with matching cabinet hinges.
Sink: Kohler Executive Chef double-bowl, under-mount sink in White.
Faucet: Moen Align with a Stainless Steel finish.
Is Your Kitchen Next?
Perhaps the Mable Avenue kitchen reminds you of your kitchen. Perhaps you like the layout of your kitchen and the cabinets are in good condition, but you are ready for a completely new look and feel. KitchenCRATE can make this happen in just a few days and for an amazingly low price.
Just click here to schedule your phone consultation or feel free to call us direct during business hours at 888-995-7996!
