Someone's In the Kitchen with Utopia Joe - Renovation Part I

We are in the heart of the Midtown Renaissance preparing the hub of the literal melting pot that will host all of our culinary treats in Utopia Joe's World.  To learn more about the greater host of all exciting developments in Midtown, please visit:  http://www.midtownrenaissance.com/

The Kitchen is the first room that Utopia Joe has started to renovate.

Let's take a look at the Kitchen Before Shots...

I get tired just looking at the beginning of this renovation.  Joe had to completely gut the kitchen.  The fridge doesn't work and the cabinets and counter are nothing more than remnants of rotting wood that need to be dismantled and removed.

See that guy... Meet Utopia Joe.  An amazing artist and home renovation expert as seen on HGTV & PBS. I have included some great links to fnd Joe's work on HGTV.  http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/utopia-chair/index.html  &  http://origin-beta.hgtv.com/topics/chairs/index.html  & http://www.hgtv.com/thats-clever/cool-car-chairs-crocheted-macrameacute-jewelry-ceramic-bowls-macrameacute-silver-hairpin/index.html 

                                                           And a 70's Cabinet Killer!

                                         sometimes you have to shake things up to see things differently

There are many small details of craftsmanship with woodworking and out-of-context findings that Joe added to make this kitchen unique and add a  designer's charm to every aspect of functionality.  Joe  places decorative framework around the window air conditioning units.  This will serve to offer additional security to keep the window in place and offer architectural improvement for aesthetics when dealing with covering unsightly cords and creating compositional balance with the existing window.

Shelving is placed above the door and window for additional storage space for decor & wine glasses

This clever piece of cardboard that I noticed in the trash was actually the template that came with the sink to be used as a guide for cutting the  perfect hole to fit the stainless steel sink.

All of the supplies shown here were purchased at Lowes.  http://www.lowes.com/  Here, Joe is getting ready to install the new counter tops and sink. 

Joe uses "Liquid Nails" to secure the sink in place.

Now clips underneath are secured with a screw driver. 
For more in-depth information on installing a cast iron sink, I recommend the videos at DIY network.  This link shows a more detailed step-by-step guide for your sink installation project. 
http://www.diynetwork.com/videos/installing-a-cast-iron-sink/39822.html

A lot of progress is already underway.  Joe has installed some overhead track lighting for an affordable way to light up different sections of the kitchen.  Balance and symmetry of space is created with an additional section of much needed cabinet and counter space on the opposite wall. 

There were not many existing outlets, so Joe has to go into the crawl space and make several new outlets.

An important safety note here is that Joe put down wooden planks for additional support for his path while he worked in this attic area. 

Peekaboo!  I see you!  Joe is feeding the new wires through now...

The cabinets have been painted and some initial design elements have been added with old architectural elements like antique half doors, old car part emblems and the Utopia Joe trademark look of nuts and bolts where nuts and bolts don't usually belong.

This wooden bar serves as a towel rack and extra measure of security.

Notice the placement of this pantry door handle.  The door can swing completely out flush to the wall without the usual problem of the handle hitting the wall.

Voila! Future Pantry!

This niche area will make way for the gas stove.  Joe installed an overhead light with a built-in shelf to fit over the top of the stove.  The metal trim comes from an auto parts store.
                                         

Zebra Print is a true classic in the Utopia Joe world.  However, we are on the lookout for an orange retro 60's print for this cafe curtain.  If you find one... please let us know!!

 We can see the AT&T Building outside of this window.  http://www.att.com/

 This is the old door that leads to the attic in the kitchen.  It was a dark brown before.  Joe has added some fun nuts and bolts with vintage glass knobs and metallic silver molding for a brilliant mix of bling that is something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!

A beautiful work of art is created to fit over the plumbing pipes in front of the sink.  It will flip down for easy access to cleaning supplies.

 The existing flooring was really uneven and in serious need of recovering.  Joe is adding a layer of sub-flooring here to make for a secure and even floor.
these knee pads are serious supplies for this task

The sub-flooring is now in and Joe has applied caulk to fill in all of the cracks.

 This image shows a clear view of where an awkward 2nd bedroom door used to be.  Joe replaced this entryway with a permanent wall for art and used half of the removed door to act as a half wall partition for the stove and I used the other half of the door as the framework for the donated art that went to Crystal Booth's Cancer Treatment Fundraiser Silent Auction. The auction was a huge success and raised over $15,000.  More relief is needed.  To continue the effort to make a donation for this valuable cause for healing, please contact Jennifer Gray at 405-694-5523 or visit  http://www.redlinebjj.com/ for more contact information/location.

One last look at Part I of the Kitchen Renovation.

The final new flooring is now in place over the sub-floor.  Joe used large peel and stick floor tiles that have the look of ceramic tile but are much easier on the cushion for both pocketbook and soles of your feet.

Be looking forward to our next blog showing the final touches of the Kitchen Renovation. Joe makes a fabulous dining room table, bookshelves, buffet and so much more...

In the meantime, learn how to make the Best Mac-n-Cheese ever while listening to Hosty Duo's "Eat this Mac-n-Cheese".  Utopia Joe shoots and edits while we demonstrate the mac-n-cheese magic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8fW57tqRWw