Burgevin Gardens Kitchen Makeover: A Few Updates and a Lighting Round-Up!

This post is in partnership with Lowe’s! Thank you for supporting my sponsors!

This kitchen redo at Burgevin Gardens has been moving forward full steam ahead, and it’s really starting to look like a room! A nice room!

Here’s where we left off! A hot mess! Originally I did NOT envision doing so much deconstruction in here (this is supposed to be fast n’ cheap, remember!), but once we got into it…well. I just didn’t see a very exciting path forward with just cosmetic changes, and the “why don’t we just…” creep took hold. So we just went for it. Ultimately I’ll be glad we did, but right now it feels a littttttttle nutso because there’s still a LOT to do and not very much time to do it in or money to do it with. My favorite combo! The trade-off of a low budget is basically that everything becomes a project unto itself—instead of installing countertops, we’re making them. Instead of buying and hanging cabinets, we have to build some of them and hack the old ones. Et cetera. All individually manageable tasks, but combined it’s…no joke.

Naturally, things always have to get just a litttttttle worse before they get better. Ha! You may notice a couple of things:

  1. I had my plumber come out to re-route those exposed radiator lines into that corner chase with the rest of the plumbing! They’ll still be exposed over the window (I ain’t mad at it!), but that freed up the space I needed to move the dishwasher to the left side and center the sink under the window. That off-center sink always drove me nuts so I’m excited it wasn’t too big of a deal to make this happen! Since the sink is only moving a little, it should be easy to tie back into the existing waste/supply plumbing when the new sink goes in. (That’s right! NEW SINK! Which also means new cabinet! Which means I get to build a cabinet! More projects!)
  2. We took up the sheet vinyl floor and found the hardwoods! I knew they had to be under there. It’s not as though refinishing a floor is free, but still cheaper than buying all new flooring. And you can’t do much better than 100 year old fir!
  3. We have lights! We have outlets cut in! This was not especially challenging with an unfinished basement below and big existing holes in the ceiling to run new cable through.
  4. There’s a big long hole on the right side of the ceiling, which is for the vent! This hood vent insert can be vented to the outdoors or installed as a recirculating vent, but outdoors is generally preferable and it wasn’t too difficult here so, again, we went for it.

To move things along more quickly, I asked Edwin to drop in for a few whirlwind days to tackle some things that would have taken me much longer to do on my own. We got the duct installed, the hood surround build, the vent installed, the chase in the corner built, and plaster patched and skimmed, which was a huge help. Even though Edwin thought I was nuts for refusing to just gut out all the walls (when doesn’t he?), we saved nearly all the original plaster which always makes me happy, and just patched where necessary with drywall leftover from other projects!

AND OH HELLO, HARDWOODS! We removed as much of the old adhesive as possible using a scraper and this mastic remover from Lowe’s, which made a terrible and slow job less terrible and slow. This was mostly to avoid having to sand through it—since potentially it could contain asbestos, and because the sanding pads get gummed up really fast with tar-like adhesive, and those pads get expensive if you have to use a ton of them.

(Yes. Correct. We should have had the mastic tested for asbestos. It is not expensive and is good for peace of mind. This is a “do as I say, not as we did” kind of situation.)

So that’s basically where we are, which I don’t think is such a bad place to be! I’ve now poly’d the floors and am moving on into hacking old cabinets, building new ones, and hoping these concrete counters weren’t the worst decision I’ve ever made.

Now that we’ve stripped it all down and started putting it back together, I’ve been trying to make final decisions on the finishing touches like lighting, hardware, paint colors, and how exactly I’m going to make these cabinets work! I usually try to make a safe area on site for all the things that need to be installed, and I loveeeeeee the feeling of watching that pile shrink away as projects wind down. Three things currently residing in that pile are our light fixtures, which I’m so excited to see installed!

We have this small Progress Lighting pendant planned for over the sink ($70!), and two larger more impactful Kichler pendants to light the rest of the room ($135 a pop!). It can be a little risky sourcing from two different manufacturers if you’re trying to match finishes, but I took a look at both and the brass finish isn’t exactly the same but close enough! Both fixtures are really nice—including the fact that the small globe pendant’s cord is about a mile long and it comes with a bunch of brass extension downrods so you can hang it as high or low as you want.

ANYWAY. I think the key with mixing lighting (especially pendants) is to play with scale and the level of detail. A very simple and small fixture like the small globe will complement rather than compete with the large, more intricate design of the urn pendants. It can be a tricky balance, and generally it’s easier to pair a pendant with flushmounts or semi-flushmounts, but with a narrow room and 10′ ceilings I think keeping the lights off the ceiling will feel better.

The other thing I always like to consider is how the light will or won’t diffuse. I see people screw this up all the time, like when they want a cool industrial barn light but don’t think about how the shade will direct all of that light downward rather than diffusing it throughout the space. If you have other lighting (like recessed, sconces, or lamps) to pick up the slack that can help, but I don’t like recessed lights in old houses so I tend toward fixtures that will diffuse light rather than direct it toward a particular area. So for instance, a solid shade casting downlight would work well over the sink, but for the main space it might feel like an interrogation cell. Ya dig?

Actually landing on those specific fixtures was—I won’t lie—kind of challenging! Ultimately I pulled a bunch of options and then the homeowner and I chose together. The challenge wasn’t a lack of good options but rather A LOT of really great options—all from, you guessed it, Lowe’s! I’ve long thought that Lowe’s does a great job with lighting, but it’s been a while since I really dove into the selection and it’s only gotten better in the meantime. There are literally THOUSANDS of fixtures online to fit any style and any budget, including some really high-end looking modern pieces (ya know I like a mix!) that I totally didn’t realize they carried. But as someone who works a lot on old houses, I really appreciate that Lowe’s has a great selection of lighting that looks right at home in vintage or antique homes, but at prices that keep them attainable for projects where budget is a consideration…which is to say, all of them? I’ve really never done a project where budget limitations weren’t a main driving force in selecting finishes, and Lowe’s lighting has bailed me out more times than I can count!

SO with that in mind, I figured I’d have some fun showing you other budget-friendly fixtures we considered, and ones that I think are pretty great but didn’t really fit the bill for this particular room. I think the best ways to easily and relatively painlessly upgrade a space—especially a kitchen—is paint (of course), lighting, and hardware. So if you’re jonesin’ to refresh that kitchen or dining room before the holidays hit, maybe this’ll help you out! Or not! It’s your life!

(Of course, if you have a little more money to play with, check out what you can get for just a little more because there is some seriously great stuff! Note, also, that a lot of these lights come in different sizes and finishes—think of this like a light smattering of options!)

First the chandeliers! If this room were a little bigger it totally could have pulled off two chandeliers.

1. Cascadia Huntley 3-Light White Milk Glass Schoolhouse Chandelier // $220

2. Designers Foundation Ravella 5-Light Black Industrial Chandelier // $258

3. Allen + Roth Dystra 18-Light Soft Gold Chandelier // $189

4. Progress Lighting Archie 2-Light Shaded Chandelier // $170

5. LNC 8-Light Champagne Chandelier // $130

6. Progress Lighting Carisa 5-Light Vintage Gold Chandelier // $265

7. Progress Lighting Revive 4-Light Antique Bronze Shaded Chandelier // $68

8. Allen + Roth Webner 13-Light Bronze Chandelier // $199

9. Designers Fountain Emmet 6-Light Chandelier // $240

10. Litex Scott Living Fillmore Chandelier // $190

11. Globe Electric Aldred 12-Light Brass Chandelier // $242

12. Decor Therapy Sumter 8-Light Trestle Chandelier // $117

13. Designers Fountain Knoll 5-Light Oil-Rubbed Bronze Chandelier // $186

Next, pendants under 200 smackers! These should all diffuse light nicely around a space.

1. Cascadia Huntley Schoolhouse Pendant // $102

2. Westmore Lighting Georgetown Transitional Schoolhouse Pendant // $176

3. Westmore Lighting Georgetown Art Glass Schoolhouse Pendant // $196

4. Westmore Lighting Stratford Pendant // $196

5. Livex Lighting Oldwick Pendant // $95

6. Golden Lighting Dixon Aged Brass Globe Pendant // $104

7. Golden Lighting Hines Pendant // $159

8. Sea Gull Lighting Academy Schoolhouse Pendant // $189

9. Progress Lighting Embellish Galvanized/Glass Pendant // $100

10. Kichler Jar Pendant // $70

11. Allen + Roth Muncie Corsican Clear Glass Schoolhouse Pendant // $86

12. Globe Electric Latiya Pendant // $43

13. Progress Lighting Schoolhouse Pendant // $153

14. Sea Gull Lighting Pratt Street Bronze Ribbed Glass Warehouse Pendant // $199

15. Quoizel Soho Pendant // $40

16. Allen + Roth Aged Bronze Vintage Bell Pendant // $99

17. Decor Therapy Minetta 3-Light Convertible Semi-Flush/Pendant // $95

18. Craftmade Legacy Brass Pendant // $134

More pendants under $200! These will direct light a bit more than the ones above to varying degrees.

1. Boston Loft Furnishings Bell Pendant Light // $70

2. Progress Lighting McPherson Black Pendant Light // $135

3. Allen + Roth Bristow Bronze & Glass Pendant Light // $100

4. LNC Delphinus Rust Rustic Bell Pendant // $50

5. Westmore Lighting Hastings Pendant Light // $189

6. Golden Lighting Bartlett Copper Patina Pendant // $199

7. Westmore Lighting Crossens Park Oxford Pendant // $178

8. Globe Electric Liam Bronze & Frosted Glass Pendant // $30

9. Maxim Lighting Hi-Bay Bronze Pendant // $138

10. Craftmade Fredericksburg Oiled Bronze Pendant // $160

11. Westmore Lighting Farington Pendant Light // $90

12. Kichler Covington Olde Bronze Pendant // $119

13. Kichler Bronze Pendant Light // $100

14. Cascadia Harwich Burnished Bronze & Seeded Glass Pendant // $108

15. Quoizel Lockesburg Gloss White Farmhouse Pendant // $75

16. Golden Lighting Duncan Aged Brass Pendant // $179

17. Progress Lighting Fresnel Dome Pendant Light // $169

Finally, little guys under $100! Great for over sinks, doubling up over islands, or anywhere you just want a lil somethin’ special.

1. Allen + Roth Webner Bronze Globe Pendant // $41

2. Allen + Roth Mini Vintage Clear Glass Dome Pendant // $48

3. Progress Lighting Archie Mini Pendant // $50

4. Craftmade Orion Patina Aged Brass Globe Pendant // $82

5. Canarm Rowan Frost Glass Dome Pendant // $62

6. Allen + Roth Polished Nickel Dome Pendant // $55

7. Maxim Lighting New School Schoolhouse Pendant // $98

8. Progress Lighting Mini Traditional Pendant // $99

9. Allen + Roth Bronze Mini Industrial Bell Pendant // $45

10. Globe Electric Liam Matte Black Industrial Pendant // $32

11. Quoizel Belmont Century Mini Cage Pendant // $90

12. Cascadia Concrete Industrial Cage Mini Pendant // $51

About Daniel Kanter

Hi, I'm Daniel, and I love houses! I'm a serial renovator, DIY-er, and dog-cuddler based in Kingston, New York. Follow along as I bring my 1865 Greek Revival back to life and tackle my 30s to varying degrees of success. Welcome!

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57 Comments

  1. 10.24.19
    Chrissy said:

    I cannot wait to see this done!
    I’ve been shopping for lights too. I’m having trouble committing. I want a long term relationship so I’m afraid to make a mistake :O

    • 10.24.19
      Daniel said:

      I understand! But in the scheme of big decisions, it’s an easy one to change! And sometimes finding something you like instead of hating the thing you have is a good way to take the pressure off so you can find the thing you love! :)

    • 11.8.19
      pericolosa said:

      “And sometimes finding something you like instead of hating the thing you have is a good way to take the pressure off so you can find the thing you love!”

      You put that so well, it could become an aphorism. Daniel’s law, maybe?

  2. 10.24.19
    Pam said:

    Nice choices Daniel!
    I am really enjoying seeing this kitchen getting a fresh start. As much as I love seeing a zillion dollar kitchen on IG, I always think, “Sure! Call in the designer, knock out 3 exterior walls, add a 50 foot extension and import everything from France. And totally re-landscape “the grounds” to plant a zillion roses for the darling pets to munch on. No prob!” Now set up the photo shoot….gag.
    This kitchen is already wonderful.
    Thanks for this dose of reality.
    XXX to the pups, Pam In NH

    • 10.24.19
      Daniel said:

      Thanks Pam! Reality is always a fun challenge…I often feel like I wouldn’t even know what to do if I have 100K to blow on a kitchen, haha! NOT SAYING I WOULDN’T TRY IT OUT ;)

    • 10.24.19
      Southern Gal said:

      i recently added a comment on a NYT ‘reno’ story that was all high end. my comment was to please consider reno stories for those of us with more modest budgets. lots of ‘recommends’ to my comment.

      i agree its fun to daydream but i love Daniel and Blake Hill House and others for a more DIY and budget conscious approach.

  3. 10.24.19
    Summer said:

    Can’t say I often have the desire to live in America but your posts with Lowes!!!!! NEED that in my life!!!! Those prices are too good We’ve been shopping for lighting these past few weeks and as much as I love Bunnings (Australian equivalent hardware store) it just isn’t cutting it on the lighting front…. Particularly with heritage styles.
    Anyway, you’re doing a fantastic job, as always, and am looking forward to seeing it all come together!! Good luck with the cabinets :~)

    • 10.24.19
      Daniel said:

      But you have marsupials! And healthcare! You gotta let us Americans have SOMETHING, haha! :)

  4. 10.24.19
    Maritza Gulin said:

    Chrissy – I live on the edge when it comes to light fixtures. I change them constantly but I only purchase fixtures under $100 or stuff I refurbish / paint / gussy up myself. Buy that chandelier! Bring it home! Hold it up and make sure the scale is right. It’s usually the scale that people get wrong. Always go bigger than you feel is right. You can do this!

    • 10.24.19
      Daniel said:

      I endorse all of this advice! I will add in height among common mistakes—go low! :)

    • 10.24.19
      Lir said:

      spoken by the petite gentleman…. LOL. Don’t go too low!

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      Haha! Guilty. I’m 5’7″ and like to keep the talls on their toes (so to speak).

    • 10.24.19
      Sara L. said:

      As a 6-foot-tall gal who has repeatedly almost brained herself on her in-law’s dining room light fixture FOR YEARS, I have to endorse Lir. Not too low, please!

  5. 10.24.19
    Moxie said:

    That floor! I am in love. It already looks so much brighter and better in there. Can’t wait to see the rest.

    • 10.24.19
      Daniel said:

      Thanks Moxie! I think it’s gonna work out!

  6. 10.24.19

    Nice Daniel!

    Sounds like y’all are making progress on the kitchen. I just hope you can get it done before T-day! I know these photos are at least a few days old now so you are likely a bit further along than what we see here.

    Either way, I’m sure you’ll do a great job with this kitchen, on a budget at that and have it look good.

    I also like that you’ll be doing a combination of DIY and recycling/reusing what you can here and making it all work and shows people that you do NOT need a huge unrealistic budget for a kitchen that is “so perfect”.

    Anyway, keep at it and can’t wait for the next installment, outside of Instagram on this project.

    • 10.24.19
      Daniel said:

      Thanks John!

  7. 10.24.19
    Mom said:

    Are there two doors to this kitchen? Did you need to keep them both? Also, it looks like you will want more electrical outlets over your work spaces. (Don’t shoot the messenger). Also, I’m fine with just a little filler next to the refrigerator door if it’s tied into cabinetry that’s above the refrigerator? This seems unclear to me.

    • 10.24.19
      Daniel said:

      Yep, two doorways! And yeah definitely need them both. Still figuring out the fridge—stay tuned!

    • 10.24.19
      Gillianne said:

      In our last two houses, that little gap between the fridge and the wall that allows for full fridge door swing turned out to be the perfect place to stash a folding stepstool. Though we’re both tall, we reach for that stool often, so it’s useful to have it out of sight but handy nearby.

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      Yep yep! Also definitely a consideration here since it looks like we’re going all the way up with cabinets, and the homeowner isn’t 9 feet tall!

  8. 10.24.19
    Sara L. said:

    Looking good! I have really been enjoying the in-progress Instagram stories for this project, so fun to see the work behind the magic. Can’t wait to see how you figure out your cabinet puzzle!

    • 10.24.19
      Daniel said:

      Thanks Sara! They’re fun for me so I’m glad they’re fun for someone else! :)

  9. 10.24.19
    Carol said:

    Hurrah for progress! The floors look marvelous – with some of their history left behind (100 year old floors should never look perfect!). I’m excited about the cabinet project – I’ve always loved how old homes with high ceilings take advantage of that height for additional storage up top. Looking forward to seeing what you put together.

  10. 10.24.19
    Lesley said:

    Daniel, this is going to be beautiful! We are about to remodel our kitchen and I share your client’s distaste for under-cabinet lighting, and yours for recessed lighting. So what to do about lighting the work surfaces? Your big pendants are great but assuming they are above/behind your head when working at a counter, it seems like you’ll be working in a shadow. Our kitchen is 18’x8′ galley, and we will have probably 3 medium diffuse pendants down the middle. For task lighting I’ve thought about some really minimal, surface-mounted cylinder downlights, like a row of them over the counters on each side. But this might look bad, and on one side we have upper cabinets to the ceiling, so the doors would have to clear the lights. Would love to hear your thoughts!

    • 10.24.19
      Ryan said:

      I have a 9×9 kitchen with a 5×4 breakfast nook at the end. Each space has just a flush mount exposed single bulb fixture (The look like the Thurman flush mount from Rejuvanation with a milk glass shade – 8.5′ ceilings) centered in the space and I have never felt like my workspace was in shadow because the light is coming from above my head, not behind it. I think it works because the width is narrow so the light doesn’t have to go very far.

      When we put in a vent hood over the stove there is a shadow on the cooktop but luckily we can turn on the hood light and fix that.

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      I actually think the pendants will light the countertops really well! My thought is that each have 3 bulbs, which at 60W each would make each pendant 180 watts (which is very bright…might do 40W, will definitely do dimmer switch), and they should be high enough that a shadow wouldn’t block it? But I’ll report back, haha! From what it sounds like in your case…maybe recessed is your best option? Unless you’d prefer under-cabinet…or if you have any space for a wall sconce or two…OR a cute table lamp on the counter can make a kitchen feel very cozy, but I know that’s not everyone’s thing! For recessed, they make some nice and small LED options now that sit flush with the ceiling so you don’t need the huge cans…kinda like a hockey puck that emits light! Kitchens are the one place I don’t really mind recessed lighting in old houses, especially if the whole space is reading like a modern kitchen, if that makes sense? It’s hard to say without seeing it!

  11. 10.24.19

    I am agog over those floors.
    Excellent decision on the hood. Nothing worse than burning something by accident and having a kitchen full of smoke.

  12. 10.24.19
    Rosie said:

    I’m on an unsuccessful hunt for some <$50 sconces that aren't hideous, if you've got more lighting recs in you! One problem I have is that I want to use LEDs for energy efficiency sake, so I don't want a clear glass shade because I want to hide the bulb.

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      We gotchu! Lowe’s has about 200 single-light sconces under $50, and there are some good ones in there! Bear in mind that a lot of those can be installed upwards or downwards, and often swapping the shade is super easy as long as you know the dimension of the base (these things are typically standard across retailers, too!). Also, for what it’s worth—LED bulbs have come a LONG way in the past couple of years in terms of making bulbs that look like regular incandescent light bulbs and therefore really look fine exposed! I used to only consider lighting without exposed bulbs for exactly this reason, but now I don’t worry about it so much because I can finally buy energy-efficient bulbs that look like…bulbs!

    • 10.27.19
      Alexis said:

      We have changed every globe in our house to LED and lots of our fixtures have exposed globes. I get the LED filament kind, they look like old school Edison style globes, and some are dimmable too. The other advantage to this type is that the light is emitted in 360 degrees, and not in a narrow cone they way it is in the kind with the big plastic base, which looks more natural to me.
      I agree that many of the LED options are ugly, and you wouldn’t want to see them, but have a look for the filament style. I think they look pretty good.

  13. 10.24.19
    Southern Gal said:

    so just watched the latest IG story. re the cabinets from the wall to the hood… what if you did an open cabinet inbetween two cabinets – just shelves.
    also question.. whats going on the empty wall across from the stove/fridge wall?
    maybe its mentioned in another story but if so i dont remember.
    love watching you take this room apart and fix it . looking forward to the rest of the reno!
    as i pack purge pack purge. move date three weeks and counting

    • 10.24.19

      I believe he is going to put a hutch of some sort for additional storage on the wall opposite the stove. He mentions it in an earlier post on this kitchen and likely on Instagram too.

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      Eeeeeeee! So excited for you! Re: cabinets, I just keep feeling like a solid mass of cabinets will keep things visually simple while providing the most storage, so I think that’s where we’re headed. But the empty wall across (take a look at the floor plan at the end of the post before this one!) will have a little freestanding piece with a butcher block top and a shelf or two or three above? Clearly still some things to figure out, haha!

  14. 10.24.19
    Claire said:

    Looks great so far, incredible what you are accomplishing! (Following on Instagram too)- could you do little floating shelves either side of the range hood to fill the gaps, rather than skinny little cabinets? A little closet in the fridge corner might work too.

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      I thought about that too! I think ultimately, though, just keeping that wall pretty much a solid mass of cabinetry will keep it from feeling visually cluttered which I’m slightly concerned about. Especially when it’s not styled up all pretty and simple for photos, haha! ;)

  15. 10.24.19
    Krystal said:

    Oh my word – that chandelier, no. 7 … I have no idea where I would ever hang that but I can’t stop looking at it. Immediately bookmarking that for future reference. So lovely.

    This is all coming along so nicely! I am in love with those floors. I can’t wait to see the end result of this, it’s going to be so amazing!

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      I’m so curious about that light! The price is crazy good! I can’t totally tell if I’d like the shape of the shades in real life (but they could probably be swapped for something else), and the finish is hard to gauge without seeing it in person, but it seems promising to me!

    • 10.30.19
      Jen said:

      Ditto that – I mean, I always watch your renovations with fascination, but this affordable lighting roundup is amazing. Those chandeliers are Lowe’s? #7?! Why is that not already in my house, replacing that horrible mistake previous owners left hanging in the weird space between living room and kitchen. Most effective ad ever – I never would have thought it’d be worth it to source from Lowe’s, but I see you, Lowe’s. Now I feel like maybe I can afford to replace some of my hideous lighting options. I’m not religious, but bless you, Daniel, for this amazing public service.

  16. 10.24.19
    Sarah S said:

    Lighting can make such a huge difference! We have a room in our house that we use as our dining room/craft room/game room/homework table/entryway into the house (ugh, everything…) that I was almost sure would need to be gutted – it had wood floors, wood trim, wood panelling, and a horrible acoustic tile drop ceiling. It was so dark and depressing, especially in winter. Budget was an issue, but a bigger factor was that I couldn’t have the main room in our house torn up for any extended length of time. So instead, we had a contractor put another sheet of drywall over the acoustic tiles, and we installed two of these:

    https://www.schoolhouse.com/collections/pendants-chandeliers/products/satellite-6-chandelier
    In brass, with edison style bulbs.

    Literally those two changes made this room feel ENTIRELY different. It’s one of my favorite places to be in the house now (I’m typing this from that room!). Saved us I-don’t-even-know-how-much money and time.

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      That sounds great! Yay! Schoolhouse fixtures are amazing quality, too.

  17. 10.24.19
    Nicole said:

    This will be incredible! That floor, though… Wow. I am so glad you are sharing this makeover and congrats on the collab with Lowes.

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      Thanks, Nicole!

  18. 10.24.19
    Susan said:

    I love that you’ve narrowed down the light choices for us. The problem for me in purchasing anything for my home is the bazillion options. You have good taste and make it easier for me to choose. Also, I LOVE the fact that you are reusing and DIY-ing so much. It feels attainable for an average person instead of just plain rediculous (as in, 20k on one room is never going to happen for me). It’s also the way you show us how to be resourceful that I appreciate. Thanks Daniel. I think your pairing with Lowe’s is a perfect match.

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      I’m glad, Susan! Thanks for saying so!

  19. 10.25.19
    Lori said:

    Looking good! It’s amazing to me that you guys were able to get all that mastic crap up off the floor. I imagine everything after that is going to seem fun by comparison! Really looking forward to seeing how you figure out the whole cabinet situation.

    I fell down the rabbit hole of Lowes lighting when I clicked on a bunch of these options– you aren’t kidding, they have way more good stuff than the last time I looked. Now if only I could make up my damn mind!

    • 10.25.19
      Daniel said:

      Haha! Yeah that was a pretty brutal job, which mostly the homeowner did with some *light* instruction and encouragement, haha. Nasty stuff but that mastic remover I linked to in the post really made it MUCH easier. (And I know! If you need help settling a debate, you know where to find me!)

  20. 10.25.19
    Lindsay said:

    You’re an awesome job! Wish I had found those floors when I ripped up my 5 layers of linoleum. One peeve- can you hide the rad pipes? Maybe a custom built up crown instead of a drywall soffit? looking forward to more!

  21. 10.25.19
    greta said:

    This reno is definitely “not a joke.” And, its not “light” work, either. It is going to be inspired, though.

  22. 10.27.19
    Kelly said:

    As usual I’m excited for the outcome of this project. My kitchen is trapped in 1983 (butcher block laminate ftw! Honestly, I loathe it, but at least it’s durable.) Someday I’ll have the budget to do a moderate update (counters, sink and backsplash. I refinished my cabs because I’m weird that way… I actually like the wood on my cabinets, but they aren’t honey oak or super dark or I woukd have painted them .) Anyway, I had no idea Lowe’s had so many nice fixtures at those price points. I need to replace a few around the house because they all take weird candle-base bulbs that I can’t find suitable LED replacements for. I will def go to their website and check them out. Also, you should have a show on HGTV called “Daniel Performs Makeover Miracles with Ridiculously Tiny Budgets” ok.. kind of long, but it’s true :)

  23. 10.29.19
    Jackie Noto said:

    I have nothing to contribute to the discussion but just want to say hi i love you.

  24. 11.2.19
    hope said:

    Daniel,
    You were nice enough to give an internet stranger the pantry she asked for ( I sense you waffling what with the step stool temptation, but you know, you have floor space in this kitchen, so you could buy a pretty one and put it in the corner ) so I thought I’d push my luck and make a suggestion for the cabinet above the fridge. I’m 5’2″ The cabinet above my fridge is flush with the front of it. In it there are vertical slots where I can put all my platters, trays, cookie sheets, roasting pans. The slots are adjustable, so the roasting pans go in a double wide and the other slots are narrower. I can reach all my pans, get them down and put them away without having to stand on a step stool. My ceilings go to 9 feet so I have room for an upper shelf in the cabinet to store all the usual things that go above a refrigerator– the stuff I use once a year. Maybe Mr. Burgevin would like a cabinet like this.

    • 11.5.19
      Mom said:

      I agree with Hope. This is probably the cabinet I miss the most from our previous home. That vertical space for cookie sheets, platters, etc. is GREAT. And perfect for us height-challenged in the kitchen and elsewhere.

    • 11.11.19
      hope said:

      Yay! Daniel’s Mom likes my suggestion!
      Seriously, it really makes that space, which is otherwise almost useless to me, into an efficient storage place.

  25. 11.10.19
    Tara said:

    You say your pal hates under cabinet lighting – but in a big old kitchen (and during dark winter days) they REALLY make food prep easier. Or install a few extra plugs and put lamps on the counter. Add more lights, Trust me on this!

  26. 11.13.19
    Kirsten said:

    I am loving the instagram stories. Great decision on the extra two rows of tiles. It looks so much better!

  27. 11.20.19
    robin said:

    How did I miss further updates on Instagram stories? I have checked back regularly. Hoping we have an update soon!