Back in black

How do you feel about black kitchens? I was into them, then I was off them, now I’m into them again.

Since the kids have flown the nest and aren’t messing up the joint any more, I thought I might like to give my kitchen a little zjoosh.

On a budget.

The mixer tap is broken and leaking. There’s a defunct garbage disposal system attached to the half sink. The stains in the sink itself no longer respond to scrubbing. The cooktop doesn’t get hot enough for stir-frying. The oven is so hot that even on 100C it burns everything to a crisp. There’s a fancy glass exhaust system over the cooktop that looks nice but takes up huge amounts of space in a very small kitchen area. The Laminex benchtop has swollen at the joints and has a chip out of it.

I’m thinking I keep the base units, get new doors, a new sink and mixer, a new stove and cooktop, remove the existing glass exhaust, cram in a few extra top cupboards and add a new benchtop.

I say I’m doing it on a budget, but I’m pretty sure that what I have planned will cost as much as Invisalign would be for my crooked tooth … which I also crave … or more.

Still, it gives me something new for my busy brain to fantasize about.

And I’m leaning towards a black benchtop and sink and mixer, which will probably look so 2025 by 2026.

I’m tossing up between Kaboodle or IKEA for the cupboards and doors – anyone used either lately?

Speaking of colours, how pretty is the glass of Sandalford Rose that I sipped on DD’s deck last night? I drove up with the dogs after work because I have a physio appointment in Mona Vale this morning.

Sandalford Rose is the best, chuck out all the rest. DD’s deck is also pretty fabulous and will look even better after the youngest’s best friend’s dad – who is a handyman – gives the outdoor areas a makeover while we are on our next getaway.

It is one of my happy places and it’s about to become even more awesome.

PS A former Rio Olympics athlete is working alongside me at the moment and she offered me a lift home last night to save my back from public transport. Score! Much discussion of cortisone injections and back injuries ensued!

Song of the day: ACDC “Back in black”