we interrupt…
We interrupt our normal interruptions to bring you a new kitchen. (Normal interruptions, which will include food, will resume tomorrow.)
Long dreamed-of, our kitchen is here.
Pots are bubbling, freezer’s making ice, spices sprinkling, soapstone’s silky, cookies in the oven, mama’s smiling big.
a welcome-back-to-the-kitchen gift from spree’s Grateful Guinea Pig
So many of you good people have offered encouragement these past few months while we went through a fairly major renovation at our house. Some of you spoke from multiple experiences of your own. Your kind words have meant so much to me! I’ve held and replayed them in my mind on the most discouraging of days (and there were a few of those.) Many of you have asked for a peek into the newly remodeled kitchen – how could I possibly say no when you’ve brightened so many of my days?
We were able to save our cabinets and simply have them re-finished. We attached new pulls on drawers and cupboards.
We replaced our gas cooktop (who does that?!) with induction. It’s hiding over there under the rooster. Love it! Induction is wow, amazing, and since it’s fairly new technology and not all that widely-known, I plan to tell you a bit about it in another post. (I’ll feed you too.)
We replaced sinks and faucets. 
The button on the counter above? It replaces another that had been situated on the cabinet to the side. It was one that everyone’s hip accidentally bumped to start the garbage disposal.
sil-granite sinks – made of granite dust & silicone they’re durable, virtually heat & scratch-proof, quick-drying & easy easy care
We replaced a 23-year-old fridge with one spacious and light, so that fruits and vegetables no longer go there to die.
Have I already mentioned to you that we replaced our old countertops with soapstone? I want to warn anyone out there considering them – they will scratch. (Well, more precisely I mean, you can scratch them – even as careful as you are.) BUT, much to their credit, they are smooth and silky as baby skin (for those of you tactile like me – you’ll spend a ridiculous amount of time petting them at first .) And because of their satiny finish, light doesn’t glare off them. They’re very very easy on the eyes! And have I mentioned they’re fun to pet?
So what haven’t I shown you or told you about? I think that about covers it. Except something you would have guessed anyway – it is such a joy to be back in the kitchen. A lot of interruptions still, and dust, because our bathrooms are more than a week away from being complete. But this is the heart of the home…the place where we prepare the food that becomes love put on the table…
♥
savoy cabbage on soapstone…look for an Indian-inspired recipe next week, and salmon on a cedar plank tomorrow.
Thanks for sharing in the journey with me and for your thoughtfulness & patience along the dusty way. And Brydie! (City Hippy Farm Girl) Thank you for the kangaroo cookie cutter from down under! Look to see Joey’s jumping off the platter here one day soon!
love, spree
cooking-spree 
Congratulations!
Everything looks amazing Ani and after all that time and work it must feel extra sweet to be back in the kitchen 🙂
I really can’t wait for all the amazing creations that will come out of that beautiful kitchen
Sawsan, thank you. Yes it does feel so “extra sweet” as you say. There’s quite the benefit to waiting it seems. Our appreciation is so much greater!
How grand! And how great to see the place that all your wonderful recipes are created.
Congratulations, and enjoy your new kitchen in good health.
Ronnie, thanks! You know of course when I’m at work in this kitchen, I can make quite the mess! 🙂 Someday I may have to show you.
The kitchen looks great and I love your countertops. Yes, soapstone does get scratches but they can be sanded out.
Yes, thank goodness! Our home is sort of European lodge style… comfortable, open, relaxed…and the soapstone just had a feel that seemed so right. It requires a bit more attention but I don’t regret it for a second.
Wow, Spree! This certainly was worth whatever inconvenience(s) you experienced. This is truly a dream kitchen, one that you are sure to enjoy for many years to come. Congratulations!
Thanks John so much. It’s not everyone’s dream, but it’s sure ours. It really is a joy to work (play) in. Now! Some of your homemade pasta! At last!
It only begs to be filled with friends now! And if you, friend, are ever in Portland, you have a standing invitation to dinner!
That is very kind of you, Spree. If ever I find myself in Portlandia, I’d be thrilled to meet you. And, of course, the same holds should you find yourself in ChiTown.
We get to Chicago (home of my favorite baseball team!) every few years or so. I’ll be sure and reach out when we do! 🙂 Thanks!
Gorgeous! Enjoy it!
Ahh, we will! Thanks so much!
That’s a really lovely kitchen, Spree. I think I prefer the more rustic kitchen, but I can imagine this must be a joy to cook in. I particularly like the little island in the centre.
I like rustic too Nick. And I love old world (Fact is, I like lots of styles.) We moved into a home though with its own architecture and character, so in everything we’ve done, we’ve tried to be respectful of that. (Our kitchen looks quite a bit warmer and with more character than it does in the photos…not making excuses mind you…just speaking up for her, because she really is prettier than a picture.)
Perfect!!Just like you! Congratulations!!
MariAnna, thank you, come have tea!
Mama, these photos are lovely, but the kitchen in the flesh is truly something to behold — and to pet. And I do love your accessories in person, which bring such wonderful personality and warmth.
It was a joy to share that space with you recently, and it will be wonderful to delight in the years to come with all the yumminess that comes from that place of love. Congrats on the kitchen! The end is near.
Thanks Ashley…she really didn’t photograph as pretty as she is, which is too bad…but only for a few minutes … and then I’m off again to pet my counters and bake crisps of stone fruit! 🙂
Congratulations on your new kitchen! It is so important to have a beautiful and very equipped kitchen to come up with delicious treats such as the ones you prepare! Enjoy!
Ambrosiana, thank you so much! I’m with you on good tools. We don’t need a lot of space…we don’t need gorgeous, state-of-the-art…simple and good will do the job if there’s heart in it!
(Our kitchen was in need of some TLC, and she’s very happy now. And anxious for cooking, and laughter and big messes! 🙂 We’ll give them all to her!)
I appreciate you sharing your kitchen renovation since we are getting a new one next year when we move out!
Wait! You’re moving FROM a place you’re renovating? Planning on selling then? It’s not been the easiest thing to LIVE through and around, but even so, worth every inconvenience! I wish you such luck !
We are moving to a new appartment and we are building a new kitchen from scratch! It is interesting to read experiences from others who are renovating or/and getting new kitchens!
Oh how FUN! I look forward to seeing what comes of this for you…if you decide to share!
Of course I will! 🙂
What can I say.. I’m totally in love with your new “digs”:D The soap stone is a favorite of mine.. and I love your cupboards. I love the texturing/grain of your cupboard doors too. I have sold a house with convection and a new set of pots was their gift. I’m sure you’ll find some beautiful ones to go with your kitchen. I think the soap stone’s non-reflective qualities should make it a snap to photograph all of the beautiful new dishes you create in this kitchen. Finally.. I ❤ your apron.. what gift could be more perfect. (Grateful Guinea Pig… way to go!!) I'm so happy to have you back and contented in your new fab kitchen, spree!! xx Smidge
Thank you so much for that Smidge! Your words are some of those I treasured most through this process and I’m doubly happy to be back in your sweet good company again! (So happy you like the soapstone! She’s pretty, huh? 🙂 ) xxoo come visit us!!
Could I *be* more thrilled for you??? NO, I could not!!! What a beauty. A beautiful kitchen for my beautiful friend! I am so delighted I can’t begin to say. It’s clearly spectacular–full of many materials, textures, colors and features I find fabulous–and will get put to the very sweetest uses in your loving hands. I’m so excited to see what’s ahead. Exquisite adventures, to be sure. Endless joy to you, lovely Antoinette!
xoxoxo
Kathryn
You certainly do know how to share in JOY dear Kathryn!! Like few others! Thank you so very much for that! I treasure your friendship. 🙂 xo
Congratulations! That must feel so great. I can’t wait to see what you cook up next! And that is my favorite cabbage glam shot ever. 🙂
Cabbage glam…ooo it is isn’t it? That wrap just dropping off the shoulder…:)
Beautiful kitchen still lives. I spent a lot of time doing shooting pictures for the big kitchen manufacturers in Europe and I’ve got to tell you that your pics would cut it. Nice one.
wow…thanks so much Roger. really good to hear! 🙂
Lovely, lovely Spree! Jeez, you must be so relived that part is over. I often dream of how I would design my ideal kitchen… funnily enough it doesn’t come with all the dust and inconvenience though!
Glad skippy got there, and enjoy being back in your space.
xx
Ask me in 2 weeks if I remember the dust and I may be saying, “Just barely.” (well, ask in 6 months.) I do absolutely think it’s worth it in the end though…but maybe not with little ones underfoot. 🙂 Thanks again for Skippy Brydie! You’re such a doll!
Wonderful news to hear and see you back in your shiny and tactle new kitchen! It’s precious when it’s just finished isn’t it – you stand back and admire and smile and as you say run your hand along the counter worktops, try out the new handles on the cupboards and flick the tap on and off at will! Fun, fun, fun!
and now the party has started I’m looking forward to Indian flavoured caluiflower, you know I love Indian flavours, so I’m sitting ready and waiting with my knife and fork 🙂
You’re so right Claire. It’s just as you say. Even though it’s been coming along for some time, in the end it still manages to be a wonderment! 🙂 It’s always so good to read your comments!
Thank you for sharing Ani! What a lovely, lovely new kitchen to prepare wonderful food and exquisite photos of your delicious creations! Bon Apetit’ Love you, kell
Thank you so much, my sweet friend! Love you too!
You are seriously an artist!!
I love this photos, and your new kitchen.
Pablo, so kind of you! I can hardly tell you how fun it is to cook in this kitchen…but then again, cooking on a camp stove is fun for me! 🙂
Simply Beautiful – thanks for sharing!
Thank You so much for commenting! 🙂
Congratulations on your beautiful new kitchen! What a beautiful setting to express your love of cooking, and your love for those for whom you cook. The soapstone counters are truly beautiful … what a joy it will be to trail your hand long them each time you come into the room. Enjoy every minute! I’m looking forward to seeing the recipes this space inspires.
Thank you so much Mar! (you said it perfectly when you commented about “trailing my hands over the counters” every time I walk into (and out of) the room! It’s crazy! I wonder if I’ll ever get over it! I’m kind of hoping not. 🙂
Congrats Spree! This is surely got to be one of the most rewarding experiences – and the final result is just breathtaking! I was fortunate to experience my own reveal almost 4 years ago and remember the process (and the elation) well. Enjoy my friend! 🙂 xox
You know well…being able to stay in a home you’re happy in and yet get a brand new kitchen is Such a gift! Elation perfectly describes it! Lovely picturing you and your family in France right now! 😉 xox
Wow! It looks enormous and drop dead gorgeous when are you doing workshops? Those work tops really appeal and I love those sinks, never seen them before. What a lucky girl you are, it will be such a joy to for you to spend creative time there, thank you for sharing:)
Well, you know what a wide-angled lens will do. 🙂 but it’s good size for sure…lots of room for friends to gather and cook and sip together! Hope you’ll join us one day Lesley!
Me too, next time we are in Oregon I will be tapping on your door 🙂
just wow!
Love, love, love it! Oh, happy day!
Happy indeed! Thanks luv!
Oh gorgeous! And spacious… and I’m sure well planned out. 2 sinks are great. I’d love to see more pics around the other side too. I could easily have all soapstone- love that too. I’ve got some just on a baking counter and would potentially cover counters as well. Look forward to upcoming reports.
Big pats on everybody’s shoulders. 🙂
PS – Love your gift- is that a chef coat?