Hi, Everyone; this is part 1 and part 2 of what happened with my kitchen cabinet delivery last Friday.
If you haven’t read anything yet, please start from the beginning.
Please click the link below to access part 2.
Part 2 Begins Here
Common Laurel. The Kitchen Cabinets Arrived in a Rainstorm? Must you *always* be so dramatic?
Thank you for asking. I’m fine, thank you. How are you doing? ;]
As for dramatic? The answer is: Yes, I must be as dramatic as possible within the confines of honesty. Anyone who’s read my blogging guide knows why. I’m not making this up. Humans are hardwired to respond to drama. We love it. Even people who say they hate it love it. Drama gets our endorphins and a whole lot of other hormones going. You know, it’s kind of like being chased by a ravenous pack of enormous grisly bears.
Drama wakes our foggy brains and lulls us out of the ho-hum of everyday life.
I mean, I could’ve said. “Come see my newly arrived Crown Point Kitchen Cabinets!”
Of course, you already know you’re going to see them. Besides, they did arrive in the middle of a rainstorm. We’ve had near-record amounts of precipitation this summer.
Although, the worst of the rain happened an hour before the truck arrived. Still, the first pieces of the truck came in with droplets of water on them. I remembered the roll of paper towels near the bathroom and ran to grab it. I lovingly wiped away the water like a baby’s teardrops off the silky-smooth hand-painted finish.
Or, maybe that was only me crying tears of joy.
It was like magic. All the days, weeks, months, and almost three years later, my dream kitchen cabinets had finally arrived!
Here’s a reflection of me holding my roll of paper towels and admiring the gorgeous Crown Point Cabinetry craftsmanship of the beautiful door muntin.
However, two hours before this, I looked outside the window, and I can assure you I wasn’t smiling, not even a little.
It was pouring outside.
I looked at the hourly forecast.
It told me that, indeed, it was pouring out, but the rain would be lightening up somewhat in about 30 minutes.
I was supposed to be there by 10:45 but left at about 10:30. However, I knew the contractor would be there anyway. So, I texted him to let him know I was on my way.
When I was about 200 feet from home, I saw the truck with my new kitchen cabinets inside it!
As you can see, I waited until I was closer to take a photo.
I didn’t realize there was such a specialized delivery service.
Fortunately, the guys had just arrived. My contractor had to go out for a minute, but soon after I arrived, he returned with his assistant, and they began bringing things in.
I realize this is not the most exciting piece, but exciting for me as it was the first to arrive inside its new home. The new fridge will go inside here. Ironically, the panel front doesn’t get made until everything’s installed. This is standard, as it’s difficult to fit until everything’s in place. Mel, the fantastic kitchen designer I’ve been working with, will return and take careful measurements. And then they’ll whip it up in a jiffy.
Okay, this is my first time seeing a big drink of Sherwin Williams Greek Villa.
It is gorgeous! By the way, see where the stairwell is. We will see more of it and what it’s like when in the room. This view of the stairwell can only be seen sitting on the settee.
Here are the two 66″ tall glass doors. There’s one more, however, that one has its drawer attached to it.
I love these doors so much. They look exactly like 19th-century doors!
Incidentally, for comparison sakes, the trim color is Benjamin Moore Super White, but in shadow.
Above are the little drawers going under the glass doors. Look at those perfect dovetail joints. Everything is built so beautifully! Yes, the drawers are shallow. Their interior depth is no more than eight inches. This is why I opted to do doors for the lower section.
In the distance are the glass shelves and the two narrow upper pantry doors.
I opted not to do the pocket doors because there wouldn’t have been room for a decent microwave.
The original door leaning against the old fireplace mantel goes to the den from the side by the bathroom. They took the door off because we’re finally going to make it so that the door goes into the room!
Oh, I agonized over which drawer front to get. I know it’s the style to do small drawers with flat fronts. However, there’s so much beefy moulding in this place that this one won out. This is one of two small kitchen cabinets that are flanking the sink.
Sorry, I just realized you haven’t seen the latest plans for the sink wall. Well, one day, I’ll share it when discussing something else.
Back to the stairwell for a sec.
Above is the view as one walks out of the den. The front of the blue waste basket closest to us is where the first step begins, and the long side with the piece missing is where the railing will be. My point is that The railing and handrail will not be very visible.
The new guardrail will (hopefully) not be coming out this far. Overlapping the door casing and doorway, as it is, is a big no-no. This is the view if one is on the way to the bathroom if they happen to look left.
You can read more about the new stairwell here.
How on earth will all that fit in your tiny kitchen, Laurel?
I know! But here’s the really crazy part of this picture
This isn’t everything. Two of the kitchen cabinets are missing!
- One of them never showed up.
- And the other one, there’s a big, and I mean BIG problem with it.
Well, sorry, that’s all the time we have for today.
Please stay tuned… I’ll tell you about the two missing pieces and the big problem on Monday evening. Plus, you’ll also get to see the gorgeous faux vent. That one took dozens of hours. But, it was so worth it. I’ll give you all of the details and more.
WAIT, you can’t leave us hanging like that. However, you don’t sound too distressed, so it can’t be that bad.
Well, it is that bad. But, remember my mantra?
So far, it’s working. Everything will work itself out.
*********************************************************
Part 2 Begins Here
It’s Monday evening. :]
And, as I said, aside from a little rain, there was a problem with two cabinets.
The one that didn’t show up is the curved cabinet. I didn’t realize it (but was probably told) it would be coming next month.
And…
Unfortunately, the biggest of the kitchen cabinets, I’ve dubbed “The Leviathan,” AKA: “the pantry cabinet,” couldn’t make it inside the apartment.
Here’s the beast chilling on its back just outside my front door last Friday.
So, whenever you need to use the microwave or make a cup of coffee, will you have to walk outside your front door into the hall?
Hey, that’s a terrific idea. I’m fine with the neighbors using it too!
Don’t be silly. The guys came back this morning with an additional strapping young lad. All they needed to do was take the door off in the hall and talk nicely to it.
They coaxed it to come inside in only ten minutes!
Laurel, what’s that thing that looks like a vent?
It’s a vent. ;]
Well, a faux vent.
Above is an old rendering of the range wall. The inspiration for it came from super-talented interior designer Courtney Hill’s gorgeous kitchen design. (below)
And then came the search…
I couldn’t find anything remotely like Courtney’s vent.
Finally, about a year ago, I found a design, I don’t know where, and made some changes, and above was the result. Not too bad. But, then I realized that Crown Point would have to make two of these completely custom, which would probably be expensive.
So, I took another stab at it and found a fantastic source on Etsy– StellarAirVents, that if I turned the design above 90 degrees, it would be perfect.
Above are the specs I sent them.
They were fantastic to work with. The owner, Esthela Cuzmar, said she would do a shop drawing. I told her I didn’t think it was necessary because the measurements didn’t need to be precise.
However, she did it anyway. I approved it, and the job was completed very quickly. She even contacted me to make sure everything was as expected. It’s rare to get service like that. They need to go in my Etsy Guide update for November.
Friday was such a fantastic day.
But, the cherry on top was I received a phone call that afternoon from a gentleman who apologized profusely for the delay in getting back to me. Can you guess who it was?
More about that very soon!
Incidentally, I will try to organize all of the renovation posts better so it’ll be easier to find things.
Also, if interested, I’m being interviewed by darling Jo Chrobak Wednesday the 30th at 2:00PM ET. It will be live. haha
xo,
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45 Responses
Laurel, this is so exciting – I live vicariously through you! I have a question about the process. Normally up here in Canada we put the floors down wall to wall then install cabinets etc on top (which makes future changes a lot easier). Will your floors be set first? Cathy
It will be absolutely beautiful!
Beautiful, what fun, and the hiccups (once resolved) only make it more exciting!
I am interested in the fridge cabinet. Will the fridge itself sit on the floor of that cabinet? That seems like an awful lot of weight for a wooden box to support.
Hi Anne-Marie,
Yes, that cabinet was built according to the manufacturer’s specs.
This is exciting! Thanks for letting us join the ride!
Your kitchen is going to be stunning! Thank you for taking us all along. As usual your posts are beautiful and educational!
We had a similar wall of cabinets with the upper glass fronts in our century old Tudor that we referred to as the servery. Perhaps not the absolute correct way to use that term but it made us feel fancy! Lol! Good luck with the rest of your renovation! ❤️
This is like “Christmas in August”, having all those “boxes” delivered, and eager anticipation to see them placed where they belong. The decorative vent is an elegant and unique touch that certainty will enhance the finished kitchen.
Back in 2006, my wife and I found a source for a wood slat “Decorative A/C Vent Cover” and replaced the “builder grade” narrow slat/hinged A/C return wall grill and painted it to match our trim color (it comes primed or can be stained). The wooden slats looked much better than the original metal grill. (The company was Worth Home Products).
Of course, now that we have seen your kitchen come together, and all of the beautiful kitchens you have shared in your journey, I guess I will need to build my wife a Crown Point Cabinetry kitchen.
Dang…
First of all, you are doing great. It is bit similar to birthing a baby, takes 9-10 months and then HERE IT COMES. The taking deep breaths only made me want to wring someone’s neck, but, as with you, I’m blessed beyond measure. Take joy in all of this as your personality is contagious.
Blessings to you.
The vent looks great, but I’m a little confused why the cabinet makers could not make it. It seems like something they could fabricate. Unless I’m missing something.
This is so exciting to see your project in the middle stage, Laurel. Your kitchen cabinets and design are beyond gorgeous. I’m thinking your mystery phone call is someone from the renovation planning board giving you the final thumbs up on your stairwell design. At least that is the next thing I would want to know in your place. Full steam ahead!
I visited Crown Point Cabinetry, and remembered being told the custom line had black walnut interiors. The Crown Select (stock cabinet line) line had maple interiors, like yours appear. I’m confused!
Hi Denise,
Yes, you have it right. My custom cabinets did come with black walnut at no extra charge, however, I prefer the maple, so they made them that way.
I’m so excited for you! The cabinets are truly gorgeous! I’m envisioning many years of living and entertaining in your new space!
Yes! I know who it is!!!
I’ve been waiting for this!
It’s Furlow Gatewood’s carpenter/builder!!!
Hi CC,
Yes! And, he’s more delightful than one could possibly imagine!
Thank you for sharing, I can’t wait to see it finished!
I’ll bet the mystery call is the stair permit approval person!
Ohhh, great guess, Robin, but no. I believe we still need a couple of weeks on that one.
I was scared that one of your cabinets came damaged. I’m relieved to know that wasn’t the case.
Thanks for sharing the Etsy source for air vents. My place needs a couple.
Hi Mary,
They make many styles and installation methods depending on what type vent it is.
Laurel, I’m so glad you’re re-doing the stairwell and guardrail. Whoever first installed it could not have made it uglier. Maybe if it was painted “Caution Orange.” Is that in your paint colors?
That’s funny, Claudia!
How Exciting! It’s been a long road and I’m so happy for you and all of us who have been enjoying the new kitchen journey with you.
Beautiful! Can’t wait to see the kitchen all put together.Exciting time in your renovation.
Laurel, They are gorgeous! The kitchen is going to be spectacular! So excited for you! I remember the day my cabinets arrived and the feeling of seeing it all coming together!
XOXO
Oh my gosh, they arrived!!! I’m so excited for you, Laurel!!
Oh Laurel! My heart stopped! I think I am even more excited than you ! I cant wait!!
This is so exciting! Please come back often to share every minute of the install!
So happy for you. I’m sure you’re beyond excited. You’ve worked hard for this beautiful home. You’ve earned it, you deserve it. It’s got to be a wonderful feeling. Thanks for allowing us to tag along.
As for the glitches, you’ve chosen excellent craftspeople. They will make it right and it will be so worth the blood, sweat and tears.
Can’t wait to see the finished product.
The bones of your home are beautiful and I’m excited to see your beautiful cabinets. It’ll be amazing. Hang in there!
Renovations always come with hiccups. I’m glad you’re remaining calm about it. Being in good hands helps.
Your cabinets are beautiful. As excited as I am to see them installed, I can’t image how you must be feeling.
Lovely cabinets! We just redid our kitchen on a tight budget last year. We bought used cabinets and refinished them. After following your blog, I knew they had to be flush inset. My dear husband (who does really love me and indulges my obsessions) was up until midnight looking at Craigslist and found the cabinets. We picked them up at a reuse center in Boston and — lo and behold—they were Crown Point! We knew they were quality before we knew anything about the company, but we have loved getting to know Crown Point better through your renovation process and can say they are still lovely at 20(?) years old and in their new home! The quality speaks for itself even now😊
Oh, Laurel, it is always so exciting to GET THE STUFF!! Congratulations. One thing that I find amazing about following along with your projects (as I procrastinate on my own) is an acknowledgement of the hours of blood, sweat and tears (lovingly dabbed with paper towel) that go into your decisions. Somehow I feel kind of vindicated, more shielded from the criticism or negative self talk when even the pros take such care and such time in pursuit of beauty, safety, and function. That could be the definition of home!! You are building your home in the deepest sense of the word, and I’m so happy for you. ❤️
Rain- Yet another good reason to not use MDF! Did they use it for the center panels? What wood species did you use? I know even high end use MDF for the center panel. it there. Congrats! Happy Day. Hope everything resolved quickly. And thank you for the reminder that everything will work itself out. Praying for patience. And send that rain to Texas please.
Those glass doors are so lovely. Love the mantra. Things always go wrong but it all works out in the end. Especially if you’re working with great people. Not getting stressed allows you to enjoy the journey. With so much invested in the design and planning, it would be a shame not to have some fun. Enjoy!
Hello,
The Cabinets look great. I don’t know what I’m going to do when your home is done, yours is the first email I open. Congratulations, your vision is starting to come to fruition. One question, what are the plans for the window air conditioning unit?
When will the renovation be finished and you can move back in ? Any idea? It is going to be so worth it in the end!!!
Laurel, I don’t see the gorgeous, curved, kitchen sink cabinet there, I hope that’s not the one with the problem. Can’t wait to see all of this coming together!
Hi Laurel
Thanks for sharing so much helpful and interesting information. I really enjoy your blog. Can’t wait to see your home when it’s finished. I love your cabinets.thanks again
Wow your place is coming together BEAUTIFULLY! What wall color did you put on the main walls and what is your trim color too? You’ve now got me rethinking my all white SW Shell White. Best wishes for continued happiness with your new home. Sandy
Hi Sandy, the walls haven’t been painted yet. They are currently Benjamin Moore Classic Gray and the trim is Super White.
Laurel typed Sherwin Williams Greek Villa right under the refrigerator cabinet.
All of this is truly stunning. I can’t wait to see your drawings come to life!
Laurel says Sherwin Williams Greek Villa right under the refrigerator cabinet.
Good morning Laurel, I still remember the day my CrownPoint cabinets were delivered back in 2005! They are as spectacular today as the day they delivered. Excellent choice and I love watching your design process. Many thanks and have a good day!
WOW!! they are GORGEOUS!!!!
All your hard work is coming together!!!!
Hi Laurel,
Can you please remind me what paint color you chose for the cabinets?