Kitchen Remodel Regrets | What I'd Do Differently

[@Sherrihayesauthor]

My husband is a cabinetmaker with his own business and has been building cabinets and furniture for 23 years. If he'd made the island with the wrong wood, he would have absorbed the cost and remade it.

[@JulieBlanner]

That's good business! Thanks for following along!

[@ericvandee]

@@JulieBlanner As a cabinetmaker I would have replaced the island in a heartbeat. I would have recommend bleaching the wood to get the red undertones out. I have done this in the past. Kitchen looks great!

[@4everyoung24]

I hope you got a DEEP discount for the island mistake. If you asked specifically for white oak the cabinet maker should deliver. I had a contractor trying to convince me to get things I didn’t want and it drove me nuts! He kept saying stuff like, “Laminate is a lot cheaper than butcher block,” for my mom’s apartment addition. I tried to explain that she has ALWAYS wanted butcher block and it was such a small countertop that the cost really didn’t matter. He actually talked my mom into the laminate when I wasn’t there! She said she worried about us spending so much money that she felt like she should get the laminate instead. I don’t mind when contractors suggest things or have advice about structural issues but when it comes to decor we should get what we want! And your kitchen is beautiful! Love you cabinet style and your unlacquered brass fixtures. Also love your copper mixer.

[@JulieBlanner]

Sadly, no. That was just one of many battles. I'm grateful it's over 😂. That's so frustrating! You're absolutely right. Thank you so much for following along!

[@miranduri]

I had to fire a handy man for telling me how to design my garden. Every day he would comment on my decisions. He wanted me to bring in horrible cement statues. One day it was just too much. I paid him and told him not to come back.

[@hikestr]

The red alder island is a beautiful compliment to the unlacquered brass fixtures with the brass colored mixer. It looks intentional and adds a lovely warmth to the space.

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you, Sophia!

[@blayne2029]

Your cabinet maker should have just redone your island. If the mistake was his, he should own it.

[@ck3703]

Julie thanks for sharing your lessons learned! We ditched our microwave years ago and we haven’t missed it. If you ever remove yours it’d look lovely using the microwave “hole” for some pretty cookbooks.

[@JulieBlanner]

That is an excellent idea!

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

This island wood situation makes me a little sick. We had several 'miscommunication' issues with our cabinet maker. Bad ones. I got partial overlay doors instead of the inset. Instead of scribing a panel for the wall, he just put up 3/4 inch shoe molding to cover the gap. This is what I see in trailer houses I've lived in. (I gave THREE examples of the end panel design I wanted.) The drawers are only 14 inches deep. There's eight inches of lost drawer space in the back. At least six inches could've been used. The drawer fronts are just slab and not the framed that I ordered. For some reason, he decided to make the toe kicks MASSIVE for the cabinets up against the walls, but decided that toe kicks were overrated on the island. I have an island with NO toe kicks, and no trim. It's just plywood sitting on the flooring. (The flooring has 1/2 inch gaps everywhere, BTW) He DOUBLED the thickness of the face frames. I ordered 1.25 inch wide face frames. He made them 1.25 inch wide PER CABINET. So I've got big, 6 inch tall drawer fronts, but the actual drawers are only 2.25 inches deep. I can't put a pancake flipper in them. Most of the drawer fronts are just covering face frame. None of the cabinets for the wall of pantry cabinets are the same width. None of the face frames on the pantry are the same widths. The big bottom door panels go about an inch off the floor so there's no room for trim, but the doors for the two tall cabinets are 3 inches from the floor. There's NO WAY TO TRIM THEM. There's NO WAY TO LINE THEM UP. AND NOTHING ABOUT THE PANTRY MATCHES *ANY* MEASUREMENT IN THE ISLAND. I gave him TONS of pictures. I gave him schematic drawings. But the worst is that - for some unimaginable reason - a router was taken to every cabinet corner in the kitchen to round them over. And it's done badly. All warbled. My husband thinks that one was damaged and the installers decided to just round them all over so they'd match. The router marks don't go all the way to the floor or ceiling, so I think he's right. They hand-routered them in place. I ordered the most basic, inset, face frame, Shaker style cabinets and got... this. The builder said that I wasn't specific enough. I could have everything rebuilt - if I paid cash. When I pointed out the things that I was SUPER specific about (INSET, dammit!!) he then gave me a sob story about firing the cabinet maker. Now I knew that the installer did the most egregious things and I had gotten to know the builder well enough that he's the one who cut the drawers short to increase his profits. My husband was so exhausted by the entire build process that he just wanted it over. He said we'd fix it all later. It was a total tear out and I didn't trust them to get it right the second time. Forcing them to fix it felt like throwing good money after bad. This is the story of ALL the finish work. The tiles, the cabinets in the bathrooms, the master shower, the guest shower, the freaking WINDOWS. All wrong. 1/3rd of a million dollars for the shoddiest finish work I've ever seen in my life. The entire house looks like it was done DIY. We're slowly fixing it, room-by-room. We will never have enough money to pay someone to fix it. My husband works constantly and he just doesn't have time to do it himself. He's already exhausted. So I'm having spinal surgery so I'm able to DO something, healing up, and going out to the damn shop to fix it myself. Yes, I'm learning how to build and trim my own cabinets. We already have most of the tools I need, I just have to learn how to use them. Hubs said he'd help me break down the plywood into manageable pieces and I'm taking it from there. Our daughter apprenticed for a tile mason for two years and she's ready and willing to get her hands dirty. DO NOT HIRE A BUILDER UNLESS YOU CAN *SEE* THEIR WORK FIRST AND SPEAK TO OTHER CUSTOMERS. Do NOT take the realtor's word that 'he's a great guy.' Some realtors are horrible and just don't care. And if your gut says something's wrong LISTEN TO THAT GUT. It knows something you don't. Don't believe that you have no other options. There are always other options. Now I wish we'd bought a nice manufactured home and just planned to do it all ourselves from the start. Saved ourselves $150,000 and put that money into taking our time and doing the house right.

[@Geronimo2Fly]

What a horrible story, I'm so sorry! I'm currently planning my kitchen remodel, and now I'm nervous! I hope you didn't pay that idiot the final payment for completed work. I would have invited him to take me to court, and brought pictures.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

@@Geronimo2Fly We were pretty defeated at the time and just marched forward. A year ago I got my second spinal surgery. That went horribly wrong and I almost died, but now I'm strong enough to (slowly) do the work. I've spent the last seven years slowly buying the right tools, reading books, and watching every single video on cabinet making and home improvement that I could find. This week I'm finishing up the installation of my OWN moulding for the living room. I went with Craftsman for the entire house, so it's simple. I've also learned how to plaster walls and I've done three rooms so far. I've bought a tile saw and learned how to use it well. Next month I'm taking a deep breath and beginning to build the kitchen cabinets. Piece by piece, I'm going to do this. I'm getting my freaking dream kitchen in this lifetime if I have to build it myself, by God. And it looks like that's exactly what I'm going to do. Because of my spinal issues, my husband has to manhandle the big sheets of plywood and MDF, but I'm the one who breaks it all down (track saws are miracles), cuts it to size, and does the actual assembly.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

I love your kitchen, Julie! My favorite are all the gold touches, so you! xoxo

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you, Sarah!

[@louisaj9634]

Actually Julie - do you have the paint brand and color match code ? I absolutely love your kitchen color too - obsessed; didn't realize it was a match!

[@JulieBlanner]

I do! You can find all that info here, including the color code - julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@louisaj9634]

@@JulieBlanner thank you so much Julie; appreciate the reply! I've seen a lot of whites/creams and yours is definitely THE BEST !! :)

[@BoxwoodAvenue]

I couldn't think of a single thing I'd change about your kitchen! Love the insight here friend!

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you, friend!

[@lesaetheridge489]

Boxwood avenue

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Love everything about your kitchen Julie! I even like the wine fridge, because you can see what you have!

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you, friend!

[@Pandorash8]

It’s so hard sometimes to fight contractors. Every renovation I end up getting talked out of adding height to the upper cabinets even though I promise myself next time I won’t (this latest one they arrived the shorter height and it wasn’t worth the fight to have them changed). But I did have the countertop taken back and corrected (turned up without the ordered beveled edge) and am SO glad I did.

[@JulieBlanner]

YES! I suddenly lose all strength. Good for you! It's truly difficult to advocate for yourself sometimes but at the end of the day, it's you who has to live with it. Thanks for watching!

[@frenchfarmhouseflair]

We are redoing our kitchen right now, and I’ve been wanting marble countertops for years. You said that you’re happy with them, but I was wondering do they stain easily like everyone says? The countertop sales people, and even the installer are both saying I should go with quartz. I would appreciate your opinion on this so much thanks!

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi! I have 0 regrets after having them in 2 homes. We've had them nearly 7 years now and I love them just as much today. You can learn more here and how to prevent staining julieblanner.com/danby-marble/ Enjoy!

[@jillferguson3522]

Loved watching this and all the others. I'm hoping to remodel in the next few years. So many wonderful tips! I do love your paint color on the cabinets. Are you willing to share which color it is?

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi! It's custom. I have the code for the color in my blog post! julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@amberbeebee]

Hey Julie, Could you do a video review on bead board splash backs? How easy are they to clean, what did you use to create it? Thank you

[@JulieBlanner]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea. Stay tuned!

[@cassygreen2397]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the bead board back splash. I am planning to do that in my kitchen soon and have had several people tell me that it is a bad idea. Yours looks fabulous!

[@cathyknowler8529]

I absolutely love your kitchen! As for my mistake - we painted all the cherry wood cabinets that were in the house we just purchased with mineral paint in the colour "Raw Silk". It's a warm creamy white which we love, that goes beautifully with the copper handles and lighting in the space. It was the breath of fresh air this 130 year old farmhouse needed and I'm so glad we did it. This creamy white looked beautiful for about a day and a half! We have 3 dogs, one who is a 65lb. puppy who loves to dig and play outside. There are constantly paw smudges on the lower cabinets and they aren't as wipeable as the mineral paint rep said they'd be.

[@JulieBlanner]

That's a total bummer! I'm surprised they're not easy to clean. I bet it looks beautiful regardless!

[@helenmak5663]

White cabinet kitchen is beautiful, yet any slight dings and dangs will show. I’m still debating which color for mine. Probably all white oak cabinets.

[@clairecarter4386]

I know it would be a big expense, but you could add two seats on the end of your island if you extended the counter top to hang over the end. You could add corbels if needed. I'm not fond of the island color either. You might consider right out painting it a "trend" color. Over all, it is a stunning kitchen.

[@JulieBlanner]

I've considered it - for the most part it works, but it becomes the heart of the kitchen when entertaining. Thank you for the suggestions and your kindness! Hope to see you again soon!

[@malcolmcampbell9889]

Such a beautiful kitchen!! To disguise the microwave you could install an un lacquered brass towel bar above/ over it and hang a decorative tea towel in front.

[@JulieBlanner]

I LOVE the way you think! That's brilliant!

[@krismatson2137]

Your before and after pictures are wild! Isn't it amazing what white does for a space? About 5 years ago we did a very inexpensive kitchen makeover and I chose a more trendy tile backsplash. Now I wish I had installed white subway tile as I feel it is more timeless. In time we can replace it, but as you know there is always lots on the to do list. I love your beadboard backsplash too!

[@JulieBlanner]

So much on the to do list 😂😭 And that is why I decided to go timeless because I grow tired of things rather quickly. We were able to gain so much space by eliminating the double ovens and separate stove top, replacing with a range, expanding the island and moving the fridge over by the mud room. I don’t miss my triangle at all now that I have storage space! Thanks for watching!

[@debbiem6406]

Beautiful kitchen and I love the beadboard backsplash. And, not a criticism but just letting you know that the background music competed a bit with your voice.

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you, Debbie! Always a work in progress. I appreciate the feedback!

[@Kaththee]

I loved the bead board too. It is so warm and friendly. I was supposed to get it behind one of my cabinets that is on a separate wall from the others but it never happened and fell through the cracks. I need to make a list of the few undone things and tackle them one by one. Still hers is gorgeous and look to me like real tongue and groove planks.

[@MommaFromScratch]

You have a design idea and then others make it difficult. I think the island looks nice but its not your dream and I get it. Id love to have a paneled fridge one day!

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you SO much for watching!

[@rubyoro0]

At least it matches your KA mixer L0L. Anyway, now everyone gets offended about everything…you should have stood your ground.

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

I'm almost done with my kitchen remodel and it's an adjustment (mostly love it). Wish you could test run before committing. Some things you just can't know until you start living in it. Still, your kitchen is gorgeous and what a difference from before.

[@JulieBlanner]

Test run kitchens would be great! Thanks for following along!

[@Trish.Norman]

I feel your pain with the Alder. Similar thing happened to me with a piece I bought for my kitchen. It’s freaking ALDER and not white oak. I was so mad then just heart sore. Well, woodwork friend said DIY it. Simple. Order white oak vaneer roll from Rockler. Easy to cut and you just iron it on. Then your stain and seal as you would any solid oak piece. You can do this!! I’m doing it.

[@HomechoolbythePond]

I love your kitchen it's so gorgeous! I def would've complained to the builder about the island being the wrong wood though! New subscriber and I can't wait to see more from your intro your whole house looks gorgeously decorated.

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you for following along! You're too kind!

[@louisaj9634]

Hi Julie; I love your paint color in the kitchen - do you remember which one you used? It's beautiful - thank you!

[@JulieBlanner]

Yep, here you go! julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@allisoneherlihy]

We are in the process of remodeling out kitchen. Hard time deciding on what type of kitchen sink to get. Curious how your Shaws farm out sink is holding up? I have heard mixed reviews on that brand, with cracking and staining and chipping.

[@JulieBlanner]

That's exciting! We have loved ours, and it has help up quite well considering the amount we use it!

[@worklaughplay]

Love ur feedback. It seems like after all the planning, going with ur gut in design is not a regret, versus allowing others cut corners. This is so helpful as I’m finishing up the design phase on my own kitchen.

[@JulieBlanner]

So glad to hear this was helpful! Thanks for following along, Ann!

[@camilla6110]

Biggest regret was staining my new birch cabinets as dark as I could when we built 13 years ago. Forehead slap. What on earth was I thinking? Thirteen years later and three months off our lives 😉we sanded them bare and waxed them et voila!! A dream kitchen for nearly no money! Took three more months to recover but it was worth it. Julie, I love your island color! I think it is the perfect contrast to your marble and paint color. Your whole kitchen is gorgeous. I did the unlaquered brass knobs too and they add so much character and warmth-that we will NEVER regret!! ☺️☺️

[@JulieBlanner]

So much effort but much better than replacing! Glad you love them now! Thank you! We were able to come close to achieving the color through multiple stains, it just didn’t apply as well as we hoped and I love that “raw” look. I love that you share my love for unlacquered brass! It’s funny when contractors come in our home - they assume it’s original and we want to replace it 😂. Thanks for watching!

[@camilla6110]

Julie Blanner Your island looks like my whole kitchen...just about that exact color. I used all knobs...no handles and even though that wasn’t originally the plan, it stuck! We girls and our kitchens...😉☺️☺️💪

[@diggas1972]

Your kitchen is pretty but if you ordered the white oak and paid for the white oak and you didn't get it, it is the guy that you bought it from problem. The answer he gave you of "well that is what I always use" was an excuse for either his mess up or he didn't want to spend the money to buy the product you wanted. You paid him for it and if he could not provide that he should not of taken you money or given you your money back so you could go somewhere else to get it. These people bank on the fact that the consumer will just settle for whatever. I am sure had he bought something from someone and paid for it he would not just settle. I would of made him redo it.....he needs to pay attention better and get more organized if he has that much business otherwise he will run his own self out of business.

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you, Wendy! I wanted nothing more than to do that - but with the kitchen torn up and him in no hurry to make it right, I settled and learned valuable lessons. Since, I have definitely spoken up for myself a bit more. Needless to say, this is why we have yet to approach our big master bedroom/bathroom/laundry room remodel 😂. Thank you SO much for watching! I have some really fun videos coming soon!

[@Kaththee]

@@JulieBlanner I would have done the same thing though. I just can't hold someone's feet to the fire unless the mistake is going to kill me or someone makes me angry. But it is heartbreaking that you didn't get the oak you ordered.

[@InspiredCraftsman]

How's the paneling behind the stove holding up? I was under the impression it's supposed to be a fire resistant/proof material

[@IllyrianPrinces00]

My biggest regret is letting my husband talk me into getting a kegerator on the kitchen island. He only used it 6 months & never maintained it. I turned into a reg fridge but the damn pour is still chilling there. We're moving soon & never, ever again.

[@jenmartnz]

We’re remodeling now. Your video was timely for me!

[@JulieBlanner]

Good luck! I have an entire series dedicated to the kitchen on my site. Let me know if you need anything along the way! Best wishes in your remodel.

[@ruthg7524]

I agree about hiding appliances behind panels. I think it makes the kitchen look so much cleaner.

[@JulieBlanner]

Yes, it makes everything sleeker. Thanks for following along!

[@emilyschultheiss2929]

Matching the range and cabinet color is so smart!

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you! It's one of my favorite things.

[@sandraphillips2969]

Beautiful kitchen! :) You could get rid of the microwave and replace it with the custom-made double drawer that you'd like.

[@JulieBlanner]

I would LOVE to do that and have considered it. The way it was installed there's damage that we wouldn't be able to cover up if we did...it still may happen someday when I get a wild hair!

[@CTwenty7]

You are too sweet about the island! Bless you lol The marble is beautiful and the entire room is gorgeous

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you! Have a lovely weekend.

[@debbiem6406]

Your microwave will go into full swing when your children become teenagers. I don’t know what it is with teens and them constantly heating up food in the microwave (well, they’re always hungry for one - and so are their friends). 💁‍♀️

[@JulieBlanner]

😂 very possible! Though they cook with me so it’s all they know. As a former caterer I always make exactly what we need and we never have left overs...that may have to change!

[@naeb7016]

I love your kitchen. May I ask, what type of wood did you use for your white cabinets, or are they MDF? I'm trying to decide if I should go with MDF or Maple white painted cabinets.

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi Nae! I opted for Maple because with 3 kids and a busy kitchen, I felt they'd be more durable.

[@naeb7016]

@@JulieBlanner Thanks for responding! Great info!

[@cheryldriscoll862]

Bonjour! I am just starting to plan my long awaited kitchen remodel. Can you tell me what color is your Lacanche? (The first decision I will be making for our french architecture cottage from the 1940's.) I love that you were able to get the paint to match the cabinets. I have a very small kitchen and think this will be a good strategy for me as well.

[@JulieBlanner]

It’s ivory, enjoy!

[@ejh7765]

I have the same size and style kitchen AND size island. When I saw yours at the beginning I thought you might say island was one issue! I also didn’t want to extend mine when I build my house 20 yrs ago because I didn’t want it protruding in any walk thru areas. But I am definitely extending it now to have 4 stools easily and maybe 5. Like you, I entertain around that island so much that it will be the one thing that gets the biggest use and I think short islands don’t give it that wow factor! So good luck in future changes and so nice to see how you love your home!

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you so much! Enjoy your extended island :)

[@amytherese8402]

I'm with you on the microwave. I got rid of mine 6 yrs ago and don't even miss it.

[@JulieBlanner]

Great to hear!

[@chapman1569]

Wow, when I look at these kitchen I realize mine is really poor! LOL! These kitchen are HUGE and new!

[@JulieBlanner]

It has been a labor of love, but we have loved (most) of our changes :)

[@ingridpear1882]

I totally like the idea of lighter tones of wood like white oak,pine,sunbleached driftwood- being paired with modern white,it just goes together..but red goes goes with rustic,so brightside 🙂.Also u might be able to extend your island with a mini marble top table with solid wood legs, slightly lower than the main counter to make it look intentional (just a thought ☺️).

[@JulieBlanner]

That is a wonderful though, thanks!

[@foxiiroxii4925]

what do you mean when you say you never use the microwave? does that mean you cook breakfast lunch and dinner from scratch everyday? just curious.

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi! Pretty much! We keep breakfast pretty simple - eggs, parfaits, cereal and fruit. We make sandwiches and salads for lunch and I cook dinner. I'm a pretty good gage of how much to cook for our family so we don't have leftovers. I tend to use the microwave to melt butter.

[@janefromthecountry1820]

I love your kitchen and how you painted the cabinets the same color as your beautiful range. The brass faucet is really gorgeous. Marble countertops gorgeous. I actually love your home and the year it was built as it has character that alot of newer homes do not have. Thank you very much for sharing Julie.🌷.

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you for your kind words! I also love the character in our home.

[@JustMe-tk2rp]

If you replaced the island top to include over hang on either end you would increase seating by one or two depending if you have overhang on one end or two.

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you! We considered that - on one end it wouldn't meet code and on the other it would impede with the walkway, but more often than not, it meets our needs. It's funny how everyone gathers around an island! Truly the heart of the home!

[@mainejane6140]

Thank you for the video. Just FYI the sound quality is not great. I couldn’t understand several things that you said in the beginning and you can really hear the echo not being miked.

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you, Maine. I am miked, it I do live in an old home which creates some sound issues. Unfortunately I never dreamed I'd be doing video when I purchased it.

[@RugosaB]

We remodeled the kitchen in our 1915 home and were 99.999999% happy with the cabinet maker. He understood our need to be try to be authentic to the home's age, even suggesting the cabinets be made out of quarter sawn oak. There have been various people since it's 3 years, that people have seen our kitchen and asked "Are these the original cabinets?" It's funny, the one thing I would do differently is 4 drawers, instead of 3, by the dishwasher and sink, and I remember discussing it with him. With such a big project, I can deal with such a small regret.

[@JulieBlanner]

That's pretty good! Thanks for following along!

[@marylenhastings6533]

New Subscriber...Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone mentioned your channel. Marble countertops are beautiful! Love the color of your cabinets!

[@JulieBlanner]

So nice to "meet" you! Thank you! Hope to see you again soon!

[@melissasaunders2573]

Hello from STL ☺️ I was wondering who you got your cabinets done from ?

[@JulieBlanner]

they were custom made, you can learn more about it by googling "Julie Blanner cream kitchen cabinets", enjoy!

[@pjames8712]

Hi Julie I went to Sherwin Williams with your cabinet color. I wanted a sample for my cabinet color. Not sure that I have the right sample and also it did not need to be made for liquid for spray. Help!

[@MAGAMAN]

My biggest regret is forgetting that cabinets need handles. the house we were living ing during the design of the kitchen for the new house had cheap cabinets with no knobs or handles (you just grabbed the edge of the drawer). I used them for checking my measurements and I didn't think about my shaker cabinets needing clearance for the knobs in the corner cabinet. Well, when I was preparing to install the knobs and drawer pulls I realized my mistake. There is only one corner, and the countertops are laminate, so I can remove them and install a slightly narrower cabinet, but it still sucks to have to undo what I thought was finished.

[@lynbuerkett8537]

Just found your channel, loved this video. I don’t even own a microwave! My question, as I am embarking on a remodel, is about the lack of the corner cabinet. I detest them! But I am wondering if your “straight “ cabinet is functional? Easy to reach? What do you keep in the skinnier one? Thanks!!

[@JulieBlanner]

I store sprinkles, food coloring, cookbooks and cake decorating supplies in there because I need them less often. Ultimately, if I didn’t incorporate a corner cabinet, we would have lost a significant amount of storage. With a good corner cabinet insert it’s actually quite functional

[@sashaassi4230]

I love White oak as well, but your island color is Gorgeous!

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you! I used stain to try to achieve an aged white oak look. I think we went through 30 samples 😂. Needless to say, I obsessed. Thanks for watching!

[@jerelyn]

Thanks for sharing. We are going through the selection process for a full first floor remodel. I love marble too!

[@JulieBlanner]

Thanks for following along, Jerelyn!

[@antoniavalderrama7365]

How have your painted cabinets been holding up? Is there wear around the knobs or has the paint chipped in places? Thanks!

[@JulieBlanner]

Pretty well. They wipe off very easily.

[@constancemartin933]

@Julie Blanner Did you say what colour you painted your kitchen??

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi Constance, its a custom color that matches our cabinets. It can be found at the end of this post: julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

I love the home and even the island. Great to hear the regrets.

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you! I feel its important show home renovation isn't always rosy,

[@basinhome180]

Amazing video Julie! We at BASIN love your kitchen, and your tips are spot on!

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you for watching!

[@70sladyalways25]

I did a microwave like that and I never liked it either. I put my wine fridge in my pantry and I’m pleased with it there. Your kitchen is beautiful!

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you :) I'm glad you found something that works well for you!

[@kerryedmonstone2868]

You have a beautiful kitchen and I think you did such a great job with the space you had!! You are my role model for my future home 😊

[@JulieBlanner]

Awe Kerry you are too sweet! You made my day! Thanks for following along!

[@ApuHonDa]

May i know what material of the backsplash you use? It is wood? Beautiful

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi and thank you! You can get all that info here - julieblanner.com/beadboard-backsplash/ Enjoy!

[@livingauthenticallyonmyownterm]

Julie, I love your kitchen sweetie. It's so BEAUTIFUL !!! Seems that your contractor might have taken advantage of your soft nature though with not listening to what you wanted on a few items you talked about. That's too bad. I've been there. I just found you from Lisa's channel and subscribed so I can hardly wait to get to see the rest of your home. Be well ♥️

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you, Sheila! So nice to "meet" you! I hope to see you again soon!

[@emilyp143]

Thank you for this video and all of the info you have shared with your blogs. I have cried myself to sleep over not being heard by our contractor…. also my father in law! 😂 Nice to know I’m not alone.

[@JulieBlanner]

So glad it could help! Thanks for following along!

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

If the microwave is used that little, I'd consider having it relocated to a pantry, a porch area, or anywhere else. I did this with my freezer. I bulk shop and need big freezers, but the only thing I use a small fridge-freezer for is ice. So we put in an ice maker and got an all refrigerator. The freezers are tucked in a space in the hallway that's intended for a washer/dryer by the mudroom. (We have a washer/dryer in the master closet and don't need another set.) I have a LOT more fridge space, even with a counter depth fridge and it doesn't bother me to put my ice cream in the far freezers. And I eat a TON of ice cream. smh

[@que2h.690]

This island in red Alder is lovely & would suit my taste much more than one done in oak.. (as I am not a fan of oak at all!!!)....but your cabinet maker should have remade the island for you since it was his mistake.

[@VelvetandToads]

This is wild, I was planning to address the same subject next week and not only you, but four of my other four favorite KZbinrs just did! I sympathise with for the island, not getting color you wanted, but the red alder is pretty with your copper stand mixer :) my biggest regret is not moving a door, which would have given me a lot more storage space, and... NOT integrating a microwave! We were anti-microwave when we did the kitchen, then bought one for family who were housesitting, and we ended up liking it! Now it takes up valuable counter space :(

[@JulieBlanner]

Oh no! I get that frustration - ours at the lake is in the garage. I wonder if you can still remove the door at some point?

[@VelvetandToads]

Julie Blanner Planning to down the line...

[@angelaedwards5349]

Your kitchen is really pretty. Thank you for sharing.

[@JulieBlanner]

Thanks for following along, Angela!

[@jenmartnz]

I think you could still extend your island by adding a new desk-height table/cabinet using the same counter top material (having it be lower would make it seem intentional instead of an add-on). Then a desk-height chair that matches your existing bar-height chairs could be added- seating would be in an L-shape instead of one long row. The new seating would allow 1-2 people to sit at a lower level and “face” the others.

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you for your suggestion :)

[@nilasco]

It seems like the link for the cup pull and the knobs are not working. Can you mention the brand please ?

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi! You can find all the pulls and knobs I love here - www.amazon.com/shop/julieblanner/list/2Z9DQQZQ7AFWM. Enjoy!

[@janicekosiba9139]

I love your stove! Can you share where you bought it?

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi Janice, you can read more about the stove here: julieblanner.com/lacanche/

[@jukes243]

How about painting the island. I can see it in a lovely soft color, maybe a shade or two darker than your kitchen. TYFS.

[@JulieBlanner]

I thought about that, but really love the “raw” look. I think you’ll like what we’re doing to our basement bath though! I still came close to the color we were hoping to achieve through stain, fortunately. Kitchen renovations are sure stressful! Thank you SO much for watching!

[@iLoraine]

Julie Blanner You can use bleach on the wood to remove the red, then neutralize it with water and vinegar. It really works

[@JulieBlanner]

@@iLoraine I'm obsessed with this idea! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@barbarascheffler4808]

How happy are you with your faucet? I am in love with it. I've seen some on Etsy, and there has been mixed reviews. I've also considered the Devol brand brass faucet. I need feedback. Also, I need to know how happy are you with your inset cabinets? That will be my splurge vs regular cabinets and want to know if its worth the extra cost.

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi there, thanks for your comment. I still love both and a very happy! :)

[@leannsofilos725]

Hi, Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone sent me here.

[@JulieBlanner]

So nice to "meet" you! Thanks for following along!

[@kaffepojke]

Very interestig video for me. I am in the process of deciding IF I want to totally remodel my kitchen, and how to accomplish that if I do. I know I need professional help, but don't want a problem after all is done because professional A blames professional B for a technical issue. I have a very small kitchen (9 X 12) so I need a magician's help. What professionals did you use, and how much was there idea and how much yours. I'm a single guy with no design sense. As for your island color, if you were clear in ordering what color you wanted, I would have insisted on a redoo. An error is an error that you have to live with. I just found your channel today, and I am going to try your Cinnamon bread recipe.

[@JulieBlanner]

It's amazing how you can maximize space through smart design. We did a lot of upgades including inset cabinetry, a range from France, integrated refrigerator, panel ready appliances, marble, etc, so I'm not sure ours is a great gage, but about $80,000.

[@letsfollowshahan6544]

Beautiful kitchen! What is the color you used on you’re cabinets?

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you! It's a custom color to match our range. You can find it here: julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@aleciawimer8506]

What is your cabinet color? Beautiful kitchen!!!

[@JulieBlanner]

it's a custom color similar to Swiss Coffee, you can learn more about it here: julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/ , enjoy!

[@pamelasfavoriterecipes7998]

Did you mention the paint color for your kitchen that you love so much? I missed it if you did. Thanks.

[@JulieBlanner]

It's a custom color that matches our range, you can find it here: julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@elainabondi6210]

What is the paint color you used on your cabinets?

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi! You can find the details here: julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@2rhoodu]

Sounds like you battled your cabinet maker over your needs. I need a cabinet maker but don't want to fight over what I am paying for. I can't even find one in my location, just big box. How do you find a custom cabinet maker?

[@JulieBlanner]

Great question! We found ours through word of mouth. Unfortunately it seems carpentry is a dying art and there are few in our area. If your city has a Facebook group, that would be a great place to ask. Hope that helps!

[@ohioladybug7390]

If you have Amish in your area, go to the local Amish store and ask for a referral; they do a wonderful job. I would never accept something different than what I asked for. You pay way too much and if they want good word of mouth, they need to do it right. I will actually pay a little more for great customer service.

[@margespeck7577]

Your kitchen is beautiful! I am also remolding a north facing room and would like to know about your flooring choice. The wood looks warm and inviting and yet not too dark. any reccomendations? Thanks!

[@JulieBlanner]

We chose golden walnut because on the sample, it looked perfect. Throughout our entire home it looked too yellow, so we had another darker color put in the poly to tone it down. If I had to do it over, I'd do walnut or special walnut.

[@homesteadorbust]

You can always try mint white from Rubio monocoat. It has a touch of green to neutralize the red pigments. Used a lot with red oaks.

[@JulieBlanner]

GREAT idea! Thank you so much for the tip!

[@saraholiver5331]

What is the color of the cabinets? Love it!

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi Sarah, It's a custom color you can find here: julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@clairesurtees4358]

I totally agree the colour of the kitchen is beautiful. Would you please send me the name of the colour and brand of paint? Thanks x

[@JulieBlanner]

You can find the color (it is custom matched to our range) in this post: julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@andathenasaid]

We are about to “refresh” our kitchen (keep cabs and paint them, swap everything else) and I absolutely loved both this video and the one you made about how to select the right shade of white. Thank you!

[@JulieBlanner]

So exciting! I love a good refresh. Let me know if you need anything along the way!

[@MissDaisy559]

I built our custom home back in 2003. I still love our kitchen considering it’s been 17 years ACCEPT we have a stove top thus it was recommended to put a wall insert convection oven and a wall insert GE microwave. We are now on our 3rd GE microwave insert. I will never again place an inset microwave and will just get a microwave that will fit in a cabinet. I hope your microwave works for a long time...

[@JulieBlanner]

Oh no, Susan, I am so sorry to hear that!

[@LifewithMar]

Hi Julie! What color are your cabinets?

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi Marlene, they are a custom color you can find at the bottom of this post: julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@marenrjensen]

I know this video is so old, but I HAVE to ask . . . Do you regret getting inset doors on your cabinets? It's something I've always wanted but I'm worried that wear and tear on the face frames as my less careful family members put pots and pans away, etc., will cause dings. And then the inset doors won't hide those dings. Have you found that happen?

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi Maren, you can read more about my thoughts on insert cabinets here: julieblanner.com/inset-cabinets/ Thanks for following along!

[@JulieBlanner]

I LOVE THEM! So glad we decided to go for it.

[@victoriahart5111]

Big regret is that microwave draw in the island too...hate it. Cant see the the touch pad and it’s too big. We ‘splurged’ for a high end brand; waste it pops the corn just the same. Also regret the size of my sink; it’s too small for big pots and I had room for a larger one too! Get upset every time a wash a big cutting board and the water goes all over. Other regret, the pull out spice rack door in island, not convenient at all and doesn’t fit certain jars. I don’t regret my marble but it has stained and chipped. Love my kitchen but I do wish I followed my intuition a little more... not the time to be easy going!

[@JulieBlanner]

Hindsight is 20/20, right? It's always difficult when there is small things that you find annoying. Thanks for following along!

[@joannehunstiger9987]

Love your kitchen! 😊

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you, Joanne! You are always too kind!

[@carolinejenkins341]

Hi can you please tell me the color you paint your kitchen cabinets

[@JulieBlanner]

Hi Caroline, it's a custom color to match our range. You can read about it here: julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/

[@vivianzhang65]

Would mind sharing the paint color of your cabinets? They are so lovely. Thanks!

[@JulieBlanner]

You can find the color of my cabinets here: julieblanner.com/cream-kitchen-cabinets/ Thanks for following along!

[@baharkhalili9779]

My kitchen goal. Love it!

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you!

[@SaYa-jj7gh]

Loved this video and playlist! Interesting and helpful, thank you all for putting it together!

[@JulieBlanner]

Awe you are too sweet! Thanks for watching!

[@pinkapples33]

Although I think it would have been perfectly reasonable for you to have pushed back and made your cabinet maker provide you with the correct island, I have to tell you that I also think your compassion and understanding says a lot of great things about you. It sucks to put a lot of time and money into a dream kitchen and not get exactly what you wanted, but at the end of the day, your kitchen is still drop dead gorgeous and "life goes on." Kudos for trying to be an understanding human being and taking life in stride (although I certainly hope you got a discount for the mistake)

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@TheCalliopeSky]

You could redo the island one day and address three out of your four regrets -- that would be a lot of bang for your buck as they say! Your kitchen looks absolutely gorgeous by the way, with beautiful choices and finished carpentry. :-)

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you!! Such a good point, love it :)

[@alwaysinblue]

My husband makes custom woodwork and is a contractor, and would have gladly replaced the island if he made that mistake. He could have sold it and gotten his money out of it. Shame on that man for guilting you into taking it. Have you considered whitewashing it? It's a pain to work with oil based white paint, but it can be done. Your kitchen is beautiful, but I feel your pain about appliances that stick out because they are obvious. My biggest kitchen regret it not insisting that entire wall had to come out and not just put a pass through opening in it. I said, "remove that wall" and hubby said that it would require putting in a load bearing beam in the attic. I said, ",and...?" And he told me he simply didn't want to. Grrr. So, I got a large pass through and I wish I had insisted that he remove the wall because it would have completely updated the entire living area. We live and learn.

[@2rhoodu]

Miss Sunny, your husband makes cabinets?

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you! I LOVE that idea, but kind of like the contrast. Thanks for the suggestion! Wish you were in Missouri - I want to do my bath and laundry room!

[@carlapalaniuk3677]

I love your kitchen so much. You mentioned panel ready appliances can you tell me where you purchased them

[@JulieBlanner]

Thank you! We purchased from a local appliance store, but big box stores usually carry them, too!

[@tabetharuple2378]

Julie, I love your styling of your home. It is classic, warm, and inviting! We are in the process of renovating a 1940’s cottage. My question is, your kitchen is similar in layout to our plans - and was wondering if you would share the width dimension of your kitchen width wise. I worry that the walking clearance around our island will be tight. My thanks in advance. ☺️

[@JulieBlanner]

The rule of thumb is to have 36" for all walkways.

[@carlapalaniuk3677]

Where did you get your panel ready appliances. I love your kitchen it’s beautiful

[@JulieBlanner]

The fridge is a thermador integrated and the dishwasher is KitchenAid. Thank you, Carla! Hope you’ll stop by again soon! I’m sharing the girls’ bunk bedroom today!

[@susanvelez6534]

Zi love your kitchen. Where did you purchase the greenery that you have around the sliding doors?

[@JulieBlanner]

Christmas greens? Fifty Flowers and the hardware store around Christmas.