Ilene, from what you've shared it sounds like you are doing a great 'facelift' to turn your kitchen into one that will look SO much better. I'm betting you will look back once it's done and wonder what you worried about! A few thoughts:

-I remodeled my kitchen about 1 1/2 years ago and my only regret is I didn't do it sooner. If you're going to be in the house 5-10 years and you hate the kitchen, this freshen-up is important and will affect you in a positive way for every moment you spend living in your home. A kitchen is truly one of the most used and most viewed rooms of the house, so make it the place you feel happy to walk into and practical to work in.

-You are so fortunate to have solid well built cabinets and a layout that works; you don't have to experience the mess and disruption of gutting the room. That in itself would be a deal-maker for many people. To get a lovely kitchen without going through all the angst of a demo...as the commercial says, priceless.

-Sounds like your kitchen will be in the classic/traditional mode (mine is too) with white cabinets, nice granite and good flooring. So in the long run you are adding value, because when you do sell, the kitchen will be an asset and not something you'll be worrying about losing buyers over.

So please don't lose any more sleep. Or, let me hope for you that you lose sleep only due to being excited at the vision you are about to see become reality.

And-post some pictures when it's done so we can all congratulate you properly!

Ann

Everything you've described is perfectly reasonable and likely to please you a lot more than what you have now. Even a down-to-the-studs renovation doesn't always result in perfection. There's usually something that has to be worked around or compromised on. When your changes are in place, the soffits may not be as annoying.

For what it's worth, unless cabinets go to the ceiling (what I prefer and don't have), the absence of soffits is a maintenance hassle. I well and truly hate standing on a ladder and washing the tops of my cabinets every month!

It sounds like it's going to be very nice. I think there is always that bit of panic once one realizes that all the planning and decisionmaking is about to turn into something actually HAPPENING and money actually getting SPENT! I think it's perfectly normal to be a bit apprehensive. But it sounds like you put a lot of thought into your plans and will get a kitchen you really like. Have fun!

Runningplace said it well! I love painted oak - enjoy your upgrades. Plus you will have much less life disruption by not totally replacing your cabinets.

i've seen some really nice results of kitchen remodels online where the soffits had to be left in for various reasons...usually the better ones in some way 'embrace' the soffit by incorporating it into the decorating scheme....

if your kitchen runs more tradition or 'cottage' i've seen beadboard used quite attractively on soffits, (for example beadboard island and coordinating beadboard soffit)

Here is a link that might be useful: pretty cottage kitchen remodel with soffits

I did something very similar in my last house, but didn't replace the cabinets doors (mine had the dreaded cathedral arch). The realtor deemed my kitchen to die for and nicer than her listings with 45K "new" kitchens. The whole kitchen cost around 7K, about half of that was granite. I didn't even replace the black appliances. We got very, very good feedback from buyers, and sold the house within a month last summer while the two other houses in the neighborhood sat unsold. It was money very well spent.

Remember 99% of people don't hang out on GW and will not know soffits are out or any of the other things people here prefer.

Don't beat yourself up, you've made very intelligent choices and the results are going to be AMAZING. Take a deep breath, smile and keep on keeping on.

I hope this will give some ideas and that you can relax and enjoy your new space! I think the first and second photos will speak more to your space from what you have described.

Please keep us posted! Hopefully you can share some photos with us:-)

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

I can't thank you enough for your kind comments and wonderful pictures. Yes, I think I did get cold feet, but they are warming up. I haven't slept for 3 nights, but I am signing for the granite on Sat as planned and not going to cancel my appliances. Everything is going to continue, as I add in the high hats I may cancel the under counter lighting, or do you like that? Everything else will stay, my pull outs draws for pots and pans and tupperwear cabinet went in today too. I'm excited, and hope it looks as good as the pictures I just saw. I will figure out how to show you before and after pictures when I finish.

One more question: Do you like a square sink or D shape sink? Mine is in front of a large window. Do you have a faucet you love? Any and all help will be appreciated. You are the kindest people I have ever met, I am so glad to be part of this site!
ilene

My neighbor just finished doing exactly what you describe. Kept oak solid wood cabinet frames, new doors, all painted white, new appliances, new granite, and her carpenter built some new cabinets too. Left soffit in place. Added can lights to soffit and molding at top of soffit. It looks fantastic! Relax. I think you're going to be very happy when it's done.

ilene- I know exactly where you are at right now! I went through a fairly extensive bathroom remodel and I spent months planning what I wanted and then when the time came I had to adjust my plans for one reason or another and it's gut-wrenching. Yet, I still love the way my bathroom turned out even though there were compromises. But the process is especially gut wrenching for those of us that love to decorate, but who don't get to do major renovations in our house very often. it's all a normal part of the process; your feelings mean that you are totally emotionally invested in what you are doing. Try to relax some, and enjoy the process. Everything you have planned sounds wonderful.

I'm just in the beginning of starting to remake my kitchen. I have the same situation as yours; SOLID oak cabinets that are extremely structurally sound, and, a soffit that could be removed, but would look funny to do so. I hope I can borrow from your experience when I get ready to do my own kitchen. Are you having your cabinets sprayed? Please do post pictures when you are done, or even along the way. Relax and enjoy the process!

I am not sure of your kitchens style. So its hard to suggest a faucet. Do you like the bridge style or a single lever pullout? Are you using more simple finishes?

I would definitely use under cab lighting as well. You will love it!!
Amy

Yes to under counter lights. Definitely yes.

Agree with suero, undercabinet lights are something that doesn't cost a lot but really gives a touch of luxury to the kitchen. And, they are practical because the light is helpful as you work! I even use my undercabinet lights as a primary light source at night, they give a pleasant effect in the darkened room.

Go for it!

Ann

Here is the bridge faucet I had in my last house.

{{!gwi}}

And here is the one from my house before that.
{{!gwi}}

Now...I am really liking this style. The kitchen in the pic is not my style but I do like clean lines.
{{!gwi}}

Do any of these speak to you?

Oh and I really like square sinks or square with a slightly rounded edge in the corners. Not sure but I had that kind of sink in the second photo.

We cannot wait to see your pics!!! What color are your walls and what type of floor do you have?

Well I have to say it again, I'm so glad I told you my problem, you helped so much! Yes, I'm keeping the under counter lighting. And letting my new appliances to be delivered tomorrow. I went over to my GC's house tonight, I had seen his cabinets, which is why I'm using him for my kitchen, but didn't realize till I told him how I feel about the sofits that he has therm too. He has high hat lighting in them, and it does make them look like they belong.

Do you like a D shape sink? Which do you have? My sink is on the long side of my countertop , 129 inches, and has an 80 inch window centered above it. I don't like the idea of a faucet in the corner, but think I can adjust since right now I like the D shape better. As for hardware I'm open, want simple brushed nickel knobs for cabinets, and was thinking of cup pulls for drawers, are they traditional? or something else, no idea what I will wind up with. The faucet will be Kohler Valeta, or something similar, any suggestions? .

For the floor originally I wanted bamboo strand in a natural. Thought it would blend with my oak floors which I have over the house. Now looking at some laminates I thought were nice, but not sure I can go that route, a lot of thought has to go into it.
ilene

GC plans on starting March 6....I am glad I'm doing this!
ilene

I have a farm house sink. A D shaped sink would be nice. I would say cup pulls are traditional.

Have you considered using the same flooring as in the rest of your house? I am a huge fan of natural materials!

Did you mean the Kohler Vinnata?

My faucet is a Whithaus Metrohaus that is similar to the Vannata, but the proportions were better for us.
My neighbor has the Vinnata, got a shallower sink (looks like 7 r 8") and has a lot of splashing. My sink is 10" deep and I have none. Really love it -- the looks, the easy of washing under it everything.

I prefer a large rectangular sink -- no wasted space and plenty of room for pots, pans and the occasional casserole or such that needs to be left soaking for a bit. If counter space is at a minimum, a D shaped sink gives you a little more counter. I haven't used one, but I could see that you might have to reach into the sink further and could strain your back if you have to lean. If you go that route, make sure it can sit forward enough for you to reach into it deep enough to wash and still be comfortable.

aktillery to match my floors I was told I would have to re sand all to match the kitchen (they were done 6 years ago when we moved in). I would have bought restoration oak if I thought they would match, also thought of buying it and just keeping it a different stain, it was suggested to me to just go for a different wood at that point. When looking I was surprised that some of the laminates looked so good in a side by side comparison which is why I'm considering it. I never thought I would till I saw some that are new.

lascatx thanks for telling me a D shape sink can be hard on the back, I've had 2 spinal surgeries, so I will check it out to see if it causes me any stress, my decison is made. Thanks!

Your faucet is beautiful, and glad to hear splashing isn't a problem. Did you purchase it online? Thanks for the info!

Ilene, at one point I was so disgusted with my old vinyl kitchen floors that I bought some super el cheapo (To my surprise the laminate not only looked fine but it held up really well. No problems with water damage or staining for several years till I remodeled and matched the 'real' wood.

Laminate can be very economical and the prices have come down with quality going up. Keep looking, you might be surprised what you can find for your flooring in decent laminate these days.