Saturday, March 7, 2009

Kitchen/Dining Update - March 2009




The Kitchen has really started to come to life lately!

Up until last week, I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do with the space at the end of my kitchen cabinets. I had tried a few different things, but nothing ever fully satisfied my decor-based O.C.D. I knew I really wanted to use dishes, in some way, but I didn't just want to attach them to the wall with plate hangers. Then, the other day, I came upon these four wooden herb crates at HomeGoods...









I knew right away they'd be perfect for this somewhat awkward spot.

I hung them on the wall as a sort of "glorified plate rack"...

I used chunky, somewhat industrial-looking, stainless steel hooks (from IKEA) to hang them. I love the juxtaposition of the antique-looking crates, with skinny rusty hooks, hanging from the thick, sleek, modern hooks.

Below the crates, I placed this little flea market stool I picked up for $9.00...


I love the look of numbers and letters stencilled onto everyday objects (this is the Lettered Cottage after all), so I handpainted the number 5 on the top of the seat.



The legs used to be painted a realllllly ugly shade of brown, ( I won't tell you what color I was calling it for a while there) so I sanded them way down, and painted a coat of polyeurathane over the whole thing...



I also scored this heavy, old "Gator Farms" bucket at the flea market for $20...



I didn't really care for the green color, but I had seen this exact same bucket sell for around $60 before. Since, the handle was broken off on this particular one, I was lucky enough to get it for a fraction of its original price. Yahoo!

A few days later, I painted it the color "Rice Grain" by Sherwin Williams and dry brushed Ralph Laurens "Sisal" on top of that...




For the time being, it's sitting on top of my refrigerator...



I'm not sure where he'll end up, but I do envision a big potted fern inside of it.

The change that I'm loving the most is the addition of wooden brackets (or corbels) underneath my upper cabinets...



I bought them at Home Depot for about $9.00 a piece and I can't tell you how much I enjoy just sitting and staring at them while I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner! :-) Now, my cabinets don't just look like boxes attached to the wall- they're cottage-style treasure cases that hold all my smooth and sparkly things...







Speaking of sparkly, I used this silver paperweight from Pottery Barn in the window sill above the Kitchen sink...



...I put it there to make us smile while we wash dishes...


Excuse me?

What was that?

Ohhhhhhhh.....you want to know why we are washing the dishes when there is clearly a dishwasher sitting right next to the sink?



Ok. Here goes.



About a month ago a large black plastic spoon fell from the top shelf in the dishwasher, down to the bottom of the dishwasher and melted all over, in and around the heat coil...


And while Kevin probably looks at this situation as a major bummer and is most certainly trying to figure out where to come up with $300 for a new dishwasher-

I choose to think of it as serendipity.

A happy accident that will undoubtedly lead to the purchase of a brand new, stainless steel "bubble box" in the (hopefully) near future! :-)

(And to answer your question- Yes. I do think money grows on trees.)


I made a few changes over in the Dining Room too...



Besides recently adding white-painted beadboard wainscotting, I also painted the upper part of the walls "Rice Grain". The formica countertops in the Kitchen are staying for the time being, so I wanted to paint the Dining Room a color that coordinated nicely with them, creating a fresh and cohesive palette between the two rooms. The room on the other side of the Dining Room is the Living Room, which is painted Sherwin Williams "Natural Choice", a slightly beigey, creamy white color. It makes for a soft and easy visual transition from room to room, while giving all three spaces their own identities at the same time. (By the way, the Kitchen is painted a custom-mixed shade of blue. If anyone is interested- I will photograph the top of the can and post it here so that you can see the formula.)

I got a new tablecloth for the Dining Room table from TJ Maxx a few weeks back. The stripes immediately stopped me in my tracks. I've never used a tablecloth before, but it was only $7.00, so I thought I'd give it a shot.


My little cast iron pedestal still hasn't found a permanent home, but it looks pretty happy in my temporary tablescape...



Of course I had to top it off with a couple of small seashells...

They remind me of one of my favorite quotes,

"Today is a smooth white seashell, hold it close and listen to the beauty of the hours."

- Anonymous


So here is the Kitchen and Dining Room, as of October 31, 2007...



And here is how they look today...




Still lots of work to do, but I'm content for the time being.
Okay, we both know that's not true, but I'd rather try to be content than stress about what there is left to do.
Take THAT, subconscious mind! :-)

Layla

87 comments:

Kaye said...

I will definetly be checking back! You do such a great job! Can't wait!

Jeannette said...

Will you grow some real live rosemary plants on that charming rosemary box? Very homey.

Cathy said...

OMG I love the herb boxes..too cute! I saw some really cool boxes at Eastbrook but see, I haven't a CLUE what to do with them.

{{Big Hugs}}

Cathy

Cathy said...

P.S. Your changes are amazing. How you invision such things I will never know. You have a great talent!

{{Hugs}}

Cathy

Anonymous said...

Great job...what an inspiration!

Laura said...

You really are amazing. What a cozy cottage you are creating! Love all you do-keep up the good work. Oh and if you come across those money trees, let me know where I can pick up a couple!

annmarie sheffield said...

I just absolutely love your kitchen. Those herb boxes are just beautiful. I clicked on the web link and tried to register but I'm not a vendor. How can I get those and how much were they? If u don't mind sharing. Great job!

Beautiful Day said...

Wow, wow, wow! I am just totally loving all the things you've done!
What a difference between the before and after shots! The brackets, the boxes, the pedestal, the stool, aah, you have created such calm. Always enjoy seeing your blog! Wendy

Kristen said...

ABSOLUTELY Beautiful! What an inspiration you are!

kari and kijsa said...

Layla,

We LOVE the box idea...ADORABLE (can we use any more capitalization...LOL)! Can you e-mail us and tell us where you got the corbels from? We love the shape of those!

YOU ROCK!

smiles, kari & kijsa

~ Lisa @ AbidingThere~ said...

Love it all! Those wooded cartes are such a great idea for plate holders!! Cute, cute!

ps: My PB drapes arrived - hubby hanging rods as we speak! I'll send you pics in a bit!! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, my goodness! What a lovely kitchen you've created. Love the black cabinets and the little corbells at the bottom. The planters look awesome. I just love everything you've done.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

LuLu said...

Yea for the look into your kitchen and dining area! Super duper terrific! The corbels are {Perfect... I have to get my hand on some}
LuLu

nikkicrumpet said...

I think that is the best kitchen makeover I've ever seen....and I watch a crap load of HGTV and other shows....nothing I've seen anyone do tops this! It went from builder basic...to beyond beautiful. You have an amazing gift!

karlene said...

i LOVE the corbels too.

Unknown said...

Amazing - what a wonderful "tweaking" of your already fabulous space.

Amber said...

I am SOOOO calling you when we get ready to build our new home! We live in North Alabama and I ADORE your style. Perfect kitchen, and I love the mix of old and new. A++++++!

Shannon @ Silver Trappings said...

I LOVE those herb boxes with plates in them. And the great hooks. That whole wall is perfect!

Shannon

3 Peanuts said...

Layla...I think it looks lovely! GREAT job!

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

Everything looks so fresh and pretty. I adore the new wooden boxes. They are perfect for that space! So glad you decided to bring them all the way down the wall, looks fabulous!
~Misti

Painter's Place said...

This is absolutely gorgeous! It doesn't even look like the same rooms. Love it!!!

Decor To Adore said...

You are the kitchen fairy godmother.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Layla, girlfriend! I just love to see your wonderful updates. The pics are so refreshing & what a great find with the little crates. They are perfect for your kitchen. I enjoyed each & every pic.

Come on over for a giveawy I'm having today...cute pillow!

Coty said...

G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S
And yes, what is the formula for that blue on your kitchen walls...and those boxes...those BOXES!!! mercy...

Teacats said...

Darling, this whole transformation belongs in a magazine or decor book! Honestly -- this is JUST what folks need to see RIGHT NOW -- for spring -- and in this very budget-concerned time! Thanks for sharing -- your talents are just such a gift to us all!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Inspired Kara said...

Love the box/plate combo. Especially the little herb sayings on the front.

I had the SAME thing happen to a dishwasher of mine once :(

Courtney Baker said...

It looks amazing. Where'd you get those white dishes?

LaurenFaythe said...

I love your transformation! It looks so airy, beautiful. I'm assuming you painted your kitchen cabinets too. I love the black. Did you use latex paint for that?

Thank you for sharing.

Sue

Anonymous said...

love the little additions..your eye is so great..you know just what to do without overdoing it and you know how to get such a vintage real deal look for cheap..very impressed..love the number on the stool..i am contemplating doing numbers on a dresser for my little boy..would love to know your tips for stenciling them on so well..

awesome girl..you rock!

Colette said...

I LOVE your kitchen makeover. It is so inspiring!

Denise said...

Layla, I so love your kitchen - every time I see it I think it couldn't get any better and then you do something that takes it to a new level. I LOVE the brackets and those Home Goods wood planters are adorable but not cutesy - just perfect!

Anonymous said...

It looks ADORABLE...so cute !!!!

I love what you did with the boxes...

All the best,
Kathy :)

paige said...

wow!!
i love the colors you've chosen & every detail is just perfect

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Cheerful, warm and welcoming - like the designer herself! Great job, Layla!

Kelli said...

Love the crispness of the room. Very chic.

Scooper said...

That is one of the best before and after's ever. It's beautiful! So me. I'll be checking back.

Silvia said...

great job!,i love your style so much ,clean and neat....i'll be back to see whats new...thank ..silvia.

Unknown said...

OMG! BEST HOME GOODS FIND EVER! Your kitchen is simply breathtaking and a true inspiration. Amazing.

Renee said...

Lovely, just lovely!!

Here is my advice about the "Bubble Box"--seriously, buy the most expensive one you can afford!! I have NEVER been happy with one until now. I really LOVE my bubble box.

Thank you for sharing your life and your home. You are such a blessing.
Renee

martha said...

Each item is perfect in itself, yet put together it's even better!

Do your archives explain how to paint cabinets? I think you've inspired me to finally do this, but I don't know how.

Mafe Molinari said...

Gorgeous!!

Viviane said...

hi, did you paint the cabinets are thoese new cabinets? If so, was the process hard? thanks!

My Galveston Cottage said...

i'd love to show your kitchen to my editors. Interested? If so, contact me by email and I will tell you more. Charming space! best, -susan

Kris said...

This is my first visit to your blog and it will not be my last. I've spent the last 30 minutes going from post to post and viewing the photos again and again. Thanks for sharing with us your creative and clever decorating skills.

Have a Happy Day

Kris

Cathy said...

{{Layla}} I so enjoyed meeting you yesterday! You are one awesome person. You made me look at things with a whole different view. Hey I even believe my family now that my furniture is brown instead of green, LOL. Can't wait to post about it all..

{{Big Hugs}}

Cathy

Anonymous said...

I adore your style and those herb boxes are making me extremely jealous.

I usually decorate with darker colors but you have made me rethink our next home, which we should be building in a few years.

While I love white/light/airy homes, I usually can't see myself living in them. However, I love how you mix darker woods and neutral colors to create a calm but realistic home.

Tanya said...

Layla you have so many great ideas in this post! I love the transformation of your kitchen and I also feel your pain about the dishwasher. We just had to buy a new one to the tune of $400.+!

SoBella Creations said...

What a great transformation! Your kitchen looks great.

JoyGirl said...

Layla,

There are several elements of this design that I really like: breaking up the "glorified plate rack" with greenery; the new flooring (very nice!); the number 5 on top of the seat. Great 'before' and 'after' shot!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I absolutely love the corbels beneath the cabinet, they add such a charming look! I had some installed beneath my bar a couple days ago, but won't be painting them (black, of course) until the black granite bar-top is added, probably next week.

Cheers from Victoria

cotedetexas said...

beautimous. love the corbels. I want some!!!! those really make a huge difference. Congratulations on the spoon incident! how long did it take you to think of that "accident" ahahahah! love it! stainless steel here we come.

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Layla, that before and after is truly stunning! Hard to believe it's the same house. I love every single detail of the makeover--just beautiful.

Shannan Martin said...

This is gorgeous! What a transformation! And the formica countertop looks just fine, I think. It blends right in and there are so many other, better things to look at in that beautiful room that you don't even really notice it. We just ordered new flooring for our kitchen and went with the lighter/more rustic option. Your dark floor is making me second guess myself-just a tad. Did you do hardwood?
Thanks for sharing!
-Shannan

Kristen said...

Can I SERIOUSLY move in?

Or even better you do mine next?

Holy Moly. That is one fine kitchen.

Teresa said...

I came over from the Inspired room- Love all your touches. You have a great eye. I will be poping back.
Have a great day-

Tami said...

You have done a beautiful job with your kitchen!
I'll be back to visit again.

We didn't have a dishwasher for about 5 years and when we finally got one, we missed our time at the sink after dinner... So enjoy!

Emily said...

Wow! You are so inspiring! I am totally all about making the best out of what you have and let me tell you I would have never guessed this wasn't a huge $$$ costly renovation! p.s. I LOVE LOVE T.J. Maxx and Homestore! ;)

Emily said...

Wow! You are so inspiring! I am all about making the best out of what you already have! I would have never guessed this wasn't a costly $$$ renovation! Looks wonderful and I love your sense of style!
p.s. I love love T.J. Maxx and Home Goods Store! ;)

Courtney said...

gorgeous. I came over from the inspired room. your blog is great!

Unknown said...

Nice work!!!! I'm stealing some ideas!
♥Jen

Unknown said...

I love your remodel of your kitchen and dining area. It's so beautiful.
Thanks to The Inspired Room for providing a link to your blog. I'll be back for more inspiration on our 2000 square foot apartment!

Cherry Hill Cottage~ said...

Beautiful!
Copied your paint names down for my daughter, Mika. She will love your style!! I can see some galvanized shelves in your space!! An "edgey" farmhouse look!! Great job!
Tina~Cherry Hill Cottage...

The Tall Skinny House said...

I love the transformation of your rooms and I really like your painted kitchen cabinets; they look great!
As for the need for a new dishwasher, be sure to check open items at stores like Best Buy, Lowe's, etc. We have gotten several items this way; not damaged, but discounted b/c the box was damaged, so they take it out of the box and discount it. Our dishwasher was discounted $125 for this reason, but it was in mint condition!!:)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful transformation of your kitchen and dining room. I especially love the way you hung the dishes on the wall in the boxes. A very creative idea. ♥

Magic Brush said...

What a fantastic makeover! Kudos to you! I LOVE the plate racks on the wall out of the boxes. Terrific. Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Someone recommended me to go to your blog and take a look at your kitchen.... and they where RIGHT.

GORGEOUS! I am in the midst of re doing my kitchen and I could use a little bit of inspiration THNX!

Maureen said...

I found your blog from a link on The Inspired Room. I love the herb boxes, and I fell in love with the hooks. Thanks for including where you bought those.

I am still blown away by the before and after pictures. You did a beautiful job with everything...

Lalena said...

WOW! I love it! All the little touches...its awesome!

Anonymous said...

Found you at the Inspired Room and I am so glad I did. I love what you have done with this room! All the little touches are just amazing!

Sa-Sea said...

AMAZING!!!! I love everything about it!!!! I love how clean and fresh it all looks!

Michelle said...

Ran across you blog and am definitely bookmarking it. That kitchen is beautiful!!!!

Local Girl said...

I've just come across your blog and I wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed being here! Love love love your kitchen transformation, just beautiful. I look forward to coming back and reading more.

Anonymous said...

The corbels are genius!

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog the other day and I am absolutely blown away by your kitchen transformation - you have quite a vision to take that basic, no frills kitchen into something really beautiful and unique. It's wonderful!!

Debra Conway said...

I've looked over your site and can't find the type and color used for the kitchen cabinets. Can someone point the way for me? We'd like to try the same beautiful change in our cabin.

Nikki Cogg said...

WOW! I am now a follower of your blog, just from seeing your kitchen re-do. I LOVE the country style and how you opened the cabinets. Those herb boxes are so unique! I can't wait to see what else you post on your charming blog! Thanks for the inspiration :)

Marissa said...

Beautiful Makeover!

Can I ask what the cute little glasses next to your Salt and Pepper shaker are for? I inherited some of these and I have no idea what to use them for.

Anonymous said...

I just happened to come across your blog...what a treat! I loved your kitchen the first time I saw it on RMS, and it looks even better now! Love all the updates you've done--especially the corbels and seed boxes...just lovely.

Anonymous said...

I found your blog while looking at The Lisa Porter Collection.
I LOVE your kitchen... I have just moved and my kitchen looks soooo much like your before pictures. I am going to take off those UGLY doors and paint like a mad woman....and display all of my great dishes and glasses that were hidden behind ugly doors !!
Thank you for your inspiration

Kipper Hughes said...

Your kitchen looks great, I was wondering what kind of black paint you used. I'm nervous because I have white cabinets, white corian counter and a royal blue tile back splash and I was wondering how the black cabinets would look.

Please let me know khugh920@comcast.net

joyh82 said...

you did an awesome job with your kitchen and dining room. Just love it!

Anonymous said...

I just love how you arranged the salt-n-peppa shakers to spell out P.S. as in postscript. Very nice touch! Bravo! L-O-V-E it!

Krys said...

Thank you so much for your beautiful blog. I found this post about a month through a homeschooling message board; someone was raving about your kitchen cabinets :)
This opened my eyes to a whole other world of blogging - home design! Your style, and many other blogs you link too, helped me realize the power of a simple change.
Thanks for helping me get out of decorating rut.

Unknown said...

Ahhhh! This is exactly what I've been looking for! I adore charcoal black cabinets and couldn't figure out the backsplash but I think the beadboard is inspired and the corbels are incredibly clever, how beautiful!

Jennifer Aspenson said...

Two words...

LOVE IT.

:)

Birdy said...

New to your blog and LOVING the neutral color scheme! Any chance we could see a close-up pic of your kitchen clock?

Robin

Liz Eveland said...

Can you tell me where you found baskets that fit into your cabinets like that? I'd like to do something similar, but I've been having trouble finding the right size baskets.