(Scroll through to see Before/After photos)
Here's the deal.
They say home projects aren't successful without the threat of divorce. Truth. Our last major renovation on the garage-turned-loft left us a bit traumatized. But this time we were going to do it different.
So we made a deal: If we were going to renovate, I could be no part of the process.
In the very, very, beginning of planning. We had our interior design friend, Maggie, come over for some consulting. That first meeting established a simple list of my “must-haves” and my “nice to haves”. We drew up a layout of what could work and pinned a few inspos.
And that was it, that was the extent of my input. Everything else was in Shobab’s hands.
Some may consider that brave of me. Actually, it was the only way I could get my new kitchen. He didn’t want me butting into his work process, or he wasn’t going to do it. And I trusted him. We have similar taste.
So, white or grey, stainless steel or gold. I didn’t care. Just give me drawers that can open and close.
Then I waited.
Late at night, we’d snack in the kitchen and dream about not being in our weak-ass kitchen one day. And then laugh about how many things are broken and half working.
Weeks passed. Then months. Maybe even a year. We had so much going on.
Then I came home one day to find piles of lumber under tarps and giant boxes stacked in the driveway.
Then more weeks passed. I guess permits in Oakland are a nightmare.
I learned not to ask about it, or at least to not be naggy about it. I knew he wanted to start the project as much as I did. It was tough for him to find the time in between his other work.
As he wrapped up other projects, I began seeing items pile up in the amazon cart (which he also instructed me not to look at).
A temporary fridge appeared in the living room with a microwave and coffee set-up. The hallway into the kitchen was suddenly boarded up and he covered the windows looking into the backyard.
It's funny because I don't recall much of a conversation, but I guess we were starting!
Movin' out.
About 2 weeks into the work, Shobab asked me and the girls to move out. It would be easier to manage everything without us in the way. He was also worried about the fumes and dust, and of course, the stress of keeping things a secret.
He’s the ultimate “surprise factor” kind of guy and didn’t want me to see ANYTHING in the process.
I mean nothing. If I needed something from the house, he’d drive it to me or meet me down the street.
So, the girls and I adventured between Airbnb’s, my parents, and his parent's house for an entire month.
Yaelle was excited to have a “sleepover” every night. Zhara was happy wherever there was food. I worked mostly remotely and had to travel to Pennsylvania for a week. Shobab worked 18 hour days, 7 days a week. And our moms were the best support every step of the way.
Surprisingly, the you-can’t-see-it-until it’s-done element, eliminated entire would-be arguments. What tile should we choose, what color, what cabinets? So many decisions I was happy not to be a part of.
For a month we barely saw each other and stayed connected mostly through text. He was engulfed in the work, I was lucky if I got a FaceTime kiss goodnight.
Shobab would set up the first crew at our house at 6am, jump between other projects, set up a 2nd crew at 4pm, work with them into the night, and then prepare for the next day.
He squeezed what would normally have been 4-5 months of work into 6 weeks. Six weeks!! With everything he did, that kind of timeline is absolutely crazy.
Reveal Day.
November 23rd was his self-made deadline for the big reveal day. Right before his birthday and Thanksgiving festivities.
My brother, Tim, met me up the street for a pre-interview. After that, the text came from Shobab, "I'm ready!"
We pulled up in front of the house to join some other family and neighbors waiting, also full of anticipation. True HGTV style.
Shobab came out the front door, blindfolded me, and led me inside.
And I was BLOWN away.
Not only did he completely transform the kitchen space, he practically redid the ENTIRE downstairs!
He changed the floors throughout the house, the beams, windows, and mantle in the living room, and re-did the guest room. It felt like I walked into a brand new home.
The before/during/after photos are in the slideshow above. Check out this reality-style video Tim cut together of the reveal day :)
