Remember the movie starring Tom Hanks. It was the story of Apollo 13 flight that was going great until one of the engines for re entry caught fire and jeopardize their re entry back to earth. It took a lot of really smart people and prayers to fix the issue and allow them back to earth safely. It took thinking outside the box.
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| Well..... I hate a kitchen without natural light or a window. In this condo we have neither of these happening. Terry came home on Friday night and I said "hey you know how I hate the fact that it is so dark and gloomy with no natural light coming into the kitchen right?!!! I reminded him of how there is no air flow in this kitchen either. He had the look on his face like Yep I know what you are saying but what is this leading too!!!!! I said hey how about we moved the refrigerator back to where the new cabinet and microwave are now. Then we can.... wait for it!!! Bust open the wall and make the kitchen open concept to the living room and dining room! I was waiting for the WHAT?!!! Instead my man said yep you are right and that sounds like a good idea to make this kitchen function better. God I love this man!!!! |
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| The refrigerator was awkward sitting in this corner of the closed off kitchen. I looked so misplaced in the kitchen. The flow was not good. |
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| This wall was the problem. It was blocking all the natural light from coming into the kitchen. This house facing south so I get a lot of bright sunshine in the living room and dining room. Then you walk into the kitchen and it is like a cave. I have to have the lights on in there all the time. |
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| This opening was going to need to be made bigger. Excuse the mess in the kitchen. Everything had to be moved before demo started. I thought this is great. Terry is on board. He has the tools and we can do this. This is a load bearing wall but with all the ceiling work out in the hallway while they are doing repairs from the fire we could see their was a steel beam running across that was attached up in the attic. Yay no support posts....... So we thought! |
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| Then when we opened up the wall we found an old concrete filled steel support pole in the middle of the wall. I just wanted to cry. Why is that there if it is already being supported up in the attic. Terry figured it was probably put there years ago as extra support. Well there is no way that sucker can be taken out. Ugh!!! Now my open concept kitchen idea was becoming a blurrr... |
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| As the great quote went "Houston We Have A Problem" ran through my head. Ok! I do not have a team of scientist and astronauts like Apollo 13 had but I have Terry and his tools and some ideas that are running through my head. |
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| We accomplished letting light in this dark kitchen and air flow is accomplished. Now my challenge it to figure out how to make that pole look like part of the island we are going to make. That is my challenge and I have thought of a couple of different options. I hope we can make it work. I will show you that soon when we can finish up this project. I know a lot of you remember the Where's Waldo Books. In this picture today I have the "Where's Buddy ". Can you find the little photobomber! Can you find all the crap from the cabinet all over my dining room table too?!! |
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| Yep! there he is looking at me in the kitchen. Hey mom you are pretty close to my treats in there!! How about you get me one while you are right there?! I really really like treats! Ok back to my drawing board to come up with a way to cover that pole and make this pole part of the open concept and not an eyesore and disappointment. I will be back to show you the results soon. Have a great new week. Hugs, Kris |
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Girl!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Okay, I see that as a pretty wooden column with all the Krissy trimmings. You'll make it work. I have confidence in you! Ready, set, GO!
ReplyDeleteYep, that's a problem all right. I know you will come up with the perfect solution though. You got this!!
ReplyDelete~Des
I love how you opened up the room, but I'm clueless as to what to do! Can you encase it in a chippy white column of some sort? Are you going to anything fabulous to the back of the cabinet? I bet you will! I think it's so worth it even with the pole. I think it's made a huge difference! I love it already!
ReplyDeleteOk, first of all the photo of buddy peeking over the couch is hysterical! He just totally made my day!! Thank you!! Second, I think it looks amazing and open and bright and modern. Excellent choice, and even with the pole, I'm sure you'll find a way to box it out and decorate around it. It looks amazing already!!! xxxoo
ReplyDeleteIn this case I think I would rather count on Terry than Houston on my side. Can't wait to see what you turn this pole into - or you could take up dancing. Hahaha
ReplyDeleteYou amaze me! What a great idea and now you have light!
ReplyDeleteWhere is the microwave going to go?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will make it fabulous. Can't wait to see it all done.
ReplyDeleteI love the kitchen opened up. That's easy. I would place a beautiful white column around that post. Find yourself an antique one. It would be so you.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, with the refrigerator where it is now, does the rigt top door open all the way? It looks close to the door knob.
I agree with everyone, there will be a way to encase it somehow. Having that opened up is literally "night and day" gosh, it was so dark in there. Probably a good thing you didn't know about that pole beforehand because you might not have torn out that wall. It will work somehow. You two are geniuses!
ReplyDeleteHa Ha I spy Buddy on the couch. I really, really like the way it looks already. You're right, it totally opened up the kitchen and looks bigger and brighter. As for that pesky pole? Well I have no doubt you and Terry will come up with something clever. Can't wait to see what that is. I think Terry's next project needs to be making a pocket door by the refrigerator.
ReplyDeleteWe are actually replacing that door with one that opens to the right so the refrigerator doors will not hit the handle this way. We just have to wait on the door in the kitchen and the door in the front to come in. They are special order doors. So it is taking forever. have a good week.
DeleteOkay, this one looks like an easy solve in my mind (given Terry & his tools). I'd say it gives you a shopping mission for the best column cover and, while he's at it, Terry might as well extend that cabinet countertop and make yourselves a bar to eat at! That is, unless that chest that was on the other side still fits. Heck, even if it does still fit, I know this project isn't over by a long shot. Good job!
ReplyDeleteYour kitchen redo problem is in good hands! Taking down that wall made a world of difference. Cute picture of Buddy peering over the sofa! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI know you two will think of something wonderful!
ReplyDeleteOHHHHHH
ReplyDeleteToo much to discuss here but how about cladding the pole with wood,to make it look like a BEAM?
I love how this has changed the whole dynamic of the kitchen. But the pole? I can't begin to guess what you have in mind, but I'd surely bet on you and Terry to figure out a great solution!
ReplyDeleteI love the new look and it certainly brightened up the kitchen. I bet you can find a column that pulls it all together. Antique, chippy wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteOh bummer! But between you and Terry, y'all will come up with a good solution and make it look fabulous. The good thing is you've got air and light into your kitchen. I don't like dark, closed off spaces either. This will be so much better. Best of luck with the pole. Can't wait to see the solution!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Cecilia
PS
I found Buddy! So cute. :)
How about winding rope all around the pole to disguise it and make it blend in better, then adding a light to the pole? This would help you get even more light.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Great idea Kris! Some friends of ours had a basement they finished off and had one of those steel poles. The contractor framed it all out with wood sides and trim and it looked wonderful! Can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with!
ReplyDeleteY'all crack me up! Wall in the way? Whack! Gone! Lol! Love the open concept idea. I'm with you - don't like dark rooms! I hope you can find a solution to that support pole. Maybe box it out and make a skinny display shelf? Give Terry a bunch of dollar bills and learn how to dance on it? Could make for some interesting date nights! Lol! Can't wait to see the finished project! I'm sure it'll be creative and beautiful! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteOh I am not worried about this outcome at all my friend. You and Terry are the masters of fixing and working around an issue. So, I have no doubt you will blow me away again.
ReplyDeleteBuddy is another Dachshund boy after mt heart. He's so cute giving you the stare. I love that sweet face with the white coat that blends into the couch.
It's always sumpun' (Rosanna Dana)...out of the box thought...square post covered in your flooring? Keep the cabinet...great work space, add a stool to the outside...great visit spot or work station. Hugs, I know you will make it fabulous. Sandi
ReplyDeleteIf I might, I would suggest wall paper. You have to the back of your cabinet use the same paper on the pole. Designer trick when you can’t hide it, make it pretty. Your home is looking beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh my Heart! When I read the title my heart stopped. Or at least skipped a beat. I thought there was a medical problem, so glad it wasn't. And yes, I see Buddy peaking up from the sofa. Cute little photo bomber.
ReplyDelete*Smiles*
Oh, Kris, what are you going to do? I asked my super constructor, and he didn't know so we are waiting to find out. Whatever it is will be wonderful, I have no doubt. Speaking of wonderful, opening that wall made all the difference. What a sweet view now. A problem? Nothing is ever a problem with you two.. I love it and can't wait to see..Happy Tuesday..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was a wood column, but can't wait to see what you come up with. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteI l❤️❤️ved reading this.
ReplyDeleteWow, you two are brave and so so smart. (what do the neighbors think?)
Anyway, excellent getting rid of that wall!! Done!
The pole does not bother me.... does it bother you?
I know you will figure out something very creative.
You know in the grand scheme, this is not a problem
I adore your pup. I have two cornish rex kitties and they do ask for snacks. Every time they meow, they are really saying "snacks"
Oh hey! if you are really ambitious, you could extend the counter beyond that post, and then use it as a mug holder hahhahaahahahahahaha
ReplyDeleteJust go get a whole new island and counter top, something usable now that you have the space all around
The kitchen looks fabulous opened up. Sorry you found a steel pole, however it can be hidden by adding a column like everyone suggested. Looking forward to seeing the final result. xoxo
ReplyDeleteYour lives are always filled with adventure! I wonder if a previous owner had an open concept room but decided to close up the wall because of the pole?
ReplyDeleteLike others, I look forward to seeing your innovative way to redo this area.
Great idea opening up the wall, what a difference! I have no doubt that the Dynamic DIY Duo will come up with something fabulous for that post. Thanks for the chuckle this afternoon, Kris, I laughed out loud when I saw your adorable photobomber.
ReplyDeleteIt looks much better with more light! I think you and super Terry will find the solution. I am waiting to see what you finally did.
ReplyDeletelol..staying tuned. Love the openess..I know yall will do something beautiifully crative with that...and even if yall could cover it somehow to make it look like a column type as such..would be pretty. You two are miracle workers...your hub sure is easy/peasy. :0) love it. Thanks for sharing..again..staying tuned..
ReplyDeleteI do like openness as well, I understand why you decided to do it. I can already tell the light difference.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to what you two come up with. :-)
"Hi" to sweet Buddy!!!
What a brilliant idea Kris! As for the problem with that pole - I have absolutely no worries at all. I just know that you and Terry will come up with a great solution, which no doubt will make the finished project look even better. Poor Buddy, just when he thought that all the upheaval was over - bless him xoxo
ReplyDeleteHey Kris,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your dilemma but even if you had to make a fake wall to go there it still lets in a lot more light than before. That is a bummer, but if anyone can figure out how to make it look great, it would be you and Terry. Buddy is so cute. Praying yall find an awesome solution.
Blessings, Nellie
I like the new open space. Give a nod to "industrial" and paint it. It would make a great post for posting.
ReplyDeleteHere's an idea. I'm sure your hero can work out the details. If he trimmed out the column with a square trimmed wood over the round one, you could put a pot rack in that section. Maybe you're not a pot rack person, but I truly love them with a vintage look like you have. Just that little bit of extra light you got from the portion of the wall removed makes all the difference!
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative. There is time during the day to think up projects for our spouses. I'm always thinking of stuff for Bill to do. I like the solution that you came up with.
ReplyDeleteKris,
ReplyDeleteLove your idea and I can see the difference it made..That is the story of my life though, living in a dark house with all the lights on because of it being a townhouse and having small windows...But I have embraced it and made it work of me as i do love all my ambient lighting...Since I am playing catch up, looking froward to seeing how this turns out!!
Hugs,
Deb
We had the SAME THING here, Kris, at the condo. We ended up boxing it in and making it the end of the peninsula. We put countertop p to it and around and extended it a bit beyond it into the dining area so there is an overhang and gives me a nice wide 'island'. Good luck. It is always a crap shoot when you start these older places. lol. Thank God you have Terry and His Tools. I think you should start a new blog called Terry and His Tools...or Terry The Toolman. Just think of the women followers you would get there! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteWow! Somehow I totally missed this post, Kris. Now I get what you were writing about when you mentioned opening up your kitchen. It helps to catch up! LOL You and Terry make a great team. But, I'm pretty sure I've already said that. Hugs.
ReplyDelete