440

The multi-talented Jeph channeled his inner seamstress and made some rockin’ curtains of an orange/lime green/yellow/blue seersucker with orange grosgrain ribbon trim for the front window. The privacy at night is nice. In desperate need of a center island, we moved the wooden buffet into the island spot (and hung the glass front cabinet on the wall to the right of the range, beneath the small wooden shelf which is built into the wall and would leave a deep gash if removed.) The improvised island has worked great as our only prep area and storage for all tableware/etc. The open shelving is overflowing with food, pots and pans, and equipment. It’s time for cabinets and countertops (more work space!), and a dishwasher. Part of this process is finishing off the partial wall between the sink and the area to its right (~1.5 feet deep) and framing/finishing the wall to the right of it which is just made of tin/zinc (!) which we’ll hire someone to do. Wanting to be environmentally friendly involves more research, especially on a tight budget. Ideally the cabinet boxes will be made of recycled material and the fronts will be the same or reclaimed wood, or something fast growing like bamboo. Ideally the countertops contain a high percentage of recycled material. The manufacturing process for both should not involve chemicals or toxic byproducts. A new sink unit is probably involved (grrrr) because the free-standing one won’t match up with the new cabinets/counters (and having it not meet the wall means water likes to makes its way behind it onto the floor.) The dishwasher will likely be a mid-grade Bosch and, unless Jeph wants to tackle it, will be installed by Rich the plumber. The vent hood may come from IKEA because they seem to have the best prices and some decent styles. Jeph needs to cut and attach the cement board (hopefully utilizing a leftover piece.) We’re leaning towards tiling it (vs. stainless steel) which should be a fun project. The center island will be enhanced with the attachment of a beautiful piece of reclaimed hard rock maple. Jeph’s readying the attachment supplies and experimenting with finishes. Purchasing two bar stools will make it a new place to sit and watch (or help) the cook, do work, and eat. That will be fun.