They did say the film crew trashed their house and they had to re-paint after it was all over,

Why in the world would the place get trashed? I can't imagine.... Please, be careful who you let in that gorgeous kitchen.

10 years remodelinging? You madam, are a sucker for punishment! ;)

What an amazingly beautiful transformation! Congratulations.

Honestly, I just keep coming back to look at your kitchen. It evokes such a sense of quietness and peace. So serene. It looks like something out of a magazine. You're so blessed!

You had a vision and made it a reality. Absolutely gorgeous and beautiful!

My cab maker told me he will never make these cabinets again as they are too difficult to work with.

LOL, I said the same thing about making caramel! Still holding to it, so far.

It was so worth insisting that it could be better. The finish is wonderful.

Before you reach out to Hollywood types, contact some magazines for a feature. If they have a brain, they'll be calling you a second after seeing pics. Tell the cabinet maker that he may have some requests for that finish <snicker>.

Tell the cabinet maker that he may have some requests for that finish <snicker>.

Maybe he would pay her not to contact anybody. lol

Hey, pitch to Houzz too!

And tell cab maker he should raise his rates for the finish and give you $X for every referral! ;)

Whoa! It turned out so great! I read your thread during the cabinet ordeal when you were looking for colors and tbh I was thinking Oh no, this might not end well. But it's completely fabulous!

Brilliant! What a show stopper. Is that the ocean, or clouds down in a valley?

You nailed it! That kitchen is unbelievable along with that wall of glass and the view behind it. It's such a relaxing space. I think you managed to keep the midcentury roots really well, especially through your furniture choices, while bringing it firmly into this century. And the exterior is already looking amazing! I don't want to ask how much this must have cost!

Undeniable a beautiful kitchen, view, home....

I have a question about your miele hood. It looks like it is approx 60" from the cooktop. What model did you install to have it powerful enough to be effective? Is it working well for you? If we can make that work for us, it would open a lot of possibibilities for a layout. Thanks for your help.

Congratualations on all your hard work!

aloha, thanks. The hood is actually Bosch too -- I mistakenly wrote Miele as we had initially purchased a Miele hood but returned it because the Bosch was a better fit. I checked and it's the 300 Series 21" inch externally vented hood. I haven't used it yet so I can't comment on how powerful it is. I'll post an update when we use it.

thanks, beth09, for your nice comments. Our friends said that all the equipment (cables, grip, cameras) scratched up their walls and the amount of crew tromping all over their floors and dragging stuff around scratched up their floors. But at $10K a day (filming took over a week), I think re-painting and some touch ups wasn't too big of a deal. The production company even offered to put them up in a hotel in Santa Monica and paid for meals. Pretty good deal!

thanks enduring! It's the ocean. We do get a lot of fog so we look at clouds a lot.

thanks to everyone else I didn't individually respond to -- I've read all your comments and appreciate each one. I'm glad to read your feedback as I did a lot of hand wringing over these cabinets and other elements of this remodel. I had a few friends and family come over during the construction process and not everybody loved the cabinets. I had two friends try to talk me out of them and once they were going in, someone else came over and told me they were "taste specific" which to me meant they thought they were ugly. There was a fair amount of second guessing going on, especially with all the issues with the stain when they were first installed. I came here to get the support I needed to get over the hump and you all gave me solid advice. Big thanks to this community that supports all going through this crazy process of remodeling.

And I'm glad that I even won over a few non-MCM fans here!

someone else came over and told me they were "taste specific" which to me meant they thought they were ugly.

Trust me, they're not ugly. ;)

someone else came over and told me they were "taste specific" which to me meant they thought they were ugly.

Sounds to me like that person has taste where the sun don't shine.

someone else came over and told me they were "taste specific" which to me meant they thought they were ugly.

I think they are not for every person or house, but that's what's makes them so special and remarkable.

I was admiring the treatment at the top of the upper cabinets (along with a million other things, of course) and was interested to read that that was an afterthought. The fact that you paid attention to that AND got it right is a huge tribute to your vision and attention to detail, which shows at every turn. And, since I have both the Neolith and the coffee pot, I have to give you props for those too.

Well done, and your house is really making me wish we had a Gardenweb kitchens home tour. I doubt we could match the studio payment, but we'd be very generous with compliments!

Absolutely beautiful. The view is my favorite part, followed closely by the cabinetry! I remember your saga with the stain and am pleased for you that your vision came to fruition. But really, I think I would just sit and stare outside all day.

As an aside, I love that pretty rust/blue rug in your before photos and hope it find some a home in your remodel.

But really, I think I would just sit and stare outside all day.

In looking at her kitchen I have thought more than once to myself, I'd never get anything done.

"Taste-specific" is an awesome phrase to co-opt when you're showing your house*! You should thank that reviewer, ha.

"Of course the cabinets are very taste-specific, but we really [insert personal and/or design-centric reason for choosing them]."

* or are being interviewed about it!

really amazing job, a gorgeous home with spectacular views of catalina and the queen's necklace to boot! i know how difficult it is to permit in your area, so kudos on making it through the process and on such a beautiful result. you really are talented!

quick question on the tiles if you happen to see this. who got them for you? love the large format porcelain but can't seem to find a dealer based on the mfg website. i am in MB.

congratulations and wishing you many years of happiness in your stunning home!

thanks tamizami! Hello to you up in MB! I got the tile in Anaheim on Tile Mile. I'll have to check my records for which store I bought it from, but I think it may have been Porcelanosa? I priced it out using different suppliers -- I found that several tile distributors down there could order the brand and I chose the one with the best price. The tile was really difficult to set and my installer charged me a premium. But I do like the large format.

AvatarWalt, thanks as well! Your insightful and informative threads on Neolith actually gave me the confidence to pull the trigger on this material. So far we love it. Glad to hear you are enjoying it, but sorry to hear about the chipping. Are you able to repair it?

my four sons, thanks. We had to get rid of the rug as it had numerous holes and pet stains and a distinct odor that couldn't be removed.

Still waiting on my stainless steel cabs -- hope to post some updated photos soon!

I am so glad your Reveal resurfaced as I didn't see it before.

I won't repeat all the totally deserved compliments but total 'hurrah' on achieving the warm, even cabinet finish that existed in your head! Everything, not least the cabinets, is incredibly beautiful.

I'm glad the Neolith info was useful, Pipdog. I've learned so much here from so many people, and I'm pleased that my musings were helpful. I haven't looked into getting the chips fixed yet. They're pretty minor, and, also, I figured I'd ask at the same time about whether it's po$$ible for the fabricator to cut Neolith in place--I'd love to have a square second sink instead of the architect-specced round one that's not very functional. Wish that had made it onto my radar screen before it was too late.

not much to add, everyone expressed all my compliments and WOW WOW WOW!! so beautiful and perfect for your location!!! Enjoy many happy years, making wonderful memories and all those sunsets!! SPECTACULAR!!

we visited SoCal in the fall and we just fell in love with it!! maybe someday we will make the move!!

All the Best!!!

I am in SoCal as well and just getting ready to plan another kitchen in our new home...I love your kitchen, spot on simple, so serene. Haven't looked at kitchen materials in years and will have to look up what Neolith is because I have no idea! Bravo, enjoy!

Pipdog, I've been a longtime fan of your decorating style. Your previous home was a favorite. This home is spectacular! I'm in awe of the view and the living space you created. Beautiful.

Wow! Just wow all the way around

Your design is spectacular and so much attention to detail. Thanks for sharing. I am getting the Neolith calacatta silk in 20mm for our kitchen. The fabricators just came to measure a few days ago. Fingers crossed they last. I'm nervous about getting it for the pool house but I really love the Zaha Stone. It's not cheap but neither is the quartz.

I've only just spotted your reveal, Pipdog and all I can say is Wow!!!

I confess to being another that's not normally an MCM fan, but I've been won over by your gorgeous house, truly unique kitchen and jaw-dropping view!

Thanks for sharing :)

I just had to go back and look at your beautiful kitchen again. I am so happy you persevered and got the stain right. Yes, I went with the blue tile. I am so nervous about it though!!!!

I'm sorry, but its really hard to pay any attention to the inside of your home with that view. I am glad you kept it simple on the inside because the view is the show stopper. Very stunning update that totally balances the inside with the outside of the house. I had a similar issue with a kitchen window and I got rid of it for the view - but its not nearly this one. Enjoy your new space after all the hard work!

Thanks, arapaho, raphaellathespanishwaterdog and elizabethm.

Carol and vicbayside, as far as the Neolith, three months in and no issues. I'm very happy with it.

rockybird, thanks! Excited to see your reveal with the blue tile. I think it will be gorgeous!

bullburgmaggie, thank you! That was our goal and I'm glad to hear you think we got it.

I thought I'd update with some new photos as we just got our stainless steel cabinets on our island. They bring a slightly industrial vibe to the space. With that, our kitchen is finally finished! Happy dance! Thanks to all that gave me input, ideas and support.

I had just conquered my evil envious twin and there you go posting more photos...

!!!GORGEOUS!!!

i hope you dont mind me using your photos as inspiration. it truly is my dream kind home
i love the beige tone and the way the sunlight hits the top and bottom and everywhere

i think i might copy your everything sorry it really is that much gorgeous
you should post your photos up on houzz photos for the world to see

I am turning the same color green as the walls in my new house. Absolutely stunning and I'm not one who normally likes MCM but I would be very happy in your kitchen.

This is really so beautiful. It’s a great design in a perfect location with amazing views. Congratulations!! And enjoy living there!

Will you adopt me, please?

I almost get teary envisioning living in that kitchen. I just thought to myself, it's like a slice of heaven..... I'm sure you know how blessed you are, but I'm reminding you anyway. ;)

Off topic, but I’m still stuck on the beautiful rug in the before photos.

Pipdog, Beautiful renovation! How do you like the Neolith counters? I have a few questions: Is the satin finish easy to maintain? Have you had any problems with chipping? Any other information would be helpful. Thanks

Pipdog - These pictures are just so visually satisfying; I'm scrolling through wasting time at work, with a goofy smile on my face. The view is mesmerizing and your beautiful clean interior does it honor. The stainless steel cabinets seem just right. Any time you need a sous-chef, I will be pleased to come prep. Heck, I'll come clean your floors for a chance at seeing that view....

margomnyc, sorry for the delay, I took a Houzz break after we finished. As far as the Neolith, we are really happy with it. We've had no chips thus far after 6+ of heavy use, and nothing has stained it. The satin finish is very nice -- not too shiny but it's not totally matte. I use glass cleaner to wipe it down as some other cleaners can leave streaks. Overall, I'd recommend it.

oldbat2be, thank you, I'm glad to hear you like it! I could use a sous-chef and may take you up on that offer! ;)

Pipdog, Thank you for responding. It is good to hear the Neolith is wearing well with no chips. I am sure you are getting a lot of enjoyment from your beautiful kitchen!!

Pipdog, curious about your lovely open beam ceilings. I think we are in the same area (if not same neighborhood) and we've been told we can no longer do open beam ceilings (sob!) due to code requiring insulation between the rafters, meaning our ceiling would have to be drywalled (booo). I'm glad you managed it! Looks amazing!

drooling. enjoy!

Hi,

Sorry for the delay, I took a long break from Houzz.

Mittens, that's a bummer about having to dry wall over open beamed ceilings! I know we had some (and added some additional) insulation in ours, so we may have met code. Have you talked to the building planning people at the city? Best of luck on your remodel -- so tough to remodel in this area with all the rules/regulations. Thanks, Trish, for your kind words.

I am so glad that this thread got bumped up, or I would have never seen this spectacular kitchen and view. It is seriously perfect, and I hope that it still brings you tons of joy.

Why would it matter whether the insulation is between the beams or on top of the beams? That doesn't make much sense to me. If they require more insulation, you should be able to address that issue by re-roofing. Of course, that also costs money, and likely more money than just adding sheetrock and some fiberglass. But it would give you an option. Does the building department have any opinion on this? Can you get a variance?

I also have the same question about the range hood. It looks great to be flushed with the ceiling? How is it working out? If it works I would love to have the same in my new build.

@Pipdog, are you willing and able to provide more info on how the tilt out door face works (the one with the knife storage)? I have a 1 3/4" space (not including the depth of the 3/4" false face) where I could maybe do this. Thank you in advance!!