Sunday, January 11, 2009

My New Butler's Pantry - Before and After!

When I moved into my 1930's Royal Barry Wills Colonial four years ago I was certain the room the real estate listing indicated as "small office off kitchen" would someday turn back into the Butler's Pantry it was originally intended to be. The room measures 9' X 8', and because of the way the lot is graded it has 9 foot ceilings and a lovely, large window. Over the years the previous owners removed the original cabinetry and moldings.
As you can guess, I had grand visions (and a limited budget)!
I wanted it to be an office and a real working pantry -storage for platters, serving pieces, my mixer, and a place to roll pastry crust. I wanted to hide away my microwave, have filtered hot and cold water. We needed file cabinets for family organization and a place for the family computer and hard drive. I wanted to be able to sit in this Pantry/Office and blog. I wanted to showcase my mothers heirloom, turn of the century China. And, I insisted that it look original to the house but with an updated feel. Here is an inspiration photo of the glass front cabinets. I also wanted honed marble counters for rolling pastry. Because my kitchen cabinets were white I wanted the pantry to cabinets to be different, but not wood, so I wanted a gray/green color.

Cote de Texas
Here is my inspiration photo for the color of the cabinets. Many of you may recognize this kitchen, it is Sally Wheat's Kitchen from Cote De Texas "Stalking the Wheat's" post. Joni was kind of enough to put me touch with Sally who shared her color with me. Do not miss touring Sally's house. It is incredible - she has wonderful taste and talent! Here the link.
After four months of searching I finally found my marble. Here is my slab of Calcutta before it was installed.
I wanted period style hardware. I loved these from Christopher Peacock. I ended up finding a nearly exact replica from Cliffside Industries. Lucky find! Vertex
As a family, we drink gallons of bottled water. At my husband's urging we found this bottleless water filtration system from Vertex. It heats and cools the water and connects directly to a water line. No more lugging bottles or polluting the landfills and the kids make their own hot cocoa and cup a soup instantly.
I found a wonderful cabinetmaker who was able to work with in my budget constraints. We had some mishaps with other subs, but were able to hide/fix the problems, so hopefully you can't notice them.

Here is the before:
And After: The Butler's Pantry! The cabinets go all the way to ceiling and the molding wraps around the room. Walls are real wood tongue in groove beadboard. You can't see that the counters are honed, nor can you see the bevels on the glass. The color is more gray than green and the counters have much more contrast than these pictures show. The microwave is hidden in the the cabinet in the bottom left of the photo. Drawers have platter and serving pieces. The appliance garage on the left holds my Kitchen Aid mixer & Cuisinart. It's still too new, so I haven't rolled out pie crust yet -but I will in time.

This side is my office area. Cabinets house file drawers and the hard drive. The appliance garage on the right has shelves for bills. The cabinet on the bottom right of the photo has a drawer for each family member - this is a handy place for keeping homework and school things organized. The far right is the bottleless water cooler - we love it!
So if you ever wondered where I am when I am blogging - here it is! I think I accomplished all I had hoped. My husband calls it my little jewel box - and really it is! Hope you like it!

100 comments:

  1. Wow!! Your pantry is beautiful. I have never left a post with you before, but I want you to know that I just love your blog, and am using it often during my own remodel. Love your taste, and absolutely adore the pantry.

    Laura

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  2. Applause, Applause!! What a beautiful and functional space you made. I love everything you did! Is your color also the Sally Wheat color? (My large BM color book is sitting open to that very color and has been for about a week now!) You've given me lots of inspiration for my pantry, thanks!
    joan

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  3. I am swooning with envy. How lovely! And how nice to sit and gaze at your mother's beautiful china while you type away.

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  4. WOW WOW WOW! I love it so much. I actually used that same picture from Cote De Texas as inspiration for my new kitchen. I found my own perfect color (worldly gray - Sherwin Williams) but would love to know the color you used.

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  5. how unbelievable are you ?!

    it is so strange, as i was reading along,
    i would be thinking she should start with a china cabinet,
    and the you say china cabinet ,
    then i thought of calcutta marble ( which is my fave, and use it almost all the time for clients ), and there you were with your slab.

    it came out so great.
    and, you still have a little office nookie.

    enjoy it. ! xx

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  6. Bethany: The color is Benjamin Moore Fieldstone - I think its number 1558. Sally gets all the credit on that one!

    Thanks so much for all the comments so quickly - I was a bit nervous about posting it!

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  7. It's just beautiful!!! I'm bookmarking it for my dream kitchen file :)

    ..New to you blog & have really been enjoying it!

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  8. WOW! Jewel box, indeed! Your butler's pantry is absolute perfection! I love everything about it, and there couldn't be a more perfect showcase for your mother's beautiful china. You must be so happy!

    I'd love to know the paint colors!

    xo Isa

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  9. Absolutely beautiful!

    It must be wonderful to look into your stunning pantry and sigh a breath of satisfaction for a job well done!!!

    Thanks for sharing the paint color- I've added it to my list or favorites already.

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  10. Amazing! What a beautiful job Gina. Bravo!

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  11. I'm in awe of this pantry. I'm very new to your blog and I'm so glad I found it! Amazing work!

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  12. Gorgeous, Gina! I'm thinking of painting my kitchen cabinets - that sounds like a good color. I may steal from you! As a matter of fact, your butlers pantry is pretty much the size of my whole kitchen, maybe I should steal more than just the color!

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  13. OMGosh that is absolutely gorgeous! You'll be the envy of the blogosphere. Nobody has pantries like this anymore. Very nice job indeed. I can't think of enough adjectives, it's so great.

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  14. I'm going to show this on my blog tomorrow, ok? I;m working on kitchens and I'll link it back for the whole story. I am stunned !!!! This is the most gorgeousu pantry I've ever seen - I wouldn't want to leave!!!!!

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  15. WOW! Absolutely stunning! I saved a picture for my inspiration file. :)

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  16. Your husband is so right - you have created the most perfect little jewel box! A lovely blend of the practical and the beautiful.

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  17. Just came over from Joni's amazing post about kitchens. Your pantry really caught my eye. What a great job you did including all the elements you wanted in the space that you had. Would you mind sharing how big the space is? I would love to do something like this in my own pantry.

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  18. I thought my comment posted, but maybe not?

    Anyway, absolutely beautiful and inspiring! Having a little pantry/computer nook like this is a dream for me.

    I am looking high and low for my Benjamin Moore fan deck so I can check out that color. Thanks for the post - what an inspirational morning between you and Joni! It makes me want to go out and start painting my kitchen cabinets.

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  19. Really nice! I love the fact that you chose gray instead of a white for the cabinets. This looks like a great place to be!
    Thanks for sharing.
    lamaisonfou

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  20. Perfect jewel box indeed! You have done a beautiful job.

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  21. What a perfect spot, I would not want to leave. Your cabinet guys are awesome job of creating your vision. It's a picture to keep in the "someday" file!

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  22. Gina, you did a fantastic job.
    Love all of the details: the door hardware, the bead board, the marble. The cabinet details are also gorgeous, and I love the color you chose.
    I can't say enough. I know how hard it is to have a project come out this beautifully!

    xo
    Brooke

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  23. just found your blog and i love it! such a fantastic buter's pantry...wow! i am jealous of that cute, cozy oh so beautiful space! enjoy it!
    ~kathi

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  24. Beautiful! Congratulations on realizing your vision from dream to reality!

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  25. stunning! what an amazing and truly inspired transformation. the fact that it doubles as an office is amazing..
    i love the display of china through the glass, the hardware is perfect and cabinet color- as everyone has noted- is sublime especially with the marble. absolutely gorgeous. i hope you'll share again when you break out the pie dough and rolling pin-- the counters just cry out for a pastry chef! ;)

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  26. I have serious pantry envy! What an amazing little space. You clearly thought about every cabinet and drawer and it shows.

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  27. Hats off! What a fabulous makeover. Just love it.

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  28. Wow, gorgeous job! It truly transformed your space. Love it.

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  29. Sue-My pantry is 9 feet by 8 feet. I installed approx. 20 linear feet of cabinetry. Hope that helps!

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  30. I would never have guessed it was all brand new. It's gorgeous and I'm sure it must blend seamlessly with the style of your home.

    Fabulous!
    Gail

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  31. It's just stunning, a fantastic result!

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  32. gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!!! I stumbled over from cote de texas...this is divine!!! fabulous job very well done...a jewel indeed!

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  33. How stunning is this transformation! You have done an amazing job of this space! Well done! Tracey x

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  34. Gorgeous - a great use of limited space. I'm sure you will spend many happy hours in your new room. Enjoy!

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  35. I love everything about it! Can you send the carpenters to my house next?

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  36. Just stunning! You don't see pantries like this anymore...and to think it is brand new...who would have thunk it!

    And what a terrific work nook...like you are in your own little world.

    Kudos to a BEAUTIFUL job!!

    (I came over from Joni's)

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  37. Spectacular!!! Great job! (I have never left a post before..but I stalk your blog often.) Take care ~Cindy~

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  38. Just beautiful! I am enjoying my visit to your blog via Twitter.

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  39. My jaw dropped at the sight , holy cow , that is gorgeous.
    Chris

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  40. You had a tremendous vision and made it happen. Beautiful...will keep a copy in my files. The detail is outstanding.

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  41. It looks beautiful!!! Amazing job!

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  42. Absolutely, breathtakingly spectacular! A-M xx

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  43. ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!
    Love it, love it!!!!
    Merci for sharing.
    Have a wonderful day!

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  44. Its absoluetly beautiful - I love the wall panelling too. Tania

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  45. *gasp* What a wonderful pantry!! I was so happy to see a bit of your home- yey! I want to see more! =)
    It must feel so good to have everything in order, the china, the bills, homework... *sigh* I'm so envious! Have a great weekend!

    /Nathalie

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  46. Wow!!! What a beautiful jewel box.. I love everything about. thanks for sharing. hugs ~lynne~

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  47. Perfect. Thanks for sharing your butler's pantry with us. I think it's just beautiful!

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  48. Exquisite! I love it. You have created a stunning and perfectly practical space here. A D O R E it! Great job and marvellous taste you!

    Terri xo

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  49. Holy cow! I can't believe that's the same room. Well, it isn't anymore, is it? Fantastic! I love it.

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  50. Your new pantry is beautiful. I love the color and style that you chose.

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  51. Gina dear - your spectacular results have given me renewed hope for the transformation of our grotty, revolting laundry in the next few months into the room that says Butler Pantry on our Architects plan!

    I just want to size up your pics, print out & stick them on our laundry wall & visualize, visualize!! What a star you are - truly the new Queen of the Butler's Pantry.
    Millie ^_^

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  52. I love, love it...so much so that I want to replicate it in our butler's pantry! Please let me know who made your cabinets adn the cost! I would appreciate it!

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  53. Renee-
    My cabinets were made by Country Crasftsmen in Uxbridge, MA (508-278-2307) Ask for Patty, she is a very talented Kitchen Designer with outstanding taste! I am sure they would be happy to help you, if you live in general New England area.

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  54. Thank You! I live in PA so I will be taking your picture to a local cabinet maker! thank you!!!!!

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  55. Love it to pieces.

    Would you mind sharing what the overall dimensions of the pantry room are?

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  56. The room measures 9 feet deep by 8 feet wide.

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  57. I am in awe of you and your home. Wonderful and inspiring! Thank you for opening your pantry up for us to see!

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  58. Your house is absolutely gorgeous! Love seeing how your inspiration came to life

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  59. Absolutely gorgeous- you have done a great research as well:-)
    I`m impressed by your blogg and your sence of style, and will be back soon:-)
    Have a nice day, hugs Hege (Norway!)

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  60. Beautiful and sooo functional! I heard all about your butler's pantry over at the The Skirted Round table and had to come drool over it in person! :-) It is everything Joni said it was...love it!
    Susan
    P.S. When clicked on, your pics enlarged really well, so I could see the beautiful beveling you mentioned. Your Mom's china is gorgeous...now you can enjoy every day!

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  61. oh my gosh, I realize it is July and this post was in January, but WOW! Love it so much. I especially love your inspiration photo of the white with all the Dundee Marmalade Jars, do you have any idea where you found that photo? I collect them. anyway, can't say enough about the gorgeous redo!
    Michelle

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  62. Wow! That is breathtaking! How gorgeous.

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  63. This is the most insanely gorgeous makeover I've ever seen. Love, love, love, love, love!

    Amy

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  64. Gorgeous! I wish I had such space... but alas, my butler's pantry is now my walk-in closet since the pantry connected my kitchen to the master bedroom. I need closet space!!

    I love the color. I tried gray lowers in my kitchen, but they read too green to my taste.

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  65. This is absolutely STUNNING and going in my future house inspiration file. Amazing!!!

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  66. In the process of picking a color for a bathroom cabinet - knew I wanted gray, so it great to see how beautiful the pantry looks.

    THe color is BM fieldstone?

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  67. Love it!! Absolutly beautiful!!!! Great job & Thanks for sharing.

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  68. I love it!!! I'm going to try to do the same and put frontload washer and dryer under the counter top in cabinets.
    Thank you.

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  69. hi,
    i just found your blog. your pantry is gorgeous. I was wondering...can you ever put "raven" cesarstone" with calacatta gold? what did you do in your kitchen?

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  70. I love your pantry. I was wondering -- where did you get your cupboard pulls from? Are they polished nickel or polished chrome?

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  71. Wow! You are ONE LUCKY LADY.

    What a wonderful piece of furniture!

    I hope you will stop by my blog and enter my giveaway.

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  72. Absolutely the cat`s meow! Beautiful accomplishment!

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  73. I LOVE your pantry! We just renovated our house, including our little butler pantry, where we put in cherry cabinets to contrast with our white kitchen. Ours is nowhere near as big as yours - basically a wall of cabinets along a hall to the dining room - but it's wonderful to have all those serving pieces handy!

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  74. LOVE LOVE LOVE your pantry!! Just curious what the dimensions of the room are? Thanks!

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  75. Can you tell me the color next to the Fieldstone cabinets -- your wall color? I'm using Fieldstone for my cabinets and am looking for a complementary wall color. I've come up with BM - Muskoka Trail, but would like to know what you used. Yours looks gorgeous! Thanks and regards.

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  76. can i ask you a quick question cuz i LOVE your style and would love a second opinion. i am getting my cabinets re-painted literally this weekend. i have black granite countertops and i was just gonna go with a simple white on all of the cabinets. however after seeing your gray/blue cabinets in your butler pantry i was thinking of doing gray cabinets in my little butler area as well. however, my butler area is just a walk through from my kitchen to my dinning room. so you could definitely see it from the kitchen. anyways-do you think gray cabinets would look too dark since i have granite countertops. i love the white marble and wish i would have gone with that on the one section of the butler area but the granite people talked me out of it cuz we have three small kids.:( i just am not sure if the black countertops and gray cabinets would look to dark. i def. love a nice clean bright white kitchen. thanks so much for your input!

    cara

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  77. Well I have spent most of my Sunday morning drooling over your posts...and this one well takes the cake! I have a 9X6 foot pantry and dream about creating something like this. I really enjoy your blog

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  78. I'm soooo jealous. Maybe it isn't as big of a sin since I'm admitting it. I love, love your taste.

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  79. I have serious pantry envy. That is just exquisite. Love it! --GW fan

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  80. I saw your marble. I wonder if it is close to something I am about to search for. I found a beautiful bathroom counter and feel it won't be easy to find. How can I send you a picture for you to view & compare? I am looking for a source. Thank you.

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  81. What a great work you did with your kitchen. It's elegant and functional. Congratulations I really love it.

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  82. I wanted to let you know I used your blog many times to help me with my kitchen. I would love to email you a picture.

    Please let me know where to send the email.

    Thanks for all your help and please blogging!

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  83. Anonymous,
    You can email me at willowdecormail@gmail.com
    Excited to see your photos of your new space!
    xx-Gina

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  84. This is stunning! May I use one of your butlers pantry pics to use in a butler pantry post I am doing? I will of course include your name! Wondering also if you used the metal grills on any of your cabinets? I am considering doing this...and love the look but wondering about maintenance....anyway, let me know. Thanks..its fabulous looking!
    www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

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  85. This is a real piece of jewelry to me....I used it on my blog today and linked back to you, I hope that is ok? thank you

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  86. Hi.:). Fell in love with this space of your awhile back, just finished mine that is modeled after yours and I thought you might like to see it.
    http://www.playingsublimely.com/2011/08/my-butlers-pantry/

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  87. Truly inspirational. We have a house built in 1910 with an 8x9 pantry off the kitchen that was built later. Right now it's just a plan storage area. I've been wanting to do something like your butler's pantry, but now I'm convinced!!! It's gorgeous. Alas, my budget is quite limited and I can't afford custom cabinets. I'll have to get creative and improvise.

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  88. You had a tremendous vision and made it happen. Beautiful...will keep a copy in my files. The detail is outstanding.

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  89. Amazing. I am ready to embark on a kitchen redo and will hopefully incorporate this in my new kitchen. We have spent the last 7 years putting an "old" new 3,800SF addition on our 1,200SF Cape Cod. We did all the work ourselves and used all antique doors and windows and have really fooled everyone who sees it - "what a lovely old home". We are now ready to take the first floor of the Cape Cod (24x32) and create a kitchen, butlers pantry, 1/2 bath, and eating area. I would love to know if you have any sources that you found inspirational or useful. Thanks!!!

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  90. Your pantry is absolutely stunning! It is beautiful. I love every bit of it. We are in the middle of remodeling our kitchen now. My husband is building the cabinets, they are gorgeous and will be painted Benjamin Moore Dove White. We are also considering making our pantry a walk-in. After seeing yours, I definitely want to do it. Oh, and we are going with marble as well. You have great taste. How hard was it to find your marble?

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  91. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  92. What an amazing transformation!

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