Have you ever started on a project only to keep adding items to your to-do list until there was no clear end in sight?
That's what happened to me once I decided I couldn't put off fixing up my kitchen another day. If your a long time follower there is a reason you've only seen bits and pieces of my kitchen. I've only ever shown you the somewhat pretty parts and kept the ugly parts away from the camera.
Before I show you the "ugly" how about a sneak peak at the pretty finished room?
Nice right?
OK, now lets back it up and take a look at the beginning.
Be prepared for a whole lot of U.G.L.Y.
As you can see, it's an odd shaped kitchen with two entrances. One from the living room and one from the dinning room. The space itself is wonderful. The cooking area is large enough for a few people. If I happen to have extra helpers they sit or stand on the other side of the island.
The eating area has a large window that overlooks my front yard garden and the street beyond. The light streaming in from the window is always welcomed to keep the kitchen cheerful and bright most of the day.
As you enter the kitchen from the living room this is the view that meets you.
I adore this long, wide island.
It's the place I do most of my prep work when I'm fixing meals. It offers me plenty of space to spread out and make big messes.
To dress it up a little, I added bead board to the back of the island and then wrapped it around the side also. To finish, I added a nice wide trim along the floor.
Above the island my hubby replaced the nasty track lighting with a pretty new fixture from Lowe's.
Don't you just love it?
On the other side of the island is the stove and more cabinets.
I removed the doors from one of the cabinets to see how I liked open shelves.
I have to say I'm loving it.
Our most used items are within easy reach. Plus it's fun to have a spot to display my white dishes and cutting boards.
I try to keep my counter tops as clear as possible. I'm not a big fan of clutter. I'd much rather see clean, clear space with only the essentials on display. A few items always seem to make their way onto the counter but for the most part it's only what's needed.
Directly across from the stove is the sink and another fairly good sized window that lets in the late afternoon sunshine.
Hubby was a wonderful man and replaced not only my old faucet but also the light fixture above the sink.
Besides painting the cabinets, the biggest change I think was the simple addition of cabinet pulls. We had never had them before - - it's amazing what a difference they make.
Because our cabinet fronts are so flat and plain I thought a nice chunky handle would add extra interest. Sure enough, they did what they were supposed to do and I am very happy with the results.
The second part of the kitchen is the office/eating space.
As you enter the kitchen from the living room directly on your left is a small desk area where I keep my computer, phone and calendar. This is my happy space where all my blog reading and writing takes place.
Right next to the desk, is a large counter area which works great for a standing desk. Hanging on the wall next to it is my command center. A "white" board for making shopping lists, and two hanging file baskets. Together they keep my family and I organized.
And finally there is the eating area.
The table was a thrift store find that I refinished recently.
I love the rustic farmhouse feel it give the kitchen.
On the walls around the eating area I install bead board which I have wanted to do since the day we moved in. I love how it gives the room more of a cozy feeling.
I am so happy I finally talked my husband into letting me paint the cabinets!
Granted the extra's like the bead board, new lighting, and a faucet I had to sort of slip in there at the last minute. A girl's got to be sneaky!
In the end, I feel as if I have a brand new kitchen and I LOVE it.
Hope you enjoyed the tour,
