OUR 1966 KITCHEN RENO
Guys, OUR KITCHEN IS DONE!!! We’ve lived in this house for over 6 years and up until a few months ago we changed almost every room in the house…except for our kitchen.
I’ve been dreaming about the kitchen reno for a looong time. Originally we were going to gut the whole thing and put Ikea cabinets in but then we realized that this home is just too small to be our forever home. So we scrapped the original idea and instead opted for a more budget friendly remodel!
I’m thrilled with how it turned out. We did everything ourselves (except for installing the countertop + plumbing.)
But before we talk about it, can we check out how it used to look?
What a difference hey!!?
Here’s what changed in the space:
Lighting, counters, backsplash, floor, appliances, sink + faucet, cabinets painted + new hardware.
It was A LOT of work but it was manageable and so worth it!
Now I’ll walk you through all the details! I will be doing a separate post on refinishing + painting the cabinets as that but fyi the colour we used for the cabinets was Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore and here is the link to the hardware (affiliate link).
THE SINK
Hello dream sink. Seriously, our new sink from Blanco is my favourite part of the reno. I finally have a sink big enough to bathe my baby in it and I’m totally ok with doing dishes!!!
We went with the Precis U Super Single and are sooo happy with it. It’s made of Silgranit, it’s durable, so easy to clean and sooooo pretty.
I love the look of the recessed sink but Blanco has some beautiful Farmhouse ones too if that’s more your style.
Because our kitchen is quite small, we went with a low profile faucet and it’s I’m so happy with it. It’s the Alta faucet and it has a pull out powerful sprayer which makes washing dishes so much easier. Also, it’s so great for cleaning the sink!
Another great feature that Blanco has is their drying rack that goes in the sink. I absolutely love how you don’t have to take up counter space to dry the dishes! Thank you Blanco Canada for partnering with us!
THE COUNTERTOPS
Our countertops were done by New Life Stone Works in Victoria, BC and I highly recommend them! Mathew was so great to work with and did an amazing job installing them.
The exact stone we went with was Omnia Quartz Bianco Gioia and I love it. Goodbye 1966 laminate, I will NOT miss you ha.
FLOORS
I wish I had more details but all I have is that they were glue down vinyl tiles. They were $150 off Marketplace and James had to drive an hour to get them but we’re happy with them. Not my dream floor but I think they look great here and you can’t beat $150!!
BACKSPLASH
We went with a simple backsplash from Home Depot. Originally I thought James got the 3 x 6 but he went with 4 x 12. I would have loved to do stacked but he thought because we were going to move eventually, we should do a classic pattern and I agree but our next house is getting STACKED!
So there you have it, our 1966 Kitchen reno. Let me know through instagram if you have any questions or need any other links!
And watch out soon for the cabinet post!!
xo, Laura
WHAT WE REALLY THINK OF OUR POLYSLEEP MATTRESS
Fun fact about my husband and I. We’ve been sleeping on a double since we got married. YES. We slept on a double through not one but TWO of my pregnancies. We thought we would sleep on a double for life but as all you married people know, the honeymoon season fades and even though you loooove your husband, you also looooooove personal space when you sleep :p
So we upgraded to a queen!! We went with Polysleep and I’m so so glad!
This post is in partnership with Polysleep but all opinions expressed are my own.
Fun fact about my husband and I. We’ve been sleeping on a double since we got married. YES. We slept on a double through not one but TWO of my pregnancies. We thought we would sleep on a double for life but as all you married people know, the honeymoon season fades and even though you loooove your husband, you also looooooove personal space when you sleep :p
So we upgraded to a queen!! We went with Polysleep and I’m so so glad!
THE MATTRESS:
Polysleep is 100% Canadian made mattress. It ships directly to your door in a box! It’s a pretty fun process to take it out and see it take shape. Our kids loved playing on it. The top layer is made of antimicrobial hybrid foam so it conforms to your body to identify and help relieve pressure points. It also helps regulate your body temperature!
OUR THOUGHTS:
So funny story…James was sooo skeptical when we first received the mattress!! He loved our old set-up (even though it was a double) and was not looking forward to trying a new mattress! They do warn you that it takes about 2 weeks for your body to get used to sleeping on the mattress. James’ body adjusted quicker and he loved it and then after about 2 weeks I started to love it as well.
Polysleep has an amazing 100 day trial where if you sleep on it for 100 days and don’t love it, you can get your money back!
We’ve been sleeping on it for over a month now and we are IN LOVE. It honestly is sooo comfy yet firm enough for our bad backs. I 100% recommend this mattress! And it’s Luca and London approved too!
LONDON'S ROSE GOLD NURSERY
London's nursery is finally finished and it is my most favourite room in the house. Because she came fashionably late (you can read her birth story here!) I had lots of time to put finishing touches on it.....but it wasn't finally complete until months later of course!
London's nursery is finally finished and it is my most favourite room in the house. Because she came fashionably late (you can read her birth story here!) I had lots of time to put finishing touches on it.....but it wasn't finally complete until months later of course!
If you're wondering why we look a bit glistening in these photos, it's because the shoot was done on the hottest day of the year!! HA! The lighting is perfect RIGHT at London's bedtime so she was a bit of a sweaty mess but a good sport.
ROOM DETAILS:
Rug: The amazing rug is by Lorena Canals. All of their rugs are MACHINE WASHABLE. Yes, you heard me. When your baby poops or cat pukes or vice versa you can pop it into your washing machine. They also have a beautiful social mission. For every purchase of one of their rugs, you help a child in India attend school.
Unicorn Head: We purchased this one here while we were in NYC! So glad we got it.
Wall Bookshelf & Arm Chair: Ikea.
Wall Art Above Crib: DIY
Heart Decals: From Walmart but these ones are similar!
Changing Pad Cover: You can find it here.
Somebody donated the crib and dresser to us and we picked up the change table on a buy + sell site!
OUTFIT DETAILS:
ME: My shirt is from Pink Blush. I wore a ton of their clothes during maternity and was so happy to find out that they make non-maternity as well! I've been eyeing up more of their tops because I'm in need of some back to work clothes and I have so many in my shopping basket, ha! Here is the link to my shirt I'm wearing!
London: Still squeezing into this romper!
Her room is one of my favourites in the house. It's so peaceful and I can't wait to see it transform as my little girl grows up. I can't believe she'll be one in two short months!!!
Huge thanks to Rachael Alexandra for shooting these photos in the crazy heat!!
XO,
Laura
AMAZON.CA PRIME DAY DEALS
Prime Days are finally here and I've rounded up my favourites from amazon.ca !!
This post contains affiliate links.
Prime Days are finally here and I've rounded up my favourites from amazon.ca !!
1. INSTANT POT! If you do not have an Instant Pot you need to get one! It honestly will revolutionize your cooking and everything tastes sooo amazing!!! It's on for $99!!!
2. BLENDTEC BLENDER- On for $319 from $549!! I've heard amazing things about this blender! I keep praying our blender dies so I can buy a new one lols.
3. DIONO CARSEAT- Diono Carseats are amazing and this one is down from $450 to $286!!! Smoking deal for anyone who needs a carseat!!
4. BOON PLATES- These are in my cart for checkout! I looove baby plates that make it hard for them to throw on the floor, ha!
5. LIGHTBOX LETTER SIGN- This is only $23!! It's in my cart today.
6. KITCHENAID MIXER- My Kitchenaid is my favourite wedding gift. I still use it mulitiple times a week and it is in pristine condition. These babies are built to last!! This one is down from $689 to $329.
7. WHITENOISE- I've heard amazing things about this white noise and it's on for $19.99!! If you are having a baby, this is a MUST.
8. HAPE TODDLER ACTIVITY BOX- I love Hape toys and this one is a great deal!
9. BOB STROLLER- I love my Bumbleride but I know people who have BOBS just LOVE THEM! This is a great running stroller too!
10. VEGGIE SPIRALIZER- I've been wanting to get one of these for a long time!! It's on for $23!!
11. CLARISONIC FACIAL CLEANER- The original is on sale for $109! I still have mine that I purchased before I was married, so at least 6 years old and works perfectly. It's the best way to wash your face!
Have you found some good Prime Day Deals? Let me know in the comments!!
XO, Laura
WHAT'S ON OUR SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST
You guys...SPRING IS ALMOST HERE!!!! We've had a late-ish winter for us up here as our daffodils are just starting to bloom (they usually start blooming in early February!)
With Spring just around the corner, I started to make a Spring Bucket List (which I'll share in a couple weeks) and believe it, or not, SPRING CLEANING is on that list.
You guys...SPRING IS ALMOST HERE!!!! We've had a late-ish winter for us up here as our daffodils are just starting to bloom (they usually start blooming in early February!)
With Spring just around the corner, I started to make a Spring Bucket List (which I'll share in a couple weeks) and believe it, or not, SPRING CLEANING is on that list.
I don't think I've ever in my life done Spring cleaning but this year I'm not pregnant or working so I have lots of energy AND my new favourite cleaning tool.
We picked up The Libman Company's Microfiber Wet + Dry Mop. I'm loving this mop because I can use it wet or dry. I ran it through our house and it picked up waaaay too much of my hair #postpartumproblems ha. Another reason I love it is because it's machine washable...less waste yaaaay! We got ours at our local Canadian Tire.
We also love the The Tornado Mop! Mopping all floors is a MUST for Spring Cleaning!
And ps. if you sign up for The Libman Company's email list, you'll get a coupon to save you $3!
pss. can we talk about how amazing Luca's expression is :D
As mentioned before, I really want to organize my house this Spring. I'm on maternity leave until October so I want to get on top of everything before I go back to work. I'm talking about implementing systems...systems people! I may be setting myself up with too high of expectations but here is our spring cleaning list...
OUR SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST
- Clean + organize toys (Need to put away some small things that London could choke on as she's getting mobile!!!)
- Organize built in cabinets (also shoot our built ins finally now that the sun is coming out!!)
- Clean and organize kitchen food cupboards
- Finish London's room (decals up, closet organized)
- Clean and organize linen closet
- Wash all windows and window ledges (probably my least favourite thing ever)
- Wash all floors and baseboards
- Order prints + frames for our bedroom and organize dresser
- Clean out gutters (James' job, ha)
- Plan out vegetable garden
I'm also trying to give myself grace too and finding ways to get Luca involved on the cleaning. He likes to be a part of everrrrrything I do. So I'm on a mission to get him involved instead of me being annoyed with him getting into what I'm doing. Parents, send me your tips!
I'd love to know if you do Spring Cleaning in your household and if so, what projects do you tackle? Let me know in the comments!
XO,
Laura