framework for supporting eating area of island in place

Despite 1 inch of unexpected snow, the work continues on this New Year's Eve.  More patching of the floor where baseboard and radiators used to be.  I also located some plain white quarteround tile trim for finishing the outside corners of the shower.  I took all that the tile company had because even plain white is in short supply.  I needed 18 linear feet because the shower is in the old part of the house with its over 9 foot ceilings.  The white doesn't match exactly the white background of the tile but is close since they are both an off white on the creamy side.

Small steps

The photos show how the island is situated relative to either wall.  It was moved towards the north to accomodate the extra cabinet.  Appliances (except for double wall ovens on back order) were delivered today.  This meant the holes in the island for the downdraft vent and the cook top gas line could be cut.  The blower for the downdraft will be installed under the floor, cutting down on noise and allowing use of the cabinet that holds the cook top for large pots (think soup and spaghetti!).

More holes were patched in the existing house floors where water pipes (tub, sinks, baseboard heating, radiators) used to be. 

I had an adventure trying to find tile trim pieces for the outside corners of the back bathroom shower.  The shower has 3 walls and I think that butting tiles around the corner and then grouting looks unfinished.  I was trying to find what is called a simple white v-cap, and will probably have to get quarter rounds instead.  The v-caps I could find are actually complex because they are meant to make an edge for ceramic kitchen counter tops and so they bump up to keep water from flowing right off the counter.  This experience makes me appreciate even more the 50's tile work in my Seattle house even if the tile was that intense 50's pink.

island ready to be built out; patching floor in old bathroom

The island is constructed from cabinets and a pony wall because it is two level and provides eating space at normal table height (I don't sit comfortably on counter level stools).   The pony wall will support the table height side with space for 3 people and needs to be built yet.

The other photo shows the patch of flooring where the old bathroom tub had damaged the hardwood floor.  The patch uses some of the original wood that was pulled from the new kitchen and replaced with plywood.  It takes skill and patience to put down that old, narrow tongue and groove maple.  Fortunately, one of the workmen meets those qualifications.

east wall cabinets in plus bonus; some tile delivered

The cork floor and the shower tile for the back bathroom have arrived.  The bonus cabinet is because we had to use a smaller one on the east wall because the door opening to the kitchen moved north.  So the south wall of the kitchen has more depth and the extra cabinet can go there.  I will mount a microwave on a shelf above and put trash and recyle bins next to the extra cabinet without impinging on walkway space.

appliances expected Wednesday; more cabinets going in

added corner shelf to west wall of cabinets

Space in west wall is for dishwasher.  Stand mixer cabinet is to left of gap; sink to right

Special cabinet for stand mixer

The sink cabinet and drawers for flatware anchor one end of the west wall of the kitchen.  The other cabinet allows you to easily access and use a heavy stand mixer.  The platform swings up and locks in place.   The contractor will be creating a hole in the back of the cabinet where the cord can be plugged in so there will not be cords across the counter top either.  My sister makes specialty cakes so this was a must have for the new kitchen.