Friday, July 31, 2015

DIY Gray Kitchen Reveal - An 80's Kitchen Goes Cottage Style

Our kitchen has served us well over the years. We built our home in the 80's and the kitchen reflected the style of that period. The space was filled with warm wood tones and had a rustic charm that we enjoyed, but the time had come for an update.


We have a lot of stained wood throughout our home, as this was the popular choice of the time....stained wood floors, cabinets, wainscoting, trim, doors....I am talking a lot of stained wood!

As much as I loved the warmth of our stained wood and the sense of home it brought about, a big part of me was longing for - dare I say it ... PAINTED WOOD.


Yes, I had a serious craving for a lighter version of our house but the thought of painting all that wood terrified me. Surely, there had to be another way to bring a lighter palette to our home without having to paint ALL THAT WOOD. I tried painting the walls lighter colors, bringing in lighter decor pieces and even painted some of our furniture. This helped some, but it didn't give me the overall look that I was yearning for.


Over time I convinced myself that the daunting task far exceeded any possible benefit, that it was too much work and that it was just not going to happen.


But, then along came home improvement shows and blogs and pinterest and a non-stop barrage of lovely painted interiors that seemed to be calling my name and taunting me to get with the program.


At some point, I cracked and the painting battle began. I started slowly with a small bathroom. The freshly painted wood was everything I dreamed it could be. It brightened the room and gave the space a clean, updated look that I was longing for. Pandoras box had been opened and there was no turning back.


For this kitchen update, keeping a warm and cozy feel to the room was very important to me so I opted for a 'Cottage Style Kitchen'. When I think of cottage style, I picture a simple, fresh and natural feeling to the space. When you step into the room, it should make you feel at ease.


We are old school, in that we live by the adage - use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without. Our cabinets were still in decent shape, so we chose to give them a lift by painting them. We also made a couple small tweaks to the trim to bring our kitchen out of the dark ages and into this brave new world.


I heard one too many stories about painted windows sticking, so our solution was to leave the sashes stained and paint the jambs, casings and sills. It ended up being one of my favorite features, as I think it emanates the cottage feel that I was going for.


As you can see, our mahogany floors still need refinishing, but that is a battle for another day.


My decorating style has evolved over the years. I like to think that my older and wiser self has it all figured out, but I know that is not the case. Because of this, I try to go with classic choices that have staying power. Knowing that my tastes change, the neutral palette allows me to alter the look by switching out a few simple decor pieces. Today I was in the mood for touches of yellow, but next week lavender might be on my mind.


We don't get a lot of natural light in our kitchen, so the newly painted cabinets, trim and walls made a huge difference.


Plants and pottery make everything nicer - don't you think?


We replaced the old handles with brushed silver knobs. This one simple change softened the look of the cabinets and gave them a more casual feel.

Source List:

- Wall Color - Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore
- Cabinet Color - Silver Fox by Benjamin Moore
- Kitchen and Broom Closet Door Color - Bear Creek by Benjamin Moore
- Wainscoting and Window Trim - Valspar Signature White at Lowes
- Cabinet Knobs - Heirloom Silver Cabinet Knobs by Liberty at Home Depot
- Faucet - American Standard Two-Control Kitchen Faucet in Satin Nickel at Lowes (since discontinued)


And finally, the before and after. Seeing the old kitchen next to our updated version really shows how some paint, elbow grease and a hankering for a lighter world have come together. I am so glad we gave our kitchen the boost that it so badly needed. It just makes my heart sing.


Linking up with the following lovely blogs:








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Saturday, July 25, 2015

Saturday Sparks Link Party 125

Welcome to Saturday Sparks 125!

No matter the season of our lives, we all share a common thread.

Each one of us has a desire to create, a yearning to challenge ourselves and a spirit that gives us the confidence to try.

It occurs to me that only good things can come about from this fine mix of qualities.

 "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young."
~ Henry Ford
  
 Now, lets get this weeks party started.

First up, the Fabulous Features from Saturday Sparks 124.



DIY No Sew Greek Key Curtains at {R&R} at home. Rebecca shows us how she made these fabulous 'Greek Key' curtains for her master bedroom. So pretty!



Our Garden is Growing! at Everyday Living. Pam took her pinterest inspiration into the back yard and shows us the results with a tour of her lovely gardens.


DIY Adirondack Chair Cake Topper at A Bride On A Budget. Lisa had a vision for her wedding cake but was unable to find the adirondack chairs she wanted, so she took matters into her own hands and made them herself.



Tidal Pool at Run'n Stitch. Kathy shows us her 'Tidal Pool' table runner she created using a raw edge appliqué method.



French Grain Sack Dog Bed Tutorial at Old Things New. After having a mishap with a purchased dog bed cover, Patti created her own and is showing us just how she did it.


How to Fold Book Pages into Letters - Recycle Book Art Ideas at Fine Craft Guild. Rose shows us how to make these 'Folded Book Pages'. This is such a unique idea for a personalized gift.



Frosty Paws at Best of Long Island and Central Florida. Linda shares a simple 4 ingredient recipe for a frozen dog treat. Her dog Max loves them.



Rum Punch at Olives-n-Okra. Sherry is sharing a recipe for a refreshing summer cocktail that would be great served at your next back yard barbecue.



Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies at Something Sweet. Winnie is tempting us with this sweet treat combining chocolate and peanut butter - need I say more!



Turkish Orange and Onion Salad at Analida's Ethnic Spoon. Analida is sharing a light and refreshing salad with a simple dressing.



Grilled Corn Soup at Honey and Birch. An unseasonably cool summer day found Jenny making this 'Grilled Corn Soup' recipe.



Peppercorn Steak Salad with Maple Roasted Carrots and Golden Beets at Simply Fresh Dinners. Robyn is sharing a fabulous salad recipe that she describes as "healthy deliciousness all on one plate".


Chicken Fajita Quesadillas at My Sweet Mission. Heather is sharing a delicious, healthy and satisfying recipe for quesadillas that is sure to be a hit with the family.

Pieced Pastimes

 Thanks to everyone for linking up to last weeks party.
If you were featured, please grab the featured button to add to your blog.

Now, onto the party!

Link up your latest inspiring posts such as:

Crafts
DIY
Gardening
Home Decor
Photography
Ponderings
Recipes
Repurposing
Sewing

Links are open through Friday morning.

Features will be posted at next weeks party at Pieced Pastimes, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

I can't wait to see what you have been working on!

Pieced Pastimes

 Party Guidelines:
- Post the party button (above) or a text link back to the party on your post.
- Share your own ideas - not a roundup of other peoples ideas.
- Follow Pieced Pastimes via one of the social media links located on the upper right sidebar. 
- No advertising, Etsy shops or giveaways.
- Pin feature photos to Pinterest from the original source and not from this blog.
- Visit other links and leave a kind comment.


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Saturday, July 18, 2015

Saturday Sparks Link Party 124

Welcome to Saturday Sparks 124!

The beginning of yet another party serves as a reminder that time stands still for no man.

Our Summer is flying by and there are occasions when I wish I had the power to press a hold button and pause time.

Since that is not an option, I will bask in these special moments that make up our lives.

 "What day is it?
It's today, squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day, said Pooh."
~ A. A. Milne
  
 Now, lets get this weeks party started.

First up, the Fabulous Features from Saturday Sparks 123.



Summer on the Porch at Lovely Livings. LuAnn shows us her inviting summer porch that just says 'sit down and stay a while'.



Embracing a minimalist life at Gratefullty. T takes along her downsizing journey as she moves from a 3000 square foot house into a small 125 year old church on a hill.



Our Living Room Semi-Makeover at T-shirt & Jeans. Nicki is slowly lightening her home and shares some of the simple changes she made in her living room that made all the difference.



Jenny's Garden Shed...Revealed at Living Vintage. Kim and her husband were hired to build a garden shed for Jenny using reclaimed materials.  In this post she shares how Jenny has made it her own with treasures she collected over time.




Lots of Lace and some Outdoor Pictures at Vintage with Laces. Julia shows us some pretty lace filled pieces she created for her friends birthday - one lucky friend!



Drying Hydrangea at Karen's Up on The Hill. Karen shares a simple way of drying hydrangeas, so you can keep the lovely blooms all year long.


June Home & Garden Favorites (2015) at My Flagstaff Home. Jennifer shares some of her favorite home and garden products including these metal flower decorations that are a wonderful way to add some color to your garden before the blooming begins.



Focus Friday: Fred Fur at Paper Seedlings. Linda shares the story of 'Fred' the cat and includes a really cool macro photo she took of the curious feline.



My Front Yard Garden at Souther Seazons. Jody inspires us with her lovely front garden, bursting with the colors of Summer.


Vintage Banana Cake Recipe at Fabby's Living. Fabby shares a recipe from a friends vintage cookbook that she says is simply delicious.


Make Your Own Yogurt at Life, Love and Thyme. Sarah is on a mission to cut processed foods from her home and in this post shares 2 simple ways to make homemade yogurt.



Monkey Pudding Pops at Kleinworth & Co. -  Gina is sharing a frozen peanut butter and banana treat that is sure to please the kids in your life.


Seasoned Salt Potatoes at Little Miss Dexterous. Tara shares a recipe for 'Seasoned Salt Potatoes' that she describes as "ridiculously delicious".

Pieced Pastimes

 Thanks to everyone for linking up to last weeks party.
If you were featured, please grab the featured button to add to your blog.

Now, onto the party!

Link up your latest inspiring posts such as:

Crafts
DIY
Gardening
Home Decor
Photography
Ponderings
Recipes
Repurposing
Sewing

Links are open through Friday morning.

Features will be posted at next weeks party at Pieced Pastimes, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

I can't wait to see what you have been working on!

Pieced Pastimes

 Party Guidelines:
- Post the party button (above) or a text link back to the party on your post.
- Share your own ideas - not a roundup of other peoples ideas.
- Follow Pieced Pastimes via one of the social media links located on the upper right sidebar. 
- No advertising, Etsy shops or giveaways.
- Pin feature photos to Pinterest from the original source and not from this blog.
- Visit other links and leave a kind comment.

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Saturday, July 11, 2015

Saturday Sparks Link Party 123

Welcome to Saturday Sparks 123!

It's party time and I am looking forward to seeing all of the new and exciting things that everyone has been working on. It's no wonder that Saturday is one of my favorite days of the week.

 "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
~ Helen Keller
  
 Now, lets get this weeks party started.

First up, the Fabulous Features from Saturday Sparks 122.



Bread and Butter Pudding at Pretty Shabby UK. Pretty Shabby is sharing a favorite English dessert that she says is delicious and 'easy on the wallet'.



Blueberry Mint Lemonade at Memories by the Mile. Wanda is sharing a thirst quenching recipe for 'Blueberry Mint Lemonade' that will refresh you on the hottest of summer days.



Cthulhu Bumbleberry Pie at Kiku Corner. Meinhilde and Ryan created this tempting pie after Ryan was inspired by one from Sandy Yoo.



Ginger Sesame Slaw at To Simply Inspire. Sherri is sharing a recipe that has three of my favorite traits - Simple, Quick and Healthy. Oh, and it also happens to be relish!



Bocconcini Cheese Antipasto Skewers at One Little Project. Debbie shares an easy appetizer recipe with (in her words) "a flavor combination that is to die for" - sounds good to me!



Summer Veggie Casserole Recipe at DIY Crush. Denise is sharing a tempting meat free dish that is budget friendly, quick and easy.


Berry Barbecue Sauce for Dipping at Honey and Birch. Jenny is sharing a homemade barbecue sauce using fresh in season berries.



Yellow Squash Cheddar Biscuits at Little House Living. Merissa is continuing with her 'Use the Garden Veggies' series and shares a tried and true biscuit recipe that is packed with healthy vegetables.


A Reminder to Make Time at The Craft of Laughter. We have all been there - a crazy and demanding schedule that takes over our lives. Tabetha made the time to take pause with her family on the 4th of July and reflect on the freedoms that we have and enjoy the quiet moments that truly matter.


Homemade Camping Spray and Crystal and Comp. Crystal shares a simple four ingredient mix combination of essential oils that will help to keep the bugs away this summer.


Southwestern Leather Belt Table at Redo It Yourself Inspirations. A roadside find spoke 'southwestern' to Robin. See how she transformed this piece using paint and and old belts.


And finally, a recap of my share from the party - Tray Styling. In this post, I joined the 'Tray Chic' blogger campaign and styled a tray to reflect my own personal decor style. 

Pieced Pastimes

 Thanks to everyone for linking up to last weeks party.
If you were featured, please grab the featured button to add to your blog.

Now, onto the party!

Link up your latest inspiring posts such as:

Crafts
DIY
Gardening
Home Decor
Photography
Ponderings
Recipes
Repurposing
Sewing

Links are open through Friday morning.

Features will be posted at next weeks party at Pieced Pastimes, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

I can't wait to see what you have been working on!

Pieced Pastimes

 Party Guidelines:
- Post the party button (above) or a text link back to the party on your post.
- Share your own ideas - not a roundup of other peoples ideas.
- Follow Pieced Pastimes via one of the social media links located on the upper right sidebar. 
- No advertising, Etsy shops or giveaways.
- Pin feature photos to Pinterest from the original source and not from this blog.
- Visit other links and leave a kind comment.

Print Friendly and PDF
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