Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Quick Kitchen Makeover

When my husband and I bought our house, we knew the kitchen would be an investment.

It's not that it needs a huge overhaul, it just needs some updates. A full renovation however, is not in our budget right now. In the mean time, there were a few things I've done to at least freshen it up. It always amazes me how much of a difference a simple coat of paint can make.

I painted the walls, previously a buttery yellow, White Chocolate by Benjamin Moore. Ideally, I would love to replace the cabinets, which are currently darker hardwood, with nice white cabinets and a chop block counter top (which would look lovely with a farm sink!). But, to be honest, I don't see the point. I have solid wood cabinets. They may be dated, but they're good, quality cabinetry. I've been toying with the idea of refinishing them and painting them myself. With a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware they could look like a million bucks!

Because I don't have a lot of counter space, replacing the counter with chop block counter from IKEA wouldn't be that expensive. Adding a simple white subway tile back splash would also be fairly cost efficient.

Anyway, until I can afford a kitchen overhaul, here is one quick kitchen makeover that has really helped me out, and didn't break the bank.

This was previously a blank wall (I know right! Hello wasted space.) The previous owner had a cafe set here, but it was just so impractical for us. I, for a long time, had a white armoire here as a pantry. It worked, but it wasn't the most efficient use of the space.

Then I got my hands on this old barn cabinet (for free). It was from a family friends barn and it was previously a mauve colour. My husband fitted a huge slab of wood on top and finished it off, thus creating my bakers table. I painted it to match my walls, but kept the inside the original wood. It's absolutely perfect. It's a huge workspace, perfect for any baking that I do. It's extra counter space and it houses my small appliances and pantry items. It's also really handy when I'm entertaining and can double as a bar or buffet.

Two simple IKEA shelves (which I actually got out of the As-Is section for $10 each), house my collection of cake pedestals as well as simple everyday things like my tea set. Because I don't have much counter space, I have no room to display any items. It just adds clutter. But this little space gives me the chance to display a few choice pieces. The display changes with the seasons, or when I'm in the mood for something different. Swapping a few items out is an instant mini makeover.


I use a flower frog to hold my recipe cards, which sits on the shelf in front of me at eye level.
Yesterday, I redid my display. I kept only the basics, mainly glass and white pieces, to keep it simple. I planted white hyacinth bulbs in an old ironstone serving dish to add a bit of freshness and colour to the space. It's also a lovely reminder that despite the snow, spring is soon on it's way.


19 comments:

  1. oh maria i love this!
    love love love the cabinet and the white.
    you're an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love it all!! What a true treasure your barn find is. My kitchen in The Little House is very small also with little (almost none) counter space, this gives me some ideas to go on..Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. It looks great! Love the cute lil flower frog holding the recipe card :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. So pretty! Love the bulbs, especially set against that chalkboard to really make them pop and the antique silverware in the jars is so charming! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. So wonderful!!! Xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  6. i especially love those canisters! so pretty!
    xoox

    ReplyDelete
  7. hi there :)

    i just found your beatiful blog via andrea's faded plains - and i think i'll stay here for a little while ;-)

    your pictures are so lovely!

    have a nice day,
    salma

    ReplyDelete
  8. i came over to see you from andrea's blog. you have a beautiful home and amazing taste. i will definately be back.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is exactly what I want for my future kitchen... Pure lovliness and simplicity. I'm glad I found you :-) ( Thanks to Faded Plains )

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nice to meet you...I came by the express recommendation of Faded Plains blog...and I'm so happy to have taken the time!
    Your blog is beautiful, as promised...and I am your 100 th follower!

    Please do come by and visit with me as well! I love making beautiful and creative connections here in blogland!

    I'm off to read some of your recent posts..it will be the perfect thing to enjoy with my cup of hot cocoa on this blustery snow day!

    Ciao Bella!
    Creative Carmelina

    ReplyDelete
  11. I just read your post here...and it was such a fun read!
    I feel as though I'm enjoying my drink while sitting in your kitchen listening to you talk!
    Again...so nice to have met you!

    And btw, if that is your handwriting on the chalkboard, you have gorgeous penmanship! One of my favorite things! And white, and vintage...and repurposed furniture pieces!

    Well done!

    See you soon!
    Ciao bella!
    Creative Carmelina

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wowww...i like your post today !! feels good !!..love it ......happy day love Ria....xxx...

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love what you did...it looks wonderful. I vote paint your cabinets...that what I did. Like you we had great quality wood cabinets and zero budget...so paint it was...and I'm so much happier now. Go for it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. It looks great!! I love what you did with the space and the old cabinet has so much character. Your photos are great, love the pop of green in the bulbs. Nice work!!
    ~michelle~

    ReplyDelete
  15. Stunning, I love all the the glass and where did you get that chalk board, I want one!
    Trish xo

    ReplyDelete
  16. WOW....our kitchens and our tastes are alot alike...love your decor!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Me again,come by if you get a minute,you will see we have almost the same set up with the shelfs and cabinet(mine was a whole $30)!!! Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Such a lovely corner of your kitchen, and beautiful vignettes. I am now a follower. My hubby and boys are going to a local hockey game and I just made a pot of tea and plan to go back to the beginning to catch up on all your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love the glass bottles you use to store your knifes and forks. I also love the yellow flowers you have. They are very nice.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving your comments! I always love reading them. - Maria