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If you've been living for any length of time on this planet we call Earth, you've probably noticed that almost everything wears out, gets old and eventually goes out of date. I remember moving into our new home fifteen years ago, thinking it was simply perfect. There was much more overall space than our previous home had, as well as extra living areas; formal dining and living rooms, a lovely sunroom and a large bonus/recreation room over the garage. The kitchen was twice as big as my former one, had beautiful white cabinets and an island in the center, which I thought was amazing. The appliances were like new, as the prior owner had been a batchelor, and cooking was definitely not his forte (certainly a win for us!).
After a few years of living in the new home, we made some small modifications in the kitchen; changing out the island for a larger one, as well as adding a pretty backsplash behind the counter tops. Again, I was thrilled and thought I had the most wonderful kitchen ever!
Fast forward ten years and thousands of meals later. It was definitely time, once again, to make some changes. Those beautiful white cabinets had begun to delaminate and had become a real eyesore. The backsplash was looking dated, and with as much cooking as I do, I was longing for a larger island with more work and storage space. While the appliances were still functioning well, there were wonderful features in newer models that that we thought would be helpful in The Café kitchen.
It's funny how sometimes, things come together better than you could ever imagine! That's how it was, as we began our affordable kitchen renovation. I call it "affordable" because we didn't have a huge budget, and didn't have the desire to do a complete gutting and restructuring of the space. We simply wanted to update the appearance and functionality of the kitchen without breaking the bank. We were able to do just that, thanks to the wonderful team at KitchenAid and a dear friend and very talented interior designer, Anne Tollett from Hanover Avenue in Richmond, VA.
The collaboration with KitchenAid and Hanover Avenue began last year around this time, as we put our heads together to partner on this kitchen redo. We were absolutely thrilled when KitchenAid offered to equip our new kitchen with appliances, since I've been a fan of their wonderful brand for as long as I can remember. KitchenAid appliances are not only super well thought out and built to last, but also are simply stunning in appearance.
Anne helped with great inspiration for the design elements of the kitchen, and being a KitchenAid fan herself, helped us choose practical and stylish appliances that will serve us for the long haul. We had the pleasure of spending a few days with Anne back in February when she came to Raleigh to put together the final details of the kitchen design.
Anne and I restyled the kitchen for a photoshoot, talked about interior design secrets and shopped for accessories for the kitchen. Scott had his camera out just about the entire time Anne was with us and caught the whole process digitally. He and our son, Nick, put together several videos from all the footage. One of them, focuses on the choices we made for our renovation, including lots of great design ideas from Anne. It can be viewed over on the Hanover Avenue website.
Another inspirational video features Anne's professional advice on Setting a Pretty Table. It features lots of great ideas on how to pizzaz up a tablescape. We'll be sharing that one next week, along with a new recipe, so be on the lookout.
Think we had fun together? That might be an understatement. Oh, and by the way, if you wonder where ideas for new Café recipes come from, here's the perfect example. That crazy shopping spree at Whole Foods was the inspiration for my Strawberry and Clementine Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette. Let me loose in a great grocery store and I can't help myself!
You can check out the complete kitchen renovation, with before and after shots, over at The Kitchenthusiast (the official KitchenAid blog). Anne is also featuring our new kitchen on her website, Hanover Avenue, with a focus on the interior design elements of the renovation. Whether you're looking at a big kitchen remodel or just some ideas for updating your kitchen space, you'll be sure to find lots of inspiration!
Adina says
What a beautiful kitchen you have, Chris, it looks perfect! And so amazing about all those Kitchen Aid stuff, love that!
Maureen | OrgasmicChef says
I love the reveal videos and I love your kitchen even more! What fun to design a new work space like that.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Maureen, it's definitely been a work in progress for awhile now but so worth it! 🙂
Donna Oliphint says
Your kitchen is beautiful! I do hope the countertops are not Absolut Black, though. I have that, and it's a pain to keep shiny. Every drop of water shows. I use the Lysol Kitchen spray to spray everything down at night and polish it off with a terrycloth kitchen towel. It does look beautiful when it's polished! I LOVE the island countertop!!! And I really love the idea of the desk turned microwave/coffee bar. Brilliant!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Donna! The countertops are not Absolute Black but they do show a lot. I have discover the E Cloths though. Oh my goodness, I love them. No chemicals, just water and they are pretty much bacteria-free. There's a polishing cloth you use afterwards that makes everything look so shiny and fresh!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Absolutely stunning Chris and what a wonderful space to cook in 🙂 Love the splashes of colour here and there especially. So cheery!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Jennifer, it makes me happy working in the kitchen 🙂
Sandra L Garth says
Not only are you an excellent cook and baker, now you're a rock star!!! Everything is beautiful!
Chris Scheuer says
Aww... Sandra, you're so sweet 🙂
cheri says
Hi Chris, gorgeous kitchen, I would not change a thing. Congrats!!!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
You have a very CLEAN and beautiful kitchen, Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Angie, I have to admit though, it's not always so clean. I'm a bit of a messy cook - and my family would attest to that!
Shanaz Rafiq says
This kitchen is every home cook and a food bloggers dream. Very well done Chris. Looking forward to see more beautiful recipes in this gorgeous kitchen.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Shanaz, I appreciate your kind words!
MARY H HIRSCH says
This was fun to "walk" though. What a fantastic and collaborative job you all did. Aren't you thrilled? I do get it. Working in a kitchen as much as you do, it gets worn out. It does seem also that every year the good brands are coming up with newer and better designs. I'm a KA fan also. Every year they come to the Aspen Food & Wine Festival in June and set up a display in the Grand Tasting Tent. Since I volunteer in the Tent, I am always there and able to drool over the new (and, colorful) products.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Mary! One of these years I'm going to get to the Aspen Food & Wine Festival! I'll enjoy the KitchenAid tent right along with you!
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
So pretty, Chris! Love the light and airy look, and your backsplash tile is beautiful! Your coffee bar looks perfect for a mid-afternoon caffeine boost too. 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Absolutely beautiful Chris! Hope you enjoy your new space for many years to come!
Denise P says
Your kitchen turned out beautifully! My favorite feature is that island drawer "flour bin". Oh, would that I had the space for such a thing!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Denise. I know what you mean. I never had the space before either. With as much as I cook and bake, it's so nice to have everything at my fingertips.
Susan P says
Please forgive that callous comment about the music. Having a bad day, and was a totally inappropriate comment. Please remove it, if possible. Thank you. I do so much enjoy your blog. Your kitchen is beautiful.
Jenna says
your new kitchen is dreamy Chris! I love all the white with the pops of red and turquoise. Your island is gorgeous, what a great place to work and create! Congrats and enjoy!
Susan says
Everything looks wonderful, Chris! What a fun video and so happy to go shopping with you 🙂 My kitchen needs a makeover badly.
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
You are truly blessed Chris - your kitchen is gorgeous. Congratulations~!
Liz says
How exciting!! I'm going to pop over to the KA site for more of the scoop. We'll be remodeling our kitchen this year after 20 years---it's such a daunting task! I'm glad for the inspiration from your beautiful, new kitchen.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Liz! It's fun but it is a big task. The best part is when it's done and can be enjoyed!
Monique says
I cannot believe KA's generosity! Wow..
and it looks beautiful..what fun you must have had..Anthro..♥
We have been here 16..so far..I just want to change my double sinks..lol
You look so lady like like the lady you are Chris:)x
Chris Scheuer says
I agree Monique, KitchenAid has been WONDERFUL!
Ginny Hartzler says
I love everything about your new kitchen! I watched both videos. So much fun! It is gorgeous! I love the counters, all the little details, and the beautiful supports under the island. Even the pretty red and white valance. And you can change the color in the blink of an eye. Love the little coffee bar, too! We renovated our kitchen about 15 years ago, but it was nothing like this! Light and open, this would be MY dream kitchen!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Ginny, I do love the neutralness of the kitchen!