kitchen secrets revealed

Ok, so they're not really secrets, but I thought that sounded more exciting than "Where I got my stuff."

I have had lots of comments, emails and general questions about the remodel lately, so I thought I would attempt to give you all the information I have pertaining to the questions I have been asked the most. As a disclaimer, I am a visual person, not a technical person, so some of my information may not be quite as informative as desired... if any of you have advice to add (namely about brick floors) please feel free to chime in...

Question(s): How do you like the brick floors? What kind of brick did you use? What sealer did you use? How do they feel on bare feet?

Answer: I love the brick floors! I am so happy with how they turned out. Unfortunately, that is about all I know. Like I said, I am a visual person and I simply picked the color I wanted and left the install, sealer, etc. to the contractor. In fact, I originally picked a different brick altogether because I loved the color, but I was told it could absolutely not go on a floor as it would be far too crumbly. They steered me in a different direction and, again, I picked based on color. I am sure any brick installer or even possibly contractor could give you answers as to the sealer. (Any one out there have any good tips?) As for bare feet, I actually never go around without shoes on (I have a wee bit of a sensitive foot thing), but when I have walked on it, I think it feels fine, even a little good. It is still a little gritty, which they told me will go away, but it is not rough at all. Is that too longwinded of an answer without really answering what people want to know about the bricks? Whoops....

Question: Where did you get the iron shelving? Do you sell it in your store?

Answer: I actually got these shelves on a buying trip to Paris a couple years ago. We used to sell them in the store, but sadly do not have them anymore. When I got back from Paris, we were able to find someone to make them for the store who had a connection to get all the same kind of pieces (handles, foot bar, etc.), but she more or less ended up flaking on us. We are always on the lookout for something like these. I am actually having metal shelving put in on either side of my stove and found an amazing metal man (not to be confused with the tin man from wizard of oz) named W. Thomas Tuberty. He has done work for LGO, Postino's and other local places. I have more to share on all the fantastic stuff he is working on for us right now, but if you are looking for someone to do something top quality for you, he is your guy. (tuberty designs@gmail.com or call him at 480-213-4982).

Question: Where did you get the hardware on your cabinets?

Answer: I picked out this hardware from a store in Phoenix called Clyde Hardware. We have used them a lot and have always been very happy. If you go, ask for Mike.

Question: Where did you get the white chair covers at the kitchen island?

Answer: I actually had these made for these chairs. The fabric is vintage fabric that I picked up at the flea market. We have a slip cover lady that we use through the store all the time and she made them for me. If you need anything slip covered, call the Willows and we will be glad to give you her info. Anyone have any good suggestions on where to get pre-made slip covers like these?

Question: What paint color did you use on the walls?

Answer: The paint color is Tequila 8672W spma 20-0 int.velvet. I don't really know what all those numbers are for, I just read them off the container. It is from Dunn Edwards, so maybe some of those numbers relate to them, but I figured I would share all of it, in case it is important. And Jody (Sunstate Remodeling and Painting, 480-510-4833), our painter, is the very best, I must say. When we first moved in to this house, our good friend and architect, Jon Martens (who did our original remodel) came up with this color, partially (ok, possibly entirely) for its name. For his memory, I feel its important to remain with this color. I, on the other hand, don't and can't drink tequila, so I must settle for the paint color. Good thing I haven't found a paint color called "vino"...

Anyway, I think that covers most of the questions I have been asked lately. Sorry if all the information you were hoping for is not there... (How big of a slacker am I on those brick questions?) If you have any more questions, please, please ask away!