Friday, October 9, 2009

Metamorphosis Monday Kitchen Transformation

Sheri @ The Shades of Pink was sweet enough to invite me to her blog party, A Room A Month Makeover, so I gratefully accept the invitation, and I'm linking up with her too. Make sure to visit for other inspirational ideas!
Welcome, dear Bloggers, to another Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Susan @ BNOTP. Have I got a MEGA MET for you today! Many of you know I've been absent for a couple of months because of a flood in my basement. Well, the renovation bug bit me and Big Daddy once again, and one project led to another, namely my kitchen.

Whenever I post pictures here at the Lace and Ivy Cottage, I've always avoided shots of my kitchen. If the kitchen is supposed to be the heart of the home, then mine was in desperate need of a heart transplant!

We've lived in this home for 11 years now, and we've been renovating it ever since, but the kitchen was always put on the back burner because of the high cost of kitchen renovations. Well, about 8 months ago, Big Daddy and I finally decided to bite the bullet and tackle the job ourselves by removing and sanding some upper cabinet doors. That's as far as the renovation got. So, for the last 8 months I had no cabinet doors and an even uglier kitchen.

I have always hated this hideous florescent light box. It served more as a fly trap than a light source!

Here, I started testing out different kinds of white paint. Do you have any idea how many variations of whites there are in the paint stores? These overhead cabinets above the sink housed the only other light source, a dim light bulb that was burnt out half the time. I've been preparing meals in this cave for 11 years now!

Soon after we moved in, we pulled down some cabinets that hung from the ceiling above this counter that further enclosed the kitchen. I would have to duck my head in order to see people in the other room!

Don't you just love the dark stained oak cabinets with the ambient florescent lighting? NOT!
OK, we're almost done. Just try to remember this shot, because soon it will be just a distant memory.
More testing of paint colors.

Almost done, I promise. Since the job was too daunting for Big Daddy and I to handle by ourselves, we surrendered to the fact that we needed professional help. We ended up hiring some professional painters who did work on the side, and charged us a song for the labor. I know, this is a mortal sin for you do-it-yourselfers, but I was desperate!
Good riddance to that light box! My ceilings are only 8 feet tall, but without that box, it feels like 10! The overhead cabinet over the sink was pulled out, too. Look at the light flood in through the windows, even with plastic sheets over them. The primer is already a great improvement.

After witnessing all the prep work required before painting, I'm so glad we hired someone else do it. We would never have been able to do the job as efficiently.


Here's a peek at my new island.


Do you tablescapers out there recognize my dining room? My dining table is in there, somewhere. I can't believe the stuff I found in our kitchen cabinets. Wedding presents that I've never even opened!

Out with the old florescent light box, overhead cabinets, and dark stain, and in with new recessed lighting, chandelier, pendant lights, and creamy white paint!
Let there be light!

I decided to have the island painted black to compliment the black appliances. I've also kept the cabinet door off and replaced them with baskets for some added texture. Don't you just love the designer lingo? Yeah, I've been watching HGTV for way too long.

Do you like my plate rack? I got used to the open shelves over the 8 months without them, and decided to keep the doors off of these. Big Daddy installed the lights, cabinet pulls, and knobs.

We also cut out the center of these door and replaced them with glass.

Here's a closeup.We chose a seedy glass that lends to the overall vintage look.

I chose and oil rubbed bronze finish for the cabinet hardware. I had remembered reading a blog some time ago that recommended Target. I wish I could remember who it was so I could thank her. They were significantly cheaper there than either Home Depot or Lowes.
Even my old counters don't look so bad anymore.


At the last minute, I decided on this paint color. It's called Ozone by Behr and is part of a vintage color collection. I really like it. And in case you're interested, I chose Creamy White by Behr in high gloss for the cabinets. It really is amazing what paint can do.

I had some old lace and seashells around the house and quickly fashioned this valance. It may eventually change, but it's good for now. Best of all, it cost me nothing.
We're keeping the old stools, though painting them black is in the future. They've been here since the house was built in the 80's and have withstood the use and abuse of my family. Why change a good thing?
Hanging cabinets are now replace by stylish pendant lights.

Even the ceiling got a new coat of paint. No more ketchup stains...one word...KIDS!
One last look. Do you remember the old kitchen? Nah, neither do I!
Thanks for stopping by the Lace and Ivy Cottage. And as always, your comments make me smile!


Till Next Time,


42 comments:

Stacey said...

Your kitchen turned out beautifully! It's so bright and cheery. I love the combination of the white and Ozone. Good info about the knobs at Target. Thanks. Enjoy that gorgeous space.

Terry said...

Wow! Your kitchen is so bright and wonderful now! I love it - sure looks like you had a mess going on during the process but how great to have everything back in it's place!

Leanne said...

WOW.... I am speechless! That is BEAUTIFUL!!!

trish said...

Oh my goodness! You have my dream kitchen! So beautiful!! I love everything about it ... especially the glass in the doors!
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

xinex said...

OMG Lorna, what a transformation! I love the new look, the brightness and the plate rack and cabinets and the pendant lights. Your kitchen is so big, must be a pleasure to cook there now....Christine

Signing Out said...

Lorna, this is truly amazing! It looks like a brand new kitchen! I love it all!

I know how much work it was because I did mine over the summer. However, it was time well spent because your kitchen looks fantastic!

Jane

**** April **** said...

That is truly a thing of beauty. I guess it's proof that some things are definitely worth paying someone ELSE to do! :) I love the gloss on the ceiling -- how it reflects the light and the glass choice you made! I really like how the white cabinets makes the tile now totally blend in a seamless way with the rest of the kitchen instead of really stand OUT. That is definitely a room to want to spend time in! BRAVO!!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Wow, what a stunning transformation. YOur kitchen is just gorgeous. I love all the wonderful cabinet space you have and the white is absolutely gorgeous. I just love it all. Hugs, Marty

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Hard to believe it's the same kitchen. What an improvement!!! It looks superb!

Its So Very Cheri said...

Love the vintagy glass. Love the ultimate make over-what AN AMAZING transformation.
Cheri

santamaker said...

Oh my Goodness, it's like night and day! What an awesome transformation. You must be spending all of your time here. You must be sooo proud and excited to use your new kitchen. Great job!

Martha said...

What a transformation for your kitchen.

cindy@cottageinstincts said...

OMGoodness what a transformation! I have one of those icky florescent lights in my kitchen too....can't wait to replace it, and I love the lights your chose. Great job!

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Wow, what a transformation! It truly turned your ugly duckling kitchen into a beautiful swan!

From the Old InkWell said...

What a change! Looks beautiful. So fresh - love the white!

Michelle said...

I LOVE IT! When you said "let there be light" you were not kidding. What a happy room you designed.

I love the glass doors with the curved tops...so cool!

Beautiful!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Fabulous transformation! Enjoy every minute in this bright space...Janell

Terry Stone said...

Wonderful transformation! Your pictures make me glad that I decided to redo my old oak cabinets with white paint!

regan said...

lorna your kitchen looks so beautiful. what a transformation. and even though i haven't been to your house in years, i always thought it was so pretty.

Cindy said...

Your kitchen is beautiful. What a great metamorphosis! Oh, what paint can do. ~ Cindy

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Wow...I'm speechless! What a fantastic transformation! I absolutely love all the changes, especially the cabinets and the lighting changes...it's beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Susan

Jane said...

Great post....I felt like I was watching an episode of an HGTV makeover show!!! Loved seeing the before and after pictures. You did a fantastic job, the kitchen is gorgeous....you should be very proud of yourself!!
Jane

Anna said...

this is an amazing before and after!
I painted my kitchen cabinets a few months ago, it makes such a big difference. I have recessed lighting in my kitchen, but now I want some of those pendant light fixtures too, I love those!
And I used those same cabinet hardware from Target - so you may have read that on my blog, I think I posted about it on Met monday a couple of months ago

Marigene said...

Your kitchen certainly has undergone a complete metamorphosis! What a fabulous room that anyone would be happy cooking in.

Anonymous said...

Lorna! Congratulations on your beautiful kitchen! I love the white cabinets and that plate rack! It also looks so much bigger! I'm sure you're enjoying it so much.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Anonymous said...

Fantastic reno! The three best things anyone can take away from this inspirational kitchen are (1) removing the hanging portion of the cabinets; (2) the lighting and (3) the lighter colors! There are many other fine details, too. Great job!

Scribbler

nannykim at spindle cottage said...

AN UNBELIEVable transformation--That is a truly great one!! I love the results!! love all the light and the glass cabinets!! love the lighting you choose and I agree the stolls will look fab in black!! NICE--you must feel like you are in a new place!!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

5*, it is so pretty. I too once had a ketcup stain...I could not even blame the kids. thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Oh. my. gosh. That is simply amazing!!! I bet you feel so...oh I don't know...I bet you feel like dancing in there!!


If you haven't already come link up to my Room a Month Link party (Every Monday!)http://theshadesofpink.blogspot.com/2009/10/room-month-monster-dominoes.html

rebekahweckerly@gmail.com said...

Seriously!! This is one of the most amazing transformations I have seen!!! WOW!! You did a great job!!! LOVE this room!!!

Julie said...

WOW.. Your kitchen is so bright and beautiful... You can not go wrong with a white kitchen ...Love Love Love the stained glass chandelier...
xoxo
Julie

cinnibonbon said...

My mouth is hanging wide open!!!! I love it!

Kristens Creations said...

thanks for checking out my craft desk redo...your kitchen sure did turn out beautiful! It looks so clean and fresh! Kristen

Sherri said...

What an improvement! I have always hated my DARK cabinets. ALWAYS. I've said a ton of time's I wanted to paint them either white or red. I may just tackle it now that I've seen what a difference it made with your kitchen. I love it!

Donna @ Paisley and Perspective said...

Wow wow wow!!! What an amazing transformation! The darkness of the old kitchen is totally gone and replaced with a lovely bright open space. I'll bet you want to spend all your time there! Congratulations!

Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting on my dining room table project! I like what I've read so far and will definitely be back!

Heather said...

What an amazingly beautiful transformation!! I'm inspired!

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Hi Lorna~this is definitely a flipping of the switch and turning the light on! It looks like a custom remodel with the glass, plate rack and new hardware. I love how you created a focal point with the island by painting it black. Removing the doors and replacing them with the textured baskets was very creative, to say the least! Now you're all set for your holiday cooking.

Sweet wishes,
Sara

Phyllis @Around the House said...

wow I just love the kitchen, it is just beautiful, what a difference, i can hardly remember the old kitchen either..I love the old glass in the cabinets..Putting glass in the doors also gives the space a feeling of being even larger, love it all, congrats...

Pinky said...

Oh my goodness it is hard to believe that this is the same room!!!!!! It looks GORGEOUS!!!! I can't believe what a difference you made. Love the glass front cabinets, the PENDANTS....Oh be still me heart! I am still living with the God awful flourescent light in my kitchen.....I save dthis to my favorites to show hubby how much BETTER our kitchen can look just with different lighting! GREAT job! Pinky

GranthamLynn said...

You probably don't check your old posts. But I have to say I love what you did. The black island is so cool. And I have to compliment you on saving the tile. I almost cried the other night when I say tile being busted out. Such a waste. Thanks for sharing your makeover. I loved it!

Lili said...

Wow, I found your blog when I was googling for ideas on tranforming my mom's old kitchen...Your kitchen transformation is unbelievable...VERY,VERY well done!!! :)

Kitchen Cabinets said...

Hi. Greetings. This post is really good and blog is really interesting. It gives good details.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin