1. Research - before Xmas

After months of thinking about it and eventually under persuation from a friend, we finally make the jump to start the project to remodel our kitchen.

We plan to replace all the cabinets, countertops and the floors as well. We have an old and small house and want to keep the budget as low as possible, without sacrificing the aesthetics of course.

Friend told us that a shop at south Seattle has very good cabinets and the price is right. G.S. Cabinet Supply at 2921 First Ave. South got their cabinets from China. The material is really solid, but they only have three colors. The darkest cholcate color seems to fit our taste better but it's a bit too red. We decided to pass on this shop. They have lots of stone countertops too so we might come back some day.

Across the road to the cabinet shop is iFloor Express. They have a great selection of floors: laminate, hardwood and even bamboo. The bamboo ones are priced at $4+. The sales guy is really friendly.