Kitchen Chronicles: Building a Window Bench Seat

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you've been following along on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign">instagram</a>, you already know what we were up to this week...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://distilleryimage10.ak.instagram.com/84e6f6f2a98a11e39b450e6a3b19abce_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage10.ak.instagram.com/84e6f6f2a98a11e39b450e6a3b19abce_8.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Let's get to it, shall we?<br /><br />We started with this empty space under the dining area window, which I thought would be perfect for a nice cozy bench...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl1XH0d4VgqMUvYksKt05BU6A7Aj1zhImdszJsBDbuLvnQqK2AKg49n8eGfZvsICvdDdddqx_sTrlQ6FNc-GS91jeD6h0RMPs2WzUsYLs6Qwnz2cBfoSK2IXPO2GsjjOXV3cIHtER5Lgv/s1600/IMG_1567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl1XH0d4VgqMUvYksKt05BU6A7Aj1zhImdszJsBDbuLvnQqK2AKg49n8eGfZvsICvdDdddqx_sTrlQ6FNc-GS91jeD6h0RMPs2WzUsYLs6Qwnz2cBfoSK2IXPO2GsjjOXV3cIHtER5Lgv/s1600/IMG_1567.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />To make it serve a dual purpose by adding storage, I decided to go with <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69816066/">these Akurum</a> refridgerator cabinets:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/akurum-top-cabinet-to-refrigerator__47400_PE143961_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div> <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/akurum-top-cabinet-to-refrigerator__47400_PE143961_S4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/akurum-top-cabinet-to-refrigerator__47400_PE143961_S4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Because they are standard cabinet depth (24"), they would also line up with our existing cabinets on the left to look like one long built-in wall.<br /><br />I chose the same Applad white doors to match <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/kitchen-chronicles-building-bar.html">our new bar cabinets</a> and keep them nice and clean looking without distracting from the rest of the room (and yes, I forgot to select "white" instead of "birch effect" for these cabinet boxes too, argh!)<br /><br />I had 123" of empty space to work with, so I went with four 30" wide cabinets which only left 3" of space to fill.<br /><br />But first, we had to build the base. It was basically the same process we used to build our bar cabinets, except there was one small issue...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvDdO9weldokxvCoCCX8T1pG-u2oXbP9Atz2aDamkjpjzzltiVpJKdI9qJ-R8E4YbB2-ZyCSqPCWLVqIQXdF7KZ7JCtccqxyT1wn1-nHGyABox3iNjY_Ll-AA-CTmkSYN_71V4eXqw6ci/s1600/IMG_2212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvDdO9weldokxvCoCCX8T1pG-u2oXbP9Atz2aDamkjpjzzltiVpJKdI9qJ-R8E4YbB2-ZyCSqPCWLVqIQXdF7KZ7JCtccqxyT1wn1-nHGyABox3iNjY_Ll-AA-CTmkSYN_71V4eXqw6ci/s1600/IMG_2212.jpg" /></a></div><br />The 2x4's weren't tall enough to match up with the existing cabinet. Standard toe kick height is 4", but 2x4 boards are just barely over 3.5". With the bar it didn't matter because it didn't have to line up with another cabinet, but we had to elevate these 2x4's somehow...<br /><br /><br />So we ripped down some boards to make shims.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbXUbT7eJoptmpf86LVfY7lNH_KmThGedNQwDJXAHbLpLjUZeeBJYJtaqLxKPS_csz8a-aVCHWLc5wLvWSpNkiDR0Ik66zkQAdqwc1Jv9WTKR7VT4sU2Bb5cxNXVRdWs1V00f-3Gwr3YA/s1600/IMG_2213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbXUbT7eJoptmpf86LVfY7lNH_KmThGedNQwDJXAHbLpLjUZeeBJYJtaqLxKPS_csz8a-aVCHWLc5wLvWSpNkiDR0Ik66zkQAdqwc1Jv9WTKR7VT4sU2Bb5cxNXVRdWs1V00f-3Gwr3YA/s1600/IMG_2213.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNM2EJ9M2GA95-99jkNsFFCKicr2gcSmt-EiylJScfqzUsJKabNPezUqnVRdIt3qwPls6lXvyx3cHLjCPuBMuRHYUrMZ9Gy1UDK027nLm0ZIoRNoGVv3rjIfuNU1pOoT-DMaSJKZqNTuH/s1600/IMG_2215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Then we assembled the base upside down so we could screw the front 2x4 into the cross pieces first. We decided to place a cross piece wherever two cabinets would meet up for extra support.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNM2EJ9M2GA95-99jkNsFFCKicr2gcSmt-EiylJScfqzUsJKabNPezUqnVRdIt3qwPls6lXvyx3cHLjCPuBMuRHYUrMZ9Gy1UDK027nLm0ZIoRNoGVv3rjIfuNU1pOoT-DMaSJKZqNTuH/s1600/IMG_2215.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNM2EJ9M2GA95-99jkNsFFCKicr2gcSmt-EiylJScfqzUsJKabNPezUqnVRdIt3qwPls6lXvyx3cHLjCPuBMuRHYUrMZ9Gy1UDK027nLm0ZIoRNoGVv3rjIfuNU1pOoT-DMaSJKZqNTuH/s1600/IMG_2215.jpg" /></a><br /><br />You'll also notice a chunk of board missing out of the back. Since we were covering over a vent, we needed a way to reroute the airflow. I picked up this narrow grille at Lowe's (designed for toe kicks) and gave it a few coats of white spray paint:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGZWFfTScEXLz_nz9s8NIk-qnsrAc1eK86zF9o-TzzUBITsBuKo1ekazYfG6-J-amp1fKQeQQQ1g6yuM_011i8C3ByeyqwDrYV4xtFiKruPJeoqqc3qHsGS5qUbAFjef5e-YEp4sfad_g/s1600/IMG_2211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGZWFfTScEXLz_nz9s8NIk-qnsrAc1eK86zF9o-TzzUBITsBuKo1ekazYfG6-J-amp1fKQeQQQ1g6yuM_011i8C3ByeyqwDrYV4xtFiKruPJeoqqc3qHsGS5qUbAFjef5e-YEp4sfad_g/s1600/IMG_2211.jpg" /></a></div><br />After the first 2x4 was secured to the cross pieces, we flipped everything over to its final position and attached the front 2x4 so it was all one piece:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_x8NYW7AUy-GnvRhDcrHcmFsowVuI4CQngTC4pa637DL9nEU-YkqJeO4hyphenhyphenT7DKdc8tDWTNOvZlGrXQSOXUufb9e2_pG6mNZ1P6SNwRCuBFrQ_lKfJA7caQbUO31zUZPw-6pFaC8vPQ1K/s1600/IMG_2216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_x8NYW7AUy-GnvRhDcrHcmFsowVuI4CQngTC4pa637DL9nEU-YkqJeO4hyphenhyphenT7DKdc8tDWTNOvZlGrXQSOXUufb9e2_pG6mNZ1P6SNwRCuBFrQ_lKfJA7caQbUO31zUZPw-6pFaC8vPQ1K/s1600/IMG_2216.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then we secured the back 2x4 into the studs so it wouldn't go anywhere.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>To seal off the vent chamber so air wouldn't leak out, we placed some trim pieces along the bottom and caulked it in really well. We also had to cut a hole in the back for the outlet:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XpvpG412KCu2B2j6AOZO90FIxPOBe2sHUVpcXxpomfws3AkOAeLGGzcq5GbALvqKmmBiBGNzGrF4KVoxJednpaE15in42EIgfaFF2rQltQVU9RYUmSGr1GD2JP0M88aHybzLNvue2UdE/s1600/IMG_2219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XpvpG412KCu2B2j6AOZO90FIxPOBe2sHUVpcXxpomfws3AkOAeLGGzcq5GbALvqKmmBiBGNzGrF4KVoxJednpaE15in42EIgfaFF2rQltQVU9RYUmSGr1GD2JP0M88aHybzLNvue2UdE/s1600/IMG_2219.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then it was time to get the cabinets in!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2ewn8366rpkkcC7q-RQIZ99I2Wk-IvYZjzWZQlc-V837w5k8b-N8v2fRL6jWNbY02HjyAspF3-SbbW7eaBRydPirTyzRw-VO2dOIu97dlYTnj8FWAny3lK4ap0mVzcB4R0-ZvSj-avEQ/s1600/IMG_2218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2ewn8366rpkkcC7q-RQIZ99I2Wk-IvYZjzWZQlc-V837w5k8b-N8v2fRL6jWNbY02HjyAspF3-SbbW7eaBRydPirTyzRw-VO2dOIu97dlYTnj8FWAny3lK4ap0mVzcB4R0-ZvSj-avEQ/s1600/IMG_2218.jpg" /></a></div><br />I had 3" of extra space to work with, so I decided to divide it evenly between them (including the far left and right sides) which meant I had to make 0.6" spacers. I used some scrap pieces of wood we had in the garage and ripped them down to size, then cut them to the height of the cabinet (15.25"):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i7LNlIb1ClTyeoCdF8Tp_FDJ7CQW9bOvfge-SIt28KJchmPaIsET40DXWyeVZohY05rtkRDvKuOTLfWdJqSmtXllmsH8X93GbPkYtzyMYzzgTbZQmn-v2_IY5C96T519CbVZ9Q7vz2El/s1600/IMG_2220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i7LNlIb1ClTyeoCdF8Tp_FDJ7CQW9bOvfge-SIt28KJchmPaIsET40DXWyeVZohY05rtkRDvKuOTLfWdJqSmtXllmsH8X93GbPkYtzyMYzzgTbZQmn-v2_IY5C96T519CbVZ9Q7vz2El/s1600/IMG_2220.jpg" /></a></div><br />Perfect!<br /><br />Once they were in, we screwed through the sides of the cabinets (both left and right) and caulked them in:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFSpOaOGp8ZaU_bxbl8NkorPQ701OWHggupJHynY0dQMmlXXUpzt2_sMu0YXS20yGBVJocQublDbe6KApkMPDJ2jpCmajbGQLbUR37ids9_E4JwSm2TyCWMVtiSU4pPsPpAHQlD5wnf5G/s1600/IMG_2225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFSpOaOGp8ZaU_bxbl8NkorPQ701OWHggupJHynY0dQMmlXXUpzt2_sMu0YXS20yGBVJocQublDbe6KApkMPDJ2jpCmajbGQLbUR37ids9_E4JwSm2TyCWMVtiSU4pPsPpAHQlD5wnf5G/s1600/IMG_2225.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then we put a few screws through the cabinets to attach it to the 2x4" against the back wall. This bench was solid.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBieBOpYUMseTxpMFPJF0DPSkfB57JxW4KeNt-AsMi2wWAboln_RCbJpVgWESrX1CiHP_o9hU7Tr36pr9PiFqf371t1FTu3LaAYKXsZ2X_NpWNFPIfKBS6wJKFg94zCDz6KQlcyUK72SeK/s1600/IMG_2221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBieBOpYUMseTxpMFPJF0DPSkfB57JxW4KeNt-AsMi2wWAboln_RCbJpVgWESrX1CiHP_o9hU7Tr36pr9PiFqf371t1FTu3LaAYKXsZ2X_NpWNFPIfKBS6wJKFg94zCDz6KQlcyUK72SeK/s1600/IMG_2221.jpg" /></a></div><br />The toe kick piece we bought fit like a glove, no ripping down needed!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7ouTdLYBg2cRHg7_j2v7l32ohIU4V6aEuUvMMLSn4fRb-wMg97zkU35zbjdDvDSzOR5HzLdMbhOhJtGrvr-E7kD2lVw_2AA4NnWthB7fAlTkxqvRDqQ7HOIeEXSC4e_Ndoy4W6ZEDxWE/s1600/IMG_2223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7ouTdLYBg2cRHg7_j2v7l32ohIU4V6aEuUvMMLSn4fRb-wMg97zkU35zbjdDvDSzOR5HzLdMbhOhJtGrvr-E7kD2lVw_2AA4NnWthB7fAlTkxqvRDqQ7HOIeEXSC4e_Ndoy4W6ZEDxWE/s1600/IMG_2223.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The vent grille was a little shorter than the toe kick, so we slid a small piece in at the top so there wasn't a hole (It doesn't look very pretty, but it won't be seen):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wqXoE90ckFLTwPR8lu9etgNvqHg-eXRbgXlzthvfa1KxWykw5JGFiRmPIJTl445JhltQz93GZIX1x5L04pusB_QtISyHbV_Sdh1SkbH0rSMg2uOlvpCtU3WgQu-QdIXInCGVj8RHMq68/s1600/IMG_2226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wqXoE90ckFLTwPR8lu9etgNvqHg-eXRbgXlzthvfa1KxWykw5JGFiRmPIJTl445JhltQz93GZIX1x5L04pusB_QtISyHbV_Sdh1SkbH0rSMg2uOlvpCtU3WgQu-QdIXInCGVj8RHMq68/s1600/IMG_2226.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Once everything was in, it was time to prep and paint!<br /><br />For the cabinets I used the same Zinsser shellac based primer (red can) that I used for the pantry and bar cabinets:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcOGnrDf5NvBq2fRfEZ_7P4j_orWPLQCWi37wACq9sdbS9zK4Srs1G1Px-DYZ_Se4xIwVAg14-cdHdZ1YEdbZ2YYLo95JkqHcDnJp1Sy2LveZLWTSgKpmxnxe3zu_YusiHwUGouV8WK8X/s1600/IMG_2228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcOGnrDf5NvBq2fRfEZ_7P4j_orWPLQCWi37wACq9sdbS9zK4Srs1G1Px-DYZ_Se4xIwVAg14-cdHdZ1YEdbZ2YYLo95JkqHcDnJp1Sy2LveZLWTSgKpmxnxe3zu_YusiHwUGouV8WK8X/s1600/IMG_2228.jpg" /></a></div><br />The only part that would be visible from the outside was the face frame, and I wanted a nice clean edge on the inside so I taped it off.<br /><br />While working on that, I painted the toe kick and the rest of the trim that we've been dying to put in (tip: ALWAYS paint your toe kick/baseboard/crown molding before installing so you don't have to tape it off later!)<br /><br />Yay for baseboard: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ-19Osmvkp1DeDdSAiNfdjzSec1_hczAZE9rmPuK7EY9uRqBoGZyE2nwXZn43Ha3o9v6EmBgQxw3Re-Ivy2EUj4q3QBpvGOHyreJ9NRg2dUGy43S_fJObkttd59SNRAG2OCVJFz2LaPU/s1600/IMG_2230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ-19Osmvkp1DeDdSAiNfdjzSec1_hczAZE9rmPuK7EY9uRqBoGZyE2nwXZn43Ha3o9v6EmBgQxw3Re-Ivy2EUj4q3QBpvGOHyreJ9NRg2dUGy43S_fJObkttd59SNRAG2OCVJFz2LaPU/s1600/IMG_2230.jpg" /></a></div><br />We used a 90° corner piece over the planks and quarter round where the plank wall met the ceiling:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ExK0awrr-h2v0G7uXf_vuCeW8npCQKLVW1RhG6zFBl_7z5jPHa_X80DjY7rVjrIb-_ohJw-peJ1Peu-sI-xvPElPmKAh8OzyWFPwXH3QI2qYR_hmmTGhj71bwF21ZvVd9P62-WGFj530/s1600/IMG_2236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ExK0awrr-h2v0G7uXf_vuCeW8npCQKLVW1RhG6zFBl_7z5jPHa_X80DjY7rVjrIb-_ohJw-peJ1Peu-sI-xvPElPmKAh8OzyWFPwXH3QI2qYR_hmmTGhj71bwF21ZvVd9P62-WGFj530/s1600/IMG_2236.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ahhh... so much better.<br /><br />The toe kick worked out nicely too:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL1IShvrd_gbUA68kwtCDKprTAenjvrg7KqmoK5A5x2QXZjGI-S_au7g_BcnbuxndosILjNiubQElqNJVFFZmVTD7_KfWYQZ0zmSNCnslAMherE5q87fVU4jwuMRTJFkbknRcB3YfSMnb/s1600/IMG_2229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL1IShvrd_gbUA68kwtCDKprTAenjvrg7KqmoK5A5x2QXZjGI-S_au7g_BcnbuxndosILjNiubQElqNJVFFZmVTD7_KfWYQZ0zmSNCnslAMherE5q87fVU4jwuMRTJFkbknRcB3YfSMnb/s1600/IMG_2229.jpg" /></a></div><br />All that's left was the doors...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDtrA0KLIF0Y0TTS20ITlJ2FTZ-EpU80t7or4CNIm9_T2NC_3x2rxjIcxtDsc9EczKJgTT8s6vM4Lt_fZrSYln2lBV-vDIXyKhMaU53h7xDh2ccVmvtg0yymDFHVXEXnnCDw2H4QrL4ec/s1600/IMG_2237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDtrA0KLIF0Y0TTS20ITlJ2FTZ-EpU80t7or4CNIm9_T2NC_3x2rxjIcxtDsc9EczKJgTT8s6vM4Lt_fZrSYln2lBV-vDIXyKhMaU53h7xDh2ccVmvtg0yymDFHVXEXnnCDw2H4QrL4ec/s1600/IMG_2237.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />We finished the first three cabinets and realized we had a problem.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0wx-Ghqv0Uv4DossddM-Ao4MHrhKGdBblNvbea3TDK_Bxg-jKC1_UPGZB172-rkTYWn4IPt3_ire3t8JNGgr_iMgkoRS_crnfoR5hg9WHLKzxGDnlwASBiHqWZ7V7cJ_iiIn6i8XBJES/s1600/IMG_2240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0wx-Ghqv0Uv4DossddM-Ao4MHrhKGdBblNvbea3TDK_Bxg-jKC1_UPGZB172-rkTYWn4IPt3_ire3t8JNGgr_iMgkoRS_crnfoR5hg9WHLKzxGDnlwASBiHqWZ7V7cJ_iiIn6i8XBJES/s1600/IMG_2240.jpg" /></a></div><br />Apparently, <i>someone</i> in this house *coughBradcough* must have accidentally thrown away a box with half of our hinges in it. After a frantic search came up with nothing, I had to buy 8 more packages (16 hinges total, we still need to build another bench seat) for $60 from Ikea.com. I was just relieved we were even able to order them online and get them shipped. They won't be here for a week, so sadly this project will take a little longer to finish...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR0slA4MhL-ZrSC0Dc-g1D2mrtX5jk4aI0llKt4hrRdgHJF4hOcRcVMnKYkLkbFzWoAqdgKEF8JaXqKjqCAIi5YQFe-QkmBdfKi8wFw54jhygk8qlqIrSJRmYu42uxVMZfkfxhJdTQpmb/s1600/IMG_2241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR0slA4MhL-ZrSC0Dc-g1D2mrtX5jk4aI0llKt4hrRdgHJF4hOcRcVMnKYkLkbFzWoAqdgKEF8JaXqKjqCAIi5YQFe-QkmBdfKi8wFw54jhygk8qlqIrSJRmYu42uxVMZfkfxhJdTQpmb/s1600/IMG_2241.jpg" /></a></div><br />In addition to that setback, I can't decide how I feel about the gaps in between the cabinets. I didn't even really think about it when I was lining the spacers up with the cabinet base instead of the doors. Might have to move them forward.<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3j0q3zTEqj3V54C-FSFqmRgJjKkQMI-gTEG4a8-vIwYu8jRiCKPoLA8woAIV9ptVGrgAQoYUVlAAbzC5sxlOLpFWubCiq4rGnxuIGSf04guBZTtM98fjuS6hPOq6X-y-14XRvfHCmYl4/s1600/IMG_2245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3j0q3zTEqj3V54C-FSFqmRgJjKkQMI-gTEG4a8-vIwYu8jRiCKPoLA8woAIV9ptVGrgAQoYUVlAAbzC5sxlOLpFWubCiq4rGnxuIGSf04guBZTtM98fjuS6hPOq6X-y-14XRvfHCmYl4/s1600/IMG_2245.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />As for adding hardware or not, I'm undecided. I'm leaning towards keeping it really simple, so it looks more just like one long panel instead of drawing attention to the fact that it's cabinets by adding knobs. That was the original plan at least—we'll see how it looks after we get the last doors on. And I ordered the foam so hopefully next week I can get started on the cushions.<br /><br /><br />One more update—we bought our backsplash!<br /><br />After much debate (which I'll cover in a future post) we went with <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_355358-74035-SL1024BJHC1P2_0__?productId=3477577&Ntt=american+olean+subway&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Damerican%2Bolean%2Bsubway&facetInfo=">this white subway tile</a> from Lowe's:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqeg5cOjRnJnZD_JC00cPiQpaeTvQjKjnBCO529Jc9ifm693fT8GSjDGrte8Dogaqtk-TWqqgeKKVkAPgJvwmtjDn7WilzWCOO-S2jL4U3OobyZZkrIWyoPg0v14uMF_AvQmLAxFBFkXm/s1600/744704354976lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqeg5cOjRnJnZD_JC00cPiQpaeTvQjKjnBCO529Jc9ifm693fT8GSjDGrte8Dogaqtk-TWqqgeKKVkAPgJvwmtjDn7WilzWCOO-S2jL4U3OobyZZkrIWyoPg0v14uMF_AvQmLAxFBFkXm/s1600/744704354976lg.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a smaller version of standard 3x6" tiles on a mesh backing. After getting a couple outrageous quotes for labor to install them, we may or may not have officially lost our minds because we're going to tackle this ourselves. This weekend. Fellow DIY'ers, we need your help. Any suggestions/tips/advice you can give us, please, we're all ears!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If there's no update from me by Tuesday—send help because we've probably fallen into the black hole of tile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Kitchen Chronicles: Building a Window Bench Seat

If you've been following along on instagram , you already know what we were up to this week... Let's get to it, shall we? We started...

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Kitchen Chronicles: Building a Bar

Happy Monday! It's after 8am here and just barely getting light outside—gotta love Daylight Savings. Longer days = more productivity!<br /><br />Speaking of being productive... this weekend we built our bar!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79-P6dh7TDkl0pvPuwmr2SMwI7b91lXJWJnwCUgkmcI84R-kRMDRIepKcr3P_9RehUGdXCRel73u6Z_8sAI5yry9nrACTUYk8OSuPTXp6l49uEYbCe5av1bAbC6V_AKiaxXZV2CQc2oi_/s1600/IMG_2192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79-P6dh7TDkl0pvPuwmr2SMwI7b91lXJWJnwCUgkmcI84R-kRMDRIepKcr3P_9RehUGdXCRel73u6Z_8sAI5yry9nrACTUYk8OSuPTXp6l49uEYbCe5av1bAbC6V_AKiaxXZV2CQc2oi_/s1600/IMG_2192.jpg" /></a></div><br />I figured it would be one of those projects that dragged on all weekend and I'd be scrambling to put the finishing touches on right now, but nope... it was done by Saturday afternoon (thanks to my Dad's help).<br /><br />Let's rewind a bit... here was the space we were working with:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8Y0P1hyfiXdz4dRnk4NiWQSa3ZlBHm74HRczYygw_DbFjh7H1gcBq79bBc_2VzHwPQgLoX_IYQQb3M5z1sOm86k9x4cYykdvYWCIe-cwImRuUHi-ani_Ds-8TQdlpg6LU7qU087YJtap/s1600/IMG_2111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8Y0P1hyfiXdz4dRnk4NiWQSa3ZlBHm74HRczYygw_DbFjh7H1gcBq79bBc_2VzHwPQgLoX_IYQQb3M5z1sOm86k9x4cYykdvYWCIe-cwImRuUHi-ani_Ds-8TQdlpg6LU7qU087YJtap/s1600/IMG_2111.jpg" /></a></div><br />When we bought the house there was a bar here, but clearly it had to go...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3yJ1RMWKlgCX6KBolnobufyuXAlPk-4UyirgHTbGMMS9RdL6HXXwfotmpuhRMMDjSHF7oIaLS8xBuJbT9yshylS62PloHhaHnp55R0sFOR47GadnndoENFYRdFnNt2AxzAFN_IEFhBRX/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3yJ1RMWKlgCX6KBolnobufyuXAlPk-4UyirgHTbGMMS9RdL6HXXwfotmpuhRMMDjSHF7oIaLS8xBuJbT9yshylS62PloHhaHnp55R0sFOR47GadnndoENFYRdFnNt2AxzAFN_IEFhBRX/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I still liked the idea of having one as we love to entertain, but something less gigantic and in your face.<br /><br />We had a wine fridge at our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/02/big-kitchen-reveal.html">last kitchen</a> and really enjoyed it, so we decided to do that again. To fill up the rest of the space, I looked to Ikea for inexpensive cabinets. Luckily they come in a variety of sizes, so I was able to choose two of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69827055/#/S39813408">these Akurum cabinets</a> that were the perfect width to fill the space and allow proper ventilation on the sides of the wine fridge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBu5EtjzMaP7g0v-v8ZFIRPZkVLjE_gqtemcSnGVJh2Gwr5SRXS6Hz5pTtwTHpPNGeU629KT3w9GOrXL00oW_17SqT65XYR95XELdKVXtN-7Cm705I-nef815wY67XHk2avmohlMZg12V/s1600/akurum-base-cabinet-w-shelf--doors__28815_PE115664_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBu5EtjzMaP7g0v-v8ZFIRPZkVLjE_gqtemcSnGVJh2Gwr5SRXS6Hz5pTtwTHpPNGeU629KT3w9GOrXL00oW_17SqT65XYR95XELdKVXtN-7Cm705I-nef815wY67XHk2avmohlMZg12V/s1600/akurum-base-cabinet-w-shelf--doors__28815_PE115664_S4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />When it came to door styles, I decided to go with the Applad white style shown above for a few reasons.<br /><br />1) It was clean and simple—it wouldn't compete with or try to match with the rest of the kitchen cabinets, but it is the same flat panel style as our drawer fronts.<br />2) I didn't want to have to paint them, and the Applad white is a <i>true</i> white (not off white like some of the other door styles)<br />3). It was the most inexpensive option—just $200 total for an 18" and 36" wide!<br /><br />But when the delivery came and I unpackaged the boxes... my heart sank. In my rush to get everything on my list during our big Ikea trip, I forgot to change the default "birch effect" to "white" when I added it to my shopping list. Ugh.<br /><br />Fortunately, the doors were still white, but because you would see the side of one of the cabinets, I had to resort to painting.<br /><br />I used the same white satin paint I've used everywhere in the kitchen (the <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/01/kitchen-chronicles-finished-plank.html">plank walls</a>, ceiling, and <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/kitchen-chronicles-ikea-pax-pantry.html">pantry</a>)...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fgEeFTbEDme7xQmHbTYdc8oopOsQS64dFk8lbPl4Ty4K46o3DEKTSM4ezAJ7pf6ykK0ysK3bWFk1CxrhLerplZkWKaREjCe4je4u5rbyCtOeqcIFjPKBBYRuznv7cjlFXR8TTcpTUFPP/s1600/IMG_2041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fgEeFTbEDme7xQmHbTYdc8oopOsQS64dFk8lbPl4Ty4K46o3DEKTSM4ezAJ7pf6ykK0ysK3bWFk1CxrhLerplZkWKaREjCe4je4u5rbyCtOeqcIFjPKBBYRuznv7cjlFXR8TTcpTUFPP/s1600/IMG_2041.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />And to my surprise, they were actually pretty close to the doors. It wasn't an <i>exact</i> match, but it was close enough for me to have hope that I wouldn't have to paint the doors too.<br /><br />Let me tell you, these cabinets were a breeze to assemble. Quite possibly the easiest Ikea assembly ever. I would absolutely not hesitate using them for a full kitchen remodel in the future.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiQ_NIfLO8voamVjBCzdB7F22o5OabMRU9CDESlWEMGO6XN2BYZBEHLdwZxZS7Jbhnrd_6_lFxewqzuUXhljheXg8GaIfED9Ux8XALQKerkS7NooOXPjR7TAzFaVcffbTVnv3CDCrywBO/s1600/IMG_2080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiQ_NIfLO8voamVjBCzdB7F22o5OabMRU9CDESlWEMGO6XN2BYZBEHLdwZxZS7Jbhnrd_6_lFxewqzuUXhljheXg8GaIfED9Ux8XALQKerkS7NooOXPjR7TAzFaVcffbTVnv3CDCrywBO/s1600/IMG_2080.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here they are roughly in place:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi-k_trme50XErq7EMQp-mwtRl0TE4-IlJycv01Zbtozi4ys7V4B9lU1aCDggbhfsyxQ8ELMkqE5ToECgeCxmkIvBC-Pvl4lU-O0dWiuIBupovMzTFs-lKtsJowTvg6WEBntGacFn7Fot/s1600/IMG_2081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi-k_trme50XErq7EMQp-mwtRl0TE4-IlJycv01Zbtozi4ys7V4B9lU1aCDggbhfsyxQ8ELMkqE5ToECgeCxmkIvBC-Pvl4lU-O0dWiuIBupovMzTFs-lKtsJowTvg6WEBntGacFn7Fot/s1600/IMG_2081.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I had forgotten to paint the front of one edge before assembly... whoops!</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And up went the doors:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhHIRCRSfea0DaL1ULQu2zzE61fpS_QQGmkyk6NuPcanFafHNNwkzl586aQp718CQuoUVeMYjkuc3Efxb6subF1uOgIUTyKf1tMLgKaVtog-1yoV13MFeFMWeoN8KLB2JocFvcv6EGIcf/s1600/IMG_2082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhHIRCRSfea0DaL1ULQu2zzE61fpS_QQGmkyk6NuPcanFafHNNwkzl586aQp718CQuoUVeMYjkuc3Efxb6subF1uOgIUTyKf1tMLgKaVtog-1yoV13MFeFMWeoN8KLB2JocFvcv6EGIcf/s1600/IMG_2082.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Time to buy a wine fridge...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8HPsSfrcCLGlrKrTLSTqNJXzz5w35UGLaHjzIdGmgajZ00GOjsnM-WktZ7C1DPbu5mhmqhHrY6yPc93R6LsnDBUVn3e9cutj4pxDK7szaEM56GeMi6Xl1-UYUmkQRAKJNYB1fXnZdG9p/s1600/IMG_2083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8HPsSfrcCLGlrKrTLSTqNJXzz5w35UGLaHjzIdGmgajZ00GOjsnM-WktZ7C1DPbu5mhmqhHrY6yPc93R6LsnDBUVn3e9cutj4pxDK7szaEM56GeMi6Xl1-UYUmkQRAKJNYB1fXnZdG9p/s1600/IMG_2083.jpg" /></a></div><br />After researching and reading lots of reviews, we found 21 bottle capacity <a href="http://www.livingdirect.com/TWR215ESS-EdgeStar-21-Bottle-Dual-Zone-Wine-Cooler/TWR215ESS,default,pd.html/?mtcpromotion=hasoffers&utm_source=hasoffers&utm_medium=aff&utm_campaign=hasoffers&offer_id=4&aff_id=1137">Edgestar</a> on sale for $237 shipped:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrqGBz8begy-cER4Wp0qbYtfFFLpwNSZjwR4Fgc0ZOeSaGF4B91OYtsmGeCHxEpysRQPAw2G2j1PzZ0PIJxhN5cbnfDKBjdeMfnXDixS4pglxycSj24V_TJwZjTMjYe3Cz9N84adSSwtI/s1600/IMG_2110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrqGBz8begy-cER4Wp0qbYtfFFLpwNSZjwR4Fgc0ZOeSaGF4B91OYtsmGeCHxEpysRQPAw2G2j1PzZ0PIJxhN5cbnfDKBjdeMfnXDixS4pglxycSj24V_TJwZjTMjYe3Cz9N84adSSwtI/s1600/IMG_2110.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I kid you not—I ordered it on Wednesday afternoon and it was plugged in and running by Thursday afternoon. Amazingly fast service.<br /><br />Back to the plan—first, I had to build a toe kick to elevate the cabinets.<br /><br />I used basic 2x4's screwed together, and made the depth a standard ~4" less than the cabinets (to match the rest of the kitchen)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVR8UmKi4DbDd61vCMtq-IqdD8AHadT0OihdC8GQ3F7019nXm1rw8GY-K1AjWhUX5i52brZjAkjAzHoIUu1Xj51onxV4dKVMTls2Hp1ESOxoWQXwxbq6feboua2UxR4A0ey8S_q4dIfTO/s1600/IMG_2145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVR8UmKi4DbDd61vCMtq-IqdD8AHadT0OihdC8GQ3F7019nXm1rw8GY-K1AjWhUX5i52brZjAkjAzHoIUu1Xj51onxV4dKVMTls2Hp1ESOxoWQXwxbq6feboua2UxR4A0ey8S_q4dIfTO/s1600/IMG_2145.jpg" /></a></div><br />After securing the base to the wall, we placed the cabinets back on top and secured them to each other and the studs along the wall.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hYCxWeH8W77izuK5RlGZtTp4oDPgD4SWmLnCHYfp7XwhMhXJHUnJGJT5vSpC8Mp-s14ExxZqEnkmRiO7j8BzJ0Rb40725JaOxOvVF3kGU3WDCg8F4kjnLigPXU0Xv9MrERaKdEWun14B/s1600/IMG_2146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hYCxWeH8W77izuK5RlGZtTp4oDPgD4SWmLnCHYfp7XwhMhXJHUnJGJT5vSpC8Mp-s14ExxZqEnkmRiO7j8BzJ0Rb40725JaOxOvVF3kGU3WDCg8F4kjnLigPXU0Xv9MrERaKdEWun14B/s1600/IMG_2146.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then we had to address this empty space around the fridge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJnvxOudnGcKH12OTMujVZQARMWY11b0gtrciPdlxrc2KGtQYqEORYHEGqjjFblvsWUt2w13t5DSEsAqXpdbEVMarEGRhTtx14sVQBZZi2AEtMmBvJVYb7ES0_tXLf2n8CJoTK5zu-ZmI/s1600/IMG_2150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJnvxOudnGcKH12OTMujVZQARMWY11b0gtrciPdlxrc2KGtQYqEORYHEGqjjFblvsWUt2w13t5DSEsAqXpdbEVMarEGRhTtx14sVQBZZi2AEtMmBvJVYb7ES0_tXLf2n8CJoTK5zu-ZmI/s1600/IMG_2150.jpg" /></a></div><br />The gap still needed to be there for proper ventilation, but I decided I want it to look built in so I came up with a plan.<br /><br />First, a 1x4" screwed into the side of the cabinet:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6Rx5i2-hrdFUaGUCQ-DsAZkAioha2ApmNMx4lFnYf5bixHC-8sp8BmdHsvGlFRTo63rQlY2ioNAqc01YD9yfFbylNxU4lEk6BK_sXnPUru1JQNFaBlfORwxDJoG0KWnAWI0iTBGLIvlU/s1600/IMG_2151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6Rx5i2-hrdFUaGUCQ-DsAZkAioha2ApmNMx4lFnYf5bixHC-8sp8BmdHsvGlFRTo63rQlY2ioNAqc01YD9yfFbylNxU4lEk6BK_sXnPUru1JQNFaBlfORwxDJoG0KWnAWI0iTBGLIvlU/s1600/IMG_2151.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next, a painted 1x3" nailed into it, flush with the cabinet (I spent a couple more dollars on the smooth and solid top choice wood vs the cheaper 1x4" whitewood boards)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyLrMKrXpqxmA80omTj1Aj0W0XIl3U82-i_XgsCKwCblVZNYENP5W0ZnwT5eM3p_UWowtEqLAHBg1ffvYKuiUU5pwcydN5L7vxfJsQ6gYRB3HqoPo2ulqHf7Tj6Qhh3PYiaDC8mivjmQB/s1600/IMG_2152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyLrMKrXpqxmA80omTj1Aj0W0XIl3U82-i_XgsCKwCblVZNYENP5W0ZnwT5eM3p_UWowtEqLAHBg1ffvYKuiUU5pwcydN5L7vxfJsQ6gYRB3HqoPo2ulqHf7Tj6Qhh3PYiaDC8mivjmQB/s1600/IMG_2152.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I repeated the process on the other side (I had to leave a bit of a gap because the wall wasn't entirely level with the fridge, which I later filled in with caulk):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5seexQCWIlZT2kWqqKGHeLRQXI8Zfnz2lA8exo1RsZmlfC21Qr_FXd0SFCmEmFVnzvzqaj0Q5wc3sabDfv6BVEFR4XML1zbeyF53K62dGGFlbC5sFpzzuws5nZ6F3Kn7_tUpW6eM7mAU/s1600/IMG_2154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5seexQCWIlZT2kWqqKGHeLRQXI8Zfnz2lA8exo1RsZmlfC21Qr_FXd0SFCmEmFVnzvzqaj0Q5wc3sabDfv6BVEFR4XML1zbeyF53K62dGGFlbC5sFpzzuws5nZ6F3Kn7_tUpW6eM7mAU/s1600/IMG_2154.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I got lucky—the 1x3's fit right up next to the wine fridge perfectly so I didn't need to rip them down at all.<br /><br />For the top, I used a 1x2 secured to sides using pocket holes (my first project with my new Kreg Jig!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxCWEElIBlJqtfhtc3wfPxWW_souAHQa6UNCaAskpo4k2Ua1LrAsUtOn8NJBAFs2WGSnSB7ZNrXo-aaFpZ5F5nGmtoksDBbZpQhv31JpLFSAelKLr4FZZDWUDwk-OO9a_gV-6K0yXecSb/s1600/IMG_2155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxCWEElIBlJqtfhtc3wfPxWW_souAHQa6UNCaAskpo4k2Ua1LrAsUtOn8NJBAFs2WGSnSB7ZNrXo-aaFpZ5F5nGmtoksDBbZpQhv31JpLFSAelKLr4FZZDWUDwk-OO9a_gV-6K0yXecSb/s1600/IMG_2155.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's how it looks on the outside:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0jRtk45tkqUZhe86AjCNh0RebbZtTRWMAlNW1QvFMgnxi9sdao6v3xX_u2PtMovmgvjw-IHGzvD1FjgWyOMvjIjV7f3e3SaBtStCuM0vVavScYafNsWGirJ9ajCE_wTfXa_beOsTIX1H/s1600/IMG_2159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0jRtk45tkqUZhe86AjCNh0RebbZtTRWMAlNW1QvFMgnxi9sdao6v3xX_u2PtMovmgvjw-IHGzvD1FjgWyOMvjIjV7f3e3SaBtStCuM0vVavScYafNsWGirJ9ajCE_wTfXa_beOsTIX1H/s1600/IMG_2159.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next it was time to cover the exposed 2x4" toekick. I found these thin pieces of 8' toekick in the cabinet aisle at Lowe's:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/772515/772515373213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/772515/772515373213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I painted them white and nailed them up to the face of the 2x4"s:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEuK6qaf-AxOFGLB1B15Rj2kMivI5B6gO8ABLMkkD8wg_8AXVOcuBphyy051tgJVkbck5KsROT6SnI9crWQx1YRa_ePQ6u5N2iEArR6TtHCGUeAClJ-T2EbHVHPA2-J7n6Ps5pmPjYA-W/s1600/IMG_2162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEuK6qaf-AxOFGLB1B15Rj2kMivI5B6gO8ABLMkkD8wg_8AXVOcuBphyy051tgJVkbck5KsROT6SnI9crWQx1YRa_ePQ6u5N2iEArR6TtHCGUeAClJ-T2EbHVHPA2-J7n6Ps5pmPjYA-W/s1600/IMG_2162.jpg" /></a></div><br />On the side of the cabinets, we made sure the 2x4" was inset 3/8" from the cabinets so the toe kick could line up flush with the side:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmrcjLQIzERup2ObjwLSAVkMSTFAUEhkYOt6lU0246tF7rlaXJujV8jcJHqFanksZfFWwbXg5IMjs2iMelEprw_m0GVu5QPZtk1SDV5KqqJv60FtSAYJg-lxJt8fPCqgDH_s6Bt2BcLmL/s1600/IMG_2164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmrcjLQIzERup2ObjwLSAVkMSTFAUEhkYOt6lU0246tF7rlaXJujV8jcJHqFanksZfFWwbXg5IMjs2iMelEprw_m0GVu5QPZtk1SDV5KqqJv60FtSAYJg-lxJt8fPCqgDH_s6Bt2BcLmL/s1600/IMG_2164.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then it was time to move on to the counters.<br /><br /><br />I decided to go with 2x6" boards instead of stone because I love the rustic touch wood adds, and of course it's (by far) the most economical solution. <br /><br />It took just five boards to cover the surface, and so we wouldn't end up with 4 full boards and one sliver piece, my dad ripped down a couple inches off the width of two boards and alternated them between the three full pieces.<br /><br />The wood was really rough, so we made sure to go over it well with our electric sander.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmSTtxhsGGYsyuutRuYn5bMluBkKYjnYJL84D2CWcpj-UE_jZu6onLEFeNGzxKHFIedH507YQYC-PUp54iF2KQ2tBG8DHIa0xnqDX85RMXkHIgPUOf25xcqpvyuZiOPAB75j-dzeyl5r5/s1600/IMG_2160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmSTtxhsGGYsyuutRuYn5bMluBkKYjnYJL84D2CWcpj-UE_jZu6onLEFeNGzxKHFIedH507YQYC-PUp54iF2KQ2tBG8DHIa0xnqDX85RMXkHIgPUOf25xcqpvyuZiOPAB75j-dzeyl5r5/s1600/IMG_2160.jpg" /></a></div><br />My dad also beveled the corners of the two ripped down pieces so they would match the full boards (he's full of great ideas).<br /><br />After they were sanded and trimmed, I stained them (the same color as our ceiling beams, Minwax's Dark Walnut) and they were ready to go!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_OZL-xqpzoZnbGP8LyaBRG-mjAHuSxVm8efw99DXo3cW_5oD4iUr4fjKAqgMO6H71EcRRutAlvL8iPChda9CzzHzeEJxNBgHF38BTz258lFgyd_Rm6z7tYlVS5T5sBAxjt-dslZQZP6a/s1600/IMG_2186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_OZL-xqpzoZnbGP8LyaBRG-mjAHuSxVm8efw99DXo3cW_5oD4iUr4fjKAqgMO6H71EcRRutAlvL8iPChda9CzzHzeEJxNBgHF38BTz258lFgyd_Rm6z7tYlVS5T5sBAxjt-dslZQZP6a/s1600/IMG_2186.jpg" /></a></div><br />We had cut them all the same length, but after lining them up, we realized that the wall was at a slight angle so the boards didn't line up at the opposite end:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyFSyYNu5pqYiJ8I4DBFqYZw0ZN2lXQ03ARLQYjpeztYqvMgLPc8j4UPYNoKJQJh4XvwgS2nSS79-1Ds7ZAlOOYE1jqIbOYE3EAcTfJvH3_Ka6LJ3HGRbSos6YgpGQCKywg2blzlGL0H7/s1600/IMG_2166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyFSyYNu5pqYiJ8I4DBFqYZw0ZN2lXQ03ARLQYjpeztYqvMgLPc8j4UPYNoKJQJh4XvwgS2nSS79-1Ds7ZAlOOYE1jqIbOYE3EAcTfJvH3_Ka6LJ3HGRbSos6YgpGQCKywg2blzlGL0H7/s1600/IMG_2166.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Marking a straight line with a laser and trimming the edges off did the trick.<br /><br />Then we attached them to the cabinets one by one using a nail gun (no liquid nails or wood glue).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKMPmdiobMS3b15LACiS08gmviYdWiBDHXtcLQ-scW_gSqL41qUN5krpi6pV4XPeVXC9qUPqEfE-4haZgFTeF61btlVFk5dlOzqLJteMnL7_oig6ik_3WLHUwEqhqOBUPfHMUg_4l8LBX/s1600/IMG_2167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKMPmdiobMS3b15LACiS08gmviYdWiBDHXtcLQ-scW_gSqL41qUN5krpi6pV4XPeVXC9qUPqEfE-4haZgFTeF61btlVFk5dlOzqLJteMnL7_oig6ik_3WLHUwEqhqOBUPfHMUg_4l8LBX/s1600/IMG_2167.jpg" /></a></div><br />To protect against stains and spills, I sealed the wood with three coats of poly:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvu9MZQjPPJug5BUgGwRJ0Ovowc9mXfPpItEm6goV9CsovgU_WFDGEZUrQOBfVrqEvgoyw8iEwGPD55r4A7YSYA931qj21oF_K5iJzfBzfIHltZhOdou6JEaRxGt6b0ZmNqq4jsYxIjFit/s1600/IMG_2201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvu9MZQjPPJug5BUgGwRJ0Ovowc9mXfPpItEm6goV9CsovgU_WFDGEZUrQOBfVrqEvgoyw8iEwGPD55r4A7YSYA931qj21oF_K5iJzfBzfIHltZhOdou6JEaRxGt6b0ZmNqq4jsYxIjFit/s1600/IMG_2201.jpg" /></a></div><br />I chose matte over a glossy sheen to keep it looking as natural and rustic as possible. It goes on a milky white and dries clear.<br /><br />Looking sharp! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_YvzFHVgjPS7BBO9NhknyLpbnO5SA5X92xBiwrwCiUztyd_wsGn6tutHXPmgz9Hv0EommaAyfok7vaIwFZswuIBbQYCjlyaZ0qcAyqlZKkCHGQeUIXaK9B9kDzXf-PPjibyIcGp7OPo0/s1600/IMG_2187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_YvzFHVgjPS7BBO9NhknyLpbnO5SA5X92xBiwrwCiUztyd_wsGn6tutHXPmgz9Hv0EommaAyfok7vaIwFZswuIBbQYCjlyaZ0qcAyqlZKkCHGQeUIXaK9B9kDzXf-PPjibyIcGp7OPo0/s1600/IMG_2187.jpg" /></a></div><br />Finally, we installed the shelves and doors...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisA789oK4lnAr6RHFV0fPs5uZ88qTq_4QKuwYenqfsp3Woh8slapRTSzofAZkN7_spfyVAOykLJfvkmMsToF3besF8UuTCbvNJW_tzs1EwHqcOlgOzq-WZpof9cwxqKHbRMYptl_7fciot/s1600/IMG_2191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisA789oK4lnAr6RHFV0fPs5uZ88qTq_4QKuwYenqfsp3Woh8slapRTSzofAZkN7_spfyVAOykLJfvkmMsToF3besF8UuTCbvNJW_tzs1EwHqcOlgOzq-WZpof9cwxqKHbRMYptl_7fciot/s1600/IMG_2191.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then added hardware (the same knobs that we used in the rest of the kitchen):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_60I44zO43O4d_KytmQpWsPc31z-B_6kJNIiLQTuDgXByy5KJ7ejrgEdKOVVAM4i3shH6bG1jJ65F20g2zfbXAp_Q_NrMXyrs4DckXdV_JhVZhUZPkBxALBlqgfMqeSiisxVuDJn1LyZh/s1600/IMG_2195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_60I44zO43O4d_KytmQpWsPc31z-B_6kJNIiLQTuDgXByy5KJ7ejrgEdKOVVAM4i3shH6bG1jJ65F20g2zfbXAp_Q_NrMXyrs4DckXdV_JhVZhUZPkBxALBlqgfMqeSiisxVuDJn1LyZh/s1600/IMG_2195.jpg" /></a></div><br />Love, love, love the results.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79-P6dh7TDkl0pvPuwmr2SMwI7b91lXJWJnwCUgkmcI84R-kRMDRIepKcr3P_9RehUGdXCRel73u6Z_8sAI5yry9nrACTUYk8OSuPTXp6l49uEYbCe5av1bAbC6V_AKiaxXZV2CQc2oi_/s1600/IMG_2192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79-P6dh7TDkl0pvPuwmr2SMwI7b91lXJWJnwCUgkmcI84R-kRMDRIepKcr3P_9RehUGdXCRel73u6Z_8sAI5yry9nrACTUYk8OSuPTXp6l49uEYbCe5av1bAbC6V_AKiaxXZV2CQc2oi_/s1600/IMG_2192.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And the slightly different whites? Hardly noticeable at all. Whew.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9lSXiTBqIleEf29p0SgeNoZQxZEgNgClZacKIb-1ag1pxpO3BJIk0ijwj063e39cUJ3SoUtUL4zY1rv0FkNTXqRgKR2TcTGxaKX4aS2Qg50QPBNlK5tZFj-4MfNg5suEH35wHyP8HMqZ/s1600/IMG_2197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9lSXiTBqIleEf29p0SgeNoZQxZEgNgClZacKIb-1ag1pxpO3BJIk0ijwj063e39cUJ3SoUtUL4zY1rv0FkNTXqRgKR2TcTGxaKX4aS2Qg50QPBNlK5tZFj-4MfNg5suEH35wHyP8HMqZ/s1600/IMG_2197.jpg" /></a></div><br />Safeway was having a big wine sale so we stocked up yesterday!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD9bkEtJergSrstI-wvC0SfJ4s6-D4Eq86f2YOrPwmE3jFaGW6RgBjVr1QvtCa5_DDuTwa_cLlRA8IdZXJaR8WlOOlYC5XLuRtmOV5VHlVhvWzqKXFcXixkVMaIzraeb8qdkSoY0mxgjP/s1600/IMG_2210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD9bkEtJergSrstI-wvC0SfJ4s6-D4Eq86f2YOrPwmE3jFaGW6RgBjVr1QvtCa5_DDuTwa_cLlRA8IdZXJaR8WlOOlYC5XLuRtmOV5VHlVhvWzqKXFcXixkVMaIzraeb8qdkSoY0mxgjP/s1600/IMG_2210.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Once the window bench seating is in, we'll be able to put up all the trim on the plank wall so it will look a bit more finished.<br /><br />We picked out our stacked stone at Lowe's yesterday, so we just have to coordinate with our tile guy to finish the wall above it! Can't wait for that part...<br /><br />Now that we have the toe kick/cabinet installing process down, we should be able to knock out this bench seat in the next few days:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl1XH0d4VgqMUvYksKt05BU6A7Aj1zhImdszJsBDbuLvnQqK2AKg49n8eGfZvsICvdDdddqx_sTrlQ6FNc-GS91jeD6h0RMPs2WzUsYLs6Qwnz2cBfoSK2IXPO2GsjjOXV3cIHtER5Lgv/s1600/IMG_1567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl1XH0d4VgqMUvYksKt05BU6A7Aj1zhImdszJsBDbuLvnQqK2AKg49n8eGfZvsICvdDdddqx_sTrlQ6FNc-GS91jeD6h0RMPs2WzUsYLs6Qwnz2cBfoSK2IXPO2GsjjOXV3cIHtER5Lgv/s1600/IMG_1567.jpg" /></a></div><br />If all goes well, I'll have a post up for you Thursday with the results!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Kitchen Chronicles: Building a Bar

Happy Monday! It's after 8am here and just barely getting light outside—gotta love Daylight Savings. Longer days = more productivity! Sp...

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