Dining Room Redo

One room we didn't paint when first moving in was the dining room. So, we decorated around the color which was fine until we redid the kitchen a few months ago. The kitchen flows right into the dining room and between the wall color and decor - it didn't match one bit! So Clay gave me the green light to let this be my next project! Check out a couple before pictures of the room...

I knew I wanted the paint color to be neutral so the first thing I did was decide on a fabric to recover the dining room chairs with and use the same for curtains. Luckily, that part was unusally easy! I found this sweet print from World Market for $34.99 a panel. I snagged 4 - 2 for the window and 2 for the chairs.

So one night Clay was out of town, I busted out the screw driver and took off all 6 cushions, loaded up my car and fabric and went to my parents! My mom covered all the cushions and even had enough fabric left to make napkins and a runner - can't wait for those. The chairs look amazing! Thanks madre!

8 screws per chair - this took FOREVER!

Before!

After!

We used Tattered Sail by Olympic from Lowe's on the walls. I purchased the three large frames from IKEA and had some wedding pictures blown up to fit. So here we are! I still need to pick up a few things for the a centerpiece for the table, but there's no rush on that now.

What do you think? I love how much brighter it is now and the room flows so well with the kitchen.

Next project, the nursery!

Kitchen Reno: The Finishing Touches!

                                               
Wow - I have fallen off the blog wagon. Life has been so busy, sometimes I wonder if my head is still attached! We finished the kitchen a couple several weeks ago and I just love it! It doesn't even look like the same kitchen as before! It feels more open and bright. I love that it is all Clay and I - everyone always says how fun it is to get a house that needs work because you get to make it your own. I love that we got to pick out everything and even do some of the hard work ourselves Clay with lots of extra help from Pep! (Clay's dad) Phew, I am so thankful it is all over with!

A few of the finishing touches were of course the backsplash. It is from Lowe's.We really love it and felt that it tied into all elements of the kitchen! It really makes the wall color POP and blends so well with the cabinets and wall color. Clay changed out all the plugs and outlets from the cream color to white.

So take a look and let me know what you think!

                                                                          Before:

                                                                          AFTER:

                                                                Laundry Room:

      (Forgot to take a picture before we took out the washer and dryer and metal shelf! Blah!)

                              **Excuse Clay's tool bag! He just installed my new cabinets!!!**

                                                             Happy to say... The End!

Kitchen Reno: The Floors, The Paint and The Countertops!

HAPPY FRIDAY!! Are you as excited as I am that it's finally Friday? These projects at home after a long day at work are killing me. We only have left to grout the new backsplash and seal it. Then I will FINALLY have my fridge and oven back, oh thank you! Here is our progress, let me know what you think!

                                                                             Floors
Now the floors I believe were the most drastic change. Before, as you saw, were this nasty-always looked dirty-linoleum. So, we decided on hardwood floors throughout the downstairs and of course we just carried those into the kitchen. I am literally OBSESSED with the color. After much debate, we ended up purchasing Mohawk Santa Barbara 5" Hard Scrapped Planks in Chocolate.

                                                                         Paint
--We had the kitchen painted to match the new style. The color is April Sky from Lowe's. I love the color, I feel like it pulls everything together! Plus having a WHITE ceiling changes everything! Why would anyone think painting the ceiling gold would look good?!?!

Countertops // Sink // Faucet

With the dark floors, and black appliances we decided against the dark granite for the countertops, and went with a lighter color, Cashmere White. The process was great! Clay and I selected our slab, they came out to template, emailed us our measurements on the selected slab to verify we would like that particular piece (knots, particular lines, etc), then they installed. We also went through them on our sink - it was a little pricier but they cut the sink as well, so for the convenience it worked out better. The have it set under the granite and I think it looks beautiful! We purchased the faucet at Lowe's - we were sure to get one WITHOUT the plate, so they are individual holes, loving that as well.

What a huge difference, am I right? So thankful we were able to make these changes! I am happy to say "I love my kitchen!" now. Last up - the backsplash and the final pictures!!!

Kitchen Reno: The Cabinets

Honestly, I think the pictures can explain it all, but I will go into detail the updates we made in separate posts starting today with the cabinets. When we bought this house last July, I had to really look beyond the out dated... well, everything and really just take into consideration the size, the lot and the houses' potential. With the kitchen being my least favorite, you can only imagine my excitement when we were finally able to start the BIG renovation for it this month!

                                                                BEFORE

First thing, we emptied the cabinets, removed the shelves, doors and hardware. We purchased Rustoleum's Refinishing Kit to paint the cabinets. With this particular product you do NOT have to sand, but the kit doesn't have enough for the insides so we did sand down the shelves.

Before painting could start, we used Step #1 of the kit, the Deglosser to strip the cabinets and clean them really good. Next, we purchased a Paint + Primer in one for the shelves, drawers, and the insides of the cabinets. Then used the Base Coat provided in the kit for coat #1. It suggested waiting 24 hours before reapplying the second coat. The product said you would only need 2 coats, but we needed 3. (Good thing our kitchen is small!)

Are you seeing my lovely floor? HAHA

 

The above two pictures are after 1 coat...

The final step in the kit is the sealer to protect the cabinets, help with easy cleaning and provides a bit of a shine! Clay installed new hinges, he wanted to do the European style so you can't see them from the outside. Then, we added new hardware knobs. Tada!

                                               After two coats and the glosser/sealer!

Next up? The new floors, fabulous new paint color, granite countertops, sink and faucet! Stay tuned.

Kitchen Cabinets // Pantry // Fridge Organization

We are currently in the process of renovating our ENTIRE downstairs, emphasizing in our kitchen. (Watch  for a 3 post series on the before's and afters!) So of course any opportunity presented for organization, I am ALL OVER. Before we emptied out everything in our kitchen, there was no "flow." Pots and pans were thrown under a cabinet, cups and plates were put wherever there was room.

We still have about two weeks left of renovations; hardwood will be laid next Tuesday and Wednesday, the painter will be out Friday, the granite will be installed the following week - you get my drift? So I am currently making "wish - lists" to reorganize my kitchen cabinets, pantry and fridge to create that "flow"! Check out my inspirations via Pinterest:

  Just a few things on my Wish List:

 

                                   All of the above can be purchased from The Container Store = HEAVEN

Crate and Barrel

Do you have do's and dont's when it comes to organization?