I live in my kitchen - out of enjoyment, out of necessity - it's what I do. We have now lived in our c.1928 home for 24 years. I have made some minor changes to my kitchen (necessary) and improvements (again, necessary) to keep it a working kitchen. I have, however, never designed a kitchen that is my kitchen, my vision of a kitchen, a kitchen that functions for me in the way I need it to function. I have very little counter space. If it were not for the stainless steel table I had made 16 years ago, I honestly don't think I'd be baking as much as I do. It would be virtually impossible (or at least a formidable challenge) to roll the amount of pastry I do. I think you know where this is heading... I am finally taking the steps to full-fill my dream of designing and installing "My Kitchen". With the generous, creative, and so-GREATLY appreciated help of my friend Kathy Olmstead, an architect with Laurel Ulland Architects in Minneapolis, I hope to begin the process this spring. Of course, I've been stressed-out over costs, not having a kitchen for 2 months, and wondering how to keep Passions to Pastry up and running - without a kitchen for 2 months! My daughter's apartment is close. I've made certain her kitchen is fully-equipped. It will be my escape during the day to prep our meals. I am also hoping to feature my friends' kitchens throughout this time; and I have friends with GREAT kitchens (I will be approaching all of you in the near future about this. DO NOT ignore my phone calls or delete my emails. You cannot hide from me!). Hopefully I will be able to provide interesting content while away from my own kitchen. My vision is a workspace with the feel of an old bakery, and to some, this is a conundrum... So, you're ripping out an old kitchen, to put in a new kitchen, that looks like an old kitchen... Yes, that's right. And it will be wonderful.
6 Comments
Carol
1/11/2010 09:30:05 am
Oh Eileen, I cannot wait to see this dream kitchen of yours ...you are my idol....Carol
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1/13/2010 05:34:42 am
Eileen, I need to move my washer and dryer upstairs to free up the mudroom to make it a kitchen garden prep area, which will act as a temp kitchen while I do my regular kitchen remodel, but not before I tackle some pressing issues in the dining room where some scary plumbing hides itself when not leaking. See you are so far ahead of me. ;-)
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Eileen
1/13/2010 06:16:10 am
Oh Tom, our biggest fear is what we will find when doing this remodel. There are many underlying problems that we will need to address and keeping on budget may be difficult. But I've got to do this. I've thought about it for way too long and there's no going back. Actually, we were even planning a floor to ceiling built-in with 2 sliding doors that would have (French, possibly) wavy glass, but now I think we'll change it out to wood to hide the microwave which I'd love to somehow eliminate from my kitchen but 1) I have a teenager 2) it's perfect for getting frozen butter the perfect temperature when baking.
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Ruth
1/14/2010 12:07:44 am
Now is the perfect time to install a camera so you can post video of your beautiful, delicious creations in-progress.
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1/14/2010 12:16:37 pm
Eileen, I don't use the words "living vicariously" lightly, but I believe your dream kitchen is my dream kitchen. And as for microwaves, I'm a closeted microwave lover, yes for the butter softening but more embarassingly for the coffee reheating. I know the latter is shameful, but it's just too good to toss. Vashon Roasterie,(http://www.tvicr.com/) roasts a mean bean. Speaking of which, what is your brand of espresso maker in the photo, and do you recommend it? I need something to drink while I watch your vision unfold.
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Eileen
1/14/2010 11:03:57 pm
My espresso machine is a Pasquini, and I highly recommend it!
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