Cherry Countertop: I didn't want a typical mitred corner. I decided to butt the corners. I didn't realize I would end up with a offset look. So, I etched a knife cut, sanded it, stained the main countertop with two coats and the corner blocks with three coats of stain. Voila!!
Window Valance: There were only two things she liked about her old kitchen, the old light, which I re-used, and thirteen feet of chair railing handcarved by her father who is a artist. She asked me what I would do with the carving. I told her I would make window valances out of it. She said she would never cut it. As you can see she gave in eventually. They look great.
Fireplace: I sketched out the bee hive fireplace on her chimney. This was done by eliminating the fireplace in the basement.
New fireplace & cabinetry with desk. The hanging light was recycled from the old kitchen
Gift: The highlight of the job. The owner wanted to install a oval window to let light in a dark corner by the back door. The Historic Society would not let her change the outside of her home. I suggested we remove the wood panels from the upper part of the door and install glass. This would let the light in from the rear hall entry door which was half glass. What the owner didn't know was that I would copy her father's oak leaf/acorn design. This was the first time I had sandblasted glass. When I showed her she broke into tears.
Range Hood. The owner had these tiles she bought in Cape Cod. She wanted to use them for a backsplash. I said give them to me, I'll make something with them. They worked perfectly.