DIY Magnetic Memo Board

Welcome to my latest therapy session.  I say that, because it seems like so many of my posts recently have been all about "keepin' it real" and sharing our stumbles.  Today is no different pals.  Today's project could be summarized as follows:<br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>BUDGET:</b></span> Too much, probably could have purchased something new for less<br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>TIME:</b></span> Felt like 82 Hours<br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>NUMBER OF TRIES:</b></span> 3<br /><br />But hey!  Third time is a charm right?  And everything that didn't go right over the course of the past five days, all worked out in the end.  In fact, I think all of the frustrations and errors ended up creating an outcome better than I had hoped! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUoU2DigtS6kyKXP3M3RayVkXCicRUorcq27hhZ-Hg3xbDAxgto2BYI7ySaxLVz4t0vLVgn8XB_2RHpNZwCq1OP0ynVU79W_G8LJrk1eEktaUL3oQFwvB4hn1pSqxpSAL9bS5HhE9tVcT/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUoU2DigtS6kyKXP3M3RayVkXCicRUorcq27hhZ-Hg3xbDAxgto2BYI7ySaxLVz4t0vLVgn8XB_2RHpNZwCq1OP0ynVU79W_G8LJrk1eEktaUL3oQFwvB4hn1pSqxpSAL9bS5HhE9tVcT/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_Header.png" /></a></div><br />That's right.  This post was initially slated to go live on Friday.  But by Friday, I was still gazing not-so-lovingly at this pile.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZEM49GWSq8OGU5-mvGKH0a6p99IEuBgZMam-UCZIFwADQ59qAaBE0fbCxNOlhI2vS_XCKLq5qUbJUWjcBsQIRRyHZ5iXMsl6opHJvz_DOb9iRAdT2JLeHFxiJpAv2i60Gv4LWHsFISSS/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZEM49GWSq8OGU5-mvGKH0a6p99IEuBgZMam-UCZIFwADQ59qAaBE0fbCxNOlhI2vS_XCKLq5qUbJUWjcBsQIRRyHZ5iXMsl6opHJvz_DOb9iRAdT2JLeHFxiJpAv2i60Gv4LWHsFISSS/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />One thing we have been missing since removing our kitchen wall is some sort of a command station.  Previously, it was hidden on the side of our fridge and was a spot to place cleaning checklists and calendars.  Sometimes in decorative frames, sometimes just with magnets; it didn't really matter how cluttered it got because it was not visible to anyone but us.  <br /><br />The newer kitchen layout doesn't offer the same clutter catching corner, so this time around I wanted to create something much more intentional and attractive.  For quite awhile, I have had it in my mind we would create something similar to <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/1064603/entryway-organizer-how" target="_blank">this</a>.  I liked the idea of having a place to put up notes, calendars, memos, etc... as well as a temporary mail holder and hooks for keys.  So much function in such a small amount of space!<br /><br />Above, you can see my original plan was to utilize an inexpensive cork board purchased from Target, a decorative towel bar, cup hooks and Command Strips.  I covered a similar style cork board to create <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/11/master-bedroom-refresh-how-we-saved.html" target="_blank">a jewelry zone in our closet</a>, and I really liked the outcome of that project.  I figured I would do the same for the side of our fridge, but I never found a fabric I liked well enough and the proportions of the cork board were all wrong (too wide and not tall enough).<br /><br />So after thinking of ways to make it work, I decided to scratch that idea all together.<br /><br />Then, I recalled we already had made <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/03/project-teal-chalk-it-to-me-again.html" target="_blank">a pretty menu board</a> in our old kitchen about four years ago.  I dusted it off, and was excited that the size was much closer to what I had in mind!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9A6nK_meC5dxMog9fVwuAsvDhZZv_ylJBW0ddqjvSIlYytwSgs6W14-eXAxsuMJLjt0dWqJjzGnQl3pkVLLvVJll4BsCxRu62KU7t3ciF-g7Q5dRz7iWCtBhG1_Jr8Zj4W3RHOgvs2c_/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9A6nK_meC5dxMog9fVwuAsvDhZZv_ylJBW0ddqjvSIlYytwSgs6W14-eXAxsuMJLjt0dWqJjzGnQl3pkVLLvVJll4BsCxRu62KU7t3ciF-g7Q5dRz7iWCtBhG1_Jr8Zj4W3RHOgvs2c_/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />The only problem was that the chalkboard portion was not functional other than for writing (could not be used with pushpins or magnets) and I didn't love the painted finish.  I really wanted something with a wood tone and knew I would be able to add some metal sheeting to make the board magnetic.  <br /><br />I began researching stripping techniques (whooooah fellas, I am not talking pole dancing type moves here) and went out to purchase the necessary supplies to remove the painted finish.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL_58BZvFnNtmltX1OvoLYGzLsLQHoQSZdRkw9g8xJNczKFSKZt8lSs4gkhgTf3y2v1UhxNotve36cQwqVzuGj32sONSsrDy0JUmtK_UN1gnK5CpbFjh_P37Ns9h_NpHfjV4DeBCvaJCA/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_4-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL_58BZvFnNtmltX1OvoLYGzLsLQHoQSZdRkw9g8xJNczKFSKZt8lSs4gkhgTf3y2v1UhxNotve36cQwqVzuGj32sONSsrDy0JUmtK_UN1gnK5CpbFjh_P37Ns9h_NpHfjV4DeBCvaJCA/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_4-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />I quickly remembered I had painted this board two different colors at two different times.  And I don't know what I was doing wrong, but it took me hour after hour to remove the memo board paint.  I followed the directions on the can and from YouTube tutorials to a T, yet the wood had absorbed some of the blue and it wasn't coming out.  I scrubbed.  I tried to curse the paint away.  I put all of my muscles into it and got it as bare wood as I could.  Over four hours of wood stripping later and I decided it was ready to take a new stain color.<br /><br />Let's just say that after sanding, staining and giving it a coat of poly, it was so far from the look I was after, I was ready to scrap this entire project all together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaGrAJ66DRlHQx82bDZsFpHSX4F06I65w6N9hV-R8fXyFINv8usuXxGIFfS61K7njfiwP8qGhcD7uZV-7Ya8bstzSJyQxy3zD0Q-3hg4TWAEHuK5SmDxeFYl3XmIOcKHDKgT0d-h3CfkO/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaGrAJ66DRlHQx82bDZsFpHSX4F06I65w6N9hV-R8fXyFINv8usuXxGIFfS61K7njfiwP8qGhcD7uZV-7Ya8bstzSJyQxy3zD0Q-3hg4TWAEHuK5SmDxeFYl3XmIOcKHDKgT0d-h3CfkO/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_5.jpg" /></a></div><br />But I am not a quitter.  Knowing that <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">we need to get our acts together</a> and work on time management and household responsibilities again, this project just HAD to get done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfbvEVNqC-miLqCz7-UReyOijoJd02lJ67D_sFQ4_Bb_YRq1RbcAn3CsjHWKUQexePum77YZzB5Jc1yajWg4B6Cy9DPvMAUqci5k4TTOwgpMSf6HmP0H02XlWySFzU6Nk0v5TTAy0Grro/s1600/Photo+Jun+08%252C+5+53+47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfbvEVNqC-miLqCz7-UReyOijoJd02lJ67D_sFQ4_Bb_YRq1RbcAn3CsjHWKUQexePum77YZzB5Jc1yajWg4B6Cy9DPvMAUqci5k4TTOwgpMSf6HmP0H02XlWySFzU6Nk0v5TTAy0Grro/s1600/Photo+Jun+08%252C+5+53+47+PM.png" /></a></div><br />So back to Home Depot I went, and I picked up 1/2" inch poplar boards in both 3" and 4" widths (actually, as you can see above, I picked up a few different options but below is what we ended up using).  A total of 18" wide and 40" tall, we set out to DIY a frame for the magnetic sheet metal.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSmh5w6RiMQU69b_q2IVM8LK-jYuRTiq0cBkSIyTqPk5bSO9HxjSyi52_LGPC80XV-Qh3KCEEIs6xlaxDgyTCCvR7lZ-axXZXCXdcMBZBylqVwvTN0s7cnWfpBktUVgbqcPYgiNLrckEU/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSmh5w6RiMQU69b_q2IVM8LK-jYuRTiq0cBkSIyTqPk5bSO9HxjSyi52_LGPC80XV-Qh3KCEEIs6xlaxDgyTCCvR7lZ-axXZXCXdcMBZBylqVwvTN0s7cnWfpBktUVgbqcPYgiNLrckEU/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />The idea was to add a small ledge to hold incoming mail and catalogs.  Plus, it is a cute little added detail.  We measured out the notch, used a square to draw straight lines and a jig-saw to cut it to fit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7bZUrgdgyBH5GRD3B-iql38uZqY9j-HABCsNhagufZYXu_p8CQRDgfb7v3MdJo-B3g9vhCjHa9m8u0a3CG7QNaga-hZ9Ly6W-uKM_x4eZ1WFEMATLow3PSINFP_R2MK7-OSVMgi2pa0g/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7bZUrgdgyBH5GRD3B-iql38uZqY9j-HABCsNhagufZYXu_p8CQRDgfb7v3MdJo-B3g9vhCjHa9m8u0a3CG7QNaga-hZ9Ly6W-uKM_x4eZ1WFEMATLow3PSINFP_R2MK7-OSVMgi2pa0g/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_10-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />When it came to stain options, I tried out the Special Walnut I had planned to use, and I was happy with the outcome just by dipping the rag, blotting it on a scrap piece of wood and rubbing it over the poplar boards.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7H9MiLox8wr9uegKEke4MpbTfyQtnw-R_1o2H1OXKUWZg1qP9hkoyU0Pp5qQICG5YJuJywldUjvfboKJCyWbvQ7ySH20-6J1zwYnukDKy-2GpqXrJM2glMPVYBpyXpdRLvyKybR7Gh6N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7H9MiLox8wr9uegKEke4MpbTfyQtnw-R_1o2H1OXKUWZg1qP9hkoyU0Pp5qQICG5YJuJywldUjvfboKJCyWbvQ7ySH20-6J1zwYnukDKy-2GpqXrJM2glMPVYBpyXpdRLvyKybR7Gh6N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />To tone it down a smidge and add a little extra dimension, I brushed on a little Weathered Oak.  I really liked the outcome of the two combined.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NjRgRZve4A4agdhN3bKufZSTn6iI8NfSL4cbtQ54nPp1qQ8LUuC2pcmeg6rTon4gREUCSLRy6LnnM5jnpSqnjcz4Gi8Lm06qeKAik-jfBdanJH9cqJGrJVcSZpke5uGg4kXGQ0DDHhMt/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NjRgRZve4A4agdhN3bKufZSTn6iI8NfSL4cbtQ54nPp1qQ8LUuC2pcmeg6rTon4gREUCSLRy6LnnM5jnpSqnjcz4Gi8Lm06qeKAik-jfBdanJH9cqJGrJVcSZpke5uGg4kXGQ0DDHhMt/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />After I stained the frame boards, I followed up with a coat of poly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTMEK2-egYfaiS0cgHfLlma1rfLZLOIUgL76vrYx6CR6AwDt7uAaqGrR6Us_VGY3u8AL75lpKaCUqCrpbYkEmtvzZWmlaM7lvFoGLH-PfvUnmPxazRHIJ-sH3Nb0k73pALIw1M51CaUD6/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTMEK2-egYfaiS0cgHfLlma1rfLZLOIUgL76vrYx6CR6AwDt7uAaqGrR6Us_VGY3u8AL75lpKaCUqCrpbYkEmtvzZWmlaM7lvFoGLH-PfvUnmPxazRHIJ-sH3Nb0k73pALIw1M51CaUD6/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13.jpg" /></a></div><br />While the stain and poly were drying, we began cutting the sheet metal.  This was a very long and tedious process, given the size of the piece we were working with.  We purchased a 2'x4' piece of steel sheet metal from Fleet Farm; it is important to make sure the type you are purchasing is actually magnetic.  To get it to our desired size, we measured and then used a tin snips to slowly cut along our lines (bending and rolling the excess side away as we cut).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaSL8eksXwaeGF6a0QWFalQHZa1LGo3To00VOCS5q8nkK_pu1taa5LctYN2GKQZzFgs7HZoifhtbJWNwdbu13coDZv2mQ-HDMSWqwX92RT49y541CrxvN4CTQuIi2mcbQUBxmIg5NpSr7/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaSL8eksXwaeGF6a0QWFalQHZa1LGo3To00VOCS5q8nkK_pu1taa5LctYN2GKQZzFgs7HZoifhtbJWNwdbu13coDZv2mQ-HDMSWqwX92RT49y541CrxvN4CTQuIi2mcbQUBxmIg5NpSr7/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_12-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the piece was cut to size, I rolled on two coats of deep charcoal paint as well as two coats of clear chalkboard paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YBPYO5f9W9fz9foXcwIbX6UEnWXZNy7kEj7N8y21TV7rv0QHhksh9y-5sv5GBzylX3B8lrVYBMcxtSnG2CcRNJ6t7SWCiGR9pXihHt30VMKcySs6xU1alzExdYaHXJs-bIFVz6SJgHvw/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YBPYO5f9W9fz9foXcwIbX6UEnWXZNy7kEj7N8y21TV7rv0QHhksh9y-5sv5GBzylX3B8lrVYBMcxtSnG2CcRNJ6t7SWCiGR9pXihHt30VMKcySs6xU1alzExdYaHXJs-bIFVz6SJgHvw/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />After everything was dry, we began assembling the frame.  To give us a little stability while we worked, we used our staple gun to connect all of the frame pieces at the corners.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wcw5raPPvg5JKKP1SeHha3apZ7Y65PH4RWqvyPWS3gbRefBTC3qH-lRsbIJSLkGFpCiwyUYFbCopQcRAFfJiz6xUqbRfOg4LoTKg-PNO2R5JtcAaNjEMqdGHZrExyRbzFgVLapcmNEBN/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_15-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wcw5raPPvg5JKKP1SeHha3apZ7Y65PH4RWqvyPWS3gbRefBTC3qH-lRsbIJSLkGFpCiwyUYFbCopQcRAFfJiz6xUqbRfOg4LoTKg-PNO2R5JtcAaNjEMqdGHZrExyRbzFgVLapcmNEBN/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_15-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Using some heavy duty construction adhesive, we ran the glue around the entire backside of the frame.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizREMAv8Xt3TwqgSiRaO1LC54q7VlImWLDxLtvSX_wsbIdwauq4IVz1KGZL97tP-7f3BbtDrF4z2ejCV3hxgw8qWd7pM7O6bJ0JzHmaiO49qUDj3ixu5L3YdccMfMvgKrloSbssKKJUxFs/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizREMAv8Xt3TwqgSiRaO1LC54q7VlImWLDxLtvSX_wsbIdwauq4IVz1KGZL97tP-7f3BbtDrF4z2ejCV3hxgw8qWd7pM7O6bJ0JzHmaiO49qUDj3ixu5L3YdccMfMvgKrloSbssKKJUxFs/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_16.jpg" /></a></div><br />We then placed down the painted sheet metal, pre-drilled and screwed the sheet metal into the wood frame around the entire perimeter with 1/2" wood screws.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTiK7QHr6mcqg7lOhY_7CpJfqNbA80ZYpUnx0JIDWhuOspYyGf9hIypSeFELlmALwR8CuZzYi9keQ83mEmpF9APQfjo4DbUzanlUB4SjNmdvus-HmS_9OgVUr7bEsz4VeKj-eSGZvGk_4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTiK7QHr6mcqg7lOhY_7CpJfqNbA80ZYpUnx0JIDWhuOspYyGf9hIypSeFELlmALwR8CuZzYi9keQ83mEmpF9APQfjo4DbUzanlUB4SjNmdvus-HmS_9OgVUr7bEsz4VeKj-eSGZvGk_4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_17.jpg" /></a></div><br />After we flipped over the assembled memo board, I noticed that the construction adhesive was oozing onto the painted sheet metal.  In an effort to remove the glue, all of the paint began scratching off with it.  Sigh...<br /><br />So, I fake smiled as I hand scraped the entire magnetic sheet clean to create a blank slate (a now completely assembled and framed out slate).  Another blessing in disguise, I was out of the deep charcoal color, so I went to my paint cabinet to begin experimenting with alternative options.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_8uYuLgJ_4XzZV1NyPsnY4zZxLXLdziVbQy9Oy4qzAeoKYJgO6SZ7_rCMfPeOqF7hsyFfwKvLeFhfqYNNzXh_Kx92vSWheIKXZCUvOkDZB_CBxom6uSqVkaxt1gyhRqcda0cHLvRtykY/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_8uYuLgJ_4XzZV1NyPsnY4zZxLXLdziVbQy9Oy4qzAeoKYJgO6SZ7_rCMfPeOqF7hsyFfwKvLeFhfqYNNzXh_Kx92vSWheIKXZCUvOkDZB_CBxom6uSqVkaxt1gyhRqcda0cHLvRtykY/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_26.jpg" /></a></div><br />I mixed our current wall color with white to lighten it and also tried mixing it with <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-coat-closet-makeover-again.html" target="_blank">our coat closet color</a> to darken it.  I liked the darker option best.<br /><br />This time, I taped things off and painted two coats of white primer onto the steel sheet metal with a microfiber mini-roller.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sO67w1T65opyH7cSHIs10SRaAuCkcQ5QUSkJZ6Njww9SZtEAOWiC6m01n-SK0exx9QkcdoCk2TrxZY63JOi6KS0CgsZtvhYWZtwdd9ZKfoB8JYPjRzQxPEaGUuzTIFOq5mqh6RxKso3c/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_24-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sO67w1T65opyH7cSHIs10SRaAuCkcQ5QUSkJZ6Njww9SZtEAOWiC6m01n-SK0exx9QkcdoCk2TrxZY63JOi6KS0CgsZtvhYWZtwdd9ZKfoB8JYPjRzQxPEaGUuzTIFOq5mqh6RxKso3c/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_24-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once dry, I followed up with two more coats of the custom mixed paint color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRjr9NRrZOzaq_yGseuNehMnI-XHx0SgHUj-xtvzv8QOWPY1rY_R58_8KVRuPzrzgwn3rxHpqBEjNxTGfpl4xFNrpOv4F3DEuRvqLLsgwVTDY7FBKZ-zrtuUQ8tqOcT4Ic7MD8Q6w6bBE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRjr9NRrZOzaq_yGseuNehMnI-XHx0SgHUj-xtvzv8QOWPY1rY_R58_8KVRuPzrzgwn3rxHpqBEjNxTGfpl4xFNrpOv4F3DEuRvqLLsgwVTDY7FBKZ-zrtuUQ8tqOcT4Ic7MD8Q6w6bBE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_27.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love the lighter and brighter effect vs. the deep charcoal I originally had selected.<br /><br />While all of this was happening, we also had to address the long towel bar rod.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILYvPm9Wf__wRywgexWgxi9Y21AeAAde96Hix8KJTzuYLF2zyyNYv6CoRoh-2q4IXI08Vdhn3Swfto_TYLRS5gDOKrMayNCZbTxO0xh4o7KjbDmswNvS1VjPfV_xfdaDNsSucirsgjGG2/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILYvPm9Wf__wRywgexWgxi9Y21AeAAde96Hix8KJTzuYLF2zyyNYv6CoRoh-2q4IXI08Vdhn3Swfto_TYLRS5gDOKrMayNCZbTxO0xh4o7KjbDmswNvS1VjPfV_xfdaDNsSucirsgjGG2/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_19.jpg" /></a></div><br />The way <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40213839/" target="_blank">the rod from IKEA</a> works, is that it fits between the two holders on either end, and is then capped off for a finished look.  To shorten the rod, we easily cut it with a plumbing pipe cutter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxZOMbIE3D4vpcd4rYHFHQuxoopWKP4kEjMmOEXu-tIbhg6jWnQ3329K7qdluWhq3mip31VmZMYk801gLyM89szvJra-qRHv0fDvcU_mP4J_Z0g2gKyoA_mm_YnEYWDQOx7nVh3EOQO1O/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxZOMbIE3D4vpcd4rYHFHQuxoopWKP4kEjMmOEXu-tIbhg6jWnQ3329K7qdluWhq3mip31VmZMYk801gLyM89szvJra-qRHv0fDvcU_mP4J_Z0g2gKyoA_mm_YnEYWDQOx7nVh3EOQO1O/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_20.jpg" /></a></div><br />I knew I wanted the rod to be gold to balance out all of the polished nickel and stainless steel that we have been adding lately, so I got out my primer and aged brass spray paint (same method I used for <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/iheart-kitchen-reno-getting-handle-on.html" target="_blank">the hanging pendants</a>).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vRPJCyXR-rgOQheDgvxuKorQbts1r748YPmbpKLf5rdF45m5CPkNOfwJIFR7ZKq9GidQtpBNI1M15P_zt1Wq5BJ1NkZx-EIYHkdu_hHXs2qISG8_o-eyeX6kCnUUBmzl8ANe6mhVjMGP/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vRPJCyXR-rgOQheDgvxuKorQbts1r748YPmbpKLf5rdF45m5CPkNOfwJIFR7ZKq9GidQtpBNI1M15P_zt1Wq5BJ1NkZx-EIYHkdu_hHXs2qISG8_o-eyeX6kCnUUBmzl8ANe6mhVjMGP/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_21.jpg" /></a></div><br />After the rod was sprayed, it was still a little lack-luster against the stained wood frame, so I followed it up with a coat of gold Rub-n-Buff.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwkGjZlkBjeeu98u1zFeJCESJJKsR7Vg_Jx6UDnPrC7mmPxcqwQYSxsuAfIoDRaQHXwM6K7LmnabzxegY5hbRvl5x_cvhf6QZsRt7aaDqVk_2frxEW6nkc1858Xla3W1hLY_BuCfBGxKE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwkGjZlkBjeeu98u1zFeJCESJJKsR7Vg_Jx6UDnPrC7mmPxcqwQYSxsuAfIoDRaQHXwM6K7LmnabzxegY5hbRvl5x_cvhf6QZsRt7aaDqVk_2frxEW6nkc1858Xla3W1hLY_BuCfBGxKE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_22.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the new paint color was dry, we continued to finish up the frame by affixing the top piece of moulding and the lower shelf with our brad nailer (I may still add the clear chalkboard paint down the road again once the new paint is fully cured).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TebpyTYBkWmB3CfjrwbQDYAGAfu_zoZ1Er4o0wB-J95gvhkiYBGBWr9IwTzfkEaON39BtnRX0RL9JHdM-_l5YMN7OgM2v5ef8s64UMRVC00DnDwqaWTnyfiom9ZB9TIVidWqwuNYbfNz/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_29-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TebpyTYBkWmB3CfjrwbQDYAGAfu_zoZ1Er4o0wB-J95gvhkiYBGBWr9IwTzfkEaON39BtnRX0RL9JHdM-_l5YMN7OgM2v5ef8s64UMRVC00DnDwqaWTnyfiom9ZB9TIVidWqwuNYbfNz/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_29-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />And the final step in the assembly process was to add a few gold cup hooks to the bottom portion of the frame to hold our keys (pre-drill and then screw-in the hooks tightly).  It is important to select hooks that will not poke through the back side of the frame and scratch your wall surface when hung.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20YhLw2xDrojn3c9jTUSI8UnqE8boDhg89e1ZJ-Dh-uU_jSNsbZl-XKealycFtCY7b4GLT-gHx_osL5SXpoLie_MzrJBBCtlwGk5WxRR_eLk2J7JZusbEBc3YjKjzTHc50oiuKYK3CuPy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_31-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20YhLw2xDrojn3c9jTUSI8UnqE8boDhg89e1ZJ-Dh-uU_jSNsbZl-XKealycFtCY7b4GLT-gHx_osL5SXpoLie_MzrJBBCtlwGk5WxRR_eLk2J7JZusbEBc3YjKjzTHc50oiuKYK3CuPy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_31-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />The entire thing is a bit heavy, so I picked up two packages of 16 pound rated Command Strips.  Following the directions on the package, we wiped everything down with Isopropyl Alcohol prior to affixing the strips.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9Itq2p4A6f-PMV7YhygPwtRaaT8tipGtBkde2S2IYKCpCw0iZyWacqpRoEjSPwLna1MMJZA0mP9ccsR6yv_Bw7Ng82tVhpY_36fnbFks8N6QdGo_JKWa9MXv7dMjmhgPXzGems7XsnCr/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9Itq2p4A6f-PMV7YhygPwtRaaT8tipGtBkde2S2IYKCpCw0iZyWacqpRoEjSPwLna1MMJZA0mP9ccsR6yv_Bw7Ng82tVhpY_36fnbFks8N6QdGo_JKWa9MXv7dMjmhgPXzGems7XsnCr/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_32.jpg" /></a></div><br />Level, stick, press, hold, press, run, pray.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xsTcTg8_EswiBy96sruiu7BFw_ZIvpEHJhLWBTpmXbErU-eF26BCppzQTH5fUVH9wW1Q4x7R0tX-0wzvSQzJwpjEhgOUIWZYSlZVz8jIWs5O3sW6sC6fjmYsR7kgzbgnStec5IUfqnXK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xsTcTg8_EswiBy96sruiu7BFw_ZIvpEHJhLWBTpmXbErU-eF26BCppzQTH5fUVH9wW1Q4x7R0tX-0wzvSQzJwpjEhgOUIWZYSlZVz8jIWs5O3sW6sC6fjmYsR7kgzbgnStec5IUfqnXK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_33.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ready to see how lovely she finally turned out, multiple days later?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ERuK4bPOTwmOARq3ubCJAjPOZCxJG0KUYXTXmDQ0sa6jaWSlwAHgdyigSYOqKN8088aXROuNB8clVTWtsbNVrmQDLVwztVAaCcJpJbXQLKM47e6cQuE99548vv58XQwpzi0FaZdcMCH-/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_35-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ERuK4bPOTwmOARq3ubCJAjPOZCxJG0KUYXTXmDQ0sa6jaWSlwAHgdyigSYOqKN8088aXROuNB8clVTWtsbNVrmQDLVwztVAaCcJpJbXQLKM47e6cQuE99548vv58XQwpzi0FaZdcMCH-/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_35-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Like I said, so many blessings in disguise and it turned out so much better than I initially imagined.  So very excited about the magnetic feature, I went to my fabric scraps and button making kit and whipped up a few colorful magnets for the new board!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoP_BejuYRbKfAklzl6SEr68KspqhYV3K7Y_8EIdwPh_kuCBWphwQJChJ8jS6v3JQz7k9B5idnY003WjYZ2u9XkT40EmTMXkR051dq1-XkA22C1qQYcDtPHMZERoT1Gv6X36fB9kbXjfm/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_38-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoP_BejuYRbKfAklzl6SEr68KspqhYV3K7Y_8EIdwPh_kuCBWphwQJChJ8jS6v3JQz7k9B5idnY003WjYZ2u9XkT40EmTMXkR051dq1-XkA22C1qQYcDtPHMZERoT1Gv6X36fB9kbXjfm/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_38-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />And although the board will ultimately hold daily mail and our calendars/schedules (working on those this week), I couldn't wait to give it a test spin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3yEyvEFg49R0tEFbaWfRe7Jwq8r9q2NwSYk_Ns4hk8W6sFnyymaTX_S_hElYygslbxZd7BPOGNMAQSOxQUYAZn2QAGZKKItuNNfinFQuur_qxsv03AxRi-MaKM6uYxm7xY_ICZ7ZXXKK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_44-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3yEyvEFg49R0tEFbaWfRe7Jwq8r9q2NwSYk_Ns4hk8W6sFnyymaTX_S_hElYygslbxZd7BPOGNMAQSOxQUYAZn2QAGZKKItuNNfinFQuur_qxsv03AxRi-MaKM6uYxm7xY_ICZ7ZXXKK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_44-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />The wood tone turned out so lovely, and I really like how the new color plays with everything else we already have going on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjgvnxagmtR93BXhDOP76MwC3015B4EDltm6KWqxvQzkZuHSPMOymSI-zRT5mPyFRi4CWFt0B5z-5IMYTzrg-eRR0NOdNjMF-Y2hCbPy0UG0tMCqUqbsx4PC8UJ_mdgshi4kOzOfpfKd4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjgvnxagmtR93BXhDOP76MwC3015B4EDltm6KWqxvQzkZuHSPMOymSI-zRT5mPyFRi4CWFt0B5z-5IMYTzrg-eRR0NOdNjMF-Y2hCbPy0UG0tMCqUqbsx4PC8UJ_mdgshi4kOzOfpfKd4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_47.jpg" /></a></div><br />And the hooks at the bottom add such a sweet and special little detail to the entire project.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluNnEf4SLPyBLKNnwWU_1uChhcI0uWaq1KtBVj5E0oeyijXUbVTCnO5JcTo8jNf37YOGGzAMc3kAOXlPcrgZLdxCjVRX5o5q0i0E59MjgSl1JelOv3Gsop56lCNkFMkNCnCF1-yseB98N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluNnEf4SLPyBLKNnwWU_1uChhcI0uWaq1KtBVj5E0oeyijXUbVTCnO5JcTo8jNf37YOGGzAMc3kAOXlPcrgZLdxCjVRX5o5q0i0E59MjgSl1JelOv3Gsop56lCNkFMkNCnCF1-yseB98N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_40.jpg" /></a></div><br />While the rail does its job at holding mail and magazines in place.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpR_L-Asi1wo53SFnh4kAGdBKyUatjQBqA72zFYBAw-tKfD_bZYXiiPwCYg5N3lDFP7wO3ZBTnDNUEemfMZm8leT3AheJOje9C9HSIkUOK3p2hwtjs6jd6wHz1eTfV6QqWtESVaXzK1W/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpR_L-Asi1wo53SFnh4kAGdBKyUatjQBqA72zFYBAw-tKfD_bZYXiiPwCYg5N3lDFP7wO3ZBTnDNUEemfMZm8leT3AheJOje9C9HSIkUOK3p2hwtjs6jd6wHz1eTfV6QqWtESVaXzK1W/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_42.jpg" /></a></div><br />I purchased some strong magnets from the hardware store and affixed them to the bottom side of the buttons with superglue.  They can hold through multiple layers of paper so those also get a thumbs up from me!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygZ0NiPrw7nXznPceuuwS4jr9lJ8-55lrwS-wQb1MLHDhOA787dB3cRHrDg5tj4ejlezUmsYFV8lnSxlGOvRTzkw-yd3yF-TdSAbtxYRIZ2Gimj37HI6IxbCHA9J5KWpMO0H2v6gAHfYv/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygZ0NiPrw7nXznPceuuwS4jr9lJ8-55lrwS-wQb1MLHDhOA787dB3cRHrDg5tj4ejlezUmsYFV8lnSxlGOvRTzkw-yd3yF-TdSAbtxYRIZ2Gimj37HI6IxbCHA9J5KWpMO0H2v6gAHfYv/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_45.jpg" /></a></div><br />Plus, they really just make the board happier!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGcSxFSFa8EOcFMP8YUo-7z1aW1hcNclG6Nru3yUijduFDQVpepvNWWv-I0NDdUcJEt3yLKfFfz6xrHNKTxBfKW4as0HRN3zXuygv-2pULLhYQ65M6fosCBU-iNSQaZN9GtAue_RpmjEi/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGcSxFSFa8EOcFMP8YUo-7z1aW1hcNclG6Nru3yUijduFDQVpepvNWWv-I0NDdUcJEt3yLKfFfz6xrHNKTxBfKW4as0HRN3zXuygv-2pULLhYQ65M6fosCBU-iNSQaZN9GtAue_RpmjEi/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_46.jpg" /></a></div><br />So there you have it!  Now that you have learned from all of <i>our</i> mistakes, it shouldn't be too hard to actually DIY one of these beauties.  And total cost was approximately:<br /><br /><ul><li>Wood: $12.00</li><li>Sheet Metal: $30.00</li><li>Stain/Paint: Had on hand, approx $4.50 for small stain and $3-4 for paint tester.</li><li>Rail: $9.00 </li><li>Hooks: $3.00</li><li><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Command-Large-Bath-Picture-Hanging-Water-Resistant-Refill-Strips-4-Pack-17206B-ES/205520080" target="_blank">Command Strips</a> (optional): $10.00</li><li>My Happiness: Priceless</li></ul><br />This was definitely a turning lemons into lemonade type of story.  And also an "If at first you don't succeed; try and try again" process.  So happy we stuck it out!  And I am also smitten that it turned out to be something that I enjoy looking at.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiWEvGVv4dyiJNcNnO2WW3IRqmFTLn-G9leI6oWPxqrhrrVi7WMkbUbVsoZlF1C8-0uHJ91cN9k5t9Rg_LnVqLzU_D9BZ3n0BOYfnMjzUt-J8_v3G8fMqJNtlD-0gAEm5J2LoiesmKYDy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiWEvGVv4dyiJNcNnO2WW3IRqmFTLn-G9leI6oWPxqrhrrVi7WMkbUbVsoZlF1C8-0uHJ91cN9k5t9Rg_LnVqLzU_D9BZ3n0BOYfnMjzUt-J8_v3G8fMqJNtlD-0gAEm5J2LoiesmKYDy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_39.jpg" /></a></div><br />Now to get back to the rest of our weekly <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">"Wait-No-More" challenge</a>, I still have so much to do before Friday.  I am so excited to see what you all have been working on as well!<br /><br />

DIY Magnetic Memo Board

Welcome to my latest therapy session.  I say that, because it seems like so many of my posts recently have been all about "keepin' ...

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IHeart Kitchen Reno: Four Weeks Later!

Wow!  Another month has come and gone since <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/iheart-kitchen-reno-chandelier-island.html" target="_blank">our previous kitchen update</a>.  I was really hoping that we would be able to wrangle both kitchen and living room projects and updates all at once, but the living room sort of took over at the end, both on the blog and in our lives.  After the last update, I had a few questions I will be chatting through today, and I will also be sharing a few big things that have happened over the past few weeks.  Although we were so focused on <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/search/label/One%20Room%20Challenge" target="_blank">the living room side</a>, there are quite a few changes here as well.  It is finally starting to look and act more like the space we have been working for!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs40WriN19GVsMRPt7c3nD43thTNd0CaO85OLuxjQicX7A20xGBSAZxiEMqcXHM2Ji3Djv2tAcodJOdDPlV9_JRMUn-RgKra8dUPA4hNlQR5Z1ADZBxqUF_Cj3URv0wCLFp2_B83MovkvS/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs40WriN19GVsMRPt7c3nD43thTNd0CaO85OLuxjQicX7A20xGBSAZxiEMqcXHM2Ji3Djv2tAcodJOdDPlV9_JRMUn-RgKra8dUPA4hNlQR5Z1ADZBxqUF_Cj3URv0wCLFp2_B83MovkvS/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />Based on the photo above, I am guessing there are a few differences that stand out from the last update.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFPrOfJ05Ow1pZ4A3WarhYE5Zp_DAk0wf66FwwBQ7M2y7gztpuM0bbXZgfkBSBxPO-RhnuZoJ-tszQIR0AVlDyEEArDnTXBR2ns3yM7XURTCY-za8yTB-9TDXdpNWyJ_vQSZrUH1GcKLT/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_Update_Side-by-Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFPrOfJ05Ow1pZ4A3WarhYE5Zp_DAk0wf66FwwBQ7M2y7gztpuM0bbXZgfkBSBxPO-RhnuZoJ-tszQIR0AVlDyEEArDnTXBR2ns3yM7XURTCY-za8yTB-9TDXdpNWyJ_vQSZrUH1GcKLT/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_Update_Side-by-Side.jpg" /></a></div><br />We installed and set the island as soon as we could, which allowed us to finish installing our flooring.  That was a major game changer.  Like wow.  It really unified our entire kitchen and living area and added so much more warmth in contrast to all of the white.  And it is so clean!  Looking back at <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/iheart-kitchen-reno-chandelier-island.html" target="_blank">the last post</a>, my photos seemed to have a blue hue which was throwing some you off.  I totally get it, I just revisited the photos and they are pretty bad.  My guess is that much of it had to do with the cloudy day paired with reflections bouncing off of all of the white.  Not really sure.  The picture above is a much truer photo of how our kitchen really reads, especially now that the floors ground things a bit more (floor installation post coming soon).<br /><br />Some of you asked about measurements... We currently have about 3 1/2 feet between the outer cabinets and island.  We always read that between three and four feet is best, and we have been really happy with the amount of room and flow that the 3 1/2' provides.  We are able to easily navigate around the dishwasher when it is completely pulled out for unloading, and the refrigerator has plenty of room to open and get around without any crowding (more on that in a minute).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When coming up with a kitchen design, we were extremely limited with where we could place our oven and stove.  Our fridge and pantry had to go on the outer walls, and with the window and plumbing on the outer walls as well, we had no other choice than to place our cooking pieces in the island.  In the end, I am happy it worked out this way as we will be able to face the living area while we cook (great for watching the fam and television).  We also had to go with a larger island to accommodate the oven, cooktop and downdraft without compromising countertop work surface space and to provide enough distance between the cooktop and stools on the opposite side.  This allowed us to add a lot more storage in the island, so it all worked out in the end.  Plus, I got the oven I was lusting after for a couple of years!  It is a beautiful white glass option which was originally purchased from IKEA (and was discontinued when they released their new kitchen line).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sJO1Y8eh8I6W3l87QnEq7m-fkWXK7058_sfn2191i1G7kSBy5tZh7h7Gj4Uk_3KgJojjkLxEtDyeh8bcoEe0K5NNBRorfRBm_KGB1yzoQdKmo8PqaZ6IMtW5XyInvPykLnmbsvOzSNmS/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sJO1Y8eh8I6W3l87QnEq7m-fkWXK7058_sfn2191i1G7kSBy5tZh7h7Gj4Uk_3KgJojjkLxEtDyeh8bcoEe0K5NNBRorfRBm_KGB1yzoQdKmo8PqaZ6IMtW5XyInvPykLnmbsvOzSNmS/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_16.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see, we also installed the remainder of the hardware on the island cabinets to match the rest of the kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzIXxJrE2HhT-38POhzJGH5WIb2s-1DEeyExjxNPZSZd2kXpxhvOIASb0su9Gci9PF1tTK9yKTYnyLQksm1wDmmOEiCnXStDT3NWhyfDHaYMc6CuyG_D-_SKK055wqfbrNxP-m5EfJVBe/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzIXxJrE2HhT-38POhzJGH5WIb2s-1DEeyExjxNPZSZd2kXpxhvOIASb0su9Gci9PF1tTK9yKTYnyLQksm1wDmmOEiCnXStDT3NWhyfDHaYMc6CuyG_D-_SKK055wqfbrNxP-m5EfJVBe/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_14.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also received a couple questions and emails regarding the island details.  The doors are full overlay, meaning that there is very little cabinet frame showing around each door and drawer front.  It creates more of a seamless appearance and is also quite similar to our IKEA white cabinets across the way.  The color is an option offered by the cabinet company that built the pieces, so I don't have a specific name or number (other than a generic Slate), but I did have it color matched at Sherwin Williams and you can see the code <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdseRL3wnuQSq6XPfaYfToh-bXmd-5Q2D1EIMAEbMZ0q83MZqCfBx2Mka18NU1a4tljlaG7sYRCaano7DQofcsIp2XvuZ_3tmXDkGHFL2IrnN11UFEibPq05-rlUXstYtSLj28rvsO-6uS/s1600/Photo+Apr+15,+11+42+01+AM.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>.  It is a beautiful color in person, just extremely challenging to photograph because it reads a bit differently depending on how the light hits it (as illustrated between the photos above and below).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpwHwXQhov5ju3x7tGiSykH_EYAThN_p_i8YHUsRVDjDyXmz3VMFj8hb4lrrY5v6HaMM3Reeg73R8jxkSsZzI8ZWpfW77ce2R8qbRQ6QKelWzfoM0IwduHcqz6e7dJoQX8yFm7rO2pKrn/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_8-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpwHwXQhov5ju3x7tGiSykH_EYAThN_p_i8YHUsRVDjDyXmz3VMFj8hb4lrrY5v6HaMM3Reeg73R8jxkSsZzI8ZWpfW77ce2R8qbRQ6QKelWzfoM0IwduHcqz6e7dJoQX8yFm7rO2pKrn/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_8-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You may also have noticed that we only have about half of our counters installed.  They always say to prepare for the worse when it comes to major home renovations, and we have experienced a few different hiccups along the way.  I think it is just important to know that a few things will go wrong at some point, and do your best not to turn into a <i>Kitchenzilla</i> when they do.  You have heard about our dishwasher saga and maybe also read about our first refrigerator being delivered damaged.  Both were no big deal in my eyes.  Truly nothing to get upset about and maybe they simply prepared us for the next uh-oh.  The day the beautiful counters arrived to be installed, we went to place our oven into the oven cavity of the custom cabinets.  Guess what guys!  It didn't fit.  Um, what?  The cabinet was built to the dimension of the appliances we had already purchased.  They were able to install the outer counters and sink while they were here, and now that we have since been able to figure out the cabinet situation and set our oven, will be coming back next week to finish things up (counters can typically be set without the oven installed, but we didn't know if our island would need to be taken apart or changed so we opted to wait it out).  As frustrating as the cabinet situation was (it caused a three week delay in the island counter install), the counters are about the most beautiful moment this entire renovation has seen yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZokq_39abO5iA0WeIeyN0z4BdelXG0u0O1KamQQLHfnOdFHRMmMNGqYdjnUCFJSLsTRlgynGscRDq0TURvWKmt6A86W5eLl1aj4TtWP9mwRG78D_9l77K0k3xCZcAS-kxd2kxQ-dAHMB/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZokq_39abO5iA0WeIeyN0z4BdelXG0u0O1KamQQLHfnOdFHRMmMNGqYdjnUCFJSLsTRlgynGscRDq0TURvWKmt6A86W5eLl1aj4TtWP9mwRG78D_9l77K0k3xCZcAS-kxd2kxQ-dAHMB/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_13.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we first built our home, I selected green faux marble laminate counters because I was 19 years old and thought they were so cool and grown up (ha).  It only took me about four months to no longer like them.  For the next 13+ years, I was left trying to work with something that I didn't love.  I am pretty positive that experience has scarred me, and may be why a lot of our newer kitchen finishes and selections are a bit more neutral and classic.  Being this is such an investment, we don't want to change things each time a trend comes and goes.  And we don't want to have regrets four months from now (although, I am sure there will still be a few lessons learned).  Just like a lot of the other decisions we have made in the space, we did a lot of reading online when selecting the types of countertops to install.  Ultimately, quartz won out.  Both durability and the fact that it is non-porous (which means it won't harbor bacteria), were the main reasons we selected quartz.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yaFK4IkhnglAnV_7fnvmP30QYKvvUG5WfJKbu9km6KiT1IRTMGO7T7_WzJ-pT69osZzXo17Ru5TsHIRmJRx2lCFP6yIqB7Dwdbc4W9BCP_l2DayVXwIhrMIET1SnSgBj9BDrgsNMVE1R/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yaFK4IkhnglAnV_7fnvmP30QYKvvUG5WfJKbu9km6KiT1IRTMGO7T7_WzJ-pT69osZzXo17Ru5TsHIRmJRx2lCFP6yIqB7Dwdbc4W9BCP_l2DayVXwIhrMIET1SnSgBj9BDrgsNMVE1R/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't think we will regret these counters four months or even ten years from now.  They are <a href="http://www.cambriausa.com/en/Designs/design-palette/Torquay/" target="_blank">Cambria in Torquay finish</a> and another thing I am smitten with is that they are manufactured right in Minnesota.  (For local readers, we shopped around and ultimately decided to purchase from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Selective-Countertops-LLC/124570547598151" target="_blank">Selective Countertops</a> and we couldn't be happier with the results).  The veining and colors are a mix of beiges and grays and are quite subtle, almost a marble-like result but in a much more kitchen friendly finish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wVHi_KTT53_7rXw6XAP6lLt4pYHSke2zLSMKWlJvI7zKmuhrmjDlEo4PYerVgDfyU8x_geFi8zBby-pOpZqmXcl_XIfSPdc385VWWbx5uiUS1cHH_RpH2zhQZVCWyk0p17pWNYmFxF0y/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wVHi_KTT53_7rXw6XAP6lLt4pYHSke2zLSMKWlJvI7zKmuhrmjDlEo4PYerVgDfyU8x_geFi8zBby-pOpZqmXcl_XIfSPdc385VWWbx5uiUS1cHH_RpH2zhQZVCWyk0p17pWNYmFxF0y/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCueKnOrHnEPrZwi8PJnQN9V-qZu7CCKBszMryAE2xli6Aazq2EzVuq-28d659QBuc6n8MgKF5ZqlGcYLcHvIZY3H2kYLNO9z3I-hqMk78UYm_qeEvoJkA_Lqu2gmCT75Ey8QclPmXqw8/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCueKnOrHnEPrZwi8PJnQN9V-qZu7CCKBszMryAE2xli6Aazq2EzVuq-28d659QBuc6n8MgKF5ZqlGcYLcHvIZY3H2kYLNO9z3I-hqMk78UYm_qeEvoJkA_Lqu2gmCT75Ey8QclPmXqw8/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also ordered our sink with the counters, and once again, a major difference has been made in how we use the kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1ia7QxlIyF2z3o6IpJG38qzkQ-br-wFFplBX_iiNgy-h-2I3L6lo9XUjXK6I2wrL3wUIwLaj-igq7-uQ2h4LUVyir5OyY_WdZmdlo7Fa3CGbYoyQ-YI6rotCZBRzROSmtXDvVlH7dzKg/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1ia7QxlIyF2z3o6IpJG38qzkQ-br-wFFplBX_iiNgy-h-2I3L6lo9XUjXK6I2wrL3wUIwLaj-igq7-uQ2h4LUVyir5OyY_WdZmdlo7Fa3CGbYoyQ-YI6rotCZBRzROSmtXDvVlH7dzKg/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The sink is a total of 30" x 17"  and 10" deep.  We went with a stainless split sink, about 2/3 is the main bowl and the side bowl is the remaining 1/3.  And it is all seamless.  I knew I wanted a deeper sink for washing large pots and pans and filling my mop bucket...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VPCFFMRcI4MG0VnT2HxnUorsrukBGO9siKXKpOLC37D07CGCg9pbE4WxcRwyCnPZioFwGoYKLIP-uf5XiXH7fwMcnNhqF6CjRDTkqN6YENpPTNTaSGqqgePvAl4o8D5QCTBBxdoUM1UY/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VPCFFMRcI4MG0VnT2HxnUorsrukBGO9siKXKpOLC37D07CGCg9pbE4WxcRwyCnPZioFwGoYKLIP-uf5XiXH7fwMcnNhqF6CjRDTkqN6YENpPTNTaSGqqgePvAl4o8D5QCTBBxdoUM1UY/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But little did I know it would also be amazing for hiding a pile of dirty dishes when the dishwasher is full/being ran.  Definitely a jumbo sized bonus in an open concept layout.  Another new-to-us feature is a pull out faucet.  The kids and I have been having fun with this!  It reaches all corners of the sink which is great for cleaning, and offers two spray options.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIYYCNC78HPNkBoKCY6Z33VZnrsf1TSQMS5LCc3n1s6vRbLjJQdllSDizwwNYveEpKD1Vx_obu74Vj7aOykWBu_a5m-03d3xpxGeVf3IqyULdZbPfsPWbiSOn-2z2Fe19fuOxCdhyXLMV/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIYYCNC78HPNkBoKCY6Z33VZnrsf1TSQMS5LCc3n1s6vRbLjJQdllSDizwwNYveEpKD1Vx_obu74Vj7aOykWBu_a5m-03d3xpxGeVf3IqyULdZbPfsPWbiSOn-2z2Fe19fuOxCdhyXLMV/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We purchased <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Brantford-Single-Handle-Pull-Down-Sprayer-Kitchen-Faucet-Featuring-Reflex-in-Chrome-7185C/202998687" target="_blank">a model</a> that complimented the cabinet hardware, not super modern but not overly ornate either; it was juuuuust right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But wait, there is more!  I had no idea how much really has changed in the last month.  Big post today folks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One thing I have been challenged with throughout the entire process, is knowing that we have a garage door to work around.  And it was a previously very unsightly door with about eight different layers of paint and dings and dents.  Although not an ideal setup, moving the door really wasn't an option as there is other place to move it to.  Keep in mind that we really only use the garage for projects, and even when we start parking in there again, we will most likely be carrying in a handbag and groceries.  The boys always come off of the bus and enter through our front door, which is why their belongings are all located there.  So fortunately, we don't need much of a system for more than a pair or two of shoes, maybe keys and some hooks.  But visually, oy!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our solution was to build the fireplace built-ins in the living room, to mimic the cabinets in the kitchen.  Once the moulding is installed on the kitchen cabinets, they will be the same height and color as the built-ins, as well as the same distance on either side of the door.  Our very lovely new paneled door!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFAByQYLwaE4DIMnNa5YJ65HRo0xuGjejbr2UWkewP_5THCJ19XM9dfXsys0f6rC4HMCbjfWaPdefUQtMQJqwDBZ-172iQuLoLY5VgozrB0f2jdcCOt61HVXXHjF5X-t7KqZNykaY91nk/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFAByQYLwaE4DIMnNa5YJ65HRo0xuGjejbr2UWkewP_5THCJ19XM9dfXsys0f6rC4HMCbjfWaPdefUQtMQJqwDBZ-172iQuLoLY5VgozrB0f2jdcCOt61HVXXHjF5X-t7KqZNykaY91nk/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See how we only trimmed the living room side?  Haha, darn One Room Challenge.  And no, we weren't really that lazy, we only purchased enough to do the living room side and that is exactly where we ran out.  Hoping to get the rest finished up in the next week or two.  Just sort of funny how that worked out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, still not the most amazing setup, but I love how it worked out to create more of a nook or alcove for the door, making it almost look like intentional placement.  And the paneled look on the door is much more polished and matches the remainder of our interior doors.  Definitely happy with how it all is turning out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last but not least, we finally have a fridge!  It is counter depth, and also finally framed out.  Or in?  Whichever way, it is so much cleaner.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we began the kitchen planning process, we realized quickly that to maximize our space and to accommodate the island with cooking appliances, that our fridge would be best at a countertop depth.  First, I ordered a white side-by-side option.  There are not a lot of white countertop depth refrigerators on the market, especially with great reviews and decorative bar pulls.  And the ones that did have good reviews, were about a few thousand dollars over our budget.  But I found one and ordered it and when it arrived, it was completely dinged and dented and the pulls were nothing like they were pictured online.  The company took back the refrigerator at no charge, and we were left starting over with our search.  We thought that a side by side was the way to go since that was what we were use to, but after quite a few recommendations to try out the french door option, that is what we ultimately landed on.  I have to say, I love how much more space there is in this style and that the doors can swing wide open and leave us a ton of room to navigate, even with the island directly behind us (we purchased <a href="http://www.maytag.com/kitchen-1/refrigeration-2/french-door-3/-%5BMFC2062DEM%5D-1112110/MFC2062DEM/" target="_blank">this model</a>).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCy0kzbUFYHLEBiCvThJgZ1bxr9br2kCP26RZEt-ogt90jKQqfNz9bXgvpfEbJ11CNwXCkfzbFU2mfNPwMAeBHc5LHeYUDizZs3lYHUDpAXNpeQwZYP-o30CTqIcdeN7g0dKVnJDvsvpf/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCy0kzbUFYHLEBiCvThJgZ1bxr9br2kCP26RZEt-ogt90jKQqfNz9bXgvpfEbJ11CNwXCkfzbFU2mfNPwMAeBHc5LHeYUDizZs3lYHUDpAXNpeQwZYP-o30CTqIcdeN7g0dKVnJDvsvpf/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_20.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I don't love is the freezer drawer.  This thing terrifies me.  But I always love a good organizational challenge so I will let you know if I ever get this thing figured out.  We also kept our previous fridge in our garage as a replacement to our freezer chest, which we will love for holding six packs of be... I mean soda.  And for party throwing and entertaining and freezer overflow.  Also, for some reason my regular stainless cleaning solution does not work on this fridge, so I would love recommendations on streak-free stainless cleaning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, a month later we have a fully functioning sink and fridge and even started unloading (but not organizing) our fridge and cabinets.  After the counters are in next week, we can have our stovetop hooked up and start cooking on real appliances again!  If anything, this process has given us a much deeper appreciation for everyday kitchen conveniences.  <a href="https://instagram.com/p/3Mb8z2TcUE/?taken-by=iheartorganizing" target="_blank">Like making coffee</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr8CtHukYypbqiNksujqcD0RTXrBitjfBOxI9avdyq3Uvz29vNHkuJNG6IdFT6yboSfvpqveYOBxwVvHZriZNbXkw76j3_PiN5yE1LkbuRn0E9PNgHutxhJIh9TAmDrpPx1SfsJEiLKeq/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr8CtHukYypbqiNksujqcD0RTXrBitjfBOxI9avdyq3Uvz29vNHkuJNG6IdFT6yboSfvpqveYOBxwVvHZriZNbXkw76j3_PiN5yE1LkbuRn0E9PNgHutxhJIh9TAmDrpPx1SfsJEiLKeq/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_19.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And just when I am feeling like the end is near, it is time to get real and take a look at what is left before we call this renovation complete. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li>Install <strike>HVAC</strike>/Oven/Cooktop</li><li><strike>Install</strike> counters</li><li><strike>Set island cabinets</strike></li><li><strike>Install hardware on island cabinets </strike></li><li><strike>Replace garage door </strike></li><li><strike>Install flooring</strike></li><li><strike>Frame in refrigerator</strike></li><li><strike>Finish installing cabinet side panels </strike></li><li>Install cabinet toe-kick</li><li>Install cabinet crown moulding</li><li>Panel gap above fridge </li><li>Trim floors, doors and windows </li><li>Install backsplash</li><li>DIY a coat closet door</li><li>Add shelving and doors to nook above coat closet (?)</li><li>Install legs to built-in side cabinet</li><li>DIY message center</li><li>Hang window panels and roman shade</li></ul><br />I can't wait for layering in finishing touches to really start warming up the space.  Things like rugs and new dining chairs and window panels, oh my.  And cutting boards.  We still have a lot of items to pick-out that we haven't landed on yet like backsplash (although my heart is set on one) and also have to troubleshoot a moulding issue we may run into with the beams and cabinets.   But everything left is really just a lot of finishing touches at this point!  And after next week, it should at least be 100% functional (fingers crossed).  With that big list lingering above, I think you know where you will be able to find us when we aren't at the baseball fields.  Happy weekend everyone!<br /><br /><br /><i>You can follow all of the kitchen progress <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/search/label/IHeart%20Kitchen%20Reno" target="_blank">here</a>.</i> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />

IHeart Kitchen Reno: Four Weeks Later!

Wow!  Another month has come and gone since our previous kitchen update .  I was really hoping that we would be able to wrangle both kitchen...

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