There aren’t many things I would change about the kitchen remodel. But there are a few things that we either chose in our design or happened by accident that were a bit, well, not what we were hoping for.
Full Kitchen Sources
I think it’s important to know that sometimes you don’t know if you like something until you’ve lived with it for a while. Fortunately, none of these issues are monumental or urgent. So while we don’t feel pressured to make any fixes anytime soon, it’s nice to know that we are I can let’s make the change when we’re ready.
1) Hood fan
Shop in the kitchen
One of the few pain points in the kitchen, but probably the biggest, is something we’re guilty of: the hood fan.
Wanting to make the job easier, we decided on a blower that attaches directly to the hood. Why is it important? It’s loud. Like, “when it’s on, we have to raise our voices just to be heard” loud.
The main time we turn it on is when Chris is baking inside, which is pretty rare during the warmer months, but common during the winter. We are talking about replacing the remote fan, and maybe one day we will.
2) Location of the lock hardware
Cabinet Hardware | Copper Bowls | Glass canisters | Brass Pepper Mill | Copper canisters | Tangine (similar) | White Dutch Oven | Black Dutch Oven | Scallop Bowl (similar) | Glass Cloche
We love how all our hardware looks! It really is so beautiful. Unfortunately, we’ve found that lock-style hardware isn’t the most practical on a day-to-day basis.
The cabinets close softly and don’t have enough “oomph” behind them to make the latches close on their own. Also, you have to close two doors in a certain order, first first, then second.
To keep the charm, it would probably be better to keep the door handles that we use daily (sink, drink station) and leave the handles for higher cabinets that we only access from time to time (above the fridge/freezer, above the bookcase).
I don’t think too much about it until Chris points it out — as a “functioning” guy, it bothers him quite a bit. And I can understand why, where he is most in the kitchen.
3) Pantry door hardware
Wall Sconces
Closing the pantry door is a bit awkward, and I think it’s because of the locking hardware used. The door doesn’t have handles that you turn to open – it’s just a pull to open and push to close, with push latches on top.
Unfortunately, it was a problem to get the tension right and they seem to open much easier than they close. This leads to frequent accidental door slams and frequent door openings even if you accidentally hit the doorknob as you walk by.
Chris thinks it’s something that can be fixed, we just need to take the time to fine tune the settings and maybe replace some of the components.
4) Hood lining
Hanging lamp | Sink faucet | Sink | Mirror Sconces | Pot filler | Spoon Rest | Wood Pepper Mill
One mistake we made that we can still correct is the hood lining.
Looking at Jean Stoffer’s original kitchen plans, the hood trim (crown) should have been the same color as the cabinets. Without checking the design, we instructed the plaster guy to apply plaster to the trim as well, to match the plaster finish on the hood itself.
While it doesn’t look bad, I think it would feel more special if it were painted to match the wardrobe. I also want to paint the window frame to match – wouldn’t that be so nice??
One thing I wouldn’t change is anything about the appliance garage. It’s still so amazing! What do you wish you had done differently with your kitchen upgrade?
Mirror Tile | Toaster | Electric Kettle | Blender | Bar faucet | Brass Pulls