I'm not the one who needs the straight jacket!

I think it's all of the wonderful people I have been working with on this kitchen (now main floor, stairs and hallway) reno.   I'm sure I've been driving them all nuts with my indecision, plan changing, generally neurotic tendencies and they will be in need of the padded walls and straight jacket.  Here are my guys Todd, Dave, Josh and Scott - you may have also seen them on Leave it to Bryan. They are contractor superstars! 

Funny, it's SOOOO much harder to design your own space.  I think it might be a case of knowing too much about all of the amazing products out there and having a hard time choosing one?  Who knows...I just know I'm so much better with someone other than myself as a client!  But, you'll be relieved to know I have made a lot of final decisions and they are all getting installed as I write.

For example, I've picked my floor.   I went with Marmoleum Click in 1' x 3' sheets from E-Floor in a black and grey stripe pattern.  My husband installed it and we are thrilled with the results.  

 

It didn't start out well - after four sheets and about a thousand cuss words he smashed his thumb.  It ended up swelling so much he had to go to the hospital and have the nail pierced and the blood drained.  Important thing to remember from this: Nails don't feel pain, so it's not nearly as bad as it sounds!  I must add that I was a great supportive help through the whole thing - I kept reminding him that there were children on either side of our house, not to mention our own, and dropping the F-bomb as often as he did was TOTALLY inappropriate.  For those of you who know me, you are probably thinking I will be struck by lightening for saying this.  Might I remind you - I am very aware of the right time and place for swearing (mostly!).

We've also got a backsplash that's up, just not grouted.  It will be soon though - right Todd?  I'd also like to say a a special thank you to John at Beyond Tile & Stone who has been driven particularly nuts by me, but hasn't said a word about it (at least to me).  Such restraint!  And so helpful!

 

And hardware - done!  Went with two types from Lee Valley Tools and you couldn't beat the price.  I know it's great to splurge on hardware, but, I think this stuff just looks like I splurged.

And fabric for the roman blind - I received it today!  Here's a sneak peak before it's made:

 

And lights...I'll wait to show you those in the big reveal.  Some of them won't make sense until you see it all pulled together.  My electrician Paul from RK Electric is questioning my design ability after seeing one of my choices, but, that's okay.  I'm used to being second guessed, and he usually comes around after it's all installed. He also deserves a huge thank you after re-wiring almost my entire house unexpectedly.  Who knew knob and tube would be rampant throughout my house?  Well, I did, but was hoping for the best.  

That's it for now.  Can't wait to share the final reveal with you.  It won't be long now.  Floor, cabinets, some counter and backsplash installed, it's only a matter of days now.   So grateful for my new kitchen and all the people that helped make it happen.  But, the biggest thank you goes to my husband.   We couldn't have done it without all of your hard work, injury and swearing!