I am Die-ing to paint my cabinets a lighter color. They are 1980's oak. While they are solid wood and have a decent shape, I like to refer to my kitchen as "the cave". Those cabinets make the room DARK.
I am planning on doing it after the holidays settle sometime in January or February.
Here's the first step of prep in this loooong journey.
This is the microwave stand, which would be useful if I was 6'4.
Since I am about the same height as Mary Lou Retton,( or for those you in the younger set Li'l Kim.) everything that would come out of that piping hot microwave is at the perfect spot for pouring hot soup right on my head. So, the microwave is on the counter, and the area kind of became a junk collection point and looked very dated with the "bump out."
We had a carpenter friend take it down and cut the lip off so we still could use it, but it would blend in more... Look at the surprises underneath the wood! Whoo-hooo!
Was that shade of green ever in style?!
Now that it's been "trimmed",it already looks better! We are going to put molding on to hide the bottom and crown around the top to finish it off... but alas, while there is potential there, and I am impatient and want it done NOW..I have to remind myself one step at atime...
Jen
I have the same patience level. I want things done now! But things do happen eventually. It'll be exciting to see what you do with your cupboards. I'd like new cabinets, or at the very least re-do what we have. But a bigger dream would be a brand new expanded kitchen. We'll have to see what we can afford when we're 80. ;-)
ReplyDeleteNancy
Girl, I'm with you. I try and avoid pictures that have a glimpse of my cabinets in them, but it's hard because our floorplan is so open. My ugly oaks are truly an eyesore. I am dying to paint them soon! I want to do a warm creamy white with a glaze over them.
ReplyDeleteJen -- go for it!! I just did it a month or so ago and I wish I'd done it YEARS ago! Painting them was so easy and it looks like a TOTALLY new kitchen -- for less than $50!!
ReplyDeleteI blogged about it, so it'll probably in November's posts...
Good luck!!
Ruth
What are you planning on doing to them? If you need any cyber-help... let me know... I do this for a living you know! Can't wait to see it done!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to see what beautiful goodness you turn this kitchen into! If anyone can do it - it's you!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of you lately! I have a small round table with scalloped edges that's a dark stained and laquered wood and I'm wanting it painted with a creamish antiqued color and antique looking floral/fleur de lis kind of design with gold accents! Know anyone that does that sort of thing? LOL! Gosh! I wish you lived closer!
Ooo it't gonna be gorgeous! Can't wait to see what you come up with....I'm sure it will be fantastically fab. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, how exciting! What color are you thinking? I painted mine last year and it changed the kitchen totally! I should do a before and after post one of these days. I can't wait to hear more about yours, so keep us in the loop! ;o) ~mary~
ReplyDeleteI understand completely. One step at a time. I have to remind myself of that very statement on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteohh I can't wait to see them all painted!! we are getting new chunky baseboards and just the thought makes me feel faint with butterflies, I suppose this is how you feel about your soon to be new kitchen cabinets....prrrrrr!
ReplyDeleteI'm so impatient with home projects too. It always feels like an eternity between the time you determine what your going to do, and when you can finally do it.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your project when it's all done. I know it's going to look great and give a whole new life to your "cave" :)
Jen
ReplyDeleteMy email is down and I do not have your numbers written. Hope you are keeping warm.
Do you want to schedule something for next week? Although now that you are doing cabinets, you might not want to stop the progress.
Looks great so far.
Take care
Janet
I know what you mean Jen...I always want things done the minute I have the inspiration to change something...problem is with 3 young kids nothing gets done at a lightening pace around here (as you know I'm sure)! Can't wait to see your cabinet redo!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
:) T
Jen, I am sure they will be beautiful when your done! We are in the midst of our remodel, so we had no choice but to try and get our cabinets done before Christmas...crossing my fingers. I am with you...getting rid of the oak and hello to white with a mocha glaze! ;) I understand your impatients...I am feeling that too! :)
ReplyDeleteHugs and love friend,
~Victoria~
You did good! I could never understand why they'd put a microwave that high or the ones that are 'way down low too. Just doesn't make sense. Ours is on the counter and I would love to have the counter space, but it's much safer for hot liquids to be at that level. Good for you! Can't wait to see what you accomplish! Lots of work ahead of you!
ReplyDeleteDiane
This project is also on my list for 2010. Our cabinets are darker than yours, and since the kitchen faces north, I just know a wonderful creamy white coat of paint (or three) would lighten things up greatly.
ReplyDeleteI'll wish you luck if you'll wish me luck! ;-)
Can't wait to see what you do with your cupboards. ;) One step at a time, seems to go better. I try to remember that, but I'm usually rushing through something trying to get to the end result quicker.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen - I found your blog through BlogFrog and wanted to come over and say welcome! I am always impressed with people who have a knack for being creative with restoration and crafts. I love the vintage theme of your tree and the cozy living area. Makes me want to come have tea t your house :)
ReplyDeleteIf you ever have any questions about BlogFrog or suggestions for how we can be better, please let us know. So nice to discover your blog!
Holly (BlogFrog)
One step at a time and for a kitchen remodel patience is the MOTTO. I learned that doing ours. But if you take your time and give creedence to your thoughts then you won't have to do-overs. I am sure it will be wonderful and can't wait till spring to see it.
ReplyDeletetammy
L'il Kim for the younger set. Tee hee hee. ;-)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you do!
I use to work in the building trade and one thing I loved doing was designing kitchens. Like you I never understood why they made the MWO cabinets so awkward. Did you ever think of replacing the short cabinet over the box with a longer cabinet? If you are painting the kitchen anyway, you could probably get one to match your style. You would have the door handles, from the short one if you aren't replacing all of them. Just a thought!
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your blog! Thanks for sharing! :o)