Since Christmas I’ve been busy creating a farmhouse kitchen that would suit this little old farmhouse I live in. It’s been challenging, because the kitchen is actually really narrow. Although I gave away pretty much half of what I own to move here, I still had boxes and boxes of my favorite small appliances and kitchen gadgets to find a home for. I’ve also (yikes) discovered that cooking is actually a lot of fun, so I’ve welcomed home quite a few new small appliances including a Belgium waffle maker, a Panini press, and a bunch of little things like cookie scoops. Have I mentioned I’m the home and appliance editor over at Best Buy’s Plug in blog? I covet new kitchen gadgets like some people covet clothes or comic books.
That’s probably why I’ve been working so hard to finish my kitchen, and that’s no easy task considering I’m a. Not a contractor, and b.I’ve never used power tools up until September of last year. It’s been a learning curve, but I’m getting there.
Of course, a dreamy kitchen is only as functional as the plumbing that supports it. All the waffle makers and cookie scoops in the world won’t help if the sink backs up or the dishwasher refuses to cooperate. Trust me—when you’re knee-deep in sourdough starter and your water pressure vanishes, you start to appreciate a well-routed pipe system more than ever.
That’s why I made sure to call in a plumber Baulkham Hills locals swear by—someone who understands that beautiful kitchens still need hidden heroes behind the walls. Good plumbing isn’t glamorous, but it’s the unsung foundation that keeps everything running smoothly, especially in a narrow farmhouse setup where every inch counts.
Now that things are flowing properly (literally), I can finally enjoy my kitchen the way I always imagined: full of gadgets, flour-dusted counters, and enough waffles to feed the neighbors. It’s a reminder that even the most high-tech espresso machine or double oven is only as good as the water and gas systems that support it.
Over the past year, I’ve learned that finding the right experts makes all the difference in keeping both function and design intact. That’s why hearing about trusted names such as Clyne & Bennie really resonates with me; they’ve built a reputation on integrating plumbing, gas, and electrical work into homes in a way that feels seamless and stress-free for the homeowner.
Their approach acknowledges that a kitchen isn’t just a showcase for countertops and cabinets but a living space where every hidden detail matters.
When professionals like that are on the job, you don’t have to second-guess whether your dishwasher line was installed properly or if your hot water supply will keep up during holiday dinners. Instead, you can focus on the fun part—testing out your latest gadget haul—while knowing the backbone of your kitchen is in good hands.
When it comes to reliability, I’ve learned that not all tradespeople are created equal. The right plumbing expert doesn’t just tighten a few pipes and disappear—they take the time to make sure everything works seamlessly long after they’ve packed up their toolbox. That level of care is what separates a quick fix from true craftsmanship, and it’s exactly why I was so particular about who got to tinker with my kitchen’s inner workings.
Somewhere in the middle of all this, I realized why neighbors kept recommending Lee’s Plumbing with such confidence. They weren’t just talking about skill; they were talking about trust, the kind that comes from showing up on time, explaining things without jargon, and making sure your dream kitchen doesn’t turn into a leaky headache. In a world where hidden details matter most, having an expert like that on call is the difference between constant worry and peaceful pancake Sundays.
But plumbing doesn’t stop at the kitchen sink—it stretches far beyond, right down to what’s happening beneath your backyard. Septic systems, often out of sight and out of mind, demand just as much attention as any flashy fixture or designer faucet. Regular maintenance isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential if you’d rather avoid unexpected backups or costly repairs down the line.
That’s why I’ve been extra mindful about scheduling routine checkups and keeping things in check with professionals who know their way around the underground maze. A great resource I found? https://alligatorseptic.com—they break down the essentials of septic tank care with the kind of straightforward advice that even a non-plumber like me can understand. With the whole system working in harmony, from the sink to the soil, it’s one less thing to worry about—and one more reason to keep baking without fear of a gurgling surprise.
Case in point: I’ve always meant to have one or two upper cabinets and the rest open shelves. That’s exactly what I did too, and because I finally finished tiling the back splash, I could finally put up the shelves.
Here’s the details of what I did in the kitchen:
Shelves – I used 4 inch shiplap from my yard. It was taken out of the walls of the 1926 part of the house and I kept it exactly the same as the day I took it down. Nails and all. It looks amazing. The brackets are from Ikea.
Tile – I’m a fan of all things Fixer Upper, so I knew I wanted dark grout. I choose pewter grout with white subway tile.
The Breadbox – If you haven’t heard of Coop, you might not have one. I’ve always thought of it as a farmer’s store because you so often find them in small towns, but I sincerely love that place. I was searching through antique stores for a breadbox and couldn’t find one anywhere. Imagine the shock when I walked into Otter Coop and saw this one. It’s not antique, but I’ll take it.
Birds nest – You find all sorts of crazy things in the yard on a farm. This nest must have been knocked out of the tree because I found it right out my kitchen doors on the ground. There were no eggs or anything, so I picked it up, popped it in a bowl to keep the shape, and let it dry out for a month.
Next up I’m adding the stove hood and hanging the lights. I think this is the part I’m most looking forward to.
If you’re interested in how I ended up on 12 acres of farmland when I’m completely not a farmer, the full farmhouse story here. Also, if you’d like to see what sort of things you can unearth when you take apart a farmhouse, take at my favorite post: dead things under my farmhouse.
