My favorite post: April 19, 2009
It's Metamorphosis Monday!
Hello my friends and welcome to "Metamorphosis Monday"!
My goodness...there are just all kinds of things "morphing" around blogland on Mondays! Hehe!!!
This fun filled event is hosted by our very own Susan over at Between Naps On The Porch! I would just like to give a heartfelt thank you to Susan for hosting this event! I know that she puts alot of thought and hard work into this each and every week...I sure do appreciate you, Susan!!!
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**My Kitchen**
WOW!...I can't believe that I'm actually going to show you my kitchen! Honestly, I have avoided posting any photos of my kitchen simply because it is in desperate need of a remodel! We have had plans to do this for sometime now, however with today's economy it may be a long while before we are able to tackle this project! Soooo...I wanted to show you what I have done so far!
The reason I decided to post my little kitchen on "Metamorphosis Monday" is because I have actually done quite a bit of work trying to update this space. When I first moved to this house, everything was white, white, WHITE!...kitchen included! Little by little, I have added color and a bit of me! I sure wished that I had "before" photos...but I don't! I guess that you'll have to take my word for it...hehe!!!
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Wall Color...
As you can see...my kitchen is pretty small, however it seems to be sufficient for just my honey and me! It's partially opened to the dining room so that helps it to appear a bit larger! Last summer we painted the walls an olive green color (Behr - River Bank). We began with the olive green wall color in the living room which is open to the dining room and can be seen from the kitchen as well. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are done in dark red, olive green, and gold. I really have enjoyed this color palette and each room coordinates and flows together nicely.
There is a breakfast bar that seperates the kitchen from the dining room! It's a nice "eat-in" area to enjoy breakfast or a snack.
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Cabinetry...
This home was built in 1927...it was very small! My husband added on to the front and back of the house (and also added an upstairs which doubles the sq. footage). These cabinets were in the house when my husband bought it. They are vintage 1950's metal cabinets...and in perfect condition! They would be perfect for a retro design style...but it's just not me! I'm holding out for creamy white...French Country style cabinetry...ahhhh...some day!
One thing I really do enjoy about these cabinets are the nice "lazy susie" styled corner cabinets (upper & lower)...they really are spacious and hold all of my canned foods and staples!
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Tile backsplash...
Our first kitchen project when I came to this house was to tile the backsplash. The backsplash was just textured sheetrock. Mind you, this was nearly nine years ago and at the time I wanted a black & white checkerboard look! Oh my, my style has really changed and evolved! When we remodel, I would like to do something different...maybe a tumbled marble!
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Range area...
Our range sets back in this little niche...I do like this arrangement! I sure can envision a pretty Frenchy facade/range hood above the stove.
Oh yes...and speaking of facades or soffits...as you can see, my husband built in a soffit over the cabinets with recessed lighting underneath. I also like the feel of the cabinet soffit...it almost gives the feel of a tray ceiling! Okay, don't laugh...a girl has her dreams!!!
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My artwork & a little "Old World" style....
Well...this is my attempt to bring a little "old world" style into my retro kitchen! I just don't care for the more modern, clean lines of the metal cabinets. I was hoping to warm the kitchen up a bit by painting on the soffit!
Step One: Background - I wanted an old distressed look. I laid down a coat of gold paint...then came in with a darker shade of gold glaze and just worked it on top of the first coat.
Step Two: I used a stencil for the brown & black scrolls...I was aiming for a decorative iron look!
Step Three: I used a grape leaf stencil to add leaves (a lt. green) that would appear to be in the shadowy background. Then I hand painted vines/branches and larger grapevine leaves into the design. I wanted a more detailed look...more realistic! To make the grapes, I used a small round paint dauber...using different shades of purples for a 3 dimensional effect!
I really had fun painting this...and I'm happy with how it turned out! I think it looks much better in person...it's so difficult to really capture the true essence of something in a photo!
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Just wanted to show you a photo of our antique door that seperates the kitchen from the mudroom/laundry room. My husband found this old door and just had to have it in his house! I'm sure glad that he did...I love this old door with it's beveled oval shaped glass!!! Just a little more of that "Old World" feel!
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This is the wall just to the right of the door. I didn't photograph my old frig...hehe! But I did want to show you my old enamel table with the chippy legs! I just love this little table!
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View from the breakfast bar that divides the kitchen from the dining room!
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Hmmm...well my friends, it's been a long tour...how about some refreshments? Thank you so much for letting me show you my little kitchen! Just want to say that I'm always opened to suggestions! If you have any great ideas for this kitchen they would be greatly welcomed! It really has been a continuing metamorphosis!!!
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Well my friends, before I close today...I just wanted to tell you a little about my "brainstorm of an idea" hehe! Sunday I posted one of my favorite blog posts...my Dollar Store tablescape! I thought that I may try doing this on Sunday's...posting a favorite!
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"Sunday Favorites"...a new Sunday Meme???
I'm just kind of putting "feelers" out there...to see if any of you might be interested in doing a Sunday meme like this.
There are a couple of reasons that I thought this might be fun....
1. It's always fun to share a well-loved or favorite post! Many of you have been blogging for some time and have so many great posts that you could share...and remember, we always have newcomers to blogland. I just know that they would be thrilled to have an opportunity to read and see some of your things!!!
2. Many times I get so busy with the weekend that I just don't have the time to post anything. Participating in "Sunday Favorites" would certainly be a quick-fix! All you would have to do is republish a favorite post! And while I don't really have the time to get a full-fledged post together on the weekend, I still really enjoy sitting with my morning coffee and reading through all of your posts! It's just a great way to start my day! I love doing this on Saturday's and Sunday's!
Anyway, just thought I would throw the idea of a "Sunday Favorites" meme out there for you to think about. If there is enough interest, I will get a Mr. Linky! No pressure...it's something that I think I will probably do anyway!
You can click
HERE...for more information regarding "Sunday Favorites"!!!
Well my friends, thank you so much for coming by today! I always love our visits...please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here! I love getting back with you....
Happy Metamorphosis Monday!!!
It's Metamorphosis Monday!
"Sunday Favorites"...a new Sunday Meme???
16 comments:
Chari!!
I think your kitchen looks way cool!! It has personality!! It makes a statement!!
Okay. I will calm down. I really do like everything from the colors to the backsplash, to the metal cabinets. Oh, how I remember those in the house I grew up in. Yours look like new!
Since you are re~posting this, I am wondering if you have made any major changes yet?? I bet it will be interesting!!
xoxo
Jane
Love your color scheme and your creative elements. That swinging door (it looks as tho it swings) is gorgeous. You have a handy husband!
Chari my dear,
This is gorgeous! I am so glad you posted it again. The tile blacksplash is way cool, it adds so much character. And that stenciling, You did a fabulous job on it-- so very professional looking! Dan did some in our last home and I know how labor intensive that is. I love the color palette you've used, very french country and the old world door sure was a great find! I so love this kitchen, you have such a way with all the finishing touches! I have worked about an hour trying to re-post another old post. I re-did it and blogger has changed their format for posting and I think it's messed up. I will try but if it looks too wierd I will just delete it. I hope your having a wonderful labor day week-end, we are laying low just getting together with family on Monday. Hugs to you, Cindy
Chari, your kitchen is just so pretty. I love the black and white check, it is just always so classic. I don't have a big kitchen either, but like yours it really works. I really love that door too. Great post, I enjoyed it again. Hugs, Marty
Your kitchen looks awesome! What a great job you did. Enjoy your holiday!
Hi Chari,
I think I may have finally got it! Blogger is giving me a headache! I am on twice, please remove no. 8 it's wrong. Yikes~ Hugs, cindy
Beautiful kitchen! Love the golden fruit at the ceiling, my fav! Have a blessed day!
Chari, your are quite the artist. You did a great job on your grapes. Love that door and the enamel table!!! Great job!
Hi there Chari! :)
Love your kitchen, and LOVE your enamel table!!! You write the most wonderful posts!
My fav post so far is the one I wrote yesterday about building our tiny home. Hope you like it too!
Stop by and say 'Hi' when you can, Chari. I love hearing from you.
:)
Zuzu
Chari, you are very talented! Your grapes are awesome. Love your kitchen and can't wait to see what you do next.
Loved seeing your post that started Sunday Favorites. It is one of my favorite memes because it is easy and fun to look back at favorite posts. Thank you so much for hosting and for coming up with this great idea.
Christi
I am so glad that you reposted this...I would not have seen it otherwise!!!
Your kitchen is wonderful!!! I love all of the things that you have done to it!!! You and your husband are so talented!!!
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!!!
XOXO
Cathy
I love your kitchen. I love the black and white back splash! The stenciling is wonderful! I adore your table! I have one similar that I been trying to get my hands on for a while now! I have to find them something to replace it and its mine! lol I love old enamel and have it all things old in my kitchen one day when its all clean I going to show mine! lol
Love all what you did to your kitchen, Chari. I know I have told you that before. I love the tiles and your artwork among other things.....Christine
I remember this post - - - and that oval beveled glass door is STILL to die for!!!!! OF COURSE you should have it in your house!!!! And I WISH it was in MINE!!!! ;-)
What a cute kitchen!! I have one of those enamel tables two!! Mine has red and white on the top--it is white with a red design--really old. I use mine in the kitchen as a prep area and as a breakfast eating area (for my hubby in the am). I also use it for my laptop when following recipes from my computer ---which is very frequent).
Cant believe you stenciled that--I thought it was wallpaper border--I will go back and look more closely. I have a few stenciled areas in my home--a tiny section of the floor, the back of some chairs, a tiny bit on one of the fireplaces. My son also did a little bird in nest mural above a door...and a huge mural in one of my bedrooms (that one is old--he did it when he was in highschool--he would do a better job now...but I can't feel right in painting over it...at least not yet!)
Ps. Love that door and the wine rack!!
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