I've spent these past few days cleaning like a maniac...

so I thought it best to snap some photos of my kitchen while it's almost spotless. I have no problem admitting this place is never spotless because I prefer to live in my home. I'm sure if you look closely you will spot some crumbs on the floor I tried to brush away with my sock. ((giggle))

My main reason for posting these photos is to share with other novice DIY'ers. Or better yet, help to inspire/motivate others to give cosmetic home improvements a try themselves.

I'll list paint colors, brands and any other info I can post. I so appreciate other bloggers who share photos of their homes and what they did to update them. It helped me when deciding my kitchen colors.

I can honestly say that after 15 years of living in this 1800's farmhouse, I now have my (very modest, budget friendly) dream kitchen.
I haven't added up the total cost. I'm not sure I want to. Eeeks!
But I do know it was a heck of a lot cheaper than if we were to pay someone to do what my sweet hubs and I have done. There is no doubt about it.
We put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into it. We also had a blast at times and hysterically laughed our way through.



Wall color: Behr Hazelnut Cream
All Beadboard color: Behr Ivory Mist
Trim and cabinets color: Behr Powdered Snow
Vaulted ceiling color: Behr Ivory Mist
Faux Tintile Ceiling Tiles: Global Specialty Products
Crown Molding: Behr Powdered Snow
Braided area rugs: Overstock . com



All knobs and bin pulls: knobsandpulls. com





I removed all the hinges and spray painted them with Rustoleum satin black.





Cape Dory Top Mount Cast Iron Single Bowl Kitchen Sink by Kohler
Glacier Bay Bridge Kitchen Faucet
Listello Tiles: Menards
I've never tiled before in my life. It was kind of fun!





Formica 180fx Soapstone Sequoia laminate countertop in Scovato finish and Ogee IdealEdge. Home Depot installation.



Jenn-Air Downdraft Gas Cooktop: Local Jenn-Air dealer
Cooktop Trim Kit: Micro-Trim Inc.



Red Doors: Behr Awning Red



China Hutch: Behr Sandstone Cliff
Vintage Murphy Ironing Board and other accent furniture: Behr Black Suede
Hampton Bay Wood Architectural outlet and light switch covers



Americana Antiqued Flag Walls painted by me. (Hey, I'm going to give myself a plug too.)



I put Allen & Roth beadboard wallpaper on old, ugly bifold doors: Lowes
Then added decorative strap hinges meant for garage doors: Home Depot







Beautiful vintage Windsor dining room set and solid maple butcher block are Craigslist finds. So is the china hutch.
Don't let the media scare you from looking at Craigslist. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. But then again I am reminded of the practically new Jenn-Air electric downdraft cooktop we got for a mere 25 bucks. I still can't believe that one!
The majority of people selling on there are legit. But there will always be predators and evil in this world. Remember to use your brain, have a little common sense and you can score some awesome finds. You could also practice your Second Amendment right and feel just a little safer in this world.

I'll share again our kitchen (blast from the past) when we first moved in.



Heck, I don't even recognize it!

Anyway... There you have it. I think I covered pretty much everything we did over the past year and then some. We're both so happy with the outcome that my sweet hubs mentioned he's ready to take on an upstairs remodel.
I responded with, "WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DID YOU DO WITH MY HUSBAND?!!"

((giggle))

Happy Wednesday.
Now go paint a wall in your home.

:> )