We’re Buying A New Kitchen! (With House Attached)
Since starting Southern Plate, one of the regular things I get asked is to show readers my kitchen. Many loving and wonderful people have this grand idea of me having a spacious and functional kitchen with the latest and greatest of appliances and decor. While I do have some pretty awesome counter top appliances, the “coolness” factor of my kitchen ends there.
Whoever designed this house had a real eye for miniatures and they really let that shine in my little kitchen, which I affectionately call my “walk in closet with appliances”. I’ve never actually shown photos of my kitchen because I have a difficult time fitting in there with a camera. The designer’s love of miniatures is further emphasized by the dark finished cabinets and dark blue counter tops. The teeny tiny window pulls it all together, shedding just the right amount of light to make one feel as if they are in a small and cozy cave. Ahh, the baking bliss I’ve known for the past ten years.
~grips the sides of her keyboard with white knuckles as she looks to you in desperation~ I need sunshine people!
Now I know some of you are thinking that I could have painted those cabinets and remodeled that kitchen. Seems easy enough until you realize that I don’t have a handyman handy. I have a husband who can design entire space stations but after ten years I just recently managed to talk him into taking up a paint brush for our living room. This left me with two options: Do it myself or hire it done. My two answers to those are: I don’t have time and I can’t afford it – BUT ….
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…the moment you’ve all been waiting for!
Alright, so I’m the one whose been waiting for it but I’m trying to be all grandiose here because this is a big moment for me so bear with…
MEET MY NEW KITCHEN!!
(with cabinet hardware that is soon to be replaced with shiny chromey silvery looking deals because I can do that much myself!)
MEET MY NEW STOVE!
It has FIVE eyes!
FIVE!!!!
~giggle~
Thank you, GE, for making my FIVE eye stove!
Meet the interior of my new stove!!
MEET MY NEW DISHWASHER!
Isn’t it beautiful? I swear I want to have wallet prints made of it to hand out…
~blows a kiss to Whirlpool~
MEET MY NEW MICROWAVE!
(I think its a toaster oven, too. I’ve never had one of those!)
Now class, say hello to the sink…
~voices pipe up in happy unison: HELLO, SINK!~
Another view of my kitchen!
Yes, I do need an island but that old no-handyman thing comes into play again so we’re just gonna have to save up some moolah and buy one or get creative.
I’m hoping I can come across some type of antique work table or such to use that will prove useful as well as be a cool story telling piece and make me seem all Martha-esque!
Another view of my new kitchen…
This is a photo of MY FIRST EVER PANTRY!!!
And follow Katy right out this door from the kitchen into….
My Southern Plate office!!!!
(formerly known as “the sun room”)
My current office is a recliner by day and my bed by night
Another view of my new office!
My FIRST EVER office which is ATTACHED to my NEW Kitchen!!
This is the upstairs apartment where visiting Southern Plate dignitaries will stay
(That means Terri of Dixie Cornbread fame is gonna come visit me)
Honestly, I never thought in a million years I’d ever have a house with an upstairs! How COOL is this?
VERY COOL!
This is another view of the upstairs apartment, with Katy heading into the big closet that is going to serve as an overflow for my pantry.
Look at me, getting my first pantry and already planning a second!
Apparently, getting in closets is an awful lot of fun.
This is the back view of my Southern Plate office with a view of the balcony on the visiting dignitary’s suite 
.
This house is SO BEAUTIFUL, I cannot BELIEVE I am going to get to live here!
I am going to be holding my breath until closing!
This is where I want to have my raised bed garden.
My garden has become quite a point of contention around here but we won’t go into that ~smiles sweetly~.
Now THIS is where you come in!
All of my beautiful new appliances: microwave, oven, dishwasher…one thing is missing!
I am most likely going to have to fill that hole with our current refrigerator for a time at least. The one we have was the cheapest model available ten years ago and it has pretty much held up as expected. Shelves have broken and had to be tossed. A drawer in the bottom cracked and eventually had to be thrown away as well. It’s even missing one of the front door handles!
Bless its little pea pickin’ heart, this fridge runs fine but leaves so much to be desired other than that ~laughs~.
I’ve just been grateful to have it though. Think of all of the people in the world who don’t have refrigeration and its hard to complain about a working refrigerator.
However, I feel like I am moving into a dream kitchen with my new stove, microwave, dishwasher, and pantry. I would dearly love to have a new refrigerator to go along with them. I’ve already been window shopping even though it will be a few months before we purchase one. This is going to be my new baby and I want to get the best I can possibly get for my money.
With that in mind, here are my questions for you:
- What brand of refrigerator do you recommend?
- What features do you find indispensable?
- If you were going to purchase a new refrigerator, where would you go?
- How long have you had your refrigerator and what kind do you have?
AND if you would like, send me a photo of your refrigerator along with a description of it to publish in a future post ! (No, I’m not kidding!) You don’t even have to clean it off, just send me a photo of it as is, along with what brand it is and how long its been keeping your family chilled.
Email photos to: fridge@southernplate.com
So here is the summary of my new kitchen with house attached!
Our current house:
- a little over 1400 square feet
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 baths
- teensey weensey miniature kitchen
Our NEW Kitchen (with new house attached!)
- over 2500 square feet
- 4 bedrooms plus bonus apartment
- 3 full baths
- GINORMOUS kitchen filled with SUNSHINE and a walk in pantry!
- Southern Plate office in the former sunroom (more sunshine!)
Now there is ONE MORE THING I need from all of you! You know how Martha has names for her houses and such? I want a name for my new home. Y’all know I enjoy having humor injected whenever possible so that would be a plus (but not requirement) in the name. A play on Southern Plate might be fun as well but not neccesary. After you tell me all about your refrigerator, I’d love it if you’d help me think up a name for the new house we are getting (as a result of it coming attached to our new kitchen). Got any ideas?
“Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities — always see them, for they’re always there.” ~Normal Peal (Submitted by Southern Plate reader, Barbara)
To share your positive or motivational quote and read more from other readers, click here!
Thank you for letting me share this big news with you! It still doesn’t seem real to me that we are going to get this house but closing date is set for the end of the month so cross your fingers with me that I don’t wake up!
Gratefully,
Christy
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We bought a LG French Door fridge – with the water and ice dispenser on the outside, freezer on the bottom. It’s awesome…
AND! Congrats on the house!!
Thank you!! I’ve never owned an LG appliance! I think mainly because I’ve never actually “picked out” a major appliance. We always got what someone gave us, left us, or what was on clearance! I’ll check them out, thank you!
Our fridge AND front loading washer and dryer are LG. I love them!
Christy,
This is actually David (Terri’s handy man). So… I’m ready to book the ticket so Terri can come for that visit to the guest suite. You just need to let me know when it will be ready.
We’re on it, David!
I was going to suggest an LG too! I love the French Door fridge….only thing is that with little ones in Christy’s house- it might be hard to keep the little ones out of the ice cream and Popsicles.
I’m so tickled for you!! I too have a closet with appliances…and it WAS always my dream to have a bigger kitchen. I’m sure you will enjoy your new home/kitchen so much!!
Oh this really seems too good to be true to be honest. I don’t think I’ll believe it is mine until I wake up and walk in that kitchen…
come to think of it, I may just put me a cot in the corner so it can’t disappear in the night!
Thank you!
Christy
DEFINITELY freezer on the bottom–mine has a slide out freezer drawer with icemaker.
That is totally awesome! I’m so happy for you (and a little bit jealous for me). You’re going to get lost in all that wonderful space.
I’m sending you a picture of my newish refrigerator. We bought it 3-4 years ago and I absolutely love it. I never run out of space. The only thing I don’t like is the freezer; it’s a pull-out drawer type. I miss having freezer shelves, but I’m happy to live with it.
~ Sandy
Weeeeeeeee! Fridgey pic, fridgey pic!!!
Don’t be jealous just yet, lets see if my bubble holds up ! lol
If you ever do get to feeling jealous, just stop by and I’ll cook you up something sweet !
Gratefully,
Christy
Gotta love this real estate market! We were able to purchase our first home (not closed yet so I’m holding my breath, too!!)!
Congratulations!
Lets see who hyperventilates first! lol
I’ll click my heels three times for you and wear my GOOD ruby slippers!!!
Gratefully,
Christy
Certainly do enjoy your site!!! you are quite like my neice, Joshilyn Jackson, the author (gods in Alabama, The Girl that stopped swimming, and Between, Ga)
You are a hard working, fun loving Southern Lady. God Bless you and keep it up.
Love your recipes also. marinan
~hugs you~
Thank you for such an amazing compliment!!!!
Thank you so very much, Bless you as well!!
Gratefully,
Christy
wow, when i first saw the kitchen i thought you had went and painted your cabinets , but as you continued i realized that this was not the same house. it looks wonderful and with some cow manure and a tractor you could make a nice garden. good luck !!! i hope that you are able to get it.
Thank you so much, Maggie!
I have contemplated painting these cabinets for nearly a decade now and never actually done it! lol
Every time I mention it, the entire family (Mama included) pipes up with how much work it would be and how hard it would be and all that..
I gotta learn to just roll my sleeves up and do it!
I would not go with the french door fridge (two on top and bottom freezer) I have one and hate it!! There is not as much usable space as you think. Hardly any room for fresh veggies/fruit (we eat tons of that) I LOVE the water dispenser on the front (never had one but now can’t live without it) If I had my choice, I would get the bottom freezer single top door (like Alton Brown has).
Hope this helps! Congrats on the house/kitchen!!!
You know, I think I’m the only one who doesn’t watch the Food Network! I know, that seems ridiculous. I quit watching food shows and reading food magazines when Southern Plate started taking off so as of now I’m going on a year of not outside food stimulation! aack!
I’ll have a lookie loo and see if Alton Brown has a website that shows his fridge though! Wouldn’t it be cool if you could have a kitchen filled with appliances you picked out just because you wanted them, with no thoughts to price?
I’m just assuming he has an expensive one…more power to him!
Thank you so much!!
Gratefully,
Christy
Congratulations! It looks beautiful. I know you and your family are so excited. I wish you all the luck and happiness in your new home.
Pam
Hey Pam!!! Thank you so much!!! my only regret is that I still can’t have chickens! lol
The kids are thrilled. Poor Katy, her room used to be my sewing room so we never actually cleaned her closet out and instead just put her clothes in a chest of drawers. Her closet is filled with our winter coats and such. She keeps going on and on about having a closet in her new room!
I had no idea she even noticed she didn’t have one here! lol
Gratefully,
Christy
I would check out Best Buy for a refrigerator. They have a good selection, and a lot of times you can find one on clearance for several hundred $$ cheaper. Also, wherever you look, check their clearance areas. If one had a scratch or minor imperfection, you get it a lot cheaper.
And before long it will be yard sale time- perfect for looking for an old kitchen worktable! Congrats on the house!
OOOOOooooooooooooooooh! Yard sales! You have me wishing now! I can’t wait! I guess I need to get to making some moolah to spend because I sure can burn them up antique shopping!
I haven’t been to Best Buy in years. Its not that I don’t like it or anything, I just never have a reason to go there! I’ll definitely check it out, thank you so much!
Love the tip about clearance and scratch and dent! I have a chest deep freezer that I got for a hundred bucks because a corner was banged up. Cosmetically, it is pretty noticeable but who goes and inspects your freezer?
hehe
Gratefully,
Christy
Christy, I am SO happy for you. Your first pantry is a WALK-IN pantry. How cool is that?
About refrigerators: My current refrigerator is a GE. It’s a side-by-side, and it has ice and water through the door. We’ve had it for approximately 8 years, and it’s fine EXCEPT for the icemaker. GE makes lousy icemakers, in my opinion. I got all crazy and got one of the FIRST ice and water through the door refrigerators back in the 1960’s (yes, I AM old, thank you very much), and it was by GE. The refrigerator repair guy counted up when I was in my 7th year with that refrigerator, and in that seven years, we had had the icemaker replaced 20-some times. That’s over three times per year, girl! Anyway, my next refrigerator was an Amana, and it had a good icemaker, but it didn’t even last 10 years–it quit cooling! The icemaker on the current one has only been replaced once, but it just doesn’t PUT OUT! I caught a brand new little freestanding icemaker at a garage sale for $50, and have it installed in the pantry (not a walk-in pantry, I am sorry to say). Anyway, it provides enough ice for two or three families.
So, now that you know the refrigeration part of my life story, lemme know when you want to hear about the other 60+ years. The moral of the story is: I hate GE icemakers, but their refrigerator hold up pretty well. I don’t think I’d like one of those bottom drawer things–we had one when I was a teenager. I like SHELVES in my freezer section, so I’d probably go for another side by side.
Love your blog. I wish you and yours many happy years in your wonderful new home.
Jayni, eBay seller texpert2
See my listings at
Wow, congratulations Christy! The kitchen (and attached house) look beautiful! I agree with the first poster about the French door refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom. I currently have a side by side with ice/water on the door and we never use that. If I could have my all time dream fridge it would be a Sub-zero with a matching freezer next to it. When I was in high school, I went to a friends home and they had the two huge Sub-Zero fridge and freezer models with the clear doors and ever since then I’ve wanted those – maybe not with the clear door since my fridge isn’t the neatest thing in the world. Since those are thousands of dollars and I can’t justify one, then the french door/bottom freezer is my next choice. Now if my existing one would just accomodate me and die off…
And you could name your home “Southern Sunshine” for Southern Plate and you kept saying you had lots of light in this house now.
Well la-tee-dah! Aren’t you something?!! That kitchen is GORGEOUS!!!!! You might better give those kiddies a cell phone…with that big ol’ house they might just get lost! hehe!
I have a Samsung 26.0 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator. Bought one year ago when we remodeled our kitchen. I LOVE the french doors – so easy to get a large tray or sheet cake in the fridge without tilting it sideways to make it fit! And I love the freezer at the bottom, too. I opted for no ice/water in the door – my sister and mom have that kind and there always seems to be ice chips on their floors. (and I’m not an ice person anyway.) When we remodeled, my hubby told me I had to choose my appliances from our local Lowe’s store….he knows not to give me too many choices! ha! This refrigerator is an Energy Star – watch for them to go on sale and sometimes there are rebates for Energy Star products!
GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES!!!!
How exciting!!! Congratulations. I have NO advice for a refrigerator. I have always taken what I could get (which stinks sometimes, but oh well). Still thinking on the name. Yay for you again!!!
CONGRATS Christy,
You so deserve this, well for sure ya want a stainless steel fridge to go with those appliances, I personally like the french door refrigerators with the pull out freezer drawer on the bottom, Ya have to have an icemaker of course, and my personal preferecnes are either GE or Whirlpool. Ya might wanna try Best Buy, Lowes, or Home Depot and see which one has the best for the best. Now if ya only had a trash compactor to go along with that……
Love ya to pieces,
Robert
almost forgot, just name your house Southern Belle…befitting the woman who is to occupy it. Cant use Southern Living, thats a magazine and the copyright police might not like it.
Are you wanting a pretentious name for the house such as (said w/french accent) “Chateau De Jourdahn”? or “Plaza Enormous Kitchen” Now I know you don’t have a “U” or an “H” in your name but if we are going for classy then facts are beside the point. Maybe a simple name such as “Fred”?
Can you call out some names to the house and see which one it likes? They can be picky.
It would be unfortunate if you gave the house the wrong name and it never came when you called it. When it was time for it to eat it would ignore the name and slowly starve. It might resort to eating roadkill then it’s breath would stink. You’d feel bad if you came home and it had chewed off it’s own patio now wouldn’t you?
Yes a name is important and you must be careful to select a name that will perfect suit your abode.
I personally like “Fred” or “George”
I truly hope this helped… I tried.
Oh yeah.. we have a Stainless GE that we bought about 5 years ago along with a GE dishwasher and island stove top. The only trouble we have had is with the door ice and water dispenser but that was only because the galvanized pipe in this old house ran way too much rust and junk through the water supply and clogged it up. If you get one with an Ice maker.. make sure you let the water supply run into a large bucket for awhile to eliminate that.
Oh.. one more thing. When I was about 4, We had a Walk-in pantry with a lock on it. My sister delighted in locking me inside. I have no doubt that is why I’m so warped.
*ROTFLOL*
Congratulations … the kitchen is big and beautiful and I’m sure you’ll break it in right! And I love the office with all the windows … don’t know that I’d be able to get any work done.
All I can tell you is to be sure not to get a side by side frig/freezer unless you’re absolutely sure you can fit a full size frozen pizza in there. We can only fit in the little Jeno’s!
Christy…I love your new place. I also have a closet with appliances. When we first bought our house I said it was fine because I didn’t like others in the kitchen. Of course, this was before two children who loved to help! Now it’s just the two of us again. Your house is incredible, but if I had that office I wouldn’t get any work done!! I’d sit there with my tea and just enjoy all the windows and sunshine. Congratulations on your new hoome.
How beautiful!!!!!! You deserve a big beautiful kitchen. I will only offer a small bit of advise about refrigerators is…..if you don’t get a double door, get one with the freezer in the bottom. My next one will have a freezer in the bottom, it would be more convenient. Another thing I want in my dream kitchen is refrigerator drawers. What a luxury. You have a beautiful office, too. I love sunrooms. All that natural light! A sunny day always makes me feel better.
I am SO happy for you! And I love your new office. The more sunshine the better!
And maybe “Southern Paradise” for the house name!
Owwwwww!!! I LOVE That Name!!!!!!
Christy,
I don’t think you wanna know about my fridge cause I think it’s more along the lines of yours. It does have an ice maker, the outside the door dispenser is broken, rolling eyes, but a new fridge is not on the top of my list. Plumber recently said the whole house needs to be replumbed and I also have no handy dandy man so I’m not looking forward to that bill….. Enjoy that new house for me and savor every moment!
Cyndi
I forgot about a name for the new digs. Hmmm what about… Southern Comfort? Southern Manor? Bama Shack? just kidding on the one Whatever….just enjoy!
is t he new house in athens? i am from fayetteville, tn and are familiar with the area and especially huntsville –
your new home looks wonderful
enjoy
How pretty!! why oh why do I live in the desert? LOL
I have an Amana fridge. We go to church with an appliance repair man and he said they give the least problems, according to his service calls. However, I have a side-by-side, and I wish I had gotten the freezer on bottom and the single door on top. And, as for the name thing, I’ll have to mull that one over. But I’ll get back witcha. Congrats on the house! It looks fabulous.
Hey Christy,
We bought a Frigidaire Side by Side in January for our new house. It has been great so far. It’s only the 2nd fridge I’ve ever bought and the first one was the best I could get for $300 10 years ago!
As far as a house name, I would call it Southern Kitchen.
DAG-UM I AM SO PINK–TINKLED FOR YOU, CHRISTY!!!
and… i’m hoping that in today’s market this house will be a bit of a good deal, too, which will leave more money for MORE BAKING SUPPLIES!
otherwise, nothing clever to contribute, excepting my overflowing joy for you and your family right now. just think, this time next year you will be griping about the lack of space and how you need to clean up better, and it will be a comfy old homespace to you.
E N J O Y — muah !!!
Hey Christy,
Congrats on the new kitchen with house attached, LOL!! The kitchen and sunroom, pardon me, your office, look terrific. Good Luck!
I have a suggestion for a refrigerator not to buy. When we moved to Guntersville from Long Island, NY, a year and 1/2 ago, we bought a Samsung french door refrigerator. It lasted one month and broke. Samsung did refund my money. The french door had a defect that Samsung admitted it had and was replacing the defective parts.I really liked how the Samsung refrigerators looked so we bought a Samsung Side by Side. That lasted 11 1/2 months. Samsung replaced my money again. I thought I wouldn’t have a problem with a different type of refrigerator, obviously, I was wrong. Now we have bought a Whirlpool Gold Side by Side. We only have it three months, but so far so good. It really is a nice refrigerator. I also bought a Whirlpool because if it does break down or need parts, it can be readily repaired. Mainly the reason why Samsung returned my money twice is because there was no one who could repair them. So that is something to be considered when you get a new refrigerator. Good luck with your refrigerator shopping. We bought our appliances from Lowes.
Enjoy your new home and kitchen! I’m doing the happy dance for you!
Karen S.
Consumers Reports! Look at the quality, and for the features you want, and look at their ratings! That was hubby’s idea, if we buy any big ticket items(which hasn’t happened in a few blue moons), we look there first.
That kitchen is gorgeous, and I am sure you will make many a wonderful meal in there!! Congrats!!
I have had the best luck with Amana and GE products.
As for your house’s name, I will have to ponder that one for a bit!!
I am SO happy for you!! I think the perfect name for your new bit of paradise is “Sweet Home Alabama” and see there…..you even have a built in song to go with it! Congradulations on the beautiful new house. We will be expecting all kinds of wonderful things to be coming out of that beautiful kitchen as soon as you get all moved into it.
I don’t know about you, but I think that a Belle belongs in an antebellum mansion. keeping that in mind, think of the names of some of those old plantations.
fondunelle (cross between fondue(kitchen related) and foutainelle (grand name))(take liberties with the spelling)
or something else along those lines.
if i think of something else, i’ll add it
Congratulations Christy ! what a week you have had! and a great way to top it off too!
I haven’t been fridge shopping in a long time so I will have to get back to ya on that… but do remember seeing some dream ones with my DIL not to long ago.
I am still drooling over the beautiful kitchen! I love the brightness of it and the pantry is an extra bonus. Mine is 70’s era with all dark wood paneling ( through the whole house!) and dark imitation wood cabinets… I have been dreaming of a overhaul for eons, but now it is a even longer dream, so i will celebrate through your bounty !
As far as a name…. first thing to come to mind to me, since you share such yummy dishes was ” Heaven on a Southern Plate” or “Heaven served on a Southern Plate” .
Congrats again girl, way to go!! You are living proof that hard work has it’s rewards!!
Well,looks like a fine home,for a,”Very Nice,Well Deserving Family”!! I’m very happy for you and family!! I could tell you alot about a fridge,but I’ve owned a GE,side by side for many years,and worked on them for 2 years,and no problems.But,its your pick!! I will say this,as with anything,”Stay away from Big Box stores”!! As,with a car,or any thing,you have problems,and a dealer don’t want to repair,or service it.But,they have to,but the service is,not with love,and not as good as,buying from a dealer.I have saw this all my life,been on the bad side about twice,but never again.Best of luck with the house!! I will say one last thing,Make sure the “Lord has room,and is welcome there,and it will be a better Home”!! Jim
We bought a GE Profile French door frig last year. It has the water and ice in the door. (Samsung makes the GE French door units.) We’ve been happy with it but it has inadequate ice production (and there are just the 2 of us.) There is less refrigerator space than I anticipated (mostly due to the ice maker in the top.) We selected a unit that did not have to have the water filter replaced – our model has a plug. The water filter can run around $30 to $40.
Congratulations on the beautiful new house!
Oh my goodness I have KITCHEN ENVY!! I was just about to post on my blog about my sad little kitchen. The ONLY thing that works is my brand new side by side, extra wide, black, Maytag refrigerator!! Seriously, my teenager caught my 1965 tiny wall oven on fire (which can’t be replaced because they don’t make them that small anymore). My dishwasher bit the dust, and my stove top literally FRIED the wires! It’s a very, very sad kitchen!
CONGRATULATIONS!! Your kitchen, and the house that came with it, is beautiful!!!
Congratulations!!! The pictures are beautiful~I’m so happy for you, and can’t wait to see the pictures of YOU IN the actual kitchen whipping up amazing dishes.
Now as for that fridge: My hubby used to build houses, so I have some experience here. I always pick the largest interior space possible, and I have a french door fridge/freezer on the bottom that I just LOVE, it’s an Amana and I have tons of room. My friend has the same style in a KitchenAid, which she loves too, but the fridge feels much smaller than mine. But with all the cooking you do, I’d definitely recommend getting the biggest interior space you can afford~you’ll use it!
Congratulations on the new house! It looks gorgeous!
We are closing at the end of the month too, but we don’t get any shiny new kitchen…just our same old house but refinanced. LOL
But it’s coming with a whole lot fewer bills to pay every month. We looked at those french door fridges, but I only liked it in the stainless and the rest of the appliances in the kitchen were white, so we went with a side by side. I will say that side by sides aren’t as spacious in the freezer area as they may seem. And if I could go back I would get something with the freezer on the bottom. I mean, really, which part are you into more in the course of the day – fridge or freezer? So why bend down to get into it 40 times a day?
As another who has suffered in 1600 square feet of living area and another walk in closet with appliances and no pantry (and NO window either) I am so excited for you!!!!! Girl you are gonna LOVE all that room now. I’m sure everything will go through fine. Congrats!
Not much advice on fridges as far as brands. I have a marked down/return from Sears with a freezer on top and fridge on the bottom – stainless but kinda the old fashioned type. I LOVE this type but they’re pretty much going out of fashion I think. I also have a separate upright freezer in the garage.
I have had side by sides and always HATED them. The freezers have ZERO room, especially if you have an icemaker in the door. It takes up ALL the room. Even with a separate freezer there are certain things you want to have close at hand.
My son and DIL have the french door GE Profile with bottom freezer, but I don’t think it has much room inside myself and it’s a huge fridge. It does have an alarm which is great with kids.
My DREAM fridge is like Carol’s – a Sub Zero with a separate fridge and freezer side by side. Now THAT’S an awesome fridge. I love the clear doors.
As far as naming the house, that makes me think of old plantations and haunted houses so I ain’t goin’ there LOL!! Good luck with that one!
Oh my word, Christy!!! Knock me over w/ a feather, cuz THAT is one purdy house!! To know that you are finally gonna be stylin and livin large in your dream kitchen makes my lil heart sing. Yippee and double hooooo-ray. I am so so so happy for you and the hours you will enjoy in that there state-of-the-art/high-falutin kitchen AND office that is so well-deserved. LOVE IT! You do so much for everybody else and I will be the first one to come help you unpack and set up. Jes say the word and I’m there. Thank you for the invite…. honey says I can come visit you. Can I bring muffins or a casserole?
Love ya girl! Congratulations……the yard looks lovely too. Gardening anyone?
Terri (love that Dixie Cornbread)
oh, go dawgs. ;-}
Christy
Congratulations on the new kitchen and the bonus house that comes with it.
I have an Amana side by side refridgerator. It is almost 2 years old and I hate it. We have always had side by sides as hubbo can’t live without ice and water and can’t (won’t) open the door by hand.
Our old fridge was a GE and it gave us 20 years of faithful service and never needed a sarvice call. But I knew it was on it’s last leg and didn’t want to have it breakdown so we bought a new one.
No space-toomany darn parts and lights sticking out so you can’t get anything to the back. One drawer broken already. I know I’ll have to replace this by or before 10 years.
I think the house should be called The Plantation, as befitting a Southern Lady.
Much happiness in your new home.
I don’t have a photo, but go to a restaurant supply and get one of those all glass double front door fridges, no freezer. Then buy their freezer seperately . It to is all double door freezer only. Their really great for entertaining.
House name: since you’re the “Southern Plate” here, why not The “Southern Table” or “Southern Manor” or “Southern Plate Manor” or if those are too snooty, something more down-home like “Southern Plate’s Pantry” ? Best of luck to you and Congrats!
I have a Whirlpool side by side. I love it. Plenty of room. Adjustable glass shelves. Ice and water in the door. Stainless steel. We got it at Lowes. It had a small dent at the bottom (which doesn’t show) and they gave us a huge discount on top of the sale price! Congratulations on the new house! The pics are beautiful. And I love the new office.
How about Casa de Southern Plate or Southern Plate Plantation? Sorry, I am sleep deprived and that’s the best I could do!:0)
How about Southern Manor…or does that sound too much like a nursing home?? Maybe Manoir méridional which is it in french
La Camera dei piatti is Italian for THE HOUSE OF PLATES
La Chambre des plats is in french…
Amy
Oh my dear,
You really deserve it. I know how much you needed it. And I love your new office.
I am so happy for you.
Great house and even better kitchen!!! As for the fridge, less is better so forget the fancy extra’s such as water, ice on door. Also, don’t get a fridge that has a water filter that will need to be replaced ever so often! I always look at those types of extra’s as something to go wrong and will need fixing!! I agree Consumer Reports is a great starter. When I moved to my new downsized home, I bought a black Whirlpool fridge with the bottom freezer. I love it! Plenty of room and plenty of ice! Also, I can rearrage the holders on the door which is a great feature. I do not like stainless steel…finger prints, but I understand that they now make something that doesn’t take the finger prints or they coat the stainless steel with something to prevent that. So make sure to ask about that if you are going to get stainless steel. Big waste of money getting a side by side…total lack of space!!! As for your ole fridge, keep it and put it in your garage. It will be great for the fresh veggies out of your new garden, drinks for the little and big people, etc!
I don’t have a website but eventually I think I will because I love to do what you do…. I AM HAPPY FOR YOU…. I can feel it. And you deserve it I’m sure….. YOUR A MOM AND A WIFE…. That says it all right there… SO congrats. I have a cheapo hotpoint with a water dispenser and two types of ice to use crushed or regular… But To me the cheapo was the most expensive fridge i’v ever had and is holding up fine. For 4 years…… Love you and keep it comming….And did you get that passport yet….
Christy, I think of my daughter living by the Chatahoochie River with all you Southern folk as I read your wonderful blog each day, and it helps me miss her and those cutie pie grandbabies a little less knowing there are nice people nearby. I think the best thing about naming your house (someone said call out names to the house and see which one it liked–not too far from wrong) is to have friends with good thoughts pray a blessing on your home as you enter there…sad stories usually precede the bargains available these days. Let your time there be blessed and chase away any sorrow that may have previously existed there. You could call it “Ed” like the Old Testament children of Israel, means: “Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.” No matter what color or size, a good cold fridge is needed down in the deep south, I learned that on my August visit to Alabama, whew!
My name should have been “Ebenezer” with that meaning. “Ed” means
“it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.”
Christy the new home is lovely, absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations!
I totally understand how you feel about it. I only picked up the keys to my house last week, mine was built so in a way it’s almost exactly the way I would want it – EXCEPT I would like an induction cooktop but those are so expensive.
I won’t recommend any particular brand of fridge because you know, being on opposite ends of the world I am sure they don’t sell the same type over here that you have there but a couple things I would suggest:
- you want something with a lot of storage capacity. I’m sure you already know how frustrating it can be to have a fridge that is too small for your needs. I also think they work more effectively when they’re not crammed full of food!
- if you guys have some system of energy rating of appliances, then obviously look for something that’s pretty energy efficient
- I prefer the ‘upside down’ models, that is, if it’s a freezer/fridge combo the freezer section is at the bottom. That means you never have to crouch down to get to the crisper drawer.
- If you get something that’s brushed/matte stainless steel finish you won’t get all the fingerprints all over it.
- Instead of the french door fridge/freezer combo which can usually not have enough freezer space, you can go for a pigeon pair – I don’t even know if you’re going to understand what I mean by this?!?! But in any case, it’s basically just two side-by-side full size fridge and freezer.
And lastly…
HAVE FUN IN YOUR NEW HOME!
Yay! I’m so excited for you! Congrats on the new kitchen (with house attached).
Yay for you!
My opinion on the Fridge, we have a Kennmore and it’s been fine for the last 8 years we have had it. But I wish it were chrome ’cause that’s cool. Side by side is nice, lots of storage for food in the freezer. too. We buy in bulk! I hate the freezer on the bottom drawer thing. My aunt had one, and it is a pain to get stuff out if it’s at the bottom, and things tend to just pile on top of each other so you can’t see things without moving everything around.
You can keep the old fridge for overflow…which you probably already thought about, but it can go in the garage or someplace you won’t see it but can get to it easily.
On names for The Kitchen/house…I keep thinking of Gone with the Wind. when Scarlett says, ‘As God is my witness, I’ll never go hungry again”….I can see you standing in the wind as you dig your raised bed garden….sorry. Ok, the name, South Plate, or South Fork, South Dish, ….that’s all I got…good luck and congrats!
Great kitchen and office combo. You are going to enjoy every minute in it. How about “Sunnyside” as a name? Simple and positive.
Christy, how exciting for you. I got a brand new kitchen in my existing house this past summer because last May a tornado put a 150 yr old oak tree thru my house. When re-construction began I knew I wanted an “open” floor plan which I love. I have a brand new kitchen (after over 32 years). My old kitchen was long and narrow, dark and although I had painted the cabinets, replaced the countertops, handles, appliances, light fixtues etc…it’s just not the same a a brand new one. My new kitchen is light and airy with an island. Lots of cherry cabinets, pantry, oak floors etc. I love it, although it was an unusual way to get a new kitchen!! Anyway, I have always liked Whirlpool appliances and my new fridge is a side-by-side whirlpool. This is also the first time I have had ice and water dispenser in the door of my fridge. I’m loving my new kitchen digs and I know you will love yours as well. My fingers are crossed and prayers are sent your way that all will go smoothly until you close on your new house. Thank you for all you do, I so enjoy your posts and recipes.
Oh! Congratulations Christy!! The new house looks wonderful! And how happy must that kitchen be to be getting a chipper, witty, great southern cook!? I sure am glad it’s not going to be wasted on somebody who just calls for take-out.
I don’t really have any specific advice on the refrigerator thing. Everybody has their own preferences. You should probably figure out what has bugged you most about the ones you have used and try to remedy those problems. When we replaced ours not long ago my main “gotta” was ice and water through the door – LOVE THAT! But we were very limited because of the space in my kitchen. The fridge has to fit between a cabinet and a wall and appliances just will NOT suck in a breath so they can fit! We actually had to cut a piece off the cabinet that is over the top of the refrigerator.
P.S. You reminded me of my first experience with real estate – I bought a dishwasher with a house attached!
Christy,
Isn’t it great moving into a new house? We moved into our new house on 20 acres we had for a few years and YAHOOOOOO I love it. I love your sunroom/office. I can totally see a dwarf lemon, lime and orange trees hanging out in the sunshine. Oh and herbs wow I’m jealous I don’t have a sunroom but I love my kitchen.
What brand of refrigerator do you recommend?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=295995-83-GFSL6KEXLS&lpage=none
What features do you find indispensable?
Huge veggie and fruit drawers (we have a garden), ice and water dispenser, large storage on the doors for ketchup and all my sauces. I also like big refrigerators because I like to keep my meat in a nice plastic container so it doesn’t leak out.
If you were going to purchase a new refrigerator, where would you go? Lowesor Sears
How long have you had your refrigerator and what kind do you have?
3 years and it’s a Maytag side by side but the link I sent you is my dream refrigerator. My parents have one and I am always trying to get them to trade. LOL
Hope this all helps and good luck.
Congratulations on your new kitchen and house! For the refrigerator, I have had a GE for 10 plus years and it has been great. It is the freezer on top model. My dream refrigerator is stainless steel front with the freezer on bottom. Some have two doors for the refrigerator section, but I would be happy with just one! My sister and my daughter have both had side by side refrig/freezers and hated them. Not as much shelf room as a regular refrig. Good luck!
I am so envious of the kitchen, but most especially the sunroom. I would love, love, love to have a sunroom. Enjoy your new home. I know you just can’t wait to get in. Congratulations.
VALLEY APPLIANCE IS WONDERFUL!!! There is one on 72 going into Huntsville, one in Huntsville and one in Decatur. We bought our dishwasher there when we got our new house over a year ago. The same dishwasher at Lowes was $200 more. We also bought a new fridge there earlier this year. They gave us a great deal and worked it to where we got a $200 rebate back from the Manufactorer. So I would highly recommend them. They will deliver and take the old away for you.
Your kitchen is very nice, but I definitely have sun room envy! I sometimes think about enclosing my back patio. It’s already covered. Sometimes I like it better open air, though.
I have a Kenmore refrigerator and it has held up well. It’s 15 years old and still going- even the ice maker/dispenser. My husband suggests replacing it at times, but I hush him. He’s always wanting to get rid of perfectly good things!
Congrats on the new house!
Beautiful kitchen Christy! As for the fridge.. .my mom has had a Kenmore since the early 70s and it just gave out last year. She went and bought… you guessed it… another Kenmore. I personally like the freezer drawer combo, but probably because I have a couple deepfreeze’s (southern terminology for those of you who don’t know, for freezers) in the garage.
NOW… for the name…(pardon my strange sense of humor) I think you should call your house the Southern Cabinet… because inside is…. Southern Plate! LOL.. ok.. I know.. Lame…
Anyway, congrats on the new house.. I know you will have fun fixing it up to be a true home!
We have a new refrig, but I can’t remember the brand of it. anyway it is a side by side, and I like it. We have the ice and water in the door. I really like the crush ice feature. Congrat’s on your new house, you deserve it.
The only name I could come up with for your new home was
” Southern Bliss “
I love to name things, but we need to see the front of the house to name it properly.
Love the refrigerator info, we will be shopping for a new one soon too.
No advice, just congratulations!
I think with all the cooking you do, you need a commercial fridge! and you can call your new place “Christy’s Corner”! Its like you have your own little corner of the world.
Holy Crap at the kitchen!!! It’s gorgeous! Congrats!!
We have a Kenmore Brushed Satin (no finger prints) side by side that we bought at Sears in 04. I super puffy heart my fridge. It keeps foods fresher, longer because it seals so tight. (too tight sometimes)
This is what we have. http://tinyurl.com/c2r5lz
Hi, Congrats on the new house!
!
As for a name,,,,well, if you post pics of it, we can see what type of personality it has
As for the fridge, when we moved 3 years ago, our fridge and freezer died. We picked out a freezer, then picked out a fridge that had more fridge space, less freezer space. It is a top/bottom one from Sears. I will tell you, the ice and cold water are wonderful. I would get an automatic ice maker again and again.
I personally do not like side by sides because they do not hold as much….say a tray of meat for a party etc. I have a friend that has a bottom freezer and she hates it because she has to dig for everything, and it has 2 doors on top, so she can hold large platters, but her ice constantly goes behind the freezer door/drawer and she has to get on her hands and knees to squeeze herself into the space to get them out.
I do love and am jealous of the pantry
in a good way 
!
Hi Christy -
So, so, so proud that you are getting a new home with your new kitchen!
Don’t you think (as much airplay as you get online with all of us) that if you let the right people know you need a new fridge, you might get one in exchange for advertising to us about new fridges?
Just a thought!
Bettye
Hey Bettye!
I am right there with you on that thought. Let’s see…..Advertising, people, products, Southern Plate, hmmmmmmmmmmmm. (knock-knock) “Special delivery for a Mrs. Christy Jordan.” ” Where would you like me to put this new refrigerator, ma’am?”
“Whhhhyyyyyy, mercy me!! Waalk this waayyyy, suh!” ” Can I offah you a Co-cola?”
On second thought, that quote shoulda been for Christy to say “….Co-cola or some Doctuh Peppah”. :-}
Hey Christy!!! First of all — CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Wow! What a beautiful kitchen with house attached! LOL. Just so happens that LAST NIGHT I was reading the February issue of Ladies’ Home Journal (Magazine passed on to me from my sweet, sweet mother-in-law) So ironic that I got your email today after reading this last night. While I have no idea which type of “fridge” to recommend and / or “where” to purchase from …. I do have a little advice from the column that I read about “How To Save Money On Just About Everything”. Hope this helps …
http://www.lhj.com/relationships/family/finance/how-to-save-money-on-just-about-anything/?page=1
Christy! How exciting, a new house. i’m very happy for you, girl! It looks beautiful. and yes, you need a big ole’ island in that kitchen. I’ve seen some great ones out there at some antique stores that would be perfect for a large kitchen. You will have to find a really cool one! good luck with the fridge & moving. Your office space is gonna be GREAT! Oh my, that is a gorgeous sunroom, I’d kill for that.
I have a new GE Profile french door, bottom freezer, with ice maker on the outside and LOVE it. I also got a 5 burner range, but mine is gas with the warming drawer, you’re gonna love yours!
I was hesitate about the bottom freezer, but turns out it is great, holds a lot of stuff.
Love the new kitchen. Tree fell on my house in January, so I got a new kitchen then.
Enjoy!
Melinda
You’re so lucky! So many people are moving into bigger and better houses (not me, though
boohoo)!
Congratulations!
I wish I could help you out with the refrigerator thing, but yeah, I’m a struggling student. I have no idea what a good brand would be. However, I do have dreams of owning one of those refrigerators like Paula Deen has with doors that look like cabinets instead of a refrigerator. *sigh*
Your new house looks wonderful and I wish you the best as you and your family enjoy it and make your home there. On that note, I suggest “Home Plate” as the name of your house! My ‘cannot do without’ feature is ice and water in the door. I thought they were frivilous (sp?) features before I had them (GE side by side doors – 8 or so years with no problems) but not now. No more ice trays… yea!! The spill containing shelves are also handy. Take care! Kathy
Hooray Kathy!! Why, I just love this idea of naming that purdy new house “Home Plate”!!! You are one brilliant and witty lady. Now “if only” we could get that Christy woman to even know what a sport term like “home plate” means. pssst….it is where the batter stands when he holds the bat thingy…..tee hee.
Hey, maybe Christy will get all of the SP folks to take a vote. I vote for you!
Go Frigidaire side by side, a very reasonable price at Lowe’s. weeeeee!
Congrats on your kitchen/house. I know you are so excited. We bought a new frig (Whirlpool) last year at Lowe’s. It’s a side-by-side with water and ice in the door. It’s my first side-by-side as our last one was about 20 years old. I really, really like it. There’s a lot of things that would fit in the freezer side so a separate freezer is a necessity.
SEARS! I love there appliances because they last a very long time. I’ve had the same frig for 26 years, and have never had a problem with it. It has the ice maker inside, and the freezer is on the bottom — love it!
I moved to this house in 1988 and it is about 120 years old. A few years later, I named it “Serenity Haven”. I think it takes a while to get to know your house, in order to give it the proper name. Best of luck, and you have a wonderful place!!!
What a lovely name for your home!
Ava, thank you. The serenity was a long time coming for me, and this house was my haven, so it seemed to fit LOL.
And here I thought I was about the only one that still named my homes!!!!!!
How great Christy. Mom and I are hoping for a new kitchen deal ourselves but that isn’t likely to happen this century. The one we have our eyes on looks similar to yours. As for a name since you are so wild about Disney how about something along those lines? No clue what in particular just throwing out some ideas. We have a Maytag and I really need to triple check and see if it’s one of the recalled ones because it’s acting ten kinds of wonky here lately. But it’s been a pretty good fridge otherwise.
How about “Little Dixie Manor”
Christy, how wonderful for you!! You will be sooo happy in that kitchen (not to mention the office!!)
My fridge is a GE sideXside that we bought in 1985. It is still going strong(I wish it would DIE so that I could be picking out a new one!!!) Anyway, I agree with those who like the room to put large trays in. I make a Vegetable Pizza in a large sheet pan and I always have to figure out how I’m going to fit it in the fridge!
And for a name, that is hard because you really need something that fits well for you and your family..
Dixie Delight
Southern Plate Getaway
Southern Plate Plantation
*insert Christy’s before any of the above* is another idea..
The Cooking Loft
or maybe just the family last name before any of the above..
Good Luck and Congratulations, Christy!!
Laura
How about “Southern Range” then you could say “you are at Home on the Range” LOL!!
i have a kenmore side by side with ice machine and water. i love mine. with sears you can buy a extended warranty.
Mah,
I am so happy for you. It is so so pretty. Remember a New House needs a new quilt too.
Someone mentioned “home plate” for a house name….I love it. Kinda like Fred too…
May you have many many years of health wealth and happiness in you new home.
Love ya,
OK. I gotta ask. What do you mean your stove has five eyes? I’ve never heard of a stove having eyes. You also said, “turn off the eye” in your Sweet Tea post. Is my stove watching me?
LOL- Stove Eyes are the things that heat up, hun.
Ewww- that’s kinda creepy thinking my stove might be watching me.
all the times I’ve cheated on my diet standing right next to the stove.
LOL.
Wow! Congratulations! I love your huge kitchen, the oven with ALL those racks (2 are NOT enough) and the pantry. It would be a dream come true for me. I was so mesmerized about the kitchen I almost forgot to say, what a wonderful house. May you and your family have many, many happy years there.
Just read this post and, even though it’s been up a while, I just had to respond to your questions. Five years ago today we bought our “kitchen with a house attached” and I completely understand your excitement. And, by the way, your house looks beautiful — so fresh and light. I left a sunroom at my old house (not nearly as nice as yours!) and it while it would be perfect now for taking photos of food, I wouldn’t trade my amazing kitchen for the old house again!
As for refrigerators . . . our house came with a Sub-Zero, which suits the style of the kitchen perfectly. However, I find them to be too shallow, and ours does not have ice/water in the door, which drives my husband nuts. Still, I manage to keep everything I need in it and I do appreciate the useful spaces for storage of items in both the fridge and freezer sections. It is also great for holding the temp at the exact temperature I set.
Since moving in, we have added a Sears Kenmore French door/bottom freezer to the garage. I L-O-V-E the French doors because I can put half-sheet pans in with no problem! How cool is that? I also like the bottom freezer, because the space is not as confining as the narrower side-by-side AND things don’t get hidden and lost, because I can look down and see everything from the top! I’ve had top freezer, side-by-side and now French door/bottom freezer — the French doors rock!
And one more thing . . . we also named our house. Well, actually we named the whole place, which is 10.5 acres with some very nice features, like an outdoor brick oven!!! I told you it was my dream house, didn’t I? We are completely surrounded by trees and we live in Southern Illinois, so after much deliberation, we named our new home Prairie Wood. My husband also purchased a domain name to go with a new website for me — Prairie Wood Kitchen. I write at Cora Cooks now, but I have a Blogger site called Prairie Wood Kitchen up too, until we can consolidate everything into Prairie Wood Kitchen dot com. So much to do!
Good luck and I’ll look forward to keeping up with the move. I adore your blog and all things Southern. I lived in North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas and California for 30 years before coming back home to Southern Illinois. I was Southern before I left home, but I am way Southern now!
I hope you and your family enjoy your new home as much as we have. Sometimes I still have to pinch myself to make sure it isn’t really a dream. A place is important when it’s meant to be a home.
I am SO envious of your NEW kitchen. Mine is like your old one,
But it’s painted buttery yellow and the cabinets are painted white. I did that myself with some help from my sons.
And O-M-G!!!!!!!! You have a PANTRY!!!!!!!! I LOVE pantries!!! I would KILL for a Pantry!!!
(And YES- closets ARE a LOT of fun to be in….it’s like a bunk bed-….if you have a good imagination it can be like, anything you want it to be….A time machine, or A cave where you’re hiding out from the bad guys….or it could be a tower room where you’re a princess who’s been locked up by her evil step-mother or a witch, Or just a zillion other things…) Yes- I’m still 5 at heart and my kids and grands think I’m just Da Bomb because I will play Lazer-tag with them in the yard in the summer.
Heheheheheheh!!!
Name for house: “Red and black cookin’ shack!” lol had to get the dawgs in there!!
Anyway, as far as refrigerators go. We bought our home last year and in the process of remodeling the kitchen I had to get a new refrigerator (the green one that was here was not going to be staying!). I have always had the regular old fridge on bottom and freezer on top and never thought twice about them. My mom just bought a freezer on bottom and fridge on top one and let me tell you, she can’t find ANYTHING in the freezer because it all just gets thrown in and falls wherever. I can’t stand that! I went with a side by side model (the biggest and most expensive that Whirlpool makes because I was worried about it not holding what I am used to stocking my refrigerator with. Well….I hate it!! I don’t like a side by side for many reasons. Whenever this one needs replaced, I will be going back to the old stand by freezer on top and fridge on bottom. Just my personal opinion that I thought that I would share with ya.
Good luck on the new home!
I love your kitchen, its big and has a big space .