Home Sweet Improvements
I’ve been fantasizing about redoing our kitchen almost since the day after we moved in. The cabinets are made of a fake wood synthetic material and the overall set-up is frustratingly inefficient. Most of all, I miss a wide expanse of countertop for baking or laying out food. I knew that a big project like this would have an equally hefty price tag, but without an estimate on the cost, the timeline was just as fuzzy, and that was frustrating. Finally, JG agreed to look around at a store to get an idea of the cost and, then, figure out the timeframe. I am not naturally a patient person, but waiting for a specific point in time is much easier for me than anticipating the ambiguous future.
We set out on Saturday afternoon, after I took a nap to recover from my flight home. Armed with a drawing of the kitchen, we strolled through the displays. I wrinkled my nose at glass-front doors, JG knocked on composite countertops, and we jotted down the products and costs that fit best in our price range. It was clear that this upgrade was not in the cards for at least a couple of summers, but at least I knew.
JG pointed down another aisle. “Hey, didn’t you want to look at track lighting at some point??
My eyes lit up. “Ooh, yes. For the kitchen.?
“I can install it today if you pick out what you want.?
Yes!
An hour later, JG and I were balancing on a ladder and a dining room chair to replace the mismatched, brown light fixtures (original to the house and not in a good way) with two slick brushed-nickel ones. Despite a few dropped screws, we successfully installed the new track lighting and happily aimed the lights. They were a small taste of what was in store for our kitchen in two or three summers and I think baby steps will be helpful while I wait until we can afford the whole deal. For now, it’s fun to admire the new lights when I hit that switch.
couples, home ownership, home improvements, kitchen redo, do-it-yourself
March 5th, 2007 at 9:48 am
Oh, my God. Kitchen renovations are soooo expensive! But that’s cool that you got your track lighting, at least. Little things can make a big difference.
March 5th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Zandria - It is a bit daunting to see all the costs add up before your eyes, but at the same time, shiny new track lighting definitely helps! JG is scheming as to how he might avoid paying for installation… We’ll see how that one pans out…