The photograph is back-printed on vinyl outdoor sign material. Dh bought a pre-made cheap frame, cut it down to the right size, and silicone-sealed the glass (which came from an old storm window of ours) to the frame. Total cost = $15 (we have a friend in the sign business who did the printing as a gift).

AND the displays was a fluke. When we broke into the soffit there to create the full-height cabs, there was plumbing there. Dh re-plumbed one of the pipes which allowed for a 6" deep cab at the top, rather than the 12" deep cab for the rest. We decided to use that space for display. I think that's our bling!

Can't believe there are small kitchens that drag on longer than my own! It must be a great feeling for your husband to have done all this gorgeous work himself.

Congratulations to both of you, for your work, your patience, and your survival!

Is the beaboard a sheet product or individual boards? I LOVE it!

We started with the original 1950's kitchen with light blue formica with a metal edge and no upper cabs on the left side of the kitchen and a broom closet beside the entry into the kitchen so there was less counter space. We created the U-shape by moving the dw from the left side of the sink (in the corner) to the right side. This afforded more counter space, although when the dw is open, you can't open the fridge which is directly across (not visible in the pics) and obstructs entry into the kitchen. Not a big deal when counter space is so highly valued!

Anyway, thanks for all your help over the years!!

Laura

Tudi

The photograph is back-printed on vinyl outdoor sign material. Dh bought a pre-made cheap frame, cut it down to the right size, and silicone-sealed the glass (which came from an old storm window of ours) to the frame to prevent moisture from seeping in. Total cost = $15 (we have a friend in the sign business who did the printing as a gift). Dh hung it on the wall, so it can come down and be cleaned properly if necessary AND in case we ever sell the house, the picture can come with us.

AND the displays were a fluke. When we broke into the soffit there to create the full-height cabs, there was plumbing there that would have prevented a full depth shelf. Dh re-plumbed one of the pipes which allowed for a 6" deep cab at the top. We decided to use that space for display. I think that's our bling!

Again, thanks for all the positive comments! Can't wait to show them to dh!

Just fabulous.

Congratulations!
Susan

Christine- Dh used his reward of a new digital SLR to photograph the kitchen (was more expensive than most of our elements!). I was impressed with how well the photos came out. You don't see the little flaws at all! :)

akrogirl - You don't know how many people are vying for dh's time, but alas, I've got him tied up with projects for the rest of his LIFE! Shhh... he doesn't know all that I've got planned for him!

grlwprls - First, love your name. Dh and I love photography, especially vintage ones. It was really great to come across one that not only fit perfectly in the space we needed it for, but also one that was so meaningful to us. It is very possible that dh's grandfather actually met mine in those days. His grandfather drove a produce truck in that area, and he recalled the name "Ackerman". Would be a great coincidence if it's true.

happymomof6 - Thanks for the support for the green. I've flip-flopped so many times! The last thing I wanted to hear was "Hmmm... it's green." Didn't want to lose the great feel we'd created.

Pecanpie and Garden - What a hoot! Who would have thought anyone would have said "worth the wait". I mean, seriously, almost 7 years? We've had 2 kids in that span of time (hence the 7 years). This kitchen is truly custom all the way. What you can't see is the left side of the fridge which is a narrow slit in which we were able to hang from cup hooks a broom and a swiffer. Nicely tucked away. Had to use every single space.

Thank you again!!

How did you do the lighting in your above-cabinet displays? I love that feature!

Maddiemom

Laura

Congrats, and enjoy!

Amy

What a great kitchen! The picture behind the stove?
We're thinking of doing something similar!
Is that tile or covered with glass?

Librarymom- At one point, we were going to have the photograph put on ceramic or glass tile, always with the intention of just hanging it behind the stove ... mainly so that it wouldn't be affixed should we ever leave since it's such a personal item. We did cover the vinyl printed photograph with glass; however, our sign friend said that this material was made to withstand extreme temperatures, plus you can't scratch the image as it is back-printed onto the vinyl. We just went for the added protection and ease of cleaning.

Allison- After all this time, I can't remember exactly where the idea for the photograph came from, except that dh suggested the picture. At one point, we wanted to have it etched onto a metal tray hung there and even looked into having it etched into AB granite.

I, too, am curious about that pendant lamp--I like that, too! Where did you get it?

Still have a lot of stained glass left, but not sure I want to make any more. Might consider selling to the highest bidder, though. :)

Anyway, truly a compliment since I think it looks home-made.

Laura