Just another day in paradise...

and it really is.

Well, here are some pictures of what the final result of our big renovation looks like.  I have to admit it's even better than I had imagined.  Even after 2 months I still walk down into my kitchen and can't believe it's mine.  At night it is hard to go to bed and leave it.  

I want to send a big thank you to our contractor, Talon Construction.  They are definitely top of the line and left no detail out.  Everyone we worked with was professional and sometimes they moved faster than we did!  When we started this project we had all the seasoned vets warning us it could drag on for a while and prepare for the worst.  Well, nothing was further from the truth.  We can't wait to invite the Talon crew back to see the final reveal!!  Evan misses Marty, Ed, Denny, Mr. Paul, Craig and the rest of the crew.  Thanks to everyone one that worked so hard on our home.  

There are so many details that you can't get from pictures.  Ones like, the custom made cabinets with the soft closure..LOVE THAT.  The cabinets are all cherry wood and are truly a work of art.  The cabinets, chairs and the wall unit in the family room were all built by the same Mennonite owned company in Pennsylvania.

The counter tops are granite and are so gorgeous to just sit and look at.  The island counter top is called Earth Glitter.  My sink is this super cool deep black granite composite.  Love that too.

My (yes MINE) window seat is just the best little place.  I love sitting there drinking coffee or just relaxing.

We finally have MORE than adequate lighting.  The lighting in the old kitchen was like working by candle light.  Terrible.  Now I have Tiffany pendants over my island and a chandelier over the table that is really beautiful.  The little embroidered shades really set it off.

I could go on and on....but you gotta stop by to see it.  I took these pictures and they aren't that great.  I promise some better pictures and video too.  But I know many of you have been asking for some final pictures!  And I'm excited to show it to you!

Before pictures though I have to say that NONE of this would be possible without my awesome husband Jim.  It was all of his hard work that made this possible.  He never told me no and always told me to go with what I wanted.  I love him and love that he's enabled us to create this new "heart" of our house.   We are so lucky to have him, thank you!!!!  

This picture is taken from the family room and before the crown moulding was installed.

The dining area and window seat. 

The patio without the umbrellas up.  It is even more spectacular at night.  I'll get some pictures of that and the bubbling fountain rock!!!  Yes there is even a water feature!!  

Example of some of the trim work.  I loved the black and cherry from the very beginning.

The chairs are cherry wood rub through a black stain.  Just like the island.

In the beginning I said.."I want a window seat" and here it is!!

Coming in from the hallway.  The fabulous new family room.  

Evan enjoying a snack at the new island.  He loves climbing up the big chairs!

All new hardwood floors and this picture is taken from the kitchen looking into the living/sitting room area.

Picking out new rugs was so much fun.  I just loved the details in them.

The hardwood extends up the stairs and into the upstairs hallway.    I love these new floors.

View into the kitchen.  Never tire of looking at it.

We had my 1940's Duncan Phyfe table refinished and it is perfect!  It was always in the formal dining room.  Now I get to see it and use it everyday.  The way it matches with everything else is just meant to be!

Looking in from the back door area.  The cathedral ceilings really make a huge difference in opening up the area.  And did you notice the TV mounted in the corner?  

This is truly a terrible picture...but I will get a better one.  This built in unit is  the perfect finishing touch.   Our new family room is so warm and inviting.  Exactly what I wanted.  

So that's it for now.  I will post some more pictures of some things I left out and pictures at night.  Thanks to everyone who was following the project.