Countdown to zero

On Monday next week the work will begin on our new kitchen. I am thinking of it as 'countdown to zero' because as Mark (our contractor) gets bits of work done, I will be following him round packing up pots and pans etc and waving goodbye to a civilised kitchen. I'm not sure how long we'll be without a sink and a stove but I am bracing myself for 10 days without them at least, just so that I am well-prepared!

Friends have wisely suggested using paper plates, disposable cutlery and cups while we are without a sink. A great idea and I will be going to the Dollar Store this weekend to stock up! I think that what we'll save in electricity with the new, energy efficient appliances will more than make up for the cost to the environment of using disposables for a few weeks!

Our current task is to find a new stove, fridge and dishwasher to replace the aged appliances we currently have...a delightfully under-powered oven which smells of years of food when you turn it on despite my having cleaned it thoroughly (and when it is on you have to increase the temperature by about 15% to ensure it's hot enough!), a dishwasher that is leaving a gritty residue on our dishes and glasses, and a fridge that has faithfully served us and the family that had it before for about 15 years, has two broken door shelves and a frost-free freezer that is far from frost-free.

Joe is a little stressed about the stove decision because he can't find one that looks pretty enough for his liking (who needs a stove that is reliable and works well anyway?!), and I have already moved onto the choosing of fabric for the blinds that I plan on attempting to make for the new windows. If Lucy knew what was about to start going on, she would merely be concerned with practising some of her best flirty glances - she is a BIG fan of Mark who will be doing a bulk of the work!

I am really excited about having a new kitchen to work and spend time in and decorate. We are having quarter-sawn, toffee-coloured oak cabinets in a simple Shaker style, stainless steel appliances and white/grey granite counter tops. Some walls are being moved slightly to allow a tall standing, double-door fridge to sit flush with the pantry next to it, and the original pine floor is to be re-finished. One major part of the work is the two new windows which are being added to the back wall above the new sink, so that we'll have a view of the garden.

One of my favourite bits is a new fitted 'dresser' which we are creating in a wasted hollow wall space by the back door. It will have glass doors at the top with a simple stained glass insert for a 1920s feel, and a little work top area for my laptop to sit on. The central island is going altogether, so the kitchen table will no longer be a struggle to sit around (currently we have to suck our tummies in to get a seat!). Our designs will create a kitchen that is in-keeping with the era and character of the house, but with all the modern conveniences - like a waster disposal that doesn't pose a serious shock risk and a stove that cooks food rather than simply defrosts it.

I keep telling myself, by the end of March it will be pretty much done and the greasy 1940s cabinets we currently have, and all the inconveniences of workmen trailing through the house will be far behind us.

Goodbye greasy vintage...get a move on Oak Shaker-style masterpiece!