Island Possiblilities

I think I am living with an impostor

because there is no way the man I married

would consider a kitchen renovation!

But believe it or not,

HE brought it up a few weeks ago

and I almost fell on the floor.

For years, I have been dreaming of a new kitchen.

In fact, last year I even posted

that I would love a new kitchen for Mother’s Day!
See What I’d Love for Mother’s Day.

Since the day we have moved in (14 years ago – gasp!), two major things have bothered me about my kitchen:

1.  The windows are two high.  Seriously, is this a basement?

2.  I hate having a peninsula instead of an island.  Whenever we entertain, the peninsula makes setting a buffet on the counter very awkward and crowded.

Now back in 1999, when we moved in, I didn’t mind the light wood cabinets.  We were young and at that point, we didn’t want to add too many upgrades to the house.  But over the years, the cabinets have yellowed and have gotten worn out looking.

My dream is to have a white kitchen, with normal windows and an island!

source – www.bostondesignguide.com
Now could this kitchen be any more perfect?

I know I am crazy for even mentioning another project when I haven’t accomplished many of the ones I have mentioned in the past!  But this project will take lots of planning and negotiating with my husband on what we “need” to do in there so it will be awhile!

We are talking about the options of either having the cabinets repainted and adding molding or beadboard to the sides OR completely gutting the room and putting in an island and white cabinets….and of course new windows!  There is a huge price difference between the two options, so we will see.

To get moving on things, I already had a painter in here to give me an estimate.  She still has to get back to me.  At this point, I am just pinning ideas and measuring over and over to see if my kitchen can handle an island.  I think I can fit a 4 foot wide by 7 foot long island still leaving about 46 or 47 inches around the sides.  I think I read somewhere that 42 inches is pretty standard for the walking space so I should be fine.

There are so many decisions to make but I am excited that we are doing at least something in there!  Oh, and speaking of decisions, I want to thank those of you who commented on my shoe molding question.  I think everyone suggested I go with the white shoe molding for my baseboards instead of the stained quarter round.    After looking at many examples online, I decided that look is definitely what I want and more updated!  Thanks everyone!

Now I am off to take my 6 year old to the doctor.  The poor baby has been home from school since Monday with a fever and a sore throat.  Let’s hope it’s not strep!

So what do you think of my kitchen/island plan?

If you have an island in your kitchen,

how much space do you have around it?

Are you happy with it?

Thanks and have a wonderful day!