Here was my DINING ROOM BEFORE. Just days after we moved in--things looking very new and bare still:
(sorry again about the Christmas decorations! These were the only ones I had without people in them!). DINING ROOM AFTER:
*the chairs got easy slipcovers and I added two new end chairs. *the shelf got "beefed up" with some new molding. *The walls got a stucco finish., and *because I believe every room deserves a touch of black to "class it up", a new black chandelier replaced the old brass and alabaster one.
KITCHEN BEFORE:
Standard builders oak cabinets, laminate counter tops and flooring. Every surface I picked out ended up looking a lot more pink than the brown it appeared to be in the samples. This was the room I wanted changed most of all, but knew it COULD be the most expensive to re-do too...so I rolled up my sleeves and prepared to do most of the work myself and fill in with creativity:
KITCHEN AFTER: *It took me 3 looooong months, but I hand painted all my cabinets and finally got the white kitchen I'd always wanted! *Cutting out the center of the doors on my dish cabinet and adding hardware cloth (thick mesh screen) gave me a lot of style for not much money. *Wide plank laminate flooring ("Distressed Heart Pine" by Mannington) unified the living/dining/ kitchen areas and was a nice, grounding contrast to all the white.
*Wrapping the bar in beadboard added a customized element. Beadboard at the top of the backsplash saved me a lot of awkward painting in small gaps (I painted the board before I put it up!) *Napoleon Brown Marble tiles on the counter gave me a granite look for a LOT less money. *probably my favorite part of the room: the new handles, a mix of bin pulls and handles-- and the new gooseneck faucet. Giving thought to details like that really finish a room off right! 
(you can click on any of the pictures to see more detail...but forgive any messes you might see :) ).
***If you want to read about and see more of my adventures in remodeling my current home, visit here***
What decorating or remodeling project are you in the midst of?
9 comments:
WOWWWW! That kitchen transformation is aMAZing! I'm trying to remember from the pictures, but doesn't your current kitchen have black cabinets? If so, which do you prefer (black vs white)? I've thought for a while now that I'd like to have black cabinets, but some people complain about that making the kitchen too dark. Your opinion?
I love your kitchen remodel. We are currently painting our kitchen cupboards white. Isn't paint amazing? I love paint for how cheap it is yet how much it can transform a space. I still need to find a cheap solution for our nasty drop ceiling/ fluorescent lighting, but the paint and new hardware will at least make it less 1972. Also, what a brilliant idea about the beadboard! I have been trying to think of cheap backsplash ideas. I'm now thinking either beadboard or chalkboard paint. Thanks for the ideas!
The kitchen double in size!
Amber,
I think if you've got high ceilings, a decent amount of light, and keep the rest of the surfaces relatively light--a black kitchen can look AWESOME! However, most of us don't have big, bright kitchens. I would recommend only painting your bottom cabinets black and doing the top in a white or off white, or keeping them a medium stain of wood (think cherry). Another great option would be to pick a dark color, but not black. A deep olive, medium sage, or light charcoal looks awesome on cabinets! Good luck...and let me know if I can be of any more help. You're not too far away for me to help in person! :)
I'm in love with beadboard!!!!
Hey JP!! I think I am all caught up if you know what I mean. Love the last few decorating posts! Gonna make sure I check in on you more often! Praying for you my friend!
I am just trying to spruce up our livingroom a bit. I have chosen the colors I want and am trying to work them in. We are also looking at getting a new couch, but taking our time and looking for bargains :)
I really appreciate the last post you did on working with what you have. That is what I try to do. Although I would like to have matching furniture, I want a unique look so I am being picky about what I buy. I have to love it. In the meantime, I am trying to figure out what to do with what we have and have a few ideas :)
If you are still taking questions I would like your opinion on curtains. What lengths and materials do you recommend. Styles? Tricks? Patterns or solids?
Thanks!
Oh, Jennifer!! I love seeing these pictures of your old house! What fun memories! And although I LOVE reading about your life, it is fun reading these decorating posts. Now I can get tips from you without feeling like I am taking advantage of your many talents! You are amazing!!
Okay. I'm inspired.
I'm painting my kitchen cabinets this spring and installing wainscoting on the backside of the bar.
Thanks for at one time having the same kitchen as I do so I can see what it SHOULD look like. ;)
I'll send you before and after photos. :)
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