Alpha Testing the Cabinets

At last I have an update on the bathroom remodel project — specifically our attempt to transform, rather than replace, our existing bathroom cabinetry.

Here it is. All done.

Don’t I wish.

Here is the actual “alpha test” of the transformed cabinetry.

Since I wasn’t entirely sure my crazy, harebrained idea would work, my darling dragonslayer spent several days of his leisure time on this mock-up using MDF. The trim is basic 3/4″ stock trim from Lowes. The drawer face on the top is the closest to what it will look like, although it’s not completely flush yet. (Lacking hardware, this is the closest we can get and still enable me to open the drawer. Which contains my toothbrush, which makes it a pretty important drawer, which you would know if you woke up next to me every morning.)

My “carpenter” also cobbled together a mock-up for the cabinet doors. This one is actually too wide as there should be a 2″ piece of frame between the two doors.

Here is a closeup of the door. Neither the drawer nor the door received the needed application of wood putty to fill the seams, cracks and nail divots, but I did give both a quick coat of paint for the sake of visual harmony. Pay no attention to the color; the eventual hue will probably be a gray or dove color.

Despite the cheap wood and hasty assembly, I think — with more care — this will actually work out. I hope to begin the “beta-testing” phase with actual wood very soon. The word “I” meaning, of course, that I will have nothing whatsoever to do except stand around with my arms folded and critique the work as it progresses.

In a related story, I received my hardware order from Lee Valley Tools, and while the hinges are perfect, sampling the drawer pulls made me realize the window sash-style pulls just aren’t right for my bathroom cabinets. They’re too prominent and seem to fight with the trim for attention. I need something lighter and more delicate. Stealing even more cues from Brooke Giannetti, it seems that glass knobs are the solution.

So I’ve been cruising the internet in utter disregard for the impracticality of glass knobs in my home — or any home that shelters my two sons. I want something more than the basic, primitive glass knobs with the brad in the center. I’m going for a little glam without ostentation: a pair of classic diamond earrings, except for my cabinets, if you follow me.

These are my faves so far:

Please feel free to weigh in with your opinions. Because if I make a huge mistake, I will blame you completely. And then you’ll feel bad because you derailed my entire remodeling project by not speaking up and we’ll have this awkward tension in our relationship because you’ll be responsible and we’ll both know it. And nobody wants that.