The Kitchen Renovation and Getting Ready to Open

Is it Friday yet?

These past few weeks seem to have been a whirlwind of contractors and shopping and building and setting the shop up...

There always seems to be a million things that still need to be finished before we open. However, slowly but surely, everything is starting to come together.

And we are so excited!

Two more days.

Tables and chairs have been painted and set up for the sitting area.

Some hardier floral is making it's way out into the store. Fragrant Lavender and Pussy Willow branches came in this week, along with Pansies. Tomorrow the Hydrangeas and bulbs come in, and Thursday, all of our cut flowers.

Our antiques are being tucked among everything. This charming little bunny is one of my favourite recent finds!

And of course, now that the kitchen is complete, baking has begun! Everything needs to be tested before we open...

You can see here how the kitchen was coming along, but it's actually finished now. Holes were covered, mixers and ingredients and shelves with dishes have all found their new homes.

Opa unloading a trailer full of skids to recycle into some shelving for the outdoor garden center part of the store.

This will be the small garden center to the side.

He had lots of help from Willen.

And of course, Hudson was not happy at all about having to stay locked inside... He just wanted to be outside working with the big boys.

Setting Up Shop and Beginning Kitchen Renovations

Now that all of the renovations are complete, with the exception of the kitchen, setting up the store has officially begun. And it's coming together very quickly.

There are even some Oxalis that have arrived early for St. Patrick's Day!

All the wonderful antiques and treasures that have been collected and stored away are finally being taken out and placed on displayed throughout the shop.

These old ceiling tiles were recently salvaged. They are sizes and styles unlike ones I've seen before. They are the perfect display for over a mantel, above a bed, or even a trio of them behind your living room sofa. Each one is unique.

They also picked up a few new bistro sets, perfect for sitting outside with a coffee and pastry as you watch the boats sail through the canal.

Hand-tied bouquets and a variety of cut flowers to make your own arrangements with will soon fill these old sap buckets cleverly displayed on this antique church pew.

The storefront is really starting to fill out as they get closer to opening.

Some more treasures in the sitting area.

Here you can see where they've taped off where the kitchen will be. It's in the back, but it will be visible from the storefront.

This last major renovation starts this coming week. They've already received their appliances and everything.

And finally, working on some signs.