Monday, January 14, 2013

Project Kitchen Refresh.

We finally started tackling project #kitchenrefresh this weekend! I had stared at those paint chips and tester spots for weeks, perhaps months. It didn't get started for many reasons; Christmas, indecision, work, lack of sunlight in the evenings and a multitude of other reasons. I should also add procrastination. That could very well have been the biggest reason!


The important thing is that I bit the bullet and bought the paint, which got the ball rolling. I actually let the very helpful lady in the paint department at Home Hardware decide. I had narrowed it down to two colors for the walls and two for the cupboards and let her to make the final call. Sounds crazy to leave it to someone else after contemplating for so long but I would have been happy with either option.



I painted all the upper cabinets yesterday. Not very exciting since I ended up with the same color I had before (ICI Natural White). Unbelievable, however, how much brighter they feel. I hadn't realized just how badly they needed to be done until I got right in there and spied every missed fingerprint and food splatter.


We also spent a good part of the day clearing out the kitchen in preparation for painting the walls. It took longer than I thought and made for a bit of disarray that I can't wait to get cleared away. We're hoping to get the painting done in the next few days.


I've decided to keep my plate wall so I remembered to take a photo of the arrangement before I took it down. This way I can easily put it back up.


Tip of the day: Did you know that when you are painting around glass (windows, mirrors), the easiest way to get a clean edge is to paint right onto it and scrape it off with a sharp blade later? Much easier than taping and you will get a cleaner edge.


I picked up some Friday flowers. I was so happy to see the tulips in the grocery store and couldn't resist them. It means Spring is coming! It was nice to see a pop of pretty among the chaos of the kitchen this weekend.

By the way, I previously posted about whether or not I should paint my lower cabinets a darker shade than the uppers. From your comments (which I so appreciate!), you seem to encourage me to go for it. Truth is, I'm still undecided. I think I want to do it. I mean, why not? But I can't seem to find that perfect shade. I'd love suggestions if you have some!

Have a great week! I'll be back with a peek at the painted kitchen!

14 comments:

  1. I still love the all white cupboards. When my friends and I think of Jane, her love of white is what comes to mind first.

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    1. Me too! I'm definitely a white girl. I'm eager for a change though.. and there is a lot of white in there right now! We'll see!

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  2. Wow! What a lovely redesign! I love the plate wall. Also, orange is my favorite color, and I don't think I've ever seen orange tulips before. I would love to have them in my kitchen. I have been trying to remodel myself. I am doing things slowly because of money, and I am starting by installing one these stainless steel kitchen sinks. I still need to decide which one I am going to go with, but I think I am going with a double bowl. I think I will do some painting soon, as well, so your tip with the painting on glass will come in handy. Thanks for sharing. Your kitchen looks beautiful!

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  3. Can I recommend BM Dragon's Breath for your lowers? We had our wardrobes sprayed that color and I can't get enough of it. It's a dark grayish color. (You can check it out on my house tour button under renovation) Love the tulips. Seriously can't wait for spring!

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  4. It looks beautiful!! I can't pick just one thing, I love it all!

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  5. I love tulips! Kitchen is looking great so far :)

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  6. I love the color and think it is going to look great! I also love you plate collection! I am starting one of my own in black, white, gold, and grey! can't wait to see it done!

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  7. You are a very smart lady to take the photo of the plates. Something I would definitely forget to do. What about going with Chelsea Gray. It's not too dark but is a gorgeous dark gray.

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  8. What a fun project! I love room updates, even if they are messy in the beginning and middle :). And, I adore your plate wall - so smart to take a photo!

    ps. Who did you blog design? I also adore it!

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  9. Dior Grey by Benjamin Moore is a great color. You could try mixing in some white to lighten if it's too dark. It's a deep, warm grey.

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  10. So nice and bright! I still have yet to bite the bullet and paint my awful bleached-oak-turned-orangey kithen cabinet doors, but I keep hesitating when I see the gunk that gets caught in the raised trim that frames out my lower cabinets (they look rather like your doors). May I ask if you find things get caught there and if your paint wipes down well? How long ago did you first paint the cabinets that you are now doing a re-coat? Thanks so much -- such a pretty blog!

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  11. Those tulips are divine, the absolute perfect little pick me up in winter! (c: And I would be over the moon if we got our cabinets repainted, it really does just make such a huge difference!

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  12. Amazing! You're doing a great job. I am also in the kitchen, making changes. I just painted the ceramic tile to cover up the flowers that were there! A new year comes new home changes! :)

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  13. Can't wait to see your newly refreshed kitchen!

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Love hearing from you! Thanks so much :)