It had long been agreed that there were several problems with the conditions of the rooms that were about to be transformed. For starters, the kitchen was far too small. Whenever there were two or more people in the kitchen, it felt like being in a can of sardines. There was insufficient counter space and what space there was, was occupied by appliances. The solution - Paula of Bermuda Country Cabinets presented a design, that called for removing the existing interior walls thus opening the kitchen into the dining and living rooms, producing a large airy feeling, and letting in lots of light.

Claire always hated the original cabinets that were made of an off-white finished MDF, with non-matching white doors. Keith selected a light solid maple finish for the new cabinets with clean lines and a arch molding on the doors. He also elected not to add handles so as not to interfere with the clean, simple design. An island was also added to gain more cabinet and counter space.

The old appliances were also showing their age, so Keith ordered new stainless steel appliances, including an under-the-counter microwave and toaster oven, gaining even more valuable counter-top space.

We did not have enough of the original tile to fill in the gaps where the walls were removed, and a trip to the original supplier was unsuccessful; therefore, new tile had to be laid. We found the perfect tile at Pembroke Tile & Stone, but of course, there was insufficient to fill our order, so we would have to wait. Finally in mid November, the tile, kitchen cabinets and appliances all arrived and were installed soon after without problems.

There were three main problems with the living room: the carpet was faded and stained, the loveseat and sofa was worn, and there was no focal point like a fireplace or wall unit.

The biggest dilemma was whether to wait until Claire returned, or use Keith's judgment and just hope that Claire likes what would be chosen. Keith decided this challenge could best be overcome with the use of technology. Pictures of appropriate prospects were e-mailed to Canada for Claire's approval. Content with what had been selected, Keith ordered the new couch and sofa that was made my Rowe Furniture (with a name like that how could he go wrong) with goose down filling, and slip covers. This would make for easy cleaning or changing in the future, should we feel madly inclined to redecorate again.

Cherry solid wood flooring was ordered and a Pine wall unit was chosen (without Claire's knowledge). Upon Claire's return, a trip to the furniture store was planned. Keith cunningly asked, "Do you see any wall units you would like". Much to his delight, Claire pointed to the unit that Keith had already ordered, which now sits proudly in our living room.

A Bose Lifestyle System is hidden in the unit and fills the room with rich, pleasant sound. The unit also makes for an excellent venue to showcase Claire's crafts.

The sofa that arrived was incorrect in that it had the wrong frame. It did not take much persuasion to be allowed to keep the current sofa until the correct replacement arrives (hopefully by then end of March).

Despite that minor set-back, we are extremely happy with our new rooms.