Here is the another post in the Kitchen Renovation Series. This one titled “The Details” highlights the cabinets, granite, back splash, storage and decorations in our kitchen.
Let’s start with cabinets. We choose the Herrington style from the Kemper Cabinet line from Cindy Lawyer at CNC Kitchen Designs in Alexandria, VA. I have always wanted to use gray cabinets as a alternative to white, and the island cabinets add a nice “pop” of color.
The gray “oasis” color is alternative to white.The island cabinets are a blueish/green color called Tidal Mist. The three colorful stoosl are from Walmart on-line (medallion collection). To make my island function like furniture, I added a bold yellow lamp, books (as art), family photo, a plant and a runner. Remember the “design trinity? Check it out here: http://redesigninaday.com/2014/12/06/the-landing-a-decorating-opportunity/
We were lucky to get our granite “free” from our neighbors (Thx Keith & Sarah!). The granite sat outside in our yard for 3 years and it still looked awesome when we used it.
Uba tuba granite with flecks of gray, blue and green compliment the cabinets.
One of my “must” haves was a farmhouse sink! I found this one from Home Depot on-line. Another on-line retailer was selling it for $500 more than HD!
Whitehaus fire clay sink with oil rubbed bronze faucet and “cross” handles from Kingston Brass (from Faucets Direct).
These hexagon tile in shades of gray, tan, and cream were another HD purchase.
The hexagon pattern add a fun dimension to the kitchen and the colors compliment the cabinets, walls and floors.
As you may recall, one of my main concerns was storage. In addition to the island and wall cabinets, we added storage in creative ways.
In addition to seating, the banquet has three large drawers for storage. Assorted pillows and a plaid throw add comfort while the antique yellow shelf and modern star burst mirror add a touch of whimsy! And by adding a small table and two french chairs, we created a breakfast nook. Perfect for coffee and surfing the net!
This antique cabinet is beautiful and functional.
The cabinet stores all our small appliances including the toaster, mixer, blender, etc. The two chippy windows add height and airyness (is that a word?) to the space.
Open storage in a vintage bookcase.
This vintage bookcase make finding and using everyday plates, cups, cookbooks and serving dishes easy. The rustic iron “H” (from (Marthamarievintage.com) and a painting by my husbands great aunt add farmhouse charm.
And, finally to pull it all together we choose pendants, light walls and dark floors.
Pottery Barn rustic pendant bring vintage lighting to the island.Sherwin Williams “front porch” paint changes from gray to blue to green depending on the light.The dark “jacobean” stain is a nice contrast to the light walls and cabinets.
And now, a final look back.
BeforeAfter
If you are undergoing a major kitchen renovation or just added a few touches, I hope you have enjoyed this series and found it helpful.
Some designs never go out of style. These cane barrel chairs from the 60’s are just as fashionable today as they were over 50 years ago. Yes, these chairs are over 50 years old! The quality and craftsmanship of the chairs are undeniable. The caning is still intact and the velvet seat cushions are in decent condition.
But, I believe they can look ever better.
So, here is one chair after a coat of CeCe Caldwell’s Vintage White paint and some distressing. I love the paisley ikat fabric but not with this chair. Maybe I should try a different fabric?
Maybe a jacobean pattern?
But, in the end………
I repainted the chairs and and chose a completely different fabric for the cushions. Two coats of CeCe Caldwell’s Vintage White for a fresh look and a classic blue/green toile pattern fabric.
I am really happy with the final outcome. These chairs are ready for a new home!
One of the many things I love about my job is the ability to create “one of a kind” pieces.
For this project, I decided to combine design styles from different decades. This process can be tricky because the styles may not “play well together”. Example: imagine combining the skinny jean concept to a leisure suit. Scary, right! Lucky for me, my two styles play well together because they are united with a common thread……paint!
This buffet is a classic piece from the 60’s. It’s solid construction, in great condition with ample storage. The bowed front and curved details are beautiful but the dark stain makes it look old and worn.
I chose a color from the Paint Couture line called “Calm”. The color is a white/gray/blue combination. I painted/distressed the bottom, then sanded and stained the top (jacobean).
The Hollywood glam gold mirror is the perfect compliment to the buffet but the gold is too shiny. ( That’s my dog Gomer in the mirror….it’s he cute!)
Two coats of “calm” tones down the gold and a light distressing allows hints of gold to shine through.
And here is the buffet and mirror in the store.
2 design styles + 1 paint color = Modern Glam
Happy Decorating! Love, Nicole
Available at Maggie Jane’s Brownstone (913 King Street) in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
I have had this dresser for many years. I love the….
Bowed front
Beautiful Claw Feet
and Large Drawers!
So, what’s not to love? Well, maybe the color. Right.
I decided the dresser needed a color that would highlight the beautiful features and add a feminine vibe. So, I mixed various CeCe Caldwell’s paint colors and created a color I call “Tiffany Blue”.
I layered on the “Tiffany Blue”, added touches of Martha Stewart Metallic gold for highlights. And, here she is….meet “Tiffany”.
And since there is always a surprise inside a tiffany box……
I lined the drawers with this gorgeous wrapping paper (from Innisbrook giftwrap). I love it!
I found this piece at a cute store called Haywoods Variety (https://www.facebook.com/HaywoodsVariety), in a small town on the Northern Neck called Urbanna, VA. I grew up in Urbanna so it fun finding this piece in my home town. To give you an idea how small this town is, there are no stop lights!
Anyhow, when I saw this dresser I immediately thought it would make a great dresser/changing table for a nursery.
With two small and two large drawers, I knew there was plenty of storage space for diapers, onsies, lotions, etc.
And, the top is large enough for a changing pad for the baby.
OK, I realize it’s hard to imagine a baby on this dresser, but trust me its going to look great!
So the first thing I did was get out the sander and sanded the top. It’s looking better? Right?
I then painted the drawers a color I call “Baby Blue” It’s my custom mix of CeCe Caldwell’s Blue Montana Sky and Simply White. The trim and sides where painted in CeCe Caldwell’s Simply White.
I stained the top “Jacobean”, waxed the entire piece with CeCe Caldwell’s clear wax and the transformation is complete!
This piece was available at maggie jane’s brownstone but a sweet couple expecting their first child purchased it for their nursery! How cool is that? SOLD
You had me at Hello! When I first saw this antique cabinet, I fell in love with..
the amazing trim and antique hardwarethe beautiful and delicate ball and claw feetand the well worn top with lots of potential!After sanding and staining, the top is shiny and gorgeous!And after cleaning, painting, distressing and a satin finish top coat, the cabinet is stunning! The jacobean stained top is a nice contrast against CeCe Caldwell’s Pittsburgh Gray and the gold metallic trim!The inside is just as beautiful as the outside. CeCe Caldwell’s Pittsburgh Gray was also used to distress the inside. There is plenty of storage space for dishes, linens, barware, books, etc.
This piece is available at maggie jane’s browstone (a vintage french urban chic boutique) in Old Town Alexandria, VA (SOLD, the couple that purchased this plans to use it as a bathroom vanity).
In another lifetime, this cabinet started out as a mid-century modern piece of furniture (left). But after a custom mix of CeCe Caldwell’s Dustin Gulf Green and Chesapeake Blue paints, this modern day “farmhouse” cabinet is now ready for a 21st Century Home! I painted the interior a neutral gray (CeCe Caldwell’s Seattle Mist) so dishes and accessories are highlighted!
Available at maggie jane’s brownstone in Old Town Alexandria, VA. (SOLD)
This table has a great marble top and a beautiful tulip shaped base but the dark stain (left picture) made it hard to see these features. To highlight the beautiful detaiIs, I used CeCe Caldwell’s Pittsburgh Gray, then distressed along the shape and lines.
This unique piece would be lovely in a foyer, living room or bedroom and is available at maggie jane’s brownstone in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
My furniture and accessories are available at maggie jane’s brownstone. maggie jane’s is “a vintage French urban chic boutique” located at 913 King Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA. The store has 9 nine rooms filled with amazing items including painted furniture, paints (featuring CeCe Caldwell Chalk & Clay products, and Paint Couture), jewelry, scarfs, purses, soaps, lotions, silver, candles, glassware, doors, windows and so much more.
It’s a great place to find gifts for you, your home, and someone special!
