Ikea Abstract Kitchen (white high gloss)

Hello.  Thought I would share a few photos of our finished Ikea Abstract white high gloss kitchen from the last renovation my client did.  I had posted some during the renovation process but those are always such a mess with tools...and um...a few beer and wine bottles...and maybe some restaurant take out.  None of it's mine though...honest;)

Ikea abstract white high gloss kitchen.  Benjamin moore cloud white

We obviously used Ikea abstract white high gloss cabinets.  The uppers were the extra tall cabinets.  Counters are white quartz.  Back splash is calacatta marble bullets from Saltillo Tile.  Wall paint is Benjamin Moore Cloud white.  The faucet is Uberhaus brand from Rona.  Appliances are Kitchen Aid.  (I'm loving these double oven ranges.  I think they are perfect for places where there are space or budget restrictions).  The floating shelves are from Home Depot.  The hardware is from Ikea and are the Blankett handles. 

ikea abstract white high gloss kitchen.  Benjamin moore cloud white

Speaking of hardware...here are a few tidbits I learned during this renovation and kitchen planning process. First, you can see in some of these pictures there is a small 12" base cabinet on the left side of the stove.  It is a basic cabinet with a door.  I had no choice but to use it there as a corner cabinet would not fit and there were no 12" base cabinets with drawers.  So FYI for anyone looking to use Blankett handles, they don't make a 12" handle to fit these cabinets so we ended up having to use one of the really small handles (I believe they are about 1.5 to 2") and they look like the Blankett handles or were made to compliment them (sorry I can't find these particular ones on the Ikea website right now so I don't know the exact name).  I do like these smaller handles and it is pretty discreet being at the very top of the door and right under the counter so it's not that noticeable, but it would have been nicer to have all the same handles especially since we also used the longer ones on the upper cabinets as well. 

ikea abstract white high gloss kitchen.  Benjamin moore cloud white

Now, on that note...I wish I had of used the smaller handles on the upper cabinets.  I don't mind the longer ones but I can see now how the shorter ones would have maybe been a little cleaner or sleeker looking and also added some interest with the change in hardware.  That's one thing I'm still learning: different is good, contrast is my friend.  Aesthetically speaking they would have been nicer but I also learned the hard way that they would have functioned better too since you need to be careful with what is beside each door and how it will open and whether the handle will hit anything.  I've always taken this into consideration with lower cabinets especially near corners and on drawers but I realized after installing the handle on the upper cabinet in between the fridge and stove, that whenever we open the door, the end of the handle (closest to the corner by the fridge) ended up scratching the fridge panel when opened all the way.  It wasn't a big deal since the cabinet door could still be opened wide enough without scratching it but a smaller handle would have been much better.  

ikea abstract white high gloss kitchen.  Benjamin moore cloud white

Aside from a few screw ups learning lessons I am still happy with the way things turned out and I still love the high end design you get from Ikea kitchens for the price.   I am currently planning a two-toned kitchen for another house using these same cabinets for the uppers and the Gnosjo cabinets for the lowers so be sure to check back in the next little while to see our progress.  We are also installing Marmara tile on a large scale fireplace....my boldest Kelly Wearstler move yet!  I'm so excited...and a little scared.  Okay a lot scared!  This is why there is wine onsite.  Until then, have a great weekend!

new year, new look!

Ruffle Tower Cake
marthstewart
   Yes I have fallen hard for pink and gold as you can tell from the new blog design.  Or maybe the blog design is blush and camel...whatever you want to call this trendy little colour scheme (in all it's variations) it definitely has me head-over-heels and hot on the bargain hunting trail for anything reeking of 1970s and Hollywood glam.  Hopefully you'll check back soon as I am also working hard on an office makeover for myself that may or may not involve some pink and gold, as well as another Ikea kitchen (my first two toned kitchen design), and a fireplace covered in gorgeous marmara tile.  As I look forward to sharing my attempts to decorate while in my pink and gold drunken stupor, I hope your future plans are as bright and sparkly and make you giddy with excitement!