Moving on to the kitchen. This was one of the rooms we tackled when my mom was here. I say “tackled” because I simply felt too overwhelmed to have at it by myself. I was troubled by the color of the cabinetry vs. the color of the woodwork and there didn’t seem to be a paint color that would satisfy my desire to blennnnd the two.
Plus, I was just flat worn out. Until G.G. arrived.
Here is the only ‘before’ picture I have. Obviously, I did not take it, it was taken well before we moved in. For this post, though, this one will have to suffice. When the time came for my mom and I to get going on this mini-project we simply couldn’t hold back the tide.
We just got busy.
Note the contrasting wallpaper choices. The upper wall was covered with a dainty floral on an ivory background. The wall below the chair rail was papered in a deep maroon. I say maroon instead of ‘cranberry’ or ‘pepper berry’ because it looked, well, maroon. Ick.
The crowning glory was the ever-popular circa 1989 cornucopia swaggy border. Apples, anyone?
We started by pulling all that down.
And then repainting the room a color called “wicker”. You guessed it, from Lowe’s.
Then we changed out the light fixture over the table. And changed out the handles on the cabinetry to a much more neutral matte black, replacing some old-world style brass colonial lovelies.
And replaced the punched tin accessories.
I like it. It’s simple, soothing and because the kitchen is a bit on the small side, the light neutral color helps to make it feel less crowded. Less chaotic.
Wait. Can a wall color do that?
Of course, if I had my druthers (and an endless bank account) I’d change out the countertops with something solid-surface and the appliances with all stainless. The refrigerator that came with the house is shorter than I am and has no ice maker, much less a water dispenser.
But we’re making do, happily. The kids actually think emptying ice cube trays is fun.
It looks great. I must ask how do you all eat at once with only 6 chairs. By the way I love the chairs.
Elizabeth
Ahhh, the kitchen table dilemma. We do all eat together, nightly, so we put Shep in the highchair (not pictured) and Mr. Jude sits on 'his' stool. Not sure what we're gonna do when Vivi comes home, she'll probably sit in my lap 🙂
Your kitchen looks fantastic! GREAT, and much needed changes, for sure.
Please report back to us when emptying the ice trays suddenly goes from fun, to a dreaded, whine-filled chore. 🙂 Oh, it will happen.
Heehee.
oh! you didn't even picture the small refrigerator…I am hoping for you it has more counter space next to it also…
I have so enjoyed your before and after pictures… this is as good as a HGTV show..
Looks great! Paint color really IS magical, isn't it? I could swear you even re-finished the cabinets!
So restful and open and fresh. I love it. I love the color names too.
Looks great!! Don't yah just love midwest "small room" homes. LOL I am a midwesterner but am loving my southern open home right now….
Can't wait to see more.
You've got an eye, girl! Looks fab!! Yes, the right color can do WONDERS!!! Beautiful!!
I cannot BELIEVE how BUSY you've been!!!!
SO much better! The cabinets look new. Amazing what paint and a little hardware can do.
Its amazing how taking down that border really opens up the place…paint makes it pop! Great job!
I have to agree, it's as good as HGTV…
When we built our house, I loved picking out the cabinet hardware. It can totally change the look of a room. Good job!
YOu know I love a great kitchen transformation…great job girl!
Looks great! You're getting so much done. Don't know how you do it all.
We have the same Pottery Barn table, too, except ours in actually in the dining room.
You are giving me inspiration as we have a whole house full of projects to get done!
Great job!
Making do happily…that makes my day! I love "making do"! What else IS there to do really? Making do happily.
LOVE IT.
I think it's going to be my new motto!
Our table is on the small side and I don't like traipsing to the dining room to eat. We just elbow each other and make do…uh…happily! 😉
You are a jack of all trades, honey. decorating, mommying, wifing, adopting, creating, managing…goodness girl. What DONT you do? 😉
Oh wait, I think I know the answer…long, quiet bubble baths! Am I right? 😉
it looks so calm & gentle 🙂
you have such a nack for making something become something beuitful…
Ah that is why your kids are SOOO wonderful!
I was too wonderging if you eat in shits?
Ahhhhhh I mean
SHIFTS
Ahahahaha!!!
Chelley, you had me CRACKING up with that one 🙂
Nice catch… And thanks for the laugh!
Stefanie,
You're killing me…all that work…all those kids…
WOW!
And Chelley is making me laugh!
And I'm sure Miss Vivi will find "her" perfect spot at that fabulous table!!
This is a great re-do!
I am a lowe's girl too, and since I read your post about the living room all I can think is, I have to leave a comment to tell Stefanie to check out
Summer Cottage
I don't know if you like blue or not…but this is a beautiful earthy blue color…really pretty!
Good luck on the rest.
Sometimes making do is fun.