Kitchen Update: Cabinets, Crown Molding, and the Final Touches

Our new kitchen cabinets finally look like a finished room instead of a construction site. The installer completed nearly everything today: he mounted the microwave, hung all the cabinet doors, installed the brushed nickel hardware, and added the crown molding that ties the whole design together. The only outstanding item is a reversed corner cabinet that was misordered and is currently being reordered. Once that cabinet arrives, the installer will finish the baseboard and any small adjustments.

From the doorway we widened between the living and dining areas, the kitchen now reads as open and intentionally connected to the rest of the home. The wider opening makes the space feel larger and improves traffic flow, which was one of our primary goals. The new layout also lets natural light move through the rooms more freely, enhancing the cabinet finishes and countertop materials we plan to use.

On the right side of the kitchen, the installation shows how the layout balances function and display. We chose a glass-front corner cabinet to keep the visual line open and to showcase some of our nicer dishes and glassware. That glass door helps avoid the closed-off look that can make kitchens feel cramped. The protective blue film is still on the microwave and dishwasher panels; we’ll remove that once the room is fully complete so the stainless finishes look their best.

Aside from the awaited corner cabinet, the remaining work is straightforward: install the countertops, finish the baseboard trim, and complete any final touch-ups. Countertops are the most visible functional surface in a kitchen, so we’re taking our time selecting materials that match the cabinetry color and hardware. Once the counter is in place, the backsplash and sink plumbing will follow quickly. The current timeline suggests the reordered cabinet should arrive by the 17th, which would allow countertop installation to proceed. We’re optimistic but realistic about potential delays.

This phase of the project highlights how much difference trim and hardware make. Brushed nickel pulls and knobs complement the cabinet paint and cabinetry style while crown molding adds a polished, architectural detail that feels like the “icing on the cake.” Those finishing elements turn raw boxes into a cohesive design and contribute to both the aesthetic and resale value of the kitchen.

We also paid attention to appliance integration. The microwave is now hung in its intended space, and the dishwasher is positioned to allow easy unloading into adjacent drawers and cabinets. Proper appliance placement improves everyday workflow—loading, unloading, prep, and cleanup become smoother when everything is logically arranged.

Until the missing cabinet arrives, we’ll keep the room tidy and protect newly installed surfaces from dust and damage. We’re excited to see how the completed countertops and backsplash will pull the whole scheme together. In the meantime, we’re enjoying the progress and the visual proof that the renovation is heading toward a beautiful finish. Counting down to the 17th feels a little like waiting for the curtain to go up: anticipation mixed with the confidence that the final reveal will be worth it.