Today was a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It was a school holiday, so the boys were home and that means a lot more pancake-making and Go Fish and Legos and Phineas & Ferb than my usual weekday. I did get few things done, though. The main thing on the to-do list was getting the kitchen prepped for the tile back splash my dad and I are installing tomorrow (Tuesday.)
Right now I just have a drywall back splash that’s painted in chalkboard paint. The back splash project isn’t for a freelance tutorial, but I’m installing butcher block counters and showing how to build a custom range hood, so it makes sense to do the tiling at the same time. I’ll share the tile back splash tutorial here on the blog.
So, somehow prepping the kitchen for tiling led to me cleaning the stove grates…
They’ve been caked with gunk ever since we bought the house (and the stove with it) over six years ago. I tried to clean them from time to time, but always gave up. I’m sure there is some super simple way to clean stove grates, but in the end, I used souring pads and a straight blade to get them back to almost new condition.
I had to work at least 30 minutes on each one, so I just spread it throughout a couple of days. What does this have to do with tiling a back splash? Well, this is one of those decorating domino things. I knew I would be taking lots of beauty shots of my new back splash, range hood and counters, so I wanted to get the stove squeaky clean.
I also removed the window trim…
I would eventually like to replace all of the trim in the addition of our house to match the 1940’s pine trim in the original part of the house. The way the trim was tapered wasn’t going to work with the tile anyway, since it’s thinner than the tile. It had to go. I knocked a crowbar behind the trim with a hammer and gently removed the trim. My husband put up new trim tonight, so it’s all ready to go for tomorrow.
We also cleared the counters, removed the switch plates, loosened the counters and took out the microwave and cabinet above the stove. (Most of that happened over the weekend.) That beige was the kitchen wall color when I bought the house. Totally not me, right?!
My mom and I went shopping on Saturday and I picked up another boxwood topiary from TJ Maxx…
I just love these things…
That was random.
Anyway, back to today. When we were shopping this weekend, my mom bought this piece from Lucketts. (I bought a pair of vintage German pillow shams and some ironstone)
She’s going to use it for her TV. I told her I would buy it from her if she changes her mind. It’s a great piece. So, she came over today to give it a Milk Paint makeover.
It’s still in the works, but I’ll show it to you when it’s finished.
Just had to share that I had no idea I would ever own a Lego mini-figure of Richard Armitage, but there he is…
Too bad it’s not the North & South Richard Armitage Lego mini-figure. He’s pretty dapper in that series.
That was random, too.
Tomorrow I have a date with my dad, a tile saw and this stuff…
Wish me luck!
Ooooo, I think that is going to be beautiful when you’re done Marian. Wow, I really love the tile you’ve selected. Now I can’t wait to see it!
Audrey @ neverendingdecorating.blogspot.com
Sounds like a fabulous weekend!
I love it! Great read. <3
I can not wait to see it all done!! It will be amazing!!! Now for an easy way to clean those grates is to put them in a sealable bag with some ammonia. Then seal and put outside for 12 hours or so. ( I out outside incase of a leak and the smell)Then open and plug your nose and wash them in soapy water and they will look like new:)
Thank you!!! I’ll have to try that ammonia trick next time.
The ammonia trick works MIRACLES! I’ve done it several times & they look like the day I bought the stove! I let mine soak overnight!
I have found that just using a stainless steel curly pot scrubber has worked great for me. I used to use a bit of baking soda also, but discovered i didn’t need it. Barkeepers Friend is also great for the stubborn stains.
I don’t use that stainless steel scrubber on the enamel, just the grates and burner tops.
This also works beautifully on oven racks (for those of us without self-cleaning ovens)!
I put my grate in the oven while I am cleaning it. They come out like new. Also works on broiler pans that just won’t come clean.
I actually have heard of that one before, but I ran the self-cleaning oven setting once in my last house and it stunk up the house so bad. I don’t know if that’s normal, but it gave me a terrible headache, so I haven’t used it since.
yes, it stunk up the house. I do it if it is nice outside to have the windows open and can sit outside and read or paint.
You’re smart not to use that option. Not only does using the self-clean option drastically shorten the life of an oven, but it also releases really harmful fumes. Ammonia is the way to go!
Yes, if you have anything spilled it will stink a while. I have found you don’t need to leave it cleaning the full time so after 30-45 minutes I usually cancel mine and when it cools everything wipes right out. Don’t leave your racks in though. They will darken and are hard to slide.
It looks like I am not going to be the only lady with perhaps WAY too many boxwoods in her home! I love them…it appears I see a cone shaped one in a picture. I hope you show how to make those. I’ll have to check TJ–I find I am very picky and so many look cheap. My grates are horrible also. I thin I’ll try elma’s suggestion–sounds less labor intensive! I LOVE that tile and can’t wait to see. Have fun and enjoy beautifying!!
I was just thinking today that I’m not sure how many are too many boxwood topiaries, but I seem determined to find out. Yes, actually the cone shaped ones were made for a tutorial.
Still looking for preserved boxwood in the St. Louis area. I love them too!! Have had topiaries for quite some time but they were made of a foam ball and some silk leaves. Boxwood is so much better. I’m anxious to see your tutorial.
Mary
I’m curious…did you work on house projects with your Dad growing up? Just wondering, because I know I loved hangin out in my Dad’s basement shop, smelling fresh sawdust, and hearing power tools. Think it’s why I love re-creating furniture now!
Not a lot, but I did see my parents work on our house when we moved to a pretty dumpy place in the DC area. My mom did some sewing projects with me and crafting stuff. My Opa was a builder and my Grandpa was an engineer, so we were always tinkering on things together.
Marian, I just finished your book. Wow! Great read and great encouragement page after page. I told my husband how nice it was to laugh and cry at some of your DIY stories because they are so similar to mine, for once I didn’t feel so dorky and lonely. My love of design started when I was pregnant with my son and i’ve loved it ever since. I am currently a student but I paint, paint, and paint again in my spare time. My little girl turns 4 on wednesday so I am just now really getting back into the swing of things. I too involve the whole family. Thank you for letting God use you in a way that can impact so many. You have blessed me and reassured me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Good luck with your Dad tomorrow.
Rhonda Jung
Will be fun to see your tutorial on the backsplash! And the counters too when that one comes out. I have a counter that needs a makeover.
So rewarding when you are finished and you did it yourself…it’s going to look great! Have fun with your Dad…cherish the moments together while you are making memories. 🙂
I LOVE your kitchen! Cannot wait to see the backsplash! The tile you picked out is absolutely stunning!
Looking forward to seeing your new project!
And… in case you didn’t get enough comments on the burner grates: I put mine in an old pan lined with foil and spray them thoroughly with oven cleaner. I then cover them with some damp paper towels, heat them to 225 in the oven, and leave them in there to “marinate” for a couple of hours. Wearing gloves, I then scrub them under hot sink water with an abrasive scrubber. Sounds like a lot of work, but I only do it every six months or so, and the gunk comes right off.
Loving your randomness! Actually, I think that’s how I think and talk 90 some percent of the time. Looking forward to seeing the kitchen backsplash. I really need to try that milk paint sometime soon. It’s not like I’m short on pieces to paint! Hope tomorrow goes smoothly and quickly!
I’m just amazed that you can leave that tile out on the floor like that and not have little hands getting into it and messing it all up! I don’t know how old your boys are, but mine would have pulled the little tiles off the backing when I wasn’t looking. Your stove grates look brand new! I’m looking forward to the new tutorials you have in the works! And I love seeing your mom sitting there using your paint and DIY-ing it herself 🙂
Personally, I don’t think one can ever have too many boxwood topiaries.
Can’t wait to see how things progress!
I love seeing normal life with the legos, memory making with your Dad plus making your home more special and always knowing when you look at the back splash,you will think of your Dad, and your Mom painting that piece with your paint….I think all the your random today are pricless
Grate cleaning, kitchen prep, topiary, furniture painting, Richard Armitage! Average day : ) Can’t wait to see more!
Jeanette @ Creating a Life
I always put my hob grids in the dishwasher. Once they are clean, like yours are now, if you regularly put them in the dishwasher about once a week they will stay clean. When will you be showing the boxwood topiary tutorial please?
Wow, what a fabulous job on those burner covers. Next time try a Mr Clean pad, they work magic on cleaning things I have found. I shop thrifts and use them a lot of items I find.
Your windows to the world will be wonderful!
Smiles, cyndi
Good luck tiling!
love the piece your mom bought and can not wait to see it all done.
How are your cabinets holding up with the paint?
OH, that tile is beautiful!
I really want to replace my kitchen counters with butcher block. Excited to watch your journey.
Because my kitchen hardwoods were installed after the dishwasher, if I ever have to replace my dishwasher, I’ll have to pull off the counter top. Hm….. good problem?
Oh that is going to be fun!
I love making changes – and have been looking over your projects getting inspiration!
My projects all have to be low cost, but I believe a can of paint can change the whole feeling of a room!
Can’t wait to see how it all turns out!
Marian,
Have fun today with your dad…any day spent with our parents is a FUN day:) Looking forward to seeing the outcome.
Blessings,
Linda
I feel your pain regarding the stove grates! I had milk boil over on my stove just after we bought the stove 8 years ago and it took until last year before I figured out how to get the grates clean (thanks to Pinterest of course!). I put the grate in a freezer bag (I used a gallon size) and put a few tablespoons of Ammonia in the bag. I sealed it up and just let it sit in the sink for the day while I was working. I swished it around periodically during the day, but that was it. Then I took the grate out and washed off the crud with dishsoap and water and it came right off!
Granted Ammonia stinks to high heaven, so I worked as fast as possible to keep the bottle and bags exposed to the air as little as possible, but I couldn’t believe how well it worked and I didn’t end up with sore muscles from hours of scrubbing.
I posted pictures on my blog if your interested.
Good luck on the back splash…looks like a chevron pattern? So pretty!
Hi Marian, I also purchased a boxwood “ball” from TJMAXX. Got it home, It stunk like mud!:( Did yours? And how did you remedy that??
Where did you find your backsplash tile? I’ve just started looking…
Now I’m itchin’ to go to TJ Maxx….more than normal. 😉 k.
Did I notice your green RL pillows are not on the sofa? I purchased two of them and then changed my mind, but now I really need a pair.
Throw the stove top grates into the oven when you clean it. Let the oven do the hard work!!
I love Richard Armitage! He is in The Avengers with another awful nose job too. Can’t wait to see your tile backsplash we will be doing that next month in our kitchen.
The ammonia trick does work — that’s the only way that I can get my grates clean! Would love to see your new backsplash when it’s done!
Actually, I think Richard Armitage makes a mighty fine looking hairy dwarf! Oh, and by the way Marian, you have a lovely home and you’ve inspired me to take some action around my house. I love your Antique Wax. It makes a finished project that much more beautiful.
Marian, I LOVE that backsplash; it’s BEAUTIFUL!!! I also had to tell you that I just recently discovered “Bar Keepers Friend”. This stuff is amazing. It’s a powder. I bought really expensive stainless steel pots and pans (All-Clad) and they recommended it. I have drip pans on my stove that have baked on black stuff that I never thought would come clean. I decided to try it and they look brand new. I use it every where now! Have fun doing your kitchen!
what fun! It is going to look fabulous. & a mi5 Richard Armitage would be pretty sweet too
Hi Marion, I read your blog all the time and thoroughly enjoy it. When cleaning your stove grates next time, put them in a plastic bag with a splash of ammonia. Close the bag tightly . Leave it outside in the garage over night and in the morning open the bag ( facing away from you ) and stick them in a bucket with soapy warm water. A little rubbing with a Mr. Clean Eraser and they will be spotless. My husband does ours every week ( two at a time) and they look as new as when we bought them 16 years ago. My range looks like yours so I know it will work. Ours looked like yours before he started doing this.
Good luck.
To clean stove grates…put them in sealable storage bags then pour ammonia in and seal. Put them outside overnight and all the crud will come right off.
Hi Marian:
Love watching all the projects you do; but have one question. How do you ever survive having a white kitchen floor with two children, and not having your head explode from frustation?
Oh My Gosh! Can’t wait to see the tutorial on making a range hood. My brother just did one and looks pretty corny to me, but I know yours will be stellar!
My brother also got his new kitchen cabinets delivered yesterday. We all know what That means!!!! I need to post pics on my blog of what it looks like right now. I.Dread.This! One cabinet went up today and turns out there is no stud for the screws to grip. Needless to say this is not going to be as fun as I had once thought!
I will happily trade you places! Kids and allllll…. LOL
CANNOT WAIT to see how you install your butcher block counters!!!!!! I so want to do this and I’m sure you will have a great tututorial. P.S. love the tile, can’t wait to see the kitchen finished.
Can’t wait to see your kitchen backsplash! I JUST finished your book and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I enjoyed the stories AND the tutes. Beautiful book. Also, no such thing as too many boxwoods. I, alas, only have two but am aiming for more. Homegoods is my go-to store for those. Lately, though, they’ve been a bit picked over so I need to stop by a bit more frequently to catch a fresh load. My husband actually thinks we have MORE than two because I keep moving one of them around!
Don’t you just love TJ Maxx boxwood topiary’s! Can’t wait to see your back splash. I’m comtemplating painting my kitchen cabinets – they are solid wood with a maple finish – a.k.a. 1963 circa. I was going to with a white or cream any suggestions on which paint type makes for the best coverage and finish?
I do not mind so many boxwoods at my home. I love them too. Thank you for the tips on the grates NO more self-cleaning!. No wonder …. I had a very bad headache that day. I think I will not use it anymore. To prolong the life span of the oven . Also for the sake of my health…. Can’t wait to see the makeover in your kitchen.
I just purchased your book for my daughter and myself. We both enjoy reading about your projects and seeing your results. You have inspired many women that live on a budget to love what they have. We can refinish, paint, sew and be happy knowing that we can buy affordable pieces without busting our budget. Thank you for your inspiration. You have a wonderful family, God bless you.
Love how you cleaned the stove…I would have done the same! Next time you could save time cleaning them by using Bon Ami (a powdered cleanser) It’s my favorite non-toxic cleaning product. Been around for years. Sometimes find it at walmart under $1.00.
Doesn’t scratch. Sinks, tubs, pots, pans, dishes…I use it on everything! Smiles! K
can’t wait to see how the backsplash turns out – the tile looks lovely! and i’m pretty sure you can never have enough boxwoods, at least that’s my philosophy 🙂
When your Dad is finished, send him MY way, I have LISTs!!! 🙂
Oh it is going to be beautiful!Can’t wait to hear the tutorial.I still do not have any tile on my back splash.I am hoping for new counters in the next couple of year and then that will come.I also hate my microwave above my stove.We never use it anymore.That is going eventually too!
xx
Anne
Marian,
I love your backsplash choice! I know I’m going to love it up…. so where did you buy it and what brand? Your kitchen looks amazing so far and I look forward to seeing your progress. You’re building a range hood? I can hardly wait to see the tutorial! I love your sofa with all the blue and white pillows. Looks so cozy!
Thanks so much for sharing the journey! Pamela
NORTH and SOUTH! My nieces just turned me on to that series on New Year’s Day. WHOA. Richard Armitage is smokin’ in that show!
Marian, To clean your stove grids put them in a large trash bag with about 1 cup of ammonia and tie the bag shut. Leave overnight and in the morning just wipe off the crud. It’s the fumes that do the cleaning and it really works!
I’ve done this too – it really works. No scrubbing.
Ditto! Ditto! There used to be a show on HGTV about 6 years ago with some lady that had household hints (anyone remember that?Or am I showing my age again?) And this amonia trick was one SHE did. I thought it was nuts. Turns out it was just the trick. I use it for the grill grates. They come clean! Every. Time. – Unrelated to the amonia cleaning…I learned another good trick off a HGTV show. How do you get the divits out the carpet that is left when you move heavy furninture? Ice Cubes! Put ice cubes on the divits, allow them to melt & the carpet to dry. Fluffs right up like it was never there! Every. Time.
Sam
Can’t wait to see your kitchen done! I’ve been thinking about butcher block counters and seeing what other’s think always is a plus! I am in the market researching sinks right now and am so drawn to farmhouse sinks… just can’t decide! As far as cleaning the stove grids…I bought a glass stove top, LOVE IT!
Hugs,
Pendra
Wish I could get one of those toparies in Australia. All the ones I see are plastic and gawdy! Love you style ❤
Thanks Patty for the cleaning tip. Marion, you continue to inspire and motivate me everyday. I had stopped working on a baseboard project so many years ago I can’t even remember, and over the weekend I took off the old gungy ones, moved furniture, stained and finished new ones and installed them all around my dining room. I was still motivated, so I bravely painted a little table my Dad made when he was in Junior High woodshop. I was first going to leave the top wood and paint the bottom, but in the end I went ahead and painted it all. Now I am at the waxing stage. . .
Kitchen is coming along so nicely. Tile flooring is beautiful. Anxious to see the end results when everything is finished. Your day of “this and that” looks pretty busy, and you accomplished so much.
Blessings,
Audrey Zumwalt
Timeless Treasures
If you have a self cleaning oven, you can put the stove grates and even your grill grate in there to clean it. works fast and does the job.Any that will fit. Or on a hot day, put all the metal parts in a black garbage bag, spray with oven cleaner and let sit out in the Sun. After a couple of hours, dump them out and hose down with garden hose. Slower but works great.
Luck!!! Can’t wait to see it!!!
That looks like a wonderful project, and I am sure it will turn out beautifully. You are so blessed to have your Mom and Dad close by, and so willing to help. Don’t forget to do some stretching tomorrow so your lower backs won’t be so sore from leaning over the counter top while working on the new backsplash. Can’t wait to see the beautiful finish.
Just loved watching the progress of your kitchen transformation…can’t wait to see the beautiful tile work that you and your dad are about to embark on…and you mom looks very comfortable painting that piece…she has a great teacher that’s for sure!…I so love topiaries and love the one you bought…
Thank you Marion for making me feel brave! I come from a generations of DIYer’s and I love reading and learning so many new things I can do. Good luck tiling tomorrow!
LayLa
I found a suggestion on Pinterest for cleaning stove grates and I tired it and it worked so I’ll pass it along to you. Make a paste out of baking soda (1/4 cup of baking soda) and peroxide (about 1/4 cup), then coat the grates and stick them in a freezer storage bag for at least 5 hours. I added a few spritzs of apple cider vinegar which was not in the directions, but I thought it would add extra power. I actually left it overnight and the grates scrubbed clean the next day with very little effort.. I hope you and your dad have a great time putting up the tiles. Can’t wait to see the finished backsplash. Thanks for all your suggestions. I’m glad i could offer your one.
Marian, I noticed that your mom was painting her new piece with the doors and hardware still attached. Do you always do that? And does that mean you paint over hinges and other stuff? I tend to take off all the hardware before I paint. Just curious.
The backsplash tile looks gorgeous – can’t wait to see it up! And I’ve got to get to TJ Maxx for some of those boxwood topiaries!
HI I just found your website and love it. I found your tutorial On making a vintage sign and can’t wait to make my own. As I was browsing through your pages I was curious about how you finish your furniture? I use a semi-gloss finish but it seems to be too glossy sometimes and doesn’t really give it that aged look. I love to refinish furniture and have done a few pieces myself but I have found I have a problem with brush stroke marks when I paint.
Spray your stove grates with oven cleaner and put into a garbage bag. Seal it up and let sit overnight. The next morning all of the gunk rinses away. Works every time.
Ok I am still looking for photos of the finished kitchen, I bet it is amazing.