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| Apple Eyes Oil on panel, 8" x 8," SOLD |
Picture to the left shows removal of eye sore cabinets... most of that whole wall is gone now. Countertops, backsplash and floors to follow... Many decisions to be made!!!
It's all terribly exciting, though of course there are limits... The phrase "champagne taste on a beer budget" comes to mind... LOL. Should you have experience with overhauling a kitchen (on a tight budget!?) I'd love to hear about it in the comments.
Special thanks to Gloria Walters for providing photo reference for "Apple Eyes!"
Re: overhaul. KISS which means Keep It Simple, Stupid. Think of it as a painting. Keep the background: walls, cabinets, floors, counter tops in a similar color range. Then you can put in color with changeable accessories: curtains,, flower pots, all the knickknacks that go in a kitchen. Get the best smooth counter top you can afford, it takes the brunt of all kitchen work and keep the color in a 'neutral' realm. I don't recommend tile because the grout lines make for an uneven surface. Get good cabinet boxes with adjustable shelves; the doors can be replaced in ten years if you are tired of the look. Get vinyl flooring in the largest sheets possible (fewer seams). This is the area you want to be 'neutral' in color so that you can change everything else and still have it compliment it. I know I like the warm colors like browns, tans, etc. so those are the colors of my floors and counter top. I 'popped' in color with a fractured glass backsplash that is a pale green. My accessories can be orange, red, purple, teal. I don't use yellow because the color makes ME look like a corpse. I chose brushed nickel for the faucets and stainless steel for the fridge, stove and dishwasher. I don't have small children making fingerprints on them that have to be wiped off frequently. On the faucet, I have a single handle and it's a tall one with a pull out head for big pots and pans. I got a stainless sinks that are as wide at the bottom as the top: no sloping sides. Not easy to find, but worth it for putting long handled pans in to soak. Take a long handled pan with you to shop for the sink. Last, if you have minimal wall space showing, punch that with color. Repainting a wall is easy. Paint the ceiling a light blue for the sky inside. Note: blue is much darker and brighter on a large surface like the ceiling so go lighter and grayer than you think you want. Karen Rodgers
ReplyDeleteHi Karen (Tika's human!) I so enjoyed reading about your kitchen overhaul! Totally agree about keeping it simple. Fortunately, I don't need to replace the appliances -and the cupboards just need re-stained or painted (+ new hardware!) I too will use accessories for the color/design-and being interchangeable a bonus with that approach, me thinks. I like what you suggested, big vinyl sheets for floor- had been leaning towards 12x12 tiles, but maybe re-think this. Will talk to Home Depot about counter tops today... Hoping that gives me more information for picking backsplash and paint etc... Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it's appreciated!
DeleteIf you just need new, modern hardware for cabinets I found huge sets the cheapest on Overstock.com...that is my only tip as I am overdue for a Full kitchen remodel myself! Happy new kitchen to you! You will love it when you are all done, meanwhile, keep the Tylenol handy! Haha! Love your kitty, as always!
DeleteThanks for the tip, Loren!! I will check out Overstock for cabinet hardware--for sure. Still waffling between knobs or pulls!! Though, once the backsplash tile/glass is figured out, me thinks I'll have more direction for hardware.
DeleteDespite the renovation you sure are painting up a storm!! Love this!!♥
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathryn!
DeleteWe used Wilson Art HD on on our countertops and they are gorgeous, look like granite! Check it out at Home Depot or Lowes. EZ construction did our whole kitchen and they did a great job reasonably. On another note, Apple Eyes is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input, Marueen. As of this afternoon I decided to go with Quartz... counter tops will be a lovely off white with teeny tiny flecks of tan and light gray. Home Depot consultant said it was a transitional look, good for both traditional and contemporary.
DeleteHi Diane, we did this 2 years ago. We saved money by keeping as much original structure as possible (same windows, moved two doors and turned 3 stairs 90º to make more space, but that was it). Also, we made our own concrete countertops using Buddy Rhodes method and products. There's a great Ask This Old House video of the process. It was not super easy, but we easily saved $10,000 on countertops. Also, if you are looking for a professional-style stove, American Range makes a top-rated one that is cheaper than all the better-known brands. We kept the original wood floor that was under the linoleum and had it refinished. We splurged on custom cabinets, but in the "choose-two-out-of-three" situation, we chose quality and price over speed. Something to consider about this is that it leaves you without a kitchen for longer, meaning more dinners out. But we still came out ahead. Oh, and lots open shelving above the counters, rather than cabinets. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow! Yeah, I've seen a couple tutorials on those concrete countertops--they are not easy, what a project! Love the idea of open cupboards (because it opens up the space so much!) May try to do at least a few of those for the pretty plates. :) Thank you so much for commenting, Sheila!
DeleteLove the idea of taking down walls! We replaced the upper cabinets around the sink with open shelves, letting in more light from the window. Very exciting! Also the painting is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cat! We also did a kitchen/living room reno! It is good to be done, you will be happy. Best of luck!
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