4 Years In.

Okay, more like 3.5 or 3 and a quarter or something... but the real point of this post isn't how long we've been loving our kitchen reno, but the fact that we've had time to live in it, beat it up, and decide what we love and what we don't (spoiler: we actually don't have any complaints!). The reason I decided to do this post is because I have gotten so many comments and emails over the last year or two in particular, about how we have liked our Martha Stewart kitchen, and whether we would recommend it.

We took a long time to plan the kitchen and all we wanted to change or include, which is hard! Because it is always impossible to get EVERYTHING you want on a budget, and specially when you are doing a reno. It's not easy to just move everything around like it is in a new build. But it boils down to balancing what you absolutely cannot live without and what you can work around.

When you start learning about cabinetry it can be overwhelming. How much do I spend on the bases??? Do I need soft close doors??? So many previously un-thought of you options and ways to drain the budget!!! Because we were desperate to get this kitchen happening after years of living with the dream, we decided to go for the basic frame. No upgraded furniture-grade wood base. It really is nice, but for us just not worth it.

Where we did spend some $$$ was on several pull outs. We put them on either side of the sink, as well as a larger one beside the stove for spices and canned goods. We also upgraded the panty units beside the fridge to have pull out shelving drawers. This way nothing gets lost or forgotten in the back for eternity.

We also chose to spend some of the budget on trim and finishing details. This is just a personal preference but can make the biggest difference between a good kitchen and an amazing kitchen. Finished end panels, crown moulding, upgraded kick plates or baseboards and gables are the details that go above and beyond.

We saved a little by not doing shelving from the cabinet manufacturer and instead doing them from Ikea. Sounds simple, but the brackets from Martha Stewart were running $150-$500 a piece!!!

This is a good snap shot of real life! Baby gates to keep dogs out of restricted areas, food bowls and unruly cords.

Overall, we are realllllly happy with our cabinetry and have found it was well worth the trade offs we made to get the look we wanted. But it does take vision and the ability to convey what you are wanting and the level of finishes you are expecting to the kitchen designer. But with some good communication anyone can make it happen!

I hope that summarizes our feelings on it all after living with it! (we have no complaints on quality or the product, for the many many emailers who have me asked this!!!) But if you have any specific questions or want more info on anything just leave comment and I'll be happy to share more!