Kitchen Series: Window Transformation

For the last day of my Kitchen Series, I have decided to share my window transformation with you.  To see what the window looked like before click here

I wanted to create a more open look to the window.  In order to do this I created a curtain that would open to let more of the window show.  To start, I found a fabric that would be light but also have a print on it.  The next thing that you have to do is decide on the length of the curtains.  Lastly, and to me the most important part are curtain rings.  Without them, your curtain will not hang as nicely and will not slide across the curtain rod as easily either.

I usually always leave the curtain open, but it is nice to have the ability to close the curtain as well.  It still keeps the window open, but also adds a little bit of privacy to your kitchen.

I hope you enjoyed my new Kitchen Series and as always if you have any questions, please email me.

Kitchen Series: A Decorating Extension

As you know, my kitchen is a little smaller.  With this, I have had to be a little more creative when planning out my kitchen decorating.  Our kitchen leads to our family room through this hallway that was always empty.  I couldn't extend the cabinets any further so instead I decided to add this hanging utensil decoration.  Adding this piece to the wall made the kitchen seem that much bigger.  It took your eye to a wall that was always ignored and now it has become a useful area.  If you are interested in creating this in your home, remember to keep whatever you decorate with slim to the wall.  The last thing you want to have is one more thing to maneuver around.  You don't have to use something like this either.  You could simply hang some decorative hooks on the wall and achieve the same look.

Not only did I create an extension to my kitchen, but this has become a very useful decoration to me.  With having my oven mitts so readily available it has been such a help with cooking.  It has also cleaned up some space in my drawers which everyone could use in a kitchen no matter the size.

Coming up next in the Kitchen Series is my window transformation!

Kitchen Series: Adding a Rug

I can't believe it took me this long to put a rug in front of my kitchen sink, but it did so don't judge me.  I know that a rug in that place is pretty much a staple, but it took me awhile to find one that I was really happy with.  I needed a rug that would flow with the kitchen and not be so big that it covered too much of the flooring.  After finding this rug at Target, I am amazed at the difference that it made to my kitchen.  Don't under estimate the warmth that a rug can bring.  It pulled the entire room together by having that piece on the floor.  Usually the color black can be a little too cold and modern for my home, but the texture and design on this rug fit my design perfectly.  So remember when you are out shopping to keep an open mind because you never know what you will fall in love with.

Kitchen Series: A Fresh Coat of Paint

Welcome to my new Kitchen Series!

As you recall, my husband and I completely renovated our kitchen from the ground up.  Since then, I have made a few minor changes that have dramatically changed the look of our kitchen.  I didn't think I could be happier with our space until I made these updates.  With my new kitchen series, you will be able to see all of the changes that I have made.  To remember what the kitchen looked like before click here

To kick off the series, I am unveiling my new paint color.  I loved the color before, but with a smaller kitchen and the updating that I have done in the rest of my home it needed a change also.  I have been painting some of the other rooms in my home to create a more clean, neutral look throughout so I wanted to continue that in my kitchen.  If you are interested in the paint color, email me and I can give you the details.  Don't be afraid to paint and try something new.

While I was updating the paint color, I also wanted to update my decorations/necessities to match the new look.  I wanted to keep the room very light and open.  In order to do this, I have used whites, creams, and natural coloring to keep the space unified.  With such a small space, you definitely need to keep the room cohesive, so that it doesn't give you a headache when you walk into the room.  

With keeping the room light and neutral, I can always switch out my dish towels whenever I like.  Currently I am sticking with my white and mustard yellow you could say.  

When storing those spoons, spatulas, whisks, and whatever else you have collected over the years, don't be afraid to try something a little more unique.

I hope you enjoy my new color as much as I do.  I love color, but there is something about that clean look that makes a space feel light and stress free.  Stay tuned for the rest of the Kitchen Series!

Complete Kitchen Renovation

When my husband and I were deciding on the house that we now live in, we knew that we would need to completely renovate the kitchen.  It's a small kitchen, but that wasn't even a problem for us.  It was very outdated, the appliances didn't work very well, and the layout wasn't very functional.  We took the room down to the studs.  This was a lot of work, but it was well worth the expense and wait.  By doing this, we were able to rearrange the appliances, add new switches and plugs, and expand the doorways.

Here are all of the before pictures...

And now for the after pictures...

When we began to put the room back together, the first thing that we had to decide on was our cabinets and layout.  I chose to go with cabinets from Ikea because they have an enormous amount of selection between style and color.  With our kitchen being smaller, I knew I would have to choose my cabinets wisely.  We had to put them together ourselves, but it really wasn't bad.  I also chose to get our butcher block countertop from Ikea as well.  Our appliances are Frigidaire Gallery from Lowes.  There's nothing like new appliances.  I still have to add my backsplash.  Once I do, I will be sure to share the pictures with you.

I don't like to overcrowd a window with decorations, because after all you want to be able to open and close it.  However, I do like to dress it up like everything else.  When putting the trim around the window, I added a ledge to the bottom so that I would have a place to set my little decorations.

I saw this in a magazine before and really liked it.  Not knowing if they purchased the letters finished or unfinished, I knew I had to create them myself.  I bought the letters from Joann Fabrics and spray painted them white to match the cabinets.  I chose a simple font, but they have others as well.  With the letters being leaned against the wall they can be removed at any time.  I also like to decorate in ways that are not very typical.  I didn't want to have a typical paper towel holder.  Instead, I took this wire basket (painted it black) and threw a couple of paper towel rolls in it.  

I always try to incorporate decorations that tie in either colors or feels of a room.  That is what I did with these containers here.  It brings the black and the white together into one piece which makes the connection between the two colors.

These shelves were a must to incorporate into my kitchen.  I love how on the top I can display different dishes  and the bottom I use for towels and baskets.  In the baskets I have chip clips, measuring spoons, etc.  Having these baskets lets me free up some space from my drawers which is always needed.

Keeping with not liking typical uses of items, I found this white strainer at HomeGoods one day and thought it would be really cute to sit on the counter and put different fruits in.  It is not something that I keep out all the time, but it is a nice accent when I do have it out.

I hope you enjoy my complete kitchen renovation.  It took a lot of time, but it is so nice having everything just the way you want it.  If there is anything I missed and you have any questions for me, feel free to email me.  I would love to help you create your dream kitchen too!