Thursday, March 21, 2013

Finally, The Kitchen Reveal

There's an old country saying that, with apologies to the grammar mavens
goes something like this:

I ain't what I ought to be
I ain't what I'm gonna be
But praise the Lord...
I ain't what I was.


Rip Van Kitchen ~ Before

I should have been ashamed to yak about it,
but I introduced Rip Van Kitchen back in THIS POST,
 right after I stripped the terra cotta plaid wallpaper 
and extra large '80s fruit border. 


Then, I painted it yellow.  





We still had the yukky vinyl floors and the oakish cabinets with their shiny brass hinges and (not knobs, but) handles. Why each drawer had two of them, I do not know.  That vanilla colored counter was laminate and in about the same shape as the floor. Unfortunately, you can't throw rugs over a counter.

Pathetic. 

But I had a plan in my head,
and it looked something like this:


My version of a farmhouse kitchen.

Dove white paint for the cabinets,
and beadboard for the soffits.


We wanted a few glass doors so we had someone with a router
 cut the center out of two of them.

Glass panes were $5.00 each and installed at the glass shop. 


You can't really see it in these pictures,
but  the inside is backed with beadboard.
I filled  it with mostly white dishes.
~ Plus a little pop of red.


Hidden hinges weren't in the budget for this phase of the project,
but we used white ones to make it as seamless as possible.

Black knobs are new, but the pulls  are the old ones painted oil rubbed bronze.
One  pull per drawer, thankyouverymuch. 

Stop looking at the baseboard. We haven't finished the shoe molding yet. 

We did replace the old off white outlets and switches with new white ones.
That was such a little thing, but it made a big difference.
I don't know why I didn't do it sooner.



As you can see, a backsplash wasn't in the budget yet either.

We did get a (solid surface) countertop, though...
Which necessitated a new sink...
Which just begged for a new faucet. 

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly...

Please notice how the counter picks up the color of the new floor. I stressed over that. 

And I guess I'll mention the new dishwasher.
I did not want to buy a new one, but you can blame Cascade for just so long.

~ So says the husband...


It's the reason that a built- in microwave 
will have to be part of the next project as well. 


I'm not complaining.
It  just gives me something to look forward to. 
 I'll just rest my wearies at the bar and sit a spell. 

I have to sit there, of course,
 because it's the only place to sit right now. 
I can't bring that old table and chairs 
into this new kitchen without a face lift, can I?

No, I don't think so either.  

 And so, the project continues for another day.


'Cause it's the song that doesn't end...
It just goes on and on my friend... 


*****

By the way, those windows were washed inside and out with so much vinegar, the place smelled like a salad bar. It's just a glare. Felt the need to mention that in case the Duchess reads this. 

59 comments:

Tricia said...

Wow, Debbie! WHAT a difference! I know that walking into your "new" kitchen puts a big smile on your face every morning! I love the new look -- the color of the cabinets is just right, and the way you've styled the ones with glass doors is gorgeous! Thanks for the tour -- and go rest up from your labors!

Vee said...

Bravo! Brava! It all looks wonderful. I know how hard you've worked on this project and that you've done it without spending money you didn't have. You're my new hero.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

awesome!! love all the details. bits of red. those blinds are perfect. so fun!

when you get a chance to do the backsplash i would love to see that too.

i love the facet. such a lady who loves details. & yes, i would be the one who notices the floor & the countertops .... smart you are!!

you go girl!!! relax & enjoy all your work!! ( :

Miss Char said...

Love the new look Debbie and I'm so jealous, I plan to paint my cupboards every spring but so far it hasn't happened. Are you going to "refresh" your table and chairs or look for something different?

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

well I LOVE it! What a lot you have accomplished. It looks like a magazine. I;m inspired!!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

It looks totally amazing, you've done a great job. Hugs, Marty

Amy Kinser said...

Debbie, I LOVE your kitchen. I totally LOVE your white cabinets! Everything is beautiful and clean and you have white cabinets not oakey ones. Did I already say I love your white cabinets? Oh yeah, I did say I love your white cabinets.

It all looks so clean and shiny. Can't wait to see what you do with the table.

I prayed for you this morning and asked the Lord to help you get done soon so you could just sit and enjoy and relax.

Blessings to you today and everyday!

Debbie said...

Oh Debbie I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! The cabinets are just wonderful, and I love how you did the glass doors. I will confess I looked at the pictures (I was soo anxious to see!) before I read how you did and instantly wondered, but HOW did she get the glass doors??! haha Perfect! The counter is lovely and goes sooo well with the floor and the appliances. I am imagining you are painting the table to match?? Can't wait to see it too!! How happy I am for you...I love a makeover (no matter who it is for!) Someday (hopefully sooner rather than later!) I will begin my OLD OLD OLD fashioned one over here too. It is soo hard because 3 years before we moved we created my dream one in our old house complete with glass doors, counter tops, back splash, floor the WORKS and then I had to move into this...sigh. I think God knew just what He was doing though, lol. Oh the lessons I have learned. Anyway, sorry for the book, just so happy for you lady! It's perfect, so enjoy, and rest up now!

Anita Diaz said...

Debbie, good grief!!!! Fabulous makeover! My goodness, wht a difference you made. Love everything!! When our over the stove microwave caught on fire we did not replace it with the same as I hoped to put it in the island. It's sitting n th countertop too. Love your beautiful new kitchen!!!

Cheryl said...

While visiting for Vee's note card party, my interest was piqued with talk of a kitchen makeover, so over I popped to take a look!

What an amazing transformation! From 80's Kountry-with-a-K, to farmhouse beauty! Great job!

Chatty Crone said...

First of all you are a true decorator because you have vision - you are a visionary. I could never ever begin to do that.

It is just gorgeous what you have done. Feels so good and homey yet elegant.

Now my favorite thing was taking that panel out and adding glass. And love the pop of red!

I love the floor and the yellow walls.

Good job my friend.

sandie

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Wow! It really looks amazing. I actually liked the old look....but then the new updated kitchen is gorgeous and I LOVE it! I have white cabinets with black counters so I can get a little idea of what some of the things look like. I SO need a new sink and the faucets are beautiful. You've given me some ideas. I would love to have glass front cabinets in one area. You did a great job and I know you'll enjoy it! Happy Spring!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

This is just awesome...so awesome...and excellent work my dear

I have done faux back splash in two of my kitchens and have loved them just as much as my real ones! It allowed me to change them out!

You rock girl...this is wonderful and hope it makes you smile each morning

Gayle said...

Wow! I see a ton of work, and it paid off! The new farmhouse look is fantastic! And bravo to you and yours for tackling it yourselves. I'm not that brave.

Barbara F. said...

Debbie, I am soooo impressed with this renovation that you and your hubby took on. It looks beautiful. There is just something about all white cabinets. I also had plaid wallpaper and a fruit border in my former kitchen! So funny. Congratulations, you did a great job. xo

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

OO-LA-LA! I love your PROgress! Smashing, dahling. It truly is amazing, the differences from A to Z in every positive way. You guys did an awesome job. So, so worth all your efforts. Can't wait to see the dining room table, too!

Me? No reveal yet for the Wreck'reation Station. I have a LOT to do, but like your home project, mine's been fun.

Happy Thursday,
Kelley~

elizabeth said...

I LOVE it! You did a great job! Beautiful transformation. Love the black and white toile and checks too and the cabinets...LOVE!

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

Congratulations!!! You and your hubby did a fantastic job! I'm sure it doesn't seem like it to you, but I feel like you accomplished a lot in a pretty short period of time. Ours took longer because when Tim had to do his part, he could only be here on the weekends. The other guys got theirs done pretty quickly. It's worth the wait though, isn't it? I still love ours.

Debbie, you made some great choices; I love that you bronzed the drawer handles (and only have one handle per drawer now). I've decided that white cabinets are just so cheerful. :-D Your new floor and coordinating countertop are gorgeous, and I love your glass doors. You will thoroughly enjoy those. Did you get a 60/40 sink? It looks like you did. I can tell you you'll enjoy that and the new faucet as much as anything else.

Everything looks just beautiful, and I'm so excited for you! Have a wonderful day.

Denise

Miss Merry said...

Wowza Wowza Wowza!!!! Your kitchen is super!!!! What a change - it looks like a million bucks (probably because of the million hours you have put into it)! It is a work of art!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Cindy, it's gorgeous! You must walk in there now and realize that it was worth all of the sweat and effort. An absolutely incredible transformation. It's hard to believe this is the same kitchen. I love your white cabinets, and what a great idea for the glass doors. The countertops and the floor are awesome. I'm going to have to go back and look at the pictures again, so I can take in every gorgeous feature. Can't wait to see what you do with the table and chairs! laurie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Debbie, Please don't ask me why I called you Cindy. I'm afraid I'd have to tell you that I'm senile. I've got so much going on in my life right now that I might forget my name. So sorry. laurie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Is it illegal to leave a bunch of comments on one post? I had to come back to tell you that I love the black hardware on the cabinets.

Crickit said...

Your kitchen looks absolutely beautiful!! Enjoy the fruits of your labor! :)

Sue said...

WOW, looks fabulous Debbie. At the first reveal picture I had to look twice because I thought that was an inspiration pic, and not your kitchen. I think every detail is perfect, and it is fun to have some new things to look forward to. I don't know what kind of backsplash you are waiting for, but in our last kitchen we put in beadboard, like your soffits, and it looked great and held up well.
I can't wait to see what you do with your table and chairs.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

It's wonderful Debbie! Very farmhouse! I am trying to get my parents to do the beadboard on their soffits, too!


I really want to paint my cupboards! Maybe this summer....

Deanna

Maryann said...

The kitchen looks fabulous. I love your cabinets. I have always wanted to paint mine white but I am such a chicken. I am really looking forward to see what you do with your table and chairs...I have a similar looking set that needs updated maybe you will inspire me

Lynn said...

Everything looks beautiful Debbie! Love the colors, it's so fresh and inviting! Great job:@)

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Oh My Gosh! Your kitchen looks just AMAZING!! I love every inch of it. I know painting those cabinets was work but oh so worth it - they really look brand new and I love the glass inserts!

You did such a marvelous job and used two of my favorite yellow and toile! Love the faucet, the countertop, the floor...everything!

Sue said...

WOW Debbie!! Did I say WoW!!? You did a beautiful job, everything is so pretty. I love everything and trust me I know the work that went into this transformation, by all means sit, relax, and enjoy the fruit of your labor.
I am still trying to decide whether or not to paint my cabinets,.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Sue

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Beautiful! I loved reading the details about how it goes on and on. LOL! Isn't that the way it always is? I bet you are so glad to be finished with the cabinets. I really like every one of your choices including the drapes and the fabric you used on your bar stools. Looking at the makeover pictures, your kitchen looks so much larger then before. Does it feel that way to you too? You have done a wonderful job. I love it!

Sharon said...

Oh hurrah! I cannot believe what you guys have done. This is an absolutely gorgeous kitchen - and so very much your style. I'm hoping that you have bronzed at least one tool that you used in this makeover. You certainly deserve a trophy.

So, when can this invisible person come over for a spot of tea??

Really, Debbie - it's just beautiful.

XO

(P.S. I ain't one of them grammar mavens, am I??)

Sharlotte said...

Wow! This looks so good, I love it!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Wow Debbie, what a difference!!! Your kitchen is now so bright and cheerful. You must love being in there now. Thank you for taking us thought the process. The counters look so great and I love the new faucet, which match the cabinet hardware. The most awesome part is the transformation of the cabinets...just gorgeous!!

Alycia Nichols said...

I'm sure you can hear my "oohing" and "aahhing" all the way to your house! Oh, my goodness, Debbie! What an incredible transformation!!! I am really super impressed at not only the difference, but at the HARD WORK you guys put in to make it so!!! Really! Just incredible! I am going to show my husband these photos so he will know what I'm talking about when I say I want to have our kitchen cabinets painted white. It would lighten up the room, make it look more spacious, and it would work well with the existing black appliances that he and I are both so fond of. I know this was a hellish experience, but like the old Steve Miller Band song said, "You've got to go through hell before you get to heaven"!!! Congratulations, Debbie! I am proud of you and happy for you!!!!!!!!! (And maybe just a little bit jealous! :-) )

Christine said...

Hip Hip Hooray!
Let me say,
This is a big day.

Rip Van Kitchen
Is really b**chin'


Debbiedoos said...

Ohhh myyy God! Can I say that here LOL? Debbie, I was so excited to see I did not miss this post. Outstanding job. I absolutely love how light bright, and cheery it all looks now. What a difference! Nice Job!

Debbiedoos said...

Hope you don't mind I shared on my facebook wall:)

Shanee said...

Hooray for Debbie! Awesome transformaton. It is all so pretty and fresh and clean. I love the floors and the painted cabinets. The glass doors are my favorites! $5.00 really? Wow...I can see me routing out more doors in my kitchen! lol The single handle per drawer makes a huge difference and the countertop is awesome (I am sporting your old one in my kitchen...can't wait to send it on its way). I know you are so proud, tired, but proud. Time to just sit and enjoy. oh, I also love the curtains. Have a great weekend.

Kathleen said...

It looks great, and what a nice size kitchen you have!
I have my micro on the counter, and when I see what the others cost, oy! My son just had to replace his, 3 times as much as mine cost, so I won't be doing the built in!

Enjoy your new space, I know you both worked very hard!

Denise said...

Can I just say B U TI Ful kitchen! It just screams "Debbie". I know it's been a LONG and tiring project but I can just picture you looking at everything with your head tipped to the side, smiling. Don't you just want to pinch yourself to see if this beautiful kitchen really belongs to you? So proud of you. Now, conquer that table with gusto!

Debbie said...

Denise, Just want you to know that at first I thought you said my kitchen was a butt-ful. It was definitely that, but I'm glad you think it is b-u-tiful too.

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Hello! I saw your kitchen on Facebook and I had to come over to take a look. So glad I did because this is an amazing transformation. You must love working in your kitchen now. It looks like such a happy place with the colors you've chosen. Congratulations on a job well done!

Sooner Laura said...

Lovely, lovely progress. Doesn't it feel good? I want to put glass in upper cabinets doors but my husband fears he will ruin the doors if he starts cutting on them and I don't know who else to ask. Maybe do a post of cutting out the center of the cabinet door for dummies?

Tanna said...

F.a.b.u.l.o.u.s!! Debbie!! Such a beautiful kitchen! Great job! blessings ~ tanna

Beth said...

Wow!!! What a gorgeous, inviting kitchen . You and the husband did an amazing job. I know you are exhausted, but it is so worth it. Can't wait to see the table and chair re-do.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

OMG I literally gasped....Honestly, it is gorgeous! I still have the old linoleum counters and 1980's cabinets, I am sooo inspired! that counter is gorgeous and the single handles...genius thankyouverymuch! Girlfriend, you didn't point it out, but I am sure I saw your blood, sweat, and tears in there somewhere!! You should be so proud!

Carol

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

I know you have to be so proud of this beautiful space! So much hard work went into it, and it shows in every detail. Love the cabinets with glass and the beadboard soffits. Awesome!

Now, go rest somewhere. You deserve it.

Kathleen said...

Well now, isn't that a kitchen to be proud of?! It looks great. I wouldn't mind wandering into that every morning to make a cup of tea. Well done!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Love what you've done! I've got to do something with my 80s kitchen wallpaper too..... it's on the list --- well actually it's been on the list for a long time.....one day....in the meantime....I'll enjoy yours.

Unknown said...

WOOOO HOOOOO!!!
Debbie, your kitchen looks fabulous!!!! It's warm and inviting, cozy and stylish, just gorgeous!
xo
lynn
p.s. thank you for the old songs now stuck in my head....

Angel said...

Wow! The place looks GREAT! I would love a farmhouse kitchen (care to come do a makeover at my house???) :)

I think the beadboard was a stroke of brilliance and I also think you deserve a vacation after all that hard work!

Bravo!!!

Decor To Adore said...

I am absolutely swooning with delight. Did you paint the cabinets? Are you going to share that bit?

Happy Palm Sunday!

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

I am sooooo late to the party -- but soooo proud of you! Your new kitchen looks really, really good, and I do hope its happy face will be worth all of the aches and hassles that came with it. (TWO handles? What were they thinking? Seriously...)

Sylvia said...

Hi Debbie, right after I started my blog you left me one of the most memorable comments on my post "Old Books & a Story", while you were at Starbucks and your power was out... Since then I've frequently been visiting your blog enjoying your sense of humor and honesty ( sorry, without writing a comment).
Thank you again for your kind comment on my blog today. Your white cabinets make the kitchen so inviting and bright ( I know, there is more light because of the perfectly washed windows).

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Great job! What a wonderful transformation!! Looks so pretty! One thing I noticed is how well the black appliances go with the white cabinets. I have white cabinets, but white appliances. I'm wondering how mine would look if we changed to black.

We are leaving tomorrow night for a couple of days, back Friday night, but company till after Easter. I want to send you a picture of something when I return.

Happy Easter!

Katherine

Mary said...

Debbie, Your kitchen looks wonderful! I love the white cabinets and newly painted pulls, counter tops and of course the FLOOR! You must feel a huge since of accomplishment, deservedly so! Love the glass panes in the two cabinets too! Hope you have a relaxing and Happy Easter!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I love it. I think we are going to bite the bullet and do this sometime this year. I hope so at any rate.

What is a solid surface counter? I like that. Is it granite?

XO,

Sheila

BECKY said...

Looks so great, Debbie! Love the contrast of the black, yellow, and white! We just did a master bath makeover, and I LOVE it! I'll post some pics after I find some key decor pieces!!
:o)
Becky

lisal said...

This is a really cool post. I love this kitchen. It is completely the style that would fit me.lg refrigerator t cooling

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