1.21.2013

Whatcha Cookin' in the Kitchen??

After all that huge rush before Christmas, I haven't felt like doing anything other than housework.....
I was supposed to make a to-do list for us to start the beginning of February,
We've decided on updating the- 

KITCHEN!
I have so many ideas for this space, while trying to keep ourselves on a strict budget.... so it will come in baby steps-

This is how the room looked when we moved in:

I think we all can agree it's pretty outdated!! 

We did make a couple smaller changes to the room shortly after moving in (before the floor in the living room/dining room was started)
  • Stainless appliances (minus the hood fan above the range, because that will be part of our bigger kitchen remodel and why do it twice?)
  • Island table (handmade by the hubby with free wood)
  • Two pendant lights installed above the island table
  • Removing the existing faucet, replacing with a new faucet
  • Removed the scalloped edge trim piece over the sink
  • Removed one of the cabinet doors already (have placed three woven baskets on the shelves)

Now the more cluttered version looks like this:




This will be our 'short version' list for at least a month:
  •  Removing the top cabinet doors off of two of the cabinets & painting the backs of the cabinets
  •  Painting that fabulous catheter-pee-yellow color on the walls (how did yellow and brown/cream colors go together in the first place??) The color will be the same as the living/dining room
  • We have a spot for the ever-popular chalkboard wall....
  • Window treatments above the sink and the side window
  • Ceiling repaired (from removing the old flourescent light) & painted
    Cover up the wonderful one-of-a-kind cracked linoleum backsplash with beadboard
  • Removing the doors under the sink and installing a little curtain
  • Removing the tan rubber baseboard and replacing with MDF trim
  • Replacing the grill right under the sink (on the faux drawer) it's cracked
  • Maybe....Using a kit to 'reface' the countertops (until we can replace with something we really want!)
  • Maybe...either painting the existing cabinet handles, or replacing with an antique-oil rubbed bronze look
  • Raise those pendant lights to the proper height...
  • Install a cute funky industrial light above the kitchen sink (something that won't compete with my pendants above the island)

I wont bug you with the long term goals for now, because they wont happen until at least next year.

Here is some spaces I've seen for my inspiration:












Did have one question...
Have you, or anyone you've known, painted over existing formica countertops?

Did it last? Look like a million bucks... (cough cough) or did it look like you just painted the countertops????



Thanks in advance for your advice :)


7 comments:

  1. hi Jessica! Congratulations on your new home! So exciting and the changes you made to the kitchen look GREAT! Have you seen the paint specifically for formica? I would try it in a heartbeat. I would try a flat sheen to make it blend into the room instead of standing out. I would also paint your hardware and save the money for later- there are great metalic paints out there!
    Happy New Year to you and your family!
    xxojoan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Joan,
      Thank you so much for your feedback!!! I will check that paint out!!!

      Delete
  2. You've already done some amazing things in your kitchen to improve it. Love the pendant lights!! Can't wait to see more.
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mary Alice! We can't wait to get started!

      Delete
  3. Wow! Amazing!!! LOVE it!!! Look how such small changes make such a huge difference. Can't wait to see the big changes this year!


    XO's,
    Jessie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jessie! We are having so much fun :)

      Delete
  4. I could live in any of those beautiful white kitchens. Looking forward to seeing what's next!

    ReplyDelete

I really enjoy reading your feedback!! Thank you very much for taking the time to write me a note!! xo ~*Jessica