Monday, April 17, 2017

L.E.D.s R Us

Just when you thought you were done reading about my kitchen makeover, 
here I am with another chapter. This is the last one. Promise. 

 You might remember that after Ethel and I installed the backsplash,
I called the project finished...except for that little matter of under-cabinet lighting.
I did my research, it looked easy, so I ordered all the stuff.

As usual, I couldn't understand the instructions and turned to youtube for help.
The project started early Saturday afternoon. April the giraffe's baby was up and nursing,
so I felt confident that I could divert my attention to the task at hand.


Two and a half hours later, progress had been made, and the worst part
(that which involved all matters electrical) and the second-worst part
(reading the instructions printed in teeny tiny type) – were over.


There's just something about me and wires. I stared into this cupboard for two hours
trying to muster the confidence to make these connections.

You: You put the dimmer where you can't reach it, silly girl.
Me: Be patient...I'll get to that in a minute.


With the connections made and the lights working, it was time to stick them in place.
I learned from the manufacturer's FAQ page that to avoid a marquee reflection 
on shiny countertops, the tape strip should be affixed perpendicular to the surface, 
on the lip of the cabinet, instead of on the bottom. So that's what I did.
The stuff has a peel-off backing and couldn't be easier to stick on.


During the project's research phase, I was most concerned about 
how to work around the cabinet supports. I figured the lights or the wires
would show below the edge of the cabinets and then I'd have to drill holes through
the supports, then I'd screw that up and the cabinets would fall down.
Again, and as usual, I wasted a lot of time and energy fretting about something 
that wouldn't be a problem.


Unless someone shorter than me happens to be looking (highly unlikely unless they're 12),
 the wires that connect the sections of tape between the cabinet supports are invisible. Whew.


As for that out-of-reach dimmer in the cabinet above the microwave, 
I present this wireless control pad. It talks to the thing in the cabinet 
and powers and dims the lights as if by magic...
which is how all electricity works in the first place, right?
If this accessory had not been available, the project never would have happened,
as no amount of youtube videos could help me understand how to wire a new switch.


I loved my backsplash before, but now I want to marry it.




31 comments:

  1. Wow!! I am so impressed; your kitchen looks amazing!

    Maggy

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  2. What an amazing transformation, WOW! All your blood, sweat and tears were well worth it! 👍👍

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  3. Awesome job...and I agree, wireless control pad is genius! Don't you just love the people who create stuff that makes life easier. Lisa G in TN

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  4. I would like to marry your kitchen and move it in my house in Florida... I love that backsplash and the led makes It even prettier... you are so talented

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  5. Looks great! Very pretty! I know you need a rest, but I'm looking forward to your next project.

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  6. Absolutely gorgeous, good job!

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  7. This is beyond wonderful!!!!!

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  8. The under counter lights really 'make' the kitchen-YAY! I need to know what you used to hold the wire (in 5th pic) up against the cabinet. All I've found/used are placed by trying to pound in nanoscale nails (fat fingers are unable to hold while tapping nail).
    Mick

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    1. I used these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Armacost-Lighting-LED-Tape-Lighting-12-Volt-Power-Wire-Support-Clips-10-Pack-RFWSC/203569121

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    2. Thank you!

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  9. Thou art a braver woman than I playing with electrical stuff!!! well done eh!. BTW is the a PW MERC kettle on your stove??

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it is, but I found it on PW's Walmart page - I don't think it's at the Merc yet.

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  10. I now pronounce you Back splash and wife! You may kiss the wall....well done!

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  11. Well done!!! It looks wonderful and I know you're going to love that extra light when you're working at the counter. It makes a huge difference. You're definitely allowed to take a break now!!!

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  12. Wow. I hope your backsplash is into bigamy because I want to marry it. Aunt Jean

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  13. I think you can quit your day job and go into renovations!

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  14. Good job - it does indeed look marvelous! Just the right amount of gleam on the metal.

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  15. love your kitchen! the lighting was the frosting on the cake. so cool that you did it!
    hugs,
    Marie

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  16. ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!! It's official, I am jelly. This is spectacular.

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  17. Wow, made all the difference in the world! Finished product is beautiful!!!!!

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  18. Oh, one more thought, are you going to get the copper plate to go around your new dimmer switch to match the rest?

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  19. Michelle from Vancouver4/17/17, 10:28 AM

    I've enjoyed all the kitchen posts, good job. Love the backsplash and it looks 100x better with lighting.

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  20. So pretty!! Let us know how the lighting holds up. I used this back in MI and after a month, the adhesive stop holding the strip and they would fall down. We ended up stapling a strip of plastic on each side to hold it to the cabinet, but they worked lovely. Congrats!!

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  21. An American in Tokyo4/17/17, 5:49 PM

    Woo hoo!! Your kitchen is so beautiful!!

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  22. Oh heck - your backsplash didn't mention that we already ran off to Vegas last weekend?! ;D

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  23. I am so impressed. It is gorgeous.

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  24. WOW! I absolutely LOVE what you did to your kitchen! I moved into a new home that has your kitchen almost to the tee (same cabinets, appliances and layout except for a black/gold/tan speckle granite counter top); however, there was no back splash and under counter lights. So now I want to add that to my kitchen as well and tackle as my next project (and you give me hope because I am a woman as well! I figured if I could change the inards to a toilet tank and have it work like brand new, I can do this, too! ;D). However, can you tell me where you purchased your wireless control pad? I can't seem to find it on the Home Depot website. Thanks so much!

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    Replies
    1. Here are links to the dimmer and the transmitter - good luck with your project!
      http://www.homedepot.com/p/Armacost-Lighting-Wireless-Touchpad-for-2-in-1-LED-Dimmer-DIM14REM/205884027
      http://www.homedepot.com/p/Armacost-Lighting-2-in-1-White-LED-Dimmer-DIM2IN1-96W12V/203227246

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