My 70s Split Redo Part III: The Kitchen

(Click for Part I: The Living Room/ Dining Room , Part II: The Family Room) warning: I use the word "love" a lot in this post because I'm just so happy with the space.



Well, I finally took some photos of our finished kitchen. You've probably seen lots of of midstage pics, but I have to say, I've never been happier with the kitchen than I am now. If you remember back in April/ May, here's what it looked like before: maple arched cabinet doors, yummy flourescent light fixture, dirty linoleum...

And here's what it looks like now:


We ripped down all of the uppers the first weekend we moved in & Dave put up beadboard & shelving. The whole thing was under $150 or so. We replaced the kitchen floors with click & lock Elm from Home Depot (read details here) at the same time we did the rest of the house. The cabinets are painted in Behr's "Witch Hazel" in semigloss. (For prep, I sanded them down with a hand sander, cleaned them & then just painted them with the semi-gloss.)
We added inexpensive nickel drawers pulls and knobs from Home Depot:
Now remember my appliance disasters??!! Well, the dishwasher from the Stone Age is back to being painted the same color as the cabinets. I used the exact same seim-gloss paint and did no prep for it. (I really recommend this if you have no money for new appliances... it just sort of recedes & your eyes doesn't really catch it at all..) It's nothing pretty to look at for sure, but it's better than the beige it was originally.
And thanks to you all I LOVE my fridge painted in chalkboard paint!!! I never would have thought of that on my own & after so many of you suggested it to me during the appliance diaster, I gave it a shot & I just love it!!!
It's a great spot for "to do" lists & pictures and the black works with the counters & shelf hardware. And, as you can see, Christian really loves it too:
I found the chandelier on the first flea market tour we took with Eddie & Jaithan. I debated & debated about buying it but walked away & Eddie offered to pick it up for me & mail it if I changed my mind. Well, a week or so later, I decided to go for it & Eddie & Jaithan were sweet enough to go back & buy it & mail it to us. Originally it was going to be for my dad's house but when we moved into our new place I knew the kitchen would be perfect for it! (I still have intentions of adding pretty wax drips on it but that's another day.)
As I've said before, I love having my shelves open: it makes my life easier. I can see everything at a glance & things are so easy to put away & grab.
People have asked me about dust and we use almost everything up there all the time so it's not an issue, but for the occassional cake stand or seldom-used bowl, I simply rinse them out before using & it's honestly no big deal. And I love all of the things that I have up on the shelves that I've been given & have collected over the past few years. This way I get to see them all:
Everything on the shelves is either white, cream or silver. (usually aluminum or stainless) and I love the combination.
I've shown you this before but it's my Grandma Maestranzi's colander:
thrift-store bust I painted white:
And I had to take a pic of the cakestand full of gorgeous cupcakes that my friends made for our Halloween party this weekend: yum yum!!
And you know how much soup we eat in this house so I just hung the silver ladle right on the wall between two nails next to the stove for easy-access:

And I also wanted to explain my decision on the black $3 Home Depot shelf brackets I chose for the shleving. I had received a comment or 2-- my dad being one of them :)--- in a previous post suggesting switching out my cheapie Home Depot brackets with pretty wooden brackets. And also to add moulding to the shelves & walls. And I do think that would be a beautiful kitchen, but my house is very simple & contemporary & clean-lined. As much as I love ornate woodwork, there's not really a place for it in my home. Antiques work, but I tend to go for clean-lined ones such as Gustavian or Shaker... I want to stay true to the architecture of the house & while we've made lots of changes, simple & straight is where I want things to be in this kitchen, so I'm actually really happy with them:

Below are a couple of other views of the kitchen 'before':

We turned the little lost counter into a bar area by adding these wine racks from Pottery Barn and stocking the cabinets below with drinkware & drinks:
The pic below makes me laugh because there's so much empty space in our wine racks. ahhahaha With me being pregnant, we're not really buying much wine so it'll be empty a bit longer:


Here's a bunch of our pretty wedding gifts that I love seeing displayed. People (the moms) used to be paranoid about us having our Waterford crystal out and bumpable & breakable, but to me it's one of those things that you just have to use & so what if some break?


We covered the doorway to our pantry with dropcloth curtains & it's great for hiding the organized mess that lives in there:
I found the plates at Lucketts! shocker. (but they work so well with my wallpaper!! :)
Here's our little breakfast nook before:
And here is is now: wallpapered with a vintage saarinen reproduction table, thrift-store found Swedish chairs, smith + noble bamboo shades, and a chalkboard (oh yeah & Target booster seat! ;)--
We really love it & eat most meals here. I used a pair of Murray Feiss crystal sconces from our old house & painted them black so they'd work here... We so needed them to add some light to the space for nighttime meals. I got the wallpaper for a steal but unfortunately it's been discontinued. :( (I wanted more but oh well.)
Originally this was "the" chalkboard in our kitchen. (below) We probably seem chalkboard-crazed because now the fridge is also a chalkboard, but my originally intentions were to have one place for menus. I got these topiaries & am adding lots more rosemary into my meals lately because it's right there for the picking. One of the topiaries is fake.. (hee hee hee I know how bad fake plants are but it's a pretty good fake & seems to fool people since two of them are real.) So far the topiaries are still alive and I am so proud of myself!!!
As you can see, there are still a few things that will need to be upgraded some day, but for now I have the look & the feeling I wanted in my kitchen: it's both light & airy & a little cozy... It's a mix of old & new, food prep & clean-up are a breeze, and it's one of my favorite places to be in our house. (It also makes me want to add wallpaper to other rooms now!! :) Hope you enjoyed my too-many-photos-and-words tour!! ;)
xoxo,
lauren

137 comments:

Kelly Robson said...

You ROCKED it. Wow. Great job!!! Your kitchen looks amazing! And, I love the shelf brackets. :)

Oh, and LOVE that wallpaper. It's great. Really, bravo!

Janis@HomeStyle said...

LOVE IT!!!! It's simple and stylish.......fantastic job!

Will be checking back often to see all your other projects and ideas.

Danielle @ Transforming Home said...

WOW- looks great! Love the fridge! I recently chalkboard painted my kitchen island and I love it. It adds such a personal touch, don't you think?

The House Creative said...

Your kitchen is simply amazing! I love it! Great colors and I love the open shelves. Sooooo beautiful!

Anonymous said...

My goodness, girl! This should be in a magazine! I've no doubt it will be some day. :-) You did such a great job! Beautiful. I'm not sure if you're interested or not but there's a blog (maybe you already know about it) called The DIY Showoff. http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/
I'm sure she would love to show this off for you. All you have to do is e-mail her. Have a good day...

pk @ Room Remix

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Beyond fabulous. The one thing I love is now that the upper cabinets are gone the angled ceiling works, whereas in the before photos the cabinets reaching up to this angle looked visually crowded. Like that you went simple and perhaps even utilitarian with many of your choices, works! What is the flooring? Reread the post looking for that, it looks just like the flooring in my home.

Love it all, ENJOY!! Janell

Erin {House of Turquoise} said...

I LOVE every little inch of it!!!! What a fantastic space to have in your home!

My Notting Hill said...

Looks terrific! Agree w/PK - this should be in a magazine. Love the staging in your first picture w/the topiaries at the bottom of the frame. Great!

Tracy Watier said...

Really pretty, Lauren! Fresh and fun and, best of all, real. You know what you like and why and you know how to turn a negative into a positive in the most charming way... chalkboard fridge, painted dishwasher... genius! LOVE what the wallpaper does for the whole space too, btw.

Fargerike Dagny said...

It's looking beautiful! The pics are fantastic too, you're a great photographer! The fridge turned out great, and I'm betting C is loving it!!

Ellison Owen said...

Your home has come together so nicely! I love how you've managed to do so many amazing projects and the look is still very high end. I think that too often DIY = too crafty but in your case the look is absolutely beautiful! What a wonderful place to live and entertain friends and family. I love reading your blog! You are a real inspiration!

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

That looks fantastic! Great job! I love the little breakfast nook. I would do my blogging there! :)
Traci

Sarah said...

I can't get over that wallpaper, it looks soooo good! How unexpected. Love it. The whole house is just really amazing, Lauren!!

Megan said...

Wow, I'm in love with all the details! Well done!!

Catherine said...

It's beautiful Lauren. You really transformed the space into something quite amazing. I love all the details - the open shelves are such an upgrade from the upper cabinets. LOVE the wallpaper, it really adds a special touch. Happy kitchen love! xoxoxo Trina

Anonymous said...

This is awesome! Such an inspiration. You've got me thinking... :)

The color of the lower cabinets reminds me of Anne Turner Carroll's kitchen redo in the last Cottage Living. Love 'em both!

Liz @ It's Great To Be Home said...

It's always so awesome to see someone follow their own unique sense of style - your kitchen turned out beautifully!

~ Liz
www.itsgreattobehome.net

Maria Killam said...

IT's totally to die for. I love, love, love what you've done, and so fun to see the 'before' photos again. You are such a super talented designer, thanks for such an awesome post. I desperately need some cool fake topiaries like that for a clients kitchen. . . where oh where will I find them. . .

Linda in AZ * said...

***** A gazillion stars for the SHINING STAR you've created here, Lauren!!!

...It DEFIES the "BORINGLY ORDINARY", and utterly D*E*F*I*N*E*S the ENCHANTING!!!!!!!! *****

"Yer the ma'am", dahlin'!!!
Linda in AZ *

Jennifer said...

It's so pretty, Lauren! I love the chalkboard paint on the fridge -- so glad it turned out! and the wallpaper is seriously out of this world. seriously!

I have those transferware plates; got mine at my fav place too -- HomeGoods!

maría cecilia said...

Hello Lauren, you have a charming and wonderful kitchen, so different from mine but so beautiful as well!!!
Your blog is a delightful experience, oh my god!!
Cariños
María Cecilia

Pink Wallpaper said...

looks great! love the chalkboard fridge and the wallpaper!

LindsB said...

This makeover is one of my favorites. The before and after are just so different that it doesnt even look like the same house! I love every single detail you did here, its just stunning!!

Oh, and I love the brackets you went with for the shelving, I think its a great choice and I would not have picked anything else.

PS- thank you so much for all the nice comments regarding my halloween decor, it means alot that you liked them all since you have an amazing eye for the details :)

MFAMB said...

its amazing. really. one of most fave before/afters out there. and i so so so love that wallpaper. i am looking for something similar.
it's all so pretty lauren.
and i am still waiting on that bedroom makeover!

Mason said...

fan-freeakin'-tastic!! So jealous! :) Great job!!!

Susan @ www.peanutpetunia.blogspot.com

Sarah Allyson said...

LOVE it! It looks so inviting and calming and definitely like a place you WANT to hang out!

-Sarah
http://timelessstyleblog.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

It looks AMAZING! It doesn't even look like the same house. You are so talented!

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

Love the open shelving and the clean lines are FANTASTIC! Also, love your floor and bar area. Great work!

Windlost said...

Lauren, your home looks so utterly gorgeous. I love everything and I am so proud of you, and also so impressed with your ingenuity. Everything looks superb! I am also impressed with your bar area and those PB wine shelves. Wicked!

I like that you have a decorating philosophy and want to keep the look clean and simple and coherent. There is nothing more useful than a PLAN and a vision and you really have that! Also, so sensible to be true to the house. I agree so much with that philosophy! Make what you have better, not trying to make it different and something it is not!

Those open shelves are killer. Love 'em!

Great work. Wish you could come make all the ugly areas of my house pretty!

xo Terri

alicia said...

your kitchen is simply lovely! we just moved into a cottage on the hudson river, and your blog has become a great source of inspiration. keep up the great work.
x

Kay* said...

oh my gosh seriously this should be in a magazine. what an amazing transformation and i love that you all did it yourselves and that it didn't break the bank. now THAT'S good design!

mb said...

The first comment said it all. You rocked it. Clever gal.
I cannot wait to see what project is next for you.

pve design said...

Happily ever - after! What a vision! You really made it look amazing!! Wonderful!!
pve

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Ahhh. The cherry on top! What a grand space! So comfortable and family looking! So glad the fridge worked! I love the bamboo blind...I'm looking at those these days.

The photographs are beautiful...so very talented!

Now you can sit back (for a moment) and just enjoy.

....although I know you enjoy the process as much as the end result!

Smitten Design said...

What an amazing transformation. I think it was a great idea to paint the dishwasher the cabinet color. Your wallpaper/sitting area is my favorite!

Lauren said...

I. Love. this! I have been reading all thru your kitchen redo and fell in love with your style due to this room! How inspiring! I love your clean, elegant space! The breakfast nook wallpaper is absolutely amazing!

Abbey @ Practically Perfect said...

You're my hero! Hope you don't mind me bragging about all your hard work on my blog. You have my dream kitchen!!!

Thanks for all the inspiration.

Ticking and Toile said...

wow ~ just found your blog & I love love love the redo on your kitchen!!!! It looks fantastic!

We ripped out our upper cabinets too & I have never looked back!

Great job!

Shellagh

Alicia B. Designs said...

Nice job! I love the open shelving and really do worry about dust but I just ADORE the black board fridge! SO cute.

Unknown said...

I REALLY am sitting here with my mouth open! WOW! It is so beautiful! Way to go, just beautiful!

shi(f)t said...

you did a fantastic job--it truly is lovely! kudos!!

Chic Coles said...

Wow what a great job. I was thinking right out of Cottage Living or it should have been in it if it was still in publication. You are an amazing designer!

Unknown said...

Looks right out of a Pottery Barn magazine. Love that wallpaper. mishelle

paula said...

eeek! It's gorgeous. The fridge completely rocks. I LOVE it all.

nelya said...

Fantastic Lauren! You done some masterful work here. I still haven't gotten up the guts to paint my kitchen cabinets, but yours inspire me so very much. The color is beautiful and that fridge is now such a standout!

Silly me, but I think my favorite photo is of the lovely ladle. Who knew that two simple nails and a ladle could speak so much of "home." Know what I mean?

Unknown said...

Lauren, I tell you: word gets out quickly in blogland, got mail from a friend today to let me know how fab you were doing in the kitchen department...
Indeed! It is fabulous, what a great update! I like those easy on the budget gorgeous results!
Love the open shelf solution, opens up the space and is just fresh, with a touch of retro...!

bluehydrangea said...

Amazing, amazing, amazing!! I love your kitchen!!! You did such a great job, it looks like a magazine spread.

Jenn @ Dear Heart said...

Omg, what an amazing job you did!! The chalkboard fridge is BRILLIANT.

Emily said...

So jealous!! I love it!!

katiedid said...

Such an amazing transformation! It is just perfect. And I like your brackets too. Congrats!

Tammy@InStitches said...

WOW, It's so beautiful ! I love that you use your wedding crystal and the floors are to die for .....

Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish said...

Love the wine racks and the wallpaper! It is perfect! Congrats!!

Jessica @ Decor Adventures said...

Your kitchen is really outstanding. I'm a new follower (your 400th!) and I look forward to reading more.

RB Interiors said...

I just stumbled across your blog, and I love this kitchen! I'm amazed with what you've done with the place. I have to say I LOVE your cakestand. Where did you buy it?

Re:Fresh Design Studio said...

You did such an amazing job! I loved seeing the before and after transformation. My husband and I are inspired to get things moving at our house after seeing your beautiful home. You make it look so easy! :)

Room to Inspire said...

It is just amazing. I find myself going back and forth between the before and afters and I am just in ahhh. The space is completely transformed and really is simply amazing.

Chelsea

Natasha in Oz said...

No wonder you used the LOVE so often...this is amazing. How good is that Fridge now!!?? I am so happy for you you! Enjoy it.
Best wishes, NM.

Patricia said...

What an AMAZING makeover!
You should be so proud!

Laurie from Laurie Jones Home said...

There is so much about this space I love I don't know where to begin! I love the color of the bottom cabinets, the chalkboard frig, the light fixture and the wallpaper. What I like the best? How you display your waterford crystal, I'm like you, use or display your beautiful things everyday, enjoy it, don't stash it away for a special day! Great space!

Ness Lockyer said...

Love, love love it lauren. You HAVE been busy!!! Your fridge looks awesome.
Well done.
Ness xx

ALEX ALLIO said...

Hello from France

I have the same project ... nearly the same old kitchen dreaming about "renew"
If only I 've time to begin ... for the less ...
In french " Félicitations" for this beautiful kitchen

A bientôt
Alexandrine

Gena D said...

It's exquisite!!!! Very elegant and love what you did in terms of colours, shelves, finishes, the "craz"y appliance fiasco... well done!!
Gena
PS. I love the Menu blackboard idea! might use poetic license on that one - hehe!

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Lauren- it looks fabulous and I just adore the breakfast nook!

Things That Inspire said...

My jaw has dropped to the ground...I am truly amazed and incredibly impressed. I knew when you found your 'diamond in the rough' you would be able to make some wonderful changes to the place, but this is over the top amazing.

I love the blackboard paint on the fridge!

The is inspiring me to do something to my own kitchen that I have been thinking about for a while...I have a long wall where the breakfast room resides, in the back corner of the house. In the middle of the wall I have an antique enfilade; to the right of the wall is a window, and to the left is - nothing. A big wall space. Maria from Colour Me Happy recommended putting something there to balance out the window, and now I know what to do - a framed chalkboard would look so beautiful, and would balance out the window!

Betsy said...

I love your kitchen, the open shelving is great.
Betsy

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

Beautiful job! Everything looks wonderful! I especially love the cabinet color and the wallpaper.

Debe said...

Thanks for posting the pictures of your kitchen. You do have Pure Style! I love all your choices and think the frig gives it real panache! What a lovely space you have created!

Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog said...

Fantastic! My appliances are the same color as yours were- I'm glad to see that there is hope!

Donna @ Paisley and Perspective said...

Wow Lauren - your results are gorgeous! I love everything about it. All of your choices have come together in a cohesive functional lovely room! You definitely have "Pure Style" and are an inspiration to me as I plan a thrifty kitcen redo for my own home.

Anonymous said...

Yet again you cease to amaze me! I love it all! So simple and classy. Love it love it love it! And I'm so glad you went with that wallpaper - it's just perfect. Can't wait to see MORE!

Greet Lefèvre said...

Lauren,
Mail these pictures to some magazines for a before and after!
Wonderful!

Greet

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Holy cow! This is an amazing transformation. I can see why you're saying the word "love" a lot. I will, too--LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! :-)

Anonymous said...

You're a rock star, Lauren! Everything is just beautiful. Love the wallpaper!!!

Southern Aspirations said...

WOW! It turned out awesome! I totally missed the appliance disaster, but you'd never know by looking at the room! Great job.

Brillante Interiors said...

Fresh, young, unique, stylish...I LOVE it!
Beautiful pictures too, did you take them or a professional? The one with your child in action is particularly beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I love it! My favorites are the eating nook area and the chalkboard fridge. I love how cozy the whole thing is!

Thomas said...

Lauren, This has to be one of my favorite posts you have done on your blog. The transformation is fantastic. A huge transformation. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it. You should be proud of yourself (and your husband). I think the refridgerator looks great and the feeling is perfect.

Funny b/c I have been debating ripping out my upper cabinets and doing open shelving. After seeing these photos, I think I may have to reconsider it and take the plunge. Good job!

Billie said...

Love, love love the kitchen! You have such a great talent! Makes me really wish we hadn't bought new and redesigned an old house. Already determined to do that the next time we move!

Also, can you tell me a little about the blinds in the nook? I am picking out mine for our kitchen and it's hard choosing from the samples, but this is the look I am looking for....but can't determine which sample is the right one. Could you tell me where you got yours and what the brand and design is?

thanks!

KitKat said...

Beautiful new kitchen - I love it!!! I just started reading and love you're style. Writing and design! :) I love that you painted the appliances! I never would have thought of that, but what a magnificent difference!

One thing I'd be curious about if you're willing to share, is the cost of everything. Doesn't have to be specific (that's pretty personal), maybe even in percentages. I'm interested in the best areas to save money and the best areas to spend a little money. For example - I spent a bit on the floors but saved it in the shelving and appliances. Or whatever the case may be.

I do love your blog though! I love hearing about the process and what people think. :) Sometimes it's surprising what is a big hit!

Anonymous said...

one word AMAZING!!!!!!
xoxoxo

Design Actually said...

Wow, it looks AMAZING!!! I can't believe the transformation, love the chalkboard fridge & open shelving.

Kate Riley said...

Ditto on the chalkboard fridge and open shelving. I love how it's tailored to your lifestyle, yet still modern and chic. It all belongs in a magazine spread.

Amazing job !

Kate

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh. I really really love it. What a fantastic job. You have a great eye. I think i will be saving these pictures to my inspiration file.

alison giese Interiors said...

I can't get over it! ESPECIALLY the chalkboard fridge - I'm SO glad you went that route - I would recommend it to anyone trying to avoid shelling out for stainless.
Gorgeous!!

Jennifer Wang said...

hi there! i think the new kitchen looks fabulous like everyone else has said, but i was wondering what you did with the upper cabinets that were torn out? they looked like they were in excellent condition and i hope you were able to donate them or otherwise divert them from the landfill.

Megan said...

It has a lovely Bistro feel. I bet it's fun to work in such a lovely kitchen.

But your before isn't so bad! We have a truly awful and ugly kitchen but because we rent I'm not putting any money into it.

tamara said...

Popped over from design*sponge.. I'm completely in awe of your redesign.. It looks amazing. Great job. I posted it over on my blog with a link here and to the post on design*sponge. I'm excited to follow your posts from now on, too. Congratulations on the upcoming expansion of your family, too!

Unknown said...

Love this kitchen...can you share details on how you prepped the fridge, cabinets and dishwasher for painting...and how best to apply? Am going to try this out!!

Lauren said...

Lee,

I sanded down the cabinets with a hand sander and then cleaned & painted them with semi-gloss. I didn't do anything to the dishwasher or fridge- just painted them. I'm pretty ijmpatient/ lazy with my own paint jobs so you might try googling the process too. They would probably recommend a primer before the paint.

Good luck!!! :)
xoxo,
lauren

Anonymous said...

I can't believe it's the same kitchen! What a difference when you removed the top row of cabinets and replaced them with open shelving. I plan on doing that with our kitchen. I've already taken down the old cabinets, so I'm past the point of no return.

Wonderful use of 'dead' space above your small peninsula - for the wine rack.

Awesome job! Seeing your pics makes it so much easier for me to envision the end results.

Ashley said...

I saw your post on DS today. I can't believe the difference! I love that you did it all on a budget and made such a dramatic change. You really have a great eye for reinvention and style!

bacher said...

HI! so beautiful your kitchen!
i would like to paint my fridge like that, please... did you give any special treatment to the fridge before painting? please share the tips with me... thank you so much! amazing work!

Casa Jacaranda said...

What a breath of fresh air you are, Lauren, to the design blog world! Love you kitchen redo. All your hard work is paying-off in spades! Hugs from Texas!

knittingknirvana said...

I absolutely LOVE your kitchen. Well done!! :)

India said...

Please share the secret of no chip painting. How are these cabinets going to survive the day to day use without chipping? Is there a special technique?

Devon said...

I hate being late to the comment party, but that is the unfortunate reality of the second child (and you will know that soon enough!!) Absolutely adore the kitchen remodel. It is gorgeous and feels just like a perfect fit for your family. Congratulations!!

nannykim said...

I love looking at the pics of your kitchen. I agree with you on your choice of the black brackets and simple lines of your shelving. Your chalkboard refrigerator works so well in your space!!!

Hope all goes well with the delivery of your little one come December!

http://spindlecottage.blogspot.com

Cathi said...

I love all that you did! Great ideas. I was wondering what you did to the floor to update it during your redo? Also what kind of paint did you use to paint the dishwasher the same color as your cabinets?

Cathi said...

BTW, if you can respond to my questions, my email address is jonescathi@gmail.com thanks!

Cathi said...

BTW, if you can respond to my questions, my email address is jonescathi@gmail.com thanks!

Jessica J. White said...

Wonderful Job! This inspires me ;)Thank you for sharing :D

Lauren said...

Billie: The roman shades are from smith + noble (the natural waterfall shades in tortoiseshell and we had them lined.) I really love them & use them for clients all the time!! :)

Lauren said...

Hi Kit Kat:

We spent about $150 on the beadboard & cabinetry & paint for the whole space

The antique chandlier was a splurge for me at $250

The wallpaper was a little over $100.

The hardwood floors were a great deal (on sale at Home Depot) at around $600 if I remember correctly?

The saarinen reproduction table was also a splurge at $350... We already had the island & chairs from years ago but they were great deals.

The biggesst splurge was the set of wine racks from Pottery Barn. I forget the cost (probably to make myself feel better!! :) but remeber that it was A LOT because we got so many.

We saved on the floors & the wallpaper... The table is a reproduction so it's much cheaper than a true saarinen table would have been. All of the construction was done by my husband & really we used paint to do much of the heavy-lifting for the new look.

I'd say splurge on something that you simply can't find a suitable cheaper alternative for. (This being the wine racks.) We couldn't make them or find them anywhere else & so we just went for them. Everything else, we found cheaper alternatives for. (My orginal wallpaper choice was going to be $500+!!)

I hope this mssg gets to you as I couldn't find an email!! :)

Best,
Lauren

Lauren said...

Hi Kit Kat:

We spent about $150 on the beadboard & cabinetry & paint for the whole space

The antique chandlier was a splurge for me at $250

The wallpaper was a little over $100.

The hardwood floors were a great deal (on sale at Home Depot) at around $600 if I remember correctly?

The saarinen reproduction table was also a splurge at $350... We already had the island & chairs from years ago but they were great deals.

The biggesst splurge was the set of wine racks from Pottery Barn. I forget the cost (probably to make myself feel better!! :) but remeber that it was A LOT because we got so many.

We saved on the floors & the wallpaper... The table is a reproduction so it's much cheaper than a true saarinen table would have been. All of the construction was done by my husband & really we used paint to do much of the heavy-lifting for the new look.

I'd say splurge on something that you simply can't find a suitable cheaper alternative for. (This being the wine racks.) We couldn't make them or find them anywhere else & so we just went for them. Everything else, we found cheaper alternatives for. (My orginal wallpaper choice was going to be $500+!!)

I hope this mssg gets to you as I couldn't find an email!! :)

Best,
Lauren

Hen Jen said...

wow, you did a great job, your kitchen has so much personality and charm now! I have to laugh at your mention of the shelf brackets from home depot...I was going to comment just to ask you where you got them, I like simple, too. I am hoping to open up my kitchen soon, dh is not quite ready to go open shelves, but I have talked him into taking off the doors to the upper cabinets to get a feel for what open shelves would be like, without totally committing.

thanks for sharing, I love your kitchen!

Unknown said...

I am inspired by your kitchen re-do! so clever and clean and well-thought-out. BUT you can tell it's "real" ... really used and loved...
I've written for Domino etc and this would have been so cute in there!
Makes me look at my kitchen that's frozen in time (1977?) that I've been waiting to win Lotto to re-do and realize that I can do it now!

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

i just redid my kitchen ...on a budget .. and although I found counter paint...i never thought to paint the fridge in chalkboard paint...how is it holding up??
pretty neat!

Pear Tree Cottage said...

Your kitchen looks fantastic! It is amazing to see the before pics and your transformation. I know you are thrilled. Great chandelier!

Dayka Robinson said...

Beautiful kitchen!

Dayka Robinson said...

Beautiful kitchen!

Gaia said...

that's amazing!
I love everything for real!
you are fantastic and the kitche is ...I'm speechless!

Ashley said...

Lauren,
I think your kitchen is amazing. My favorites are the green cabinets, the breakfast nook, and the appliances. I was hoping you could tell me how you resolved the handle/hole issues. From what I can see in the pictures, you removed the handle, but I can't tell what you did to remedy the holes. Thanks so much! Love your ideas and your sharing. sweetiepiehunnybear@yahoo.com if you choose to email. Thanks!

Jill GG said...

Just found you blog and I am completely smitten with this kitchen! I am ready to rip my upper cabinets out right this minute! My one question would be how do you like not having a vented hood over your stove? Do you miss it? Is it no big deal? Just curious!

Anonymous said...

great article.........


stove parts

Vanya Wilkinson said...

oh yes we do love a good before and after. Nice work Miss Lauren, the kitchen is a triumph!

GoofyGirl said...

I am beyond smitten with what you have done with your kitchen... so much so that I have announced to all my friends and family that you are my absolute inspiration right down to the paint color.
I couldn't shut up about it on my latest blog entry ( http://gillybean72.blogspot.com/2009/11/how-many-times-can-i-say-witch-hazel.html ) and right after I finish painting the apartment in the front half of my basement, and putting in new flooring down there (should be done by Thanksgiving) I am starting in on my kitchen and am positively giddy with excitement to see the outcome. Thanks for being so awesome! - Gillian

Annie Leavitt said...

I love your new kitchen!

I have a few questions, we've been looking to buy a few repo homes and kitchens are in dire need of a makeover. How easy or difficult is it to clean your painted cupboards and fridge?

Thanks!

Lauren said...

ms.less is always more- we're fine without the hood for venting. worst-case scenario I've opened the window but it really hasn't been a problem at all!! :)

the pros really outweigh the cons for us!
xoxo

Melissa Marie Head said...

Great job looks new and expensive. I am always amazed at how creative people are. I am not nearly that creative.

Cait said...

You are such an inspiration! I just started reading your blog today and have a list of about 10 projects to begin this weekend. You have such a beautiful home. Thank you for sharing it with us all!!

Unknown said...

Your kitchen remodel is fantastic! I love everything you have done to it. What brand of chalkboard paint did you use for your refrigerator? Did you sand it before? Also are the handles removed? If so what did you do about the hole? -Thank you

Lauren said...

Lisa- I can't remember the brand but we got it at HOme Depot. We didn't sand it at all and we did remove our fridge handles. The hole is still there it's just so tiny we can barely see it. Good luck!!! :)

Marthe said...

This makeover is truly inspirational! It looks great!
And I love that you had a limited budget and made it all work so well!

:) Mausumi

Lara Ferroni said...

Absolutely love your kitchen remodel! Do you mind if I use one of your photos for our inspiration board on Spare Room?

Sidney Wagner said...

Great job on the kitchen reno!!! I am LOVING the chalkboard fridge and want to steal the idea...may I ask if you have any tips?

I am new to your blog and have been going through it for a few hours now...can't wait to keep reading!

Take care,
Sidney@Eclectic
www.eclecticinteriordesigngroup.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I got nervous when I saw the first pictures. HA HAHA

My future husbands going to hate me for sending this link.

Chris & Steve said...

I absolutely love your kitchen re-do and it's been fun to see your pantry come to life as well. I've wondered, do you have a microwave? If so, where is it? I love the openness and lightweight feeling of the shelving in your kitchen. I always thought you hid the microwave in the pantry?! just curious! ~Chris Nelson chris.nelson3@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Does your beadboard go just to the countertop/backsplash, or is it behind the counter and cabinets (to the floor)? We have a beadboard wainscot in an adjoining room, and I'm planning to add beadboard paneling on one kitchen wall (floor to ceiling; behind our oven and cabinets).
Pat
p_mulroy@hotmail.com

Ashley @ DesignBuildLove.co said...

nice job on the kitchen! Soooo unique!!!

-Ashley
www.DesignBuildLove.co

Anonymous said...

i LOVE your kitchen! my kitchen is really similar to your before pictures... horrible floors, boring cabinets, and flourescent lighting. i'd love to rip it out! question - what did you do with your microwave?

EmmaMalloy said...

Hi Lauren,

I love your kitchen! We are putting up some open shelving in our kitchen and found some really cool antique shelves/boards. Do you know what the best way to install them to the wall is? Did you have a guide or manual for installing? Thanks!!

malloyemma@gmail.com

Love your blog!

razvypp said...

love this blog webdesign

Keely said...

HI Lauren!

Darling, darling kitchen! Can I ask where you suggest buying wallpaper similar to the one that you put up in your new kitchen? I have thick honey colored molding on my windows and after seeing your redo realized that it would look great against black and white! I'm just stumped as to where to find affordable (yet cute!) wallpaper at a reasonable price ;-)

Thanks for ALL your help and tips! You are amazing girlfriend!

Keely

Alissa Hagan said...

Hi,

I love your whole home makeover. My husband and I were in the same boat when we moved into our home, appliances were all outdated and didn't match. We replaced a few, the oven and stove due to safety, but still have a mismatched refrigerator and dishwasher. Both are white and our other appliances are all black. We don't want to replace them, they still work perfectly, but it drives me crazy that they don't mesh with the rest of our kitchen!

Can you tell me how you went about painting your refrigerator? What prep you did, did you prime, did you sand? And about how long could i expect this project to take? Did you remover the appliance from the home or do it in place?

Thanks for your creative blog and advice!

Look forward to hearing some helpful tips,
Alissa
swillingalissa@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Great job. I am really impressed with your pretty work. Its really appreciable. Install Dishwasher

arrielle_p said...

It is all beautiful. Love the kitchen and everything else. So nice to cook in there! Love the first photo of the kitchen. Hope my mckinley hill condo's kitchen is like that. :)

Unknown said...

Hi! I have a question about your open shelves. They are absolutely stunning and I am thinking about doing something similar in my own home. Are they 12 inches deep? I'm debating between 12" and 10" boards. Also, where did you find your lovely black shelf brackets? Did they come black or did you spray them?

Thanks!
Hannah
hannah.nussmeier@gmail.com