Okay, friends, it’s time for “The Big Reveal.” Yes, other than some touch-up paint work and a handful of replacement cabinet doors (factory problem, not the carpenter), the epic kitchen remodel is a wrap. Done. Finished. Complete. Put to bed. History.

So today, as promised,  I’m sharing pictures. A few “before,” a couple of “demolition,” and a few “today.”

Some people buy jewelry for their spouse; some guys hanker for a new car; Rebekah built me a phenomenal, state-of-the-art kitchen!

OLD to NEW: What’s even more interesting than the pictures, I believe, is the process. We purchased this house in August of 2013, with the understanding that we’d be making a lot of changes. When we moved to Brandon (1996) we had similar ideas – but didn’t get any serious work done until around 2009; this time we knew coming in we weren’t going to wait that long.

I knew I didn’t like this kitchen (dark cabinets, laminate floors, soffits, in-the-way island, zero lighting…) and I totally loved the amazing space we built in Brandon – for the new owner! (click here if you want to see a photo of the Brandon kitchen); but I had no idea what to do. Rebekah, however, has the ability – and the vision – to see things clearly and in a whole new light.

The design is one hundred percent Rebekah (as was Brandon), and it completely blows away anything I could have possibly imagined. She even installed the hand-made Italian tile backsplash, and fabricated the salvaged barn-boards into open shelving.

Light; color; architectural salvage; cabinets to the ceiling; appropriate use of space; eat in counter; sleek, Euro-styled cabinetry; solid granite counters; hardwood floors; and no more popcorn ceiling (did anyone ever like popcorn ceilings?).

So this (right) is the “after” shot to go with the “before” photograph above left. I’ll include a full set in the slide show below.

• I have to give kudos to our contractor, Wayne Moore, who supervised the endless parade of trade specialists coming and going.
• And I also have to say how thankful I am that this is coming to an end! I’m more than ready to launch my next book-length writing project

A few of you have asked for plans/drawings. I’ll do my best. But for the time being just browse this set of pictures. It’ll give you a good idea of what becomes possible when you combine vision, imagination, and a great eye for design.

So now I’m inspired – and this is my only faith-related observation in today’s post – to apply the same kind of creativity and craftsmanship to the way I live out my life as a disciple of Jesus.

Peace and blessings – always – DEREK