I showed this in MMF's and then thought I should start a thread, because I do go on and on about my projects, lots of details.
Phase 1 has begun and I am so excited!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

This is the hardware type I have selected, with some bronze 'antiqued' over black.

Stage 2 will be making the cabinets then installing the sink on top, no other counter top will be necessary on this part of the kitchen.

I keep an Herb garden, and DH grows veggies, and this will be the 'processing' area for that task. It takes over the kitchen with damp dripping leaves, stems, etc. So, this will be like a mud room for the veggies!

I found this sink on Craigslist last year and have been dying to install it, but we had other projects in the fire and I had to be patient.

My son and daughter moved into houses that needed updating about a short time after we moved into ours and I had to recover from Cervical spine surgery and therapy. As soon as I could handle the trips, stress, etc. we started on the projects.

Their cabinets are finished and installed (never thought I would say that!) Respecting their privacy, I will not post the photos to a public board until the staging for final photos. We are now in the process of setting up the shop to make the drawer fronts, then the doors. Those will be installed and finished before we start our main kitchen remodel.

This shows the elevation I drew for this pantry area.
White subway tiles on the walls (need the protection from splashing on the walls).

When I bought the house, I could hardly contain myself when I saw the two small rooms next to the kitchen (pass through into side door of garage). I knew right away this would become a station for vegetable processing! I also dry my herbs so that is a process that takes space too.

The house is built on a slab and that means to put in a sink drain would have cost a lot to accomplish and when I saw the sink already there, that meant we saved ** for this process.

And the window in the center of the little alcove is a direct view of my herb bed garden!

This is the floor plan of the area with the Green lines showing the NEW work.

The passage way to the laundry room/back hall, is narrow (ordinary 30" opening). We plan on widening this opening.

What is not shown the plan is a shelf unit I plan on putting on the wall to the right of the Dryer near the door as a 'catch all' place.

Edited to add: found a sink online like mine! Mine is a vintage one though, I think the Architect I got it from told me it was removed from an old estate for remodeling.
http://www.homeclick.com/elkay...&chnl=cse&ven=nextag

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

INSPIRATIONAL photo of the type of baskets I was looking at to install into the left side of the cabinet to hold root vegetables, I am also checking out ss wire ones. I have not found any of this type yet that will fit our smaller width cabinet. We might make the top wood part to accommodate a 'found' rectangle basket to fit in and have replacements to change out as they get worn.

We have limited space as DH decided the best installation would be a 36" wide cabinet for the center, meaning that the two flanking cabinets would end up being 17" at most on either side (allowing 1" for fillers). We are using Euro style cabinets so the reveals will be small, but still need something to adjust between end walls and cabinet sides.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

INSPIRATIONAL photo of the type of backsplash idea I had. I want pale gray grout to tie in stainless sink. And we will carry this idea into the kitchen.

We have a stainless hood on the stove area and that will tie in the hood as well.

INSPIRATIONAL photo of the style of door and drawer front we are planning. White cabinets with hardware shown (black pull) above.

The photo is of what my son's kitchen style and actual handles, and he has dark charcoal counter top. I took this inspirational photo out of his file to show you the style of cabinet door and white pained finish.

One comment on the root vegetable drawers. I was so excited to find some in my kitchen when I moved into my house. I've never had potatoes and onions spoil faster than they did in those drawers. I don't what the problem is. Maybe the material they are made of is off-gassing, maybe there is not enough air circulation, or maybe something else. All I know is that I now use those drawers to store large pot lids as they are useless for food.

Someone else just pointed that out to me and I wondered with it being enclosed on 3 sides!

Thanks for bringing this up, maybe that is why I can't find the ones I want, because I shouldn't be doing it! LOL

WE currently put them in baskets, and I think I can have DH make up some with wire mesh for me that I can put on the running board area. Or hang. Those hanging wire ones are always around.

I will do some research this week about what to use instead. THANK YOU!

If they don't work, I don't want to have DH put all that work into putting them in only to have to take them out later!

When you figure it out, please be sure to share your results. Not having a wonderfully handy husband like you do, I have to make do with my current configuration, but maybe if you find a solution, I can at least consider it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Graciepj,

I will be glad to share anything I find out!

We order through an Organic food Co-op, which means we get a fair amount of fresh produce in here at least once a week, We visit our children a lot (long drive one way) so we bring some with us so they do not over ripe in the house.

I do have two good veggie drawers in the fridge, but those get filled fast with the lettuce, kale, etc. I guess we could get another refrigerator that is larger and that way we could store more inside it. Nothing beats a low-moisture cool refrigerator drawer!

During the week, for example, DH brings in Okra, tomatoes, eggplant, and other produce he had planted in the raised beds. He tried his hand at corn and we had some wonderful corn for a few weeks! We do not want to have a large farm, just some enjoyment in bring in something DH planted and nurtured without pesticides. We share a lot with birds, squirrels, bugs, and other critters who help themselves to some of it!

That was the reason for my wanting a veggie prep sink because in Virginia, I didn't have a handy place to clean the veggies and DH had a garden up there that was 30' X 40'! I got overwhelmed with the squash, and all the stuff that came out of that garden! Our neighbors kept the baskets we gave them, and returned with a good hold on the handle and asked if we could refill! We are not getting into that large at this house. But, DH likes to plant and nurture the garden, not flowers, but edibles.

I love my Herb garden, it gives me gifts almost every day!

BUT to keep all this stuff fresh without having to 'run' to can or freeze every day... it is work too. We WILL find the balance for us!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

MaryRuth I can WAIT to see how it turns out. From your pictures and description, it is going to be FABULOUS!

Thanks Cathy,
It sure has been a long time coming!

But with my kids needing kitchen work, you know a mom puts herself last!

Now, they are telling me to make sure we tell them when we are working on ours so they can come up and do some work for US! Yippee!

I love your project since you provide plenty of drawings as well as the pretty elements in your posts. I think seeing what's involved in a project helps others understand some of the things they might need to think about in their own projects. Besides, I'm a technical person and love seeing the plan as well as the thought process. Love the sink and the wooden vegetable drawers.

This is going to be a major improvement over what was there!

Thanks Christie,
And that is only Stage 1! There will be 5-6 stages in this remodel since non of the cabinets are a corner situation. We are going to remove the Peninsula and turn it into an island kitchen instead. So, when we remove that wall with main sink, no worries this pantry sink will be there to use! I will get paper plates and plastic cups to use to help with D/W being out for a bit.

Thanks, I LOVE the process. And since I wanted to save $ and do not have budget for expensive tops and other bling, I decided to go for that timeless white kitchen I always love looking at. And it all started with a Craigslist ad in Miami for that sink! I called the number and we started talking and she was willing to wait till I could drive down the following week when visiting my daughter. 2 1/2 hr drive to my daughter's in Fort Lauderdale, then another hr drive to Miami. Was so worth it!

Mary Ruth, what an exciting project! I love how you saw the small room off from the kitchen and just knew how you would transform it. So much planning goes into turning an idea into a reality. Your details give us a great example of that. When we have done projects I have enjoyed every phase, from idea, to research, to revision all the way through to completion. I am looking forward to seeing all of your phases! Have fun!

Thank you Maine Lady!
I can't shake what I did for work for many years, since I have worked with lots more details than this on larger projects and am used to meetings about updates on projects sometimes I feel lost... when I don't have something to plan.

I conserve every bit of material, budget and think of doing something once. That farm girl in me I guess...frugal is built in.

I love the feedback, I have lots more details, of course I won't share, but this journey is just as much fun as the final project! And working with DH on it makes it really special. He won't get involved in the details except the electrical and plumbing part, so I need to be clear with him on my design and not change it once I present it so he can take his plan of action to get the 'bones' ready.

Can you tell we met at work? We used to work together for the same company that made custom built-ins and high end custom closets, ooh that was about 18 yrs ago. My how times flies! But we still enjoy discussing projects and he loves me handing him the drawings, material list, and the production sheet where all machining is drawn.

The changes made along the way are made due to error on something (DH 'forgot' something) lol or material damage, or something changed... other than that most comes out like we planned. He tells me what he is willing to do (detail wise) and what he would like to try... and we put it into the project.

Now we have a friend we share a shop with and that means the machining gets more professional and ability to do certain cuts are easier and let us reach a bit further with design.

Aren't we a 'boring' couple? work...work...work! We even think this way with plans for the yard! Budget and space are our only constraint!

Thanks for sharing! Keep us posted on your great project. Love those veggie baskets.

daciab,
I am doing some research as to finding a better solution for veggies as the 5 walled (sides t&b) restricts air and the veggies can mold as Graciepj pointed out.

Everything is looking great so far. I love that sink with the integral drainboards.

I picked the same bin pulls from Berenson that you did only in weathered copper and 4".

This message has been edited. Last edited by: zone9alady,

This looks like an exciting project M.R. You're lucky to have such a nice space and I can't wait to see when it's all finished.

z9alady,
NICE in copper! I love copper, I have always wanted to have that in my kitchen. Can't wait to see your kitchen project come to life!

Wanda,
Thanks! We are gettin old so the projects take longer, but we'll get there!

quote:

I love your project since you provide plenty of drawings as well as the pretty elements in your posts. I think seeing what's involved in a project helps others understand some of the things they might need to think about in their own projects. Besides, I'm a technical person and love seeing the plan as well as the thought process. Love the sink and the wooden vegetable drawers.

I could not agree more. Mary Ruth besides the just plain enjoyment of following the process of your projects and the quality of the elements you choose, you are doing an invaluable service to all the members here in being a professional who shares so willingly and generously!

Thank you so much and I look forward to reading and learning more from this wonderful project!

I only have herb pots, no garden but they do add a wonderful fresh touch to every meal!

WOW z9alady,
What an avatar! shows up large, but cute!

Here is the pantry primed (1-2-3 from Lowe's) and I also painted our aluminum window dark charcoal. We will replace the windows one room at a time, but now I want to update them, so I tried the color and love it! I love black metal windows, so this gives me that feeling of that type of window.

I love the light already in that little space! It just poured out and the skies were real cloudy.

Now to find the RIGHT paint! a pale gray/taupe for the kitchen and this space.

LOS,
AW thank you! I love to talk up projects, to me the details and the journey are sometimes more fun than the finished project! But not in this case... I can't wait to use the sink!

I was not a decorator per-say in my working life I was the person who sold it, designed it, supervised its building, then watched over installation and then collected the check with happy clients at the end. Loved that, can you tell I would still be at it if I were not forced to slow down? LOL My jobs were like my babies, I watched over them like a Hawk. You really have no choice when high dollar jobs have so many details.

I appreciate your feedback, thanks again! Made my achy shoulders and neck feel better, now to rest.

Doesn't Peter (DH) do good wallboard work? Look at how neat he is around the pipes and he didn't have to be, no one will see it after cabinet is in, but he did his best. Gotta love that!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

quote:

Originally posted by Mary Ruth:
WOW z9alady,
What an avatar! shows up large, but cute!

Don't know why it's so big! On the Gardening boards it's so small you can hardly see it.

Mary Ruth,

It's fun to follow the project with you. It's so nice that you will have that extra room for gardening/veggies. Love that big sink too.

Well Brittany Dog Mom3 got me started on thinking about upholstery again, her projects are amazing!

DH will be cutting the cabinets on Friday, so I guess his next two days off he will assemble and put into place. All that has to be done before he sets the sink. He told me he wants to put the subway tiles all the way up, not just backsplash. We are doing that at the stove area because we have a ss hood that narrows and shows the wall behind it, so we are going to tile all the way up. So, I guess the pantry gets that too! Can't wait... meanwhile I have been dreaming of fabrics. But I won't get ahead of myself here, next MMF's I will post my new find.

CURRENT UPDATE:

DH got the cabinets in and the sink installed!
He worked on the plumbing and testing the faucet yesterday. The temporary faucet (one that came on the sink) has a pin-hole leak, so we are picking up something at Lowe's to use until we get the faucet we want.

This is view from the laundry/back hall entrance from garage. This is the door we bring in groceries and use mainly every day.

The part of the wall taken out is so that DH could slide the sink into place without having to force anything. The back part of the wall was 1/2" tighter than the front portion of the little nook. The wall has since been repaired.

Subway tile (creamy white) will be 3/4 of the way up the wall as a wainscoting treatment. The sink came with its own backsplash but the sides will be flanked by subway tiles with pale gray grout (SpectraLock
http://www.laticrete.com/archi...ts/epoxy_grouts.aspx

There is still upper wall cabinets to be made and installed. The interior of the cabinets will be this birch with poly color (so scratches from moving things around won't show as much as a white painted interior) DH is working at his own pace.

Electric and basic plumbing is done, just faucet to install. Drains hooked up, no leaks, gotta love a man who can do plumbing and it doesn't leak!

The exterior of the cabinets will be a cream white. Walls a soft gray/taupe.

I have sink envy...LOL!

quote:

Originally posted by Graciepj:
I have sink envy...LOL!

Me, too! I've always wanted a place where all the messy stuff could happen...washing the mud off the veggies, arranging flowers, cleaning paint brushes. I only have one little sink in my very little kitchen and almost no counter space so yours is to d i e for!

Love the sink unit. It reminds me of my (now ex) deseased father-in-law. He had a donut shop and although his sink was MUCH larger, it was still the same design as yours. Just beautiful MaryRuth, good job!

MR,

Looks great! You could wash 6 puppies in those sinks. It's so nice to have an extra place to wash large pots and pans too.

You are checking off those items on your To-Do list now!

Fun to see your project! Like many here I am weak in the knees over that sink! Excellent!

Thanks everyone!

I stand in front of it and can't believe it is actually IN after buying it on Craigslist last August it sat in our garage all this time. I would walk by it and just wish...

Now It is IN! A bit more plumbing for the temporary faucet(the new one I will get at a later date)

Belstone, YES where messy veggie washing can happen and prepping herbs to dry and freeze. Everything messy will get done here except washing paint brushes (outside for that).

We are going to add wainscoting up 2/3 of the wall with creamy white subway tiles, so the splashing won't hurt anything. Love the back built in backsplash so no caulking ever has to be done, DH sloped the sink slightly forward so that the water won't run towards the back, the sides have a slight lift as well to encourage water to do back into the sink.
The very first photo shows the faucet that will actually be installed with this sink.
I have loved this type of Elkay sink for many years, always kept my eye open for one.

cocok,
I feel like I have an important guest in my house with that sink installed! LOL
DH says we might fight over who gets to use that sink!

I figure that pantry is for salad and veggie prep. The rest of the meal can be prepared on the counters and island of the main kitchen, plenty of room for two cooks!
LOVING the reality that finally we will have TWO working sinks!

Gracie,
I love that this is the start of our two-station kitchen, DH and I can both work in the kitchen at the same time now!
Catie,
It is not a restaurant sink it is more of a chef's sink that was in a mansion in Miami, now renovated with all new expensive stuff. So, it is restaurant quality with 18 gauge stainless steel with a lighter color than most stainless, more silver. Solid, heavy and insulated underneath. LOVE the double drainboard!
The sinks are 2" wider in both directions and a bit deeper than the normal kitchen sinks.

Beau's Rose,
I would like 2 puppies, not 6! Yes when we get the new faucet someday, it has a higher neck so we can really make a water-fight mess if we wanted to! LOL

YES TO-DO is getting smaller each week, lots of other things being taken care of too.

Didn't show photo with cabinets in

and while I visit my pantry sink area, I can keep an eye on my herbs through the window in the raised garden bed!

Love the view of you herbs! Everything is looking great!

Thanks DaciaB,

It is a bit messy with some plants ending, DH has pots all around my seat ledge, and we will refresh plants in the Fall when the weather cools a bit.
In the yard, we have compost in the black barrel you can see, DH moves it around (holes at the bottom) so the 'tea' that leaks can go directly into the ground. He is 'feeding' the Lime tree we planted there last Fall. In a couple of years we will be able to see that tree from the window and watch the limes mature! Beyond that fence (with Flame vine on it) is the common area then a Preserve. So, I get to look at nature all day from my Den where my computer is and the kitchen, Pantry & laundry room. This is the North Side so I do not need to shade the windows for sunlight.

Mary Ruth...re: two sinks. I'm a firm believer in having two sinks in every kitchen (not a double, two separate sinks) whenever possible. Preferably, one should be stainless for food prep...the thought of prepping veggies in the same sink the dirty stuff goes into gags me. I don't have that luxury right now, but I'm working on it. DH is fight ing me...our little 1930's original kitchen has a little nook that would make a great spot for an extra sink and prep, but he loves the nook and the table and benches that are in it...even tho we don't use it except for the grands! Grrr...

Exactly! I love having my own space for cleaning veggies. Before I fell about 4 yrs ago now, I had energy (and was 4 yrs younger than now!) I was able to do about 20 times more than I can handle now. I would go all day long with only a few sit-down power rests.

But, with life-changes and having to readjust the way I do things and plan things. I love working at the pace that will not use up all the energy and use my arms/back/neck have for me to use for the day.

This sink area was one of the reasons I bought this particular house with this floor plan. I walked by that little room, and thought 'MY SECOND SINK' area! Plumbing was already there, like a no-brainer! But Cervical spine surgery and long months of recovery and therapy sessions and I am able to get back to the project at hand.

DH did a great job making that space a reality for me, he now loves it too. He has to see things where I go by my visions. I knew he would love it because he loves to cook and he can spend hours chopping veggies (while we have a movie on TV) and getting dinner ready. He is not one to sit to watch TV for hours, so this is a perfect solution for him, more room to do food prep!

I found a large chopping block for our island we will be making in Phase 6 or so of this kitchen remodel. we are doing it in stages because I can't have the kitchen all torn up for months, this way, when we get ready to redo the 'sink' wall in the main kitchen, we have this Pantry area one to use! The only thing we will miss is the dishwasher for a bit when that phase comes along.