Be careful what you wish for...
That's a saying I heard around my house often, growing up.
My beautiful mother was the eternal optimist, but she also had a very practical side.
And a great sense of humor.
So...when she wanted us to really consider the scope of what we were wishing for, that phrase was uttered in a serious tone.That's a saying I heard around my house often, growing up.
My beautiful mother was the eternal optimist, but she also had a very practical side.
And a great sense of humor.
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| I don't remember asking for that ugly space when I wished for a sink! |
When she thought our wants were a little nuts, she said it with a touch a sarcasm.
But more often than not, that idiom was followed by another phrase.
What if it's better than what you thought it would be?
Ah...how I miss that glass is half full attitude of hers.
I wasn't really born with it.
Except when it comes to decor.
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| Now that's more like it... |
Somehow, someway, I always have faith that things will work out. And perhaps be even better than my original design vision.
Like that new farmhouse sink and the addition of that trim piece I shared last week.
I didn't even flinch when my contractor told me that there was a hole that needed to be filled.
Neither the installation instructions, nor any of the videos I watched mentioned that might be a possibility.
However, our sink base cabinet is old. Maybe they're made differently today, but back in the early 2000s, above the cabinet doors, there was a panel that just popped out...for what reason, I don't know.
All I did know, was that he needed to fill the gap with a small piece of wood.
Just paint it, he said...but as soon as I saw it, I knew that wasn't going to work. Instead, I pictured an ornate piece of trim dressing up the space.
Of course, I'm not a power tool girl. I leave that to my husband...and you may remember, when I asked him when he could install the sink that was sitting on our kitchen floor. In a box. He said, October.
That's when I called the contractor.
But. The contractor wasn't going to do what I wanted with that trim piece. It would be too involved.
You see, I'm not a cookie cutter kind of decorator.
My ideas are often a little out of the box, occasionally complicated and very specific. And, so far, the only person who will actually work with me, to achieve exactly what I want, is my husband.
So while I knew I had a few months of waiting, I figured I could at least find the proper moulding.
You know. In case he had some free time...or it rained.
I mean, it was April.
And good thing I was prepared, because one weekend, it poured!
I'd brought several choices home with me from Home Depot...where, by the way, I was actually accused of trying to steal one of them on the self checkout line.
Yup. I was standing at the register, swiping my credit card, after scanning 3 pieces of 8 foot long wooden trim, when the associate came over and said I had 4 pieces and I only scanned 3. When I told her that I only had 3 she said - very loudly - NO. MA'AM. YOU HAVE 4...and then proceeded to count them - one by one - as if I were a kindergartener, again very loudly, in a very crowded checkout area.
ONE. TWO. THREE...oh. You only have three. That part she said in a much softer tone. Go figure. Then she just walked away. I wanted to say something, but my kids have warned me about making a scene in public. So rather then being humiliated twice - once in the store and once on someone's TikTok - I took my wood and left.
Anyway, after that fun experience, I chose this one.
I thought it fit my cottage style vibe.
Adding Wood Trim By Fastening It From Behind
Ok, here's where the tricky part comes in. The moulding wasn't thick, so the trim piece wasn't going to be flush with the sink or the skirted cabinet doors below and that didn't sit well with me.
It required my husband to first find and then cut a second piece of wood that would help fatten it up, to fill that gap.
Back to Home Depot we went and thankfully this time we paid and left without any humiliation or accusations whatsoever.
When we got back home, he cut both pieces of trim and glued them together.
To help the glue set properly, he taped them up and left them overnight to dry.
The next morning, he filled the tiny gaps on each end that remained.
To do that, he added two small pieces of wood cut to size.
Once that was done, he used a very fine brush to paint the entire piece with two coats of high gloss white enamel paint and primer combination so it would mimic the finish on the sink.
Since the trim was very ornate and we didn't want to ruin the pretty pattern with finishing nails, or glue it into place...that's messy and not really strong enough in a high use area.
Instead, my husband devised a way to attach it from the back.
He's so smart.
First, he flipped the trim piece over and drilled three holes in the back to add threaded inserts.
Then he drilled three holes in the face of the cabinet so he could screw the trim piece under the sink from behind.
Leaving nothing on display but a lovely pattern that looks as if it was part of the original sink design.
Without any interruption in that charming addition from finishing nails.
Just a simple fix that actually made the sink look even better.
And since we didn't glue it on, we have the ability to remove it easily if I ever wish to...
But I don't really see that happening.
Do you?
😉
Happy DIYing, Friends!
You need to learn some woodworking skills so you can get stuff done on your own schedule! I did, and it's been awesome!
ReplyDeleteI agree!! I'm jealous of your DIY skills, I need to get myself a few lessons!! ☺️
DeleteHa Ha never say never. You might change it some day. I love the whole look. Farmhouse sink with pretty fabric skirt and trim. Looks really great. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteNever say never is right, Kris! We both know waayyy better than that, don't we? Hahaha!! Happy Mother's Day my friend!! ❤️
DeleteFinger slipped, sorry. too much. Isn't great having our handyman?
ReplyDeleteIt really is, Cindy!! 💕
DeleteI'm glad you weren't trying to shoplift trim. I'd hate to read about you on the news... But she could have apologized!
ReplyDeleteI love what you came up with! It's perfect cottage style. Isn't it great to have a husband who will work with you? Bob is currently working on a kitchen sink/cabinet issue for our daughter. I guess it's good to have a dad that does that stuff too!
I thought about, Mari...but those 8 foot pieces of wood just wouldn't fit in my purse. 😉 Such silliness. And yes, she could've apologized or been a little more kind about what she thought my error was instead of taking such an accusatory tone, but like the sign over my stove says, it is what it is! In the end, I was just so happy to have the trim on hand when he decided to work on it...and it is great to have a handy husband (and a creative and patient one!) around the house. Your daughter is very lucky too! My girls aren't there yet, but they always say, Dad, when I get a house will you...Hahaha.
DeleteAwesome idea! And it looks absolutely perfect!! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks Briana! I'm actually really happy we had to add it. It makes such a statement. Happy Weekend and thanks so much for the visit. It's always a treat to see your name in the comments!
DeleteHow did you manage to hide that 4th piece under your coat when she came to check why you only rang up three pieces of moulding? lolololo....That sink is gorgeous, Kim. That's what I wanted in this house but it is so close to the corner that the small drawer to the right would not be able to open at all. sigh....So, I will admire yours from afar! You finished it off beautifully! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI thought about putting in my pocket, but I was wearing leggings…Hahaha! Sometimes I really miss those registers where the store employees ring you up. 🙄 I do love that moulding piece though. He did a great job…and thank you!
DeleteI love how this turned out. Such a simple addition (not a simple process!), and it just makes the whole sink look complete!! Good eye on your part (the HD employee may need to get her eyesight checked) and amazing talent on hubby's part! I imagine your heart just lifts each time you walk into the kitchen!
ReplyDeleteThat trim really is the icing on the cake, Kristine! I have to say, I don't think I'd be as happy about with sink without that added accent. It certainly does make me smile! I'll pass your kind words on to my DIY guy, too! Thanks so much!
DeleteYour post made me smile. For an unflinching decor-glass-half-full, better than I wished for kinda gal who’s a bit complicated, overly involved, specific and patient but isn’t a cookie cutter or power tool kinda decorator I can see why your contractor-husband’s calendar is filled till Fall. His attention to detail and perfection rivals my own contractor-husband’s. Because I’m that kinda girl too 😘. Thank God for handsome, handy men and rainy days.
ReplyDeleteYour comment made me smile!! 🥰 My husband and I were in a masonry yard when I read it. He took me there on an early Saturday morning looking for just the right stone to match the 100 year old pieces on the front of our house. It was perfect timing! Your witty comment made us both laugh and we were happy to know there's others out there us!! Thanks so much and cheers to those handsome, handy men!
DeleteSomeone put the incident on TikTok? If so, that’s just as outrageous than the accusation! Oh well, it was worth the hassle lol. The sink looks great!
ReplyDeleteMy mom had a sink like that in her house originally but couldn’t wait to get rid of it years later. It must’ve been the grass is always greener syndrome. I loved that sink.
No no, no one put it on TikTok, but my kids were just pointing out that all interactions are fair game when everyone has a phone and are looking for views. And yes the grass is always greener...I agree!!
DeleteThe decorative piece was just what this project needed and so clever to attach it from the back. Great job! As for that sales associate, you know I would have come back at her with, "Like I said, 3!" and I would NOT have used a quiet voice. Shame on her!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann...and yeah, I could've used you with me that day for sure!!
DeleteWell, I have to say it looks great ... what a good idea.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan! It definitely took a meeting of the minds to accomplish this one.
DeleteYou did a fantastic job. It looks complete!!!!! I love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chrissy! I am so happy with it now.
DeleteFirst of all, this looks custom and PERFECT and is great example of creativity! Second of all - NO MA'AM. I would have gladly been the star of someone's Tik Tok and although I would have kept my word choices appropriate, I would have raised the volume on my voice. I am not above handing someone's energy right back to them. (:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Gina! I am super happy with the way it turned out. I love your comment about handing someone's energy right back to them. I need to keep that in mind!!
DeleteI love your mother's sayings. It is amazing how they come back to us just when we need to hear them again! It is wonderful that your husband can help you with the creative projects that come up, that is truly a blessing! The sink looks so nice, and I love love love it. I still haven't tried to ask my husband about a farmhouse sink, we've got a few other projects on the list already, lol. But someday... Blessings to you dear friend!
ReplyDeleteI hear her words often, Marilyn, and repeat them, too! It really is amazing how they can live on and bring my mom right back to me when I need her. I'm still pulling for you and that sink. You'll get there...it took me a long time, too, but so worth it!! xo
DeleteThat looks amazing! I am so sorry you were treated like a thief (and humiliated, too) at Home Depot when you were checking out. I would've gone to Customer Service and ask to speak to a manager. Or perhaps you can send that particular store an email, or do a Google review. Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Melanie! We really do love the way it turned out. I have to say, we've been going to that Home Depot for decades with all our DIY projects and that was the first time I ever had an unpleasant experience. It was really out of character for their employees. I hope you're having a lovely May. Summer is almost here and I know you love it as much as I do!!
DeleteOh, I would have been so mad at Home Depot! Yikes! The solution to your gap is perfect! I love a farmhouse sink!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Deanna...and yeah, not a great interaction.
DeleteKim, what a difference in the look with that molding for the new kitchen sink. It looks beautiful. You are so lucky to have a handy husband and that the contractor is still in business. My mom had a beautiful farmhouse sink that was made out of copper and looked great. She loved it and always kept it so clean. I wish you a lot of happiness with your new sink.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Julie. It really is perfect now. I've seen those copper sinks. The company that makes mine, makes them, too and they are stunning. It's no wonder your mom loved it so much, it's like artwork.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI would have went to Customer Service after being treated like that, how rude and strange all at the same time.
I feel like the world is going nuts in anger. We were checking out at a grocery store while traveling the other day, so this is not our usual grocery store. With the "penny thing" you never know if you are getting change or not I guess. We get our change in our neck of the woods, but where we were visiting you do not, but we did not know that. My husband put his hand out for the change. The cashier said, "you can go have a nice day."
Because we were traveling, my husband let it go, but otherwise, off to customer service he would have went.
I LOVE IT!! It really has the farmhouse charm.
xo
Thanks so much, Carla, I love it, too!! I'm sorry you had an unpleasant interaction, too. I agree, the world does seem to be angry lately. I try to stay off social media because of it. I will say that most people I encounter in person, are lovely, but every now and then...it was just odd in Home Depot from an employee, because honestly, they've always been great. I guess there's always one...boo.
DeleteI, too, like your sink and the fabric under the sink. I was surprised to hear there was doors behind the cloth. In my first home, the under neath part of my sink had no doors. My mother is a very good seamstress. She made me some calico drapes to hang covering the gap. I loved it. It added to my farmhouse kitchen. This is my first time visiting your blog. It's been fun to browse.
ReplyDeleteAll the best.
Thanks so much, Debra and welcome! I hope you come back to visit often. Yes, there are doors behind that curtain! I've had it there for years, starting when my now grown kids were small. No way this busy family was going to be pushing a curtain aside to get to the garbage pail, etc...so I had to come up with another plan. It's worked out really well, although a simple curtain would've been much easier for sure!
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