Welcome back to our kitchen renovation journey! With each passing week, decisions are being made, and the puzzle pieces of this dream kitchen are beginning to come together. It’s exhilarating to see the progress and dive into the details that will make this space uniquely ours.
Recap of Our Renovation So Far
In the first week, we began by tearing down part of a wall and stripping the ebony stain off our staircase. Last week, after extensive research and price comparisons, I shared the major appliances we’ve selected for the kitchen. Let me tell you, upgrading from our 20-30-year-old, gradually failing appliances is a massive relief. This renovation couldn’t have come at a better time!
This week, things have ramped up significantly. From choosing the perfect sink and faucet to tackling the floor demolition, there’s a lot to share. Let’s dive into the highlights of our progress.
Choosing the Sink and Faucet
After exploring Elkay products at the Haven Blog Conference in Charleston, SC, I was thoroughly impressed by their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. I knew immediately that Elkay would be a fantastic fit for our kitchen remodel. When it was time to make the final selections, I reached out to Elkay, and I’m thrilled they partnered with us to showcase their products. (This post is sponsored by Elkay, but all opinions and content are entirely my own.)
Throughout the decision-making process, my husband, Mark, has mostly left the design choices to me. However, when it came to the faucet—a critical part of the kitchen—I knew he’d have strong opinions. Mark loves to cook, and practical tools like pots, pans, and faucets are essential to him. So, I narrowed down my options to a few favorites and presented them to Mark for his input. Pro tip: If you’re planning a renovation, creating a design board is a fantastic way to visualize how each element fits together. It’s an invaluable tool for making cohesive choices.
Here were our top contenders:
Option One:
Elkay Single Hole Faucet with Pull Down Spray + Elkay Quartz Luxe Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink in Jubilee
This option offered a sleek nickel-finished faucet that complemented our stainless steel appliances. The Jubilee blue quartz sink added a subtle contrast to the white cabinetry, bringing a unique and modern touch without overwhelming the space.
Option Two:
Elkay Avado Single Hole Semi-Professional Faucet + Elkay Lustertone Classic Undermount Stainless Steel Sink
This combination felt both practical and elegant. The stainless steel sink and semi-professional faucet are designed for durability and heavy use—ideal for a busy household. It’s the kind of setup that makes cleaning up after dinner parties a breeze.
Option Three:
Elkay Fireclay Farmhouse Sink + Elkay Explore Three Hole Bridge Faucet
This pairing offered timeless charm with its farmhouse sink and classic bridge faucet design. While I adored the vintage aesthetic, Mark wasn’t keen on the separate handles for hot and cold water. Despite its beauty, practicality won out in the end.
The Winner: Option Two
After much deliberation, we chose Option Two! The semi-professional faucet and stainless steel sink arrived this week, and they’re every bit as beautiful and functional as we had hoped. These products are ready to handle anything our busy kitchen throws their way, from daily meals to hosting gatherings.
Elkay offers a wide range of other stunning options, including farmhouse sinks with interchangeable aprons. If you’re in the market for high-quality kitchen fixtures, I highly recommend exploring their catalog.
The State of Our Home
With our kitchen under construction, we decided to take the opportunity to update the flooring throughout our first floor. This has turned our home into a chaotic but exciting work zone. Every piece of furniture—couches, chairs, tables, art, and curtains—has been relocated to either the basement or bedrooms.
Preparing for New Floors
The unfinished white oak hardwood flooring for our foyer and kitchen arrived today. It will acclimate indoors for a few days before installation begins next week. To save on costs, we’re handling most of the demolition ourselves. Removing the foyer tile has been particularly challenging, but renting a demolition hammer made the process much faster (and easier on our arms!). Watching those stubborn tiles come up was incredibly satisfying.
Tomorrow, we’ll start dismantling the kitchen cabinets, removing the old appliances, and saying goodbye to our dated “baloney” countertops. It’s hard work, but the thought of the beautiful, functional space that awaits makes it all worthwhile.
Follow Along
For live updates on the progress of our kitchen renovation, including photos and behind-the-scenes moments, follow Shine Your Light on Instagram or Facebook. We’re documenting every step of this transformation, from demolition to the final reveal.
Thank You to Elkay
I’m grateful to Elkay for partnering with us and providing such high-quality products for our new kitchen. After careful research, I’m confident in our choice to work with them. I can’t wait to share photos of the installed sink and faucet soon.
Thank you for joining us on this renovation adventure. Your support and encouragement mean so much. Stay tuned for more updates next week as we make even bigger strides in bringing this kitchen to life. Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead!
