Kitchen Remodel

So--this is happening! :)  Not this month, but next *hopefully!  I am one excited chick...can't wait!!  Here's my current plan...(subject to change, of course!).

First off, the ceiling soffit has GOT TO GO!  Who came up with that idea?  Lame.  Pop that puppy out, replace sheetrock and add some new lighting.  Can lights above the sink.  Pendant lighting above the bar-two of them to be exact.

I like this:   and this:

and I LOVE these--but think they may be too funky for the look I'm going for, not the mention price... :

 

 Track lighting on the ceiling, over the food prep area. 

   

 I am not a subtle lighting girl--I like light, and lots of it. If I could install skylights I would. If I could vault the ceiling, I would.  As I can't, lots and lots of light (on multiple switches) will have to do.  Wham!

Speaking of ceilings...we are doing something like this over the table, and installing a new ceiling fan.

Next, since we are gaining 12 inches of space once we re-do the ceiling, I'm adding more cabinets!  Yeah!!  Maybe open. Maybe with doors. Maybe with bead board.  I'm excited!  Certainly it will have features like this:

  

 

Oh, and the color you ask? We are going from honey oak, to deep beautiful dark.  Like this:

Oh, and by the way, I'm taking my dark black kitchen table and chairs and turning them a beautiful yellow/cream/brown.  Yummy.

That's phase one.  I'm too impatient to wait so I'm going to do it in phases.  One now (ish), and one later (ish).  For phase two: countertops, sink, new window.  Lovely!

So, since my birthday is coming up, here is my SHAMELESS plug...I've got a shopping list.  Want to help?

http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Satin-Topcoat-Stain-Quart/dp/B001F7N0JU/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp

http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans-Indoor-Lighting-Indoor-Ceiling-Lighting-Recessed-Lighting/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbvlw/R-202025123/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

Not to mention supplies, labor, watching of children, and pizza giftcards (cuz I'm quite sure this is not going to be a quick weekend project!)

And, if somebody wanted to spring for those funky, fun pendant lights, you wouldn't hear a peep from me! :) 

So, basically, I'm stoked.  I'm doing vinyl orders like crazy to earn the cash, and I'm thinking I can make my little bit stretch quite a bit further than you would think.  Can't wait!!