Well it’s official. The house is a DISASTER!
Like full on disaster from top to bottom.
We’ve lived through a couple of kitchen renos though, so I sort of expected the mess. And I think – but maybe don’t ask Dean or the kids, m’kay? – I’m doing okay with it and not losing my mind too much. 😉
Our To Do List/The Plan
Like I mentioned already in this post there are a few things in the kitchen that we’re not replacing, either because we already did or because they just aren’t priority right now.
We’ve already replaced the light fixtures and the faucet. Although we had to get a replacement for the faucet because the one we bought was leaking. Here’s hoping the new one does better. (We’ll keep you posted on that.)
We’re also not replacing the tile flooring. Honestly I’d love to replace all the flooring on the main floor with something different. But it’s just not in the budget or time constraints at this time. So the kitchen tile is staying. Thankfully it’s pretty neutral and will work with almost anything else we throw at it!
Here’s what we need to do still, plus the progress we’ve made so far:
remove most of the upper cabinetsremove existing tile backsplashremove existing island- install shiplap backsplash/wall treatment
build a larger island- install farmhouse/apron front sink
‘wrap’ island and paint- add some lower cabinets and a desk space
- prime and paint lower and upper cabinets that stay
- change out some hardware
- install countertops
- install new range hood and custom range hood cover
- install open shelving
I’m really thankful Dean was able to take the week off – partially to work on the kitchen and partially to be home for our anniversary.
At this point there are no tutorials or step by step. Just some progress photos.

So there you have it. Our progress thus far.
What think you of our modern farmhouse kitchen makeover at this point?













Such a pretty island!! In love with the colour.
Thanks, Kirstie. It’s actually coal black, but shows up a bit grey in pictures. 🙂
Oh I am so glad I am not the only one whose house is in total choas! I love what you have done so far and look forward to see the final reveal!
Lol. Yeah. Renos and makeover aren’t for the faint of heart. 🙂
Gorgeous, love the colour over the shiplap, what did you use for the shiplap?
We’ll talk about the shiplap further into the reno.
Loving that big island you built! It’s going to be amazing. Hang in there girl!
Thanks, Chelsea. It will be fabulous, you’re right!
This is my first time doing the One Room Challenge too! I wasn’t as brave as you were to start with a kitchen though. I can’t wait to see how yours turns out though. I’m already in love with that black shiplap island. ?
Well, we’ve done challenges and contests before AND this is our third kitchen makeover. So to be fair it’s our first ORC, but not our first big reno. 🙂
Love love love! Can’t wait to see more!!! Good luck!
Thanks, Heather!
I love those appliances !
Me too, Monique, me too!
I see chaos! I see committment. I see progress. I see a DIY Family working hard. I see a family soon to enjoy their DIY endeavors. And I’m looking forward to the progress pics and reveal!
Thanks, Diane. I can’t believe the organization that is already awesome in the kitchen – like the pull out bins. #allthehearteyes
I love it
Thanks, Shelly.
Love your island and appliances. All worth it in the end.
Looking forward to the reveal.
It will be SO worth it, I’m sure!
Oooh! I love the color of the island! That is so neat! We are doing our kitchen as well and definitely understand that not everything can be done at once.
Oh – good luck with your own kitchen reno, Kristen!
I think it looks awesome! Love the Island and ooooh that gorgeous sink!! Can’t wait to see more!
Thank you, sweet friend! The sink is amazing – I can fit a lasagna pan in there and my big fry pan. It’s heavenly to get them soaking right away!
You are going to love that larger island!I love the dark gray. Looking so good already!
The larger is island is a much better use of the space! And thank you. 🙂
Girl! That island is looking fantastic! And I’m digging how the lighting looks in the space too. Thanks for the update
Yes the lighting! I love it too. I am missing my over the range light for cooking though. But that will be back soon enough!
Wow! What a transformation! Lots of work hey!? Can’t wait to see it all finished. ?
Lol. Yes, lots of work for sure, Caron. But that’s okay – as Dean says, “it’s only work.”
The island looks great- I love that color! Can’t wait to see the rest!
Thanks, Kate. We can’t wait to share.
Looking so great! Love the island.
Thanks, Danielle. xo
hey mr. island, you so sexy. wanna make out? seriously love your island!!!!
Bahahaha. You’re too funny, Cassie. 🙂
Wow! Your island looks amazing!
Thanks, Emy. 🙂
Wow! Looks great. I love your site and decorating style. It is inspiring and real, so I feel like it si do-able for anyone.
Thank you, Barb. I really appreciate that.
Everybody else said it – but I’m gonna say it too – luuuuurrrvvve your island! Oh and your sink!!! Gah!
Have fun! It’s gonna look so fantastic! Can’t wait to see!
Thank you, sweet Faye!
I love the island! It is going to so nice when it’s all done. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Thanks, Jolena!
Wow! The island looks fantastic!! Love the color you chose for it, too!
Thank you, Sarah! 🙂
Wow Shannon. The island looks really fantastic! Nice work!!
Thank you! Dean – as usual – made what was in my head come to life!
The island LOOKS GREAT. Seriously, it’s gorgeous, and I can’t wait to see more.
Thank you, Lora! It is so much more functional too.
It’s looking great! Love it!
Thanks, Debby!
WOW! You are brave taking on quite a project. I am loving what you have done so far.
Lol. We are a bit nuts sometimes I think!
beautiful!! I LOVE the color you chose for your island!
Thank you, Christina. 🙂
love it so far! We are doing our kitchen too- so much work! I LOVE the black!
Ooh! I’ll have to come look at your kitchen reno!
The island looks awesome!!!! So huge too! It’s fabulous!
Your island is stunning! Can’t wait to see everything come together.
I love your kitchen Reno!! We are actually finishing up a new build and I’m thinking of ordering the same barstools you used. Just wondered the length of your island and also what you think of the barstools? Would you purchase again? Thanks in advance!!
Yes! We like these bar stools. They’ve actually lasted longer than I thought they would with my crew and my penchant for changing things! Our island is about 9 feet long, btw. 🙂