Remember my kitchen? You can read all about how we removed the wallpaper, painted, added knobs and pulls and accessorized my New-ish Kitchen in the previous post here.
But something just wasn’t quite working for me. The island was demanding too much attention.
So I did what any sensible girl would do. I picked a can of black paint! (Note: I also placed the red lanterns from last year’s “use what you have porch design” to the top of the cabinets, which, according to my post “Ideas for that awkward space above your kitchen cabinets” may or may not be a good idea. lol)
It was very quick and easy project – I just picked up a quart of very black paint (with primer mixed in) and got started. I selected a semi gloss to balance it with the shiny black appliances and also to reflect light. Then the fun part – painting! I swear painting is therapy.
On the side of the island that has cabinets and drawers, I removed them (along with all hardware), lightly sanded them and painted two coats.
The entire project took less than one day, and I love how the island now plays nicely with the black appliances and are no longer trying to steal the attention!
Much more of a modern feel than the traditional oak.
Now I’m eyeing the rest of the cabinets – hmmmm – should I?
I know the readers of YHOB are a creative bunch! Remember when you helped Laura with her kitchen redesign on a budget? She’s still in love with her kitchen!
Now my friend Melissa in Indiana needs some help. In short, she’s ready to set the roosters free and find a new style for her kitchen. And because we all like a good challenge, she doesn’t want to spend more than $500. The good news is that she and her husband plan to do most of the work themselves.
Can we get a shout out from the DIY crowd!?!?!?
Melissa defines her style as “country, but not TOO country.” Guess we can add a little Rock and Roll to her kitchen, hmmmm?
Ok, so here is her current space (and we have a little surprise for her at the end of this post).
She has lots of counter space. While she would love to remove the lower counter on the island, there is not spousal consent. I think I have to agree with her other half on this one. The lower shelf is ideal for buffet style dinners.
[click to continue…]
It’s no secret that we bought a house with some design challenges. We’ve been attacking each room with resourceful fervor in hopes of a grand finale dream kitchen. We’re talking new appliances, flooring, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and lighting – the works!
Then I read this:
On average, a midrange (meaning not upscale) minor kitchen remodeling project costs $21,695, according to Remodeling Magazine. While expensive, it’s cheaper than the average major kitchen renovation, which runs $58,367 on average. ~smartmoney.com
Want to see my new $58,367 kitchen? I would too. But sadly, that will have to wait. How about my $21,695 kitchen? Ummm – not yet. BUT – I can show you my under $200 kitchen.
I hesitated doing anything in this room because often, if a room gets to “good enough” or “ok for now” then now becomes forever.
But I couldn’t take the yellow walls, taupe trim, sunflower/butterfly border, teal plastic chair rail, and (my biggest gripe of all) no knobs on the cabinets any longer.
So we set out to see what a little paint, cabinet hardware, some DIY and creative accessorizing can do for a kitchen, for under $200. First, the plan (be patient – oodles of before and after pics further down!)
Do you wish your man would spend more time in the kitchen with you (or instead of you)? Maybe it’s your kitchen design that’s keeping him on the sofa and out of the game.
In case you missed it, here are a few shots of the House Beautiful 2011 Kitchen of the Year, inspired and co-designed by chef Tyler Florence.
There are many unmistakable manly overtones, such as the darker colors, clean lines, large/chunky scale, and almost institutional feel. I could definitely picture my husband cooking (or at least helping out) in this kitchen!
Love the chalkboard wall, and check out those bar stools in the adjoining room.
[click to continue…]
This year the 2011 House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year is venturing outside with a large outdoor cooking space.
Chef Tyler Florence worked in collaboration with Lori Yeomans of USA Interior Design to create House Beautiful’s Northern-Californian inspired kitchen, complete with manly undertones (can’t wait to see that illustrated!).
The big reveal takes place on Monday, July 18th atRockefeller Plaza,New York City. In the meantime, here’s some scoop to start you drooling: [click to continue…]
