The Blog — The Grit and Polish

Our Final Farmhouse Kitchen Floor Plan (And How We Made the Decision)

Sometimes it takes being away from home to really give you clarity about your home. At least that’s what Garrett and I found while on our recent 3-week road trip.

We spent hours (and hours, and hours…) in the car. A couple of those hours were spent talking about our home and upcoming kitchen renovation. But most of the time, we didn’t even think about our Farmhouse. We were too focused on our family, where we should stop next, and having fun.

And all that non-thinking-about-our-home turned out to be gloriously freeing and enlightening. By the time we got home, both Garrett and I knew exactly what we wanted to do with our kitchen. And I think our choice will surprise you, because it certainly surprised me!

The Farmhouse, RemodelsCathyApril 4, 2019farmhouse kitchen reno Comments

Kitchen Design Ideas // Deconstructed Kitchens

I’ve been drawn to deconstructed kitchens lately. I’m not sure that’s the right term, but it’s what I call these simple, open, handcrafted kitchens. There’s a lot of warmth in these spaces. A lot of natural materials, neutral colors, and honed finishes. Traditional cabinets are optional but an airy feel is a must.

RemodelsCathyMarch 28, 2019interior design, Kitchen, kitchen resources Comments

A Bathroom Remodel For Under $1000 at the Dexter House

Back in 2016, we remodeled the original bathroom at the Dexter House for under $1000. Yes, $1000. Somehow I’ve avoided showing you this space for the better part of 3 years, despite knowing these are the kind of makeovers you guys usually love. So today I’m finally sharing how we updated this bathroom on such a small budget.

8 Great Neutral Cabinet Colors for kitchens

Ever since I started dreaming about the Farmhouse kitchen renovation (as in the the day we moved in 😉), I’ve imagined a neutral cabinet color. Something light but off-white and with a hint of color to it. But finding that perfect neutral color for a kitchen can be so hard.

RemodelsCathyFebruary 18, 2019farmhouse kitchen reno Comments

DIY // How to Install Shaker Pegs

a simple DIY tutorial on how to install shaker pegs (or wood dowels) like we’ve done on kitchen shelves and atop wainscot molding

DIYs, RemodelsCathyFebruary 7, 2019 Comments

Dexter House Kitchen // It's (finally) 100% Done!

We renovated the Dexter House kitchen over 3 years ago, but left it at 95% done. Sure we planned to finish the last 5%. But then life got in the way. There was a new baby and a move and then another house to renovate and another baby and…well you get the idea. The Dexter kitchen was ‘good enough’, so it just kinda slipped from our radar.

The Dexter House, RemodelsCathyJanuary 31, 2019Kitchen, reveal, Dexter Kitchen, dexter kitchen Comments

Dexter House Kitchen // How to Make a New Faucet the Centerpiece of a Kitchen

One of the major projects we wanted to tackle at the Dexter House kitchen earlier this month was replacing the faucet. It’s funny to call a project that takes an hour major, but a new faucet can certainly feel major. It’s the most frequently used item in the most frequently used room in a home and a good one will change your life. Or at least the dishes 😉

The Dexter House, DIYs, RemodelsCathyJanuary 28, 2019dexter kitchen, DIY Comments