Sunday, February 22, 2009

Ford Re-Design AFTER PHOTOS




Yesterday I got an email from the
Ford Family, who were my very first Virtual Design Consultation clients. They sent me these pictures of their Kitchen last October:







They explained that there wasn't a spot for the fridge in the room, didn't want to do any major renovating, and were fine with keeping it where it is located- right outside the Kitchen door, in between it and the breakfast nook.

I put together this layout, for them to use as a guide, which they used to create their new Kitchen:







I turned the Ironing Board closet into a nook for shelves, since it was mandatory the small flatscreen TV stay in this room:



The color I recommended was Benjamin Moore's "Paper White":



The Fords had this to say about the color,

"The color you chose is absolutely perfect. I would have never chosen that color. Even the swatch made me question and then when I had to pay for the paint (we normally don't spend alot on paint) I wondered why I was paying that much for "white" (with a touch of grey) paint. Now I know. It works beautifully and has great coverage. Not to mention, the white-grey paint makes the room SO MUCH LIGHTER."


I also recommended this stainless steel trash can, to tie in with the new stainless steel appliances...

...and these galvanized light fixtures, for $18 each at Lowes:



Design plan in hand, they began ripping down, throwing out, sanding, prepping, caulking, priming, painting and installing:























And here is the Kitchen today...what a beauty!






Countertop is Carrera Blanco by Zodiac:










I'm sure it was an extremely challenging project, that probably felt like it would never end, but WOW, was it worth it, or what?! :-)
The dark-stained hardwoods look amazing- GREAT job. The heavily distressed black kitchen cabinets look custom and like they cost a fortune, but in all reality, they are stock cabinetry and only cost about $500 total- awesome. The big porcelain "EAT" letters came from an antique shop. They used to be part of a sign that spelled out "Goodyear Tire". What an incredible find! I love that they kept the vintage light fixture above the Kitchen sink too. So much charm. There's a perfect balance of old and new throughout the space.


I want to thank the Fords for giving my Virtual Design service a shot, and commend them for all the hard work they put in to make this design a reality. The Kitchen is STUNNING. I hope you enjoy it for years to come!



Edited February 23 to include this information from Mrs. Ford:

"The paint color is Cannonball from ACE Hardware Store, in an eggshell finish. We painted one coat and let that dry completely. Then, with a hand sander, we roughed it up- trying to remove any sheen. Then, we hand rubbed two (some got three) coats of wax on everything. I know that they have not been in there very long but they have held up quite nicely. Water beads up because of the wax, and I have scraped drips of paint, caulk and thinset/mortor off of them and I have been really happy with their durability. The light fixture above the sink is original to the house, which was built 1927. It has its own on/off switch on the fixture, so whatever light we switch it out with has to have one too. I have not found something else yet- however, the fixture itself is growing on me. The reason it hangs down so low, well, it's one of those cool fixtures that can go up and down. Only the mechanism is broken, so it is stuck, for now, at the position it is in. We need to take it apart and see what we can do with it. When I get the fixture I ordered for the ceiling, the two will actually match pretty well. The floor is stained Minwaxs "Dark Walnut". Then we used two coats of poly to protect it."




Layla


64 comments:

Reticent Meanderings said...

VERY nice!!! EVERYONE who had a role in that redo did an excellent job! I bet they are thrilled to be greeted by their new kitchen every morning! Kudos to all! :)

The Old Painted Cottage said...

While I do stop by here every single day, I don't often comment. Well Layla, this post made me come out of my shell today. This has to be one of the most transformed kitchen makeovers I've seen, and much better than most of the makeovers seen on certain television channels. I'm so glad that the Fords took your advice on the "expensive" paint. That color gives the whole kitchen a lift, and is such a gorgeous contrast against the black cabinetry and dark flooring. Great job everyone!

oxox
Jennifer

Amanda said...

Beautiful kitchen - I love the simplicity and coziness. Great job!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

What a beautiful job...Great transformation! And they even found those letters!

But...where is the fridge?

Anonymous said...

I'm de-lurking to oh and ahhhh "out loud"! INCREDIBLE job. LOVE it. I can't believe the deal on the cabinets, love the letters, the floor and the paint color. You do such great work Layla. I'm working on pix. for you for my own redo. : )
Great job homeowners! I'm so happy for you - enjoy your hardwork!
And so sorry about HGTV - NEXT YEAR!
Hugs,
Lara

Chris said...

OH, Layla. I'm sorry about HGTV. You SO deserve to be on there....

As for the kitchen re-do? WOW!!!! You and the Fords deserve a standing ovation! How fun to see your vision actually come to life! It's just amazing!

Stacey said...

What an amazing job!! I bet that was lots and lots of hard work. Very worth it though.

Elle Jay Bee said...

How wonderful that they took all your advice to heart! They did a wonderful job, an had a great design plan to work from. I love all your ideas and it is definitely a wow! job.

I am so disappointed to hear about HGTV, but next year might be your year. You'd be a great fit!

Cheers,
Linda

Dana and Daisy said...

Great reno on the Ford Kitchen! Sorry to hear of your HGTV news, but glad this means you will be around for us blog fans a while longer!

This kitchen redux gives me a few ideas about the small changes I'm making.

Anonymous said...

Very nice! What a difference! Do you know what the information is on the black paint used for those cabinets - the color and the type (flat, eggshell, etc?)

Sweet Caroline said...

It is so nice to see that you are using your talents and gifts for others. You are making a "dent," in peoples lives one room at a time.

It is almost as if you bring out the best of every room which inherits the greater good in the owners, too.

You made that kitchen from so-so to unbelievable!

As for HGTV: I guess the media doesn't need to define how good you really are. You (I hope) already know it.

Lynn said...

You, my dear Layla, have a gift! The kitchen transformation is more than stunning.

Linda Applewhite has been my favorite designer for quite some time, but you are about to overtake her as my favorite designer with her coming in a close second. :D

I have a feeling that I may be contacting you soon about an update on a bathroom. :D

Darija said...

I love that kitchen reno, it's breathtaking. I believe in things working out for the best- maybe next year will be a better year for hgtv. In the meantime I plan to "help" you hone your design skills with some of my own house dilemmas. ;)

Sami Jo said...

Layla! Wow that kitchen looks amazing. It sure gives me inspiration for my little fixer upper!

I also just wanted to encourage you today. I just know the Lord has amazing things for you. You have such an amazing gift and I thoroughly enjoy stopping by your blog and checking in to see what your up to next!

Hugs, The Lady

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Layla,

I love the redo!!!! So playful and refreshing! Very crisp! Love it! I've been pulling/ praying for you for Design Star!!! I just know you could have had a huge impact!!!! One of your comments mentioned that you should try again next year...Is that what I think it means? I'm so disappointed, but probably not as much as you...I DO hope you'll try again! By the way, I love your blog!! I also love your new addition--the music feature . . .The Meredith Andrews song is one of my favorites! Oh, and I hope you don't mind :-) but I'm snoopy and have visited some of your friends sites as well . . .Not only are you amazingly talented, but you have some terrific friends as well! But I supposed I should have figured that . . . I've really enjoyed The Painted Cottage . . .Anyway, best wishes for EVERYTHING . . . Keep shining!!!! You're a Star! I just know you'll be able to buy that dream house someday! :-)

DomesticDivasFancy said...

That is amazing. Wow!

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

Hey Layla~ I remember your Ford layout post from before, boy, did they make you proud!!!!! You should be on cloud nine to show off such an amazing space. I personally love this fun style! It is so me...
Design Star doesn't know what they're missing, girl!
~Misti

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

I too remember seeing the virtual kitchen that you designed for the Fords. How great to now see your vision for them come true! They did a great job...makes me feel bad that I've been working on my kitchen longer than they have and I'm still not done..UGH!!! I better get to work!!
Sorry, HGTV didn't choose you. Just remember God has something better for you in store!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

great job, both of you! You guys make a great team. thanks for sharing.

the tattered nest said...

bravo! great job everyone! and always remember Layla, when one door closes another one opens...keep on trying...you will get there!

Shay said...

OK! Im gonna do something I don't usually do....leave a comment!

First of all, you have the look, the personality -or atleast from what i can with your writing;) and the talent,for sure! So, Im sure HGTV is some where in the future...

This kitchen should go on rate my space before and after!
What an awesome Vision you had and the homeowners did a great job bringin' into to life!

Freckles Chick said...

For what it's worth, I think you more than deserve to be on HGTV's DS this season =) But everything happens for a reason, so I think bigger and better things are in store for you this year!

Wow, talk about a transformation! Fantastic work (to you and the homeowners)!!

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

What a great kitchen they have there. I'm sorry you didn't get to continue on the show but getting this far is great! I wish you the best of luck when you try out again next year.
~Michelle

Anonymous said...

You and the Ford's did a wonderful job, Layla! Congrats to the all involved.

Teacats said...

The kitchen makeover is brillant -- and many kudos to your wonderful design! THIS is the exact kind of transformation that we (the real people) need so badly on HGTV! The folks at HGTV are nuts -- YOU are destined to be a GREAT host! We will continue to support you here -- and hope for more videos here too!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Anonymous said...

Beautiful...beautiful! All of your ideas were completed with such spectacular results. The Ford family is amazing!

The EAT sign is awesome!
Candy

Christy said...

Oh I'm so sorry to hear you're not going to be a tv star this year. I'm sure you will be soon though. This makeover was really amazing too - you're very talented!

Decor To Adore said...

What an amazing design job! Great work.

Pam said...

I REALLY like this re-design. We moved into our 1950's Cape Cod a year ago and are slowly re-doing it. I wanted to paint out my kitchen cabinets in the Spring and have been trying to figure out what color to go with. I was contemplating going with all shades of white because it's open to the rest of the house and I have black and white toile Roman shades. The black cabinets are inspiring. I've never seen that before. It's going to get serious consideration for my own kitchen.

Thanks for the great ideas.

Pam

Kristen said...

I've been following your blog for about a month, but never commented. I LOVE your ideas. I'm Continually AMAZED at the things you see in beautifully decorated rooms and how they play into the design of a room. I tend to overlook those details. I'm sorry you were not chosen for HGTV. :( Have they seen your blog?! :) Keep doing what you do, it's WONDERFUL! :)

Anonymous said...

So this was a pretty boring Sunday, until I saw this. OH MY GOSH!!! I am in LOVE...HGTV has no idea what they have missed out on this season! You really do a fantastic job, and I consider myself pretty hard to impress! I can't wait for you to be able to get started on my house. GREAT JOB!!! I need my daily dose of "The Lettered Cottage" so PLEASE keep those posts coming! I love each and every one of them, but this one takes the cake. I am going to drive my husband crazy talking about it tonight. ;O)

Allison aka Half of VAMH said...

Wow! Great job to you and the homeowners! The EAT is perfect, amazing find!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Layla, what a great transformation for your clients! I love it all, the paint color is gorgeous.

So sorry you didn't get HGTV, but hey, you're right, life is good. I hope you'll come up for the B'ham flea market trip on March 7th & let's get something on the calendar soon for me to come down there!

~ Lisa @ AbidingThere~ said...

It looks great - they did a lot of work and it was worth it!

For completely selfish reasons, I'm so sorry you won't be on HGTV right now - I would've enjoyed it immensely. I'll look forward to seeing you on next season :)

Dianne said...

I am shocked that HGTV didn't jump on you! Their loss!!!!!
Love this kitchen redo. great job.

Suzann said...

WOW! Amazing.

Cindy said...

Wow! What a difference!

I cannot believe HGTV didn't pick you! I thought for sure you would get picked! I would have bet money on it! Don't give up on your dream! Just keep on keepin' on!

Jules from "The Roost" said...

Wonderful design, and wonderful job on the redo!

Katherine said...

It must be such a great feeling to get to see the final outcome of a project you designed. It is beautiful.

I'm sorry to hear that you won't be on Design Star. I was looking forward to seeing you in action. Better luck next year.

Carla said...

Sorry to hear about HGTV. This kitchen redo is just one great example of your talent. Love the cabinets, the dark floors, the wall color, and the countertop is just gorgeous. What an amazing transformation.

The only thing, is it just me, or is their original fixture hanging at eye level directly over the sink? It seems out of place to me.

LillyB said...

Great job!! I am pea green with envy!! (Lord Forgive me please)
I am quite sure than when the time is right you will get on the HGTV cast...you deserve it! You are so talented!
God bless you!
Lilly

Anonymous said...

Layla... persevere... you WILL get where you want to be. Absolutely incredible job on the Ford job and what great clients they are! I will have to come back and re-look over this post.. great detail and tons of inspiration.

Megan @ Megity's Handmade said...

That looks fantastic! Looks like they put a lot of hard work into it. That virtual makeover was one of the first ones that I book marked for the ideas. I loved the "EAT" idea and the "EAT" they got is amazing!
Sorry you didn't make HGTV this season. I look for you next season! :)

Sweet Soft Southern Thrill said...

Oh my word! That is incredible! The ideas were great (duh!) but the execution was great also! Well done!

LaurenFaythe said...

Wow! Congratulations to both of you. You must have done a great job communicating in order for the family to execute the design so beautifully!

Sa-Sea said...

wow!!!! that is amazing!!! They did an AMAZING job taking over on your WONDERFUL advise/design!!!!!

Erin Southwell said...

Wow! What a beautiful redo! It must be so wonderful for you to see your designs come to life!

I'm so disappointed for you re: HGTV! I swear I think of you every time I watch "Dear Genevieve" and think off all the emails i've drafted starting "Dear Layla." :) Don't give up-you'll get there!!

Gretchen said...

Amazing!
I've added you to my 'favorites' list =)

3 Peanuts said...

This is a GREAT makeover.... Bummer about HGTV I cannot imagine a better candidate! You better try out again---you are perfect for it!

Kim

Lynn Kellan said...

Wow! Totally awesome pictures! I love before and afters.

Warmly,
Lynn from forloveorfunny

Anonymous said...

Great work by the Ford family. The kitchen is a real stunner!
I'm so very sorry we won't be seeing you on this seasons Design Star. The hubster and I have been hoping and praying. However, we will continue to do so until next season! You have real, undeniable talent and a fabulous camera presence--you are a shoe in, Layla! :0D
PS.
Weird computer problems somehow resolved themselves the same day I emailed. My cookies were fine and everything--isn't technology weird sometimes?? :0/

Junk Mammas said...

Layla-

This kitchen is truly something you would see in the pages of a magazine- beautiful.

Wondering about the stain they used on the floor. Do you have any information on that. The color is incredible.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hey Chica!
I am certain that HGTV is moving in a different direction and looking for more of a contractor than a designer for this season. That is the only feasible reason that they didn't pick you because you rock my socks at design. Lets watch this season together and throw popcorn at the screen- Palmer 2010!
XOXO!

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about HGTV but I am glad to hear you will try again next year !!!

I remember the post about that kitchen, it came out GREAT, love it !!! May I ask where the fridge is??? Also I am looking for blinds like that, any ideas where I might look ??

All the best,
Kathy :)
jokaj@comcast.net

Unknown said...

Layla,

I was so sorry to hear about HGTV - do they know what they are missing???? I know it is a dream of yours - perhaps there is a plan that it will be fulfilled just not now.
Love the kitchen transformation! Wow!

Mercedes Spencer @ Liberty Biberty said...

Hi! I've just come across your beautiful blog. You're a real inspiration. I love all the pictures you show, it's like reading a great magazine without having to spend anything! (Now that really makes my husband happy!)
Mercedes

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

It is beautiful! I love it!!!

karlene said...

I am sorry to hear about HGTV, but I think it is okay........You seem to be doing just great on your own, you may be bigger than HGTV next year by this time and maybe they will want you and you will pass on them? Besides, the only one we really hear about is Eddie and that is only because he has a great blog. You already have one of those. All my best!!!

Ford family, good job!!!!!

Anonymous said...

fabulous!

pedalpower said...

wow...what an amazing transformation! Your ideas and their hard work brought that place to life!

Kimba said...

Beautiful kitchen redo! Really stunning. Those cabinets are fantastic.

And I'm blowing a raspberry at HGTV for you. Clearly, they've lost their collective mind. :-)

Kimba

Unknown said...

Sorry to read your news regarding HGTV but definitely try again. You never know.
I love the finished job. This is definitely a kitchen I would be happy cooking and eating in.

Anonymous said...

Hi Layla,
just wanted to say that I know how you feel. I was contacted by HGTV casting this year and asked to submit tape#2... did'nt make it either.
Your work is so lovely and so are you! Maybe we will meet someday on the set of HGTV.
with much admiration,
Debi Beard
shesellsseashells.com

sweetfunkyvintage said...

We have been pondering the cabinet makeover....what kind of wax goes on top of the paint?
LOVE all your designs and ideas!