Earlier this Spring I was tired of staring at my old painted yellow kitchen walls and dated decor.
I got to the point I didn't feel as happy and inspired while cooking in my kitchen.
I wanted the room to look brighter, fresh, and happy.
It's been a long slow process of re-doing the kitchen, but I am thrilled to say that it's finally the kitchen I've dreamed of.
Along the way I got frustrated with not knowing what to do for window treatments, or how to cover up the ugly TV when I have friends and company over. Plus, not being able to find the perfect wall clock for my kitchen.
So, I got creative and came up with a few DIY projects that solved my problems and look terrific.
The kitchen is fairly large. It's more of a long galley type kitchen. Lots of room for creating pretty vignettes.
(click on photos if you wish to enlarge)
I used Benjamin Moore paint for the walls. The color is named Mayonnaise.
Too funny!
I wanted very minimal window treatments. I didn't want heavy treatments to block the natural light. My desire was for open and airy.
I got crafty and used a vintage white petticoat to softly decorate the top of the door window.
Gives it a pretty romantic touch.
Believe it or not...the tablecloth is actually TWO ruffled window treatments from Urban Outfitters. I purchased them awhile back to use in my living room and ended up not wanting to use them. The package sat on my desk waiting forever to be returned for credit, until I had a brainstorm idea to use it as a tablecloth for my kitchen.
Looks cute huh??
I purchased a brand new crystal chandelier online. If you are in the market for one I will give you my source. They have a huge selection!
This is the PRETTIEST chandelier with brilliant crystals and was VERY reasonable in price!
Well worth the money!
This cabinet I purchased for $100 and gave it a fresh coat of paint and slight distress.
This gorgeous old cabinet I painted a powder blue.
It's filled with fun vintage collectables.
I display vintage tins underneath my wine house.
I love this pretty wall of pink and green.
I framed a few pieces of my photos.
Kitchen countertops full of retro sweetness!
I had fun playing with the windows above the sink.
I ended up using vintage embroidered tea towels as the treatment. I adore the vintage and whimsical look.
My personal favorite is the Southern Belle tea towel and directly above a clock from Home Depot that I altered.
I searched all over for a vintage inspired clock to hang directly above my sink.
I had no such luck. So, I decided to purchase a $20 clock from Home Depot. Paint the clock and use these super darling cake/ice cream/cupcake images from Everyday Is A Holiday. Jenny and Aaron so graciously allowed me to use their artwork images for Vivian's play table and chairs. I thought the images would look perfect decoupaged inside the clock.
Swwweeet!!!
I wanted my kitchen to feel cozy and welcoming. It kind of has that "Grandma lived in feel" to it.
I found this oak mirror with roses etched on the glass. I purchased it and gave it an instant makeover.
Looks pretty with the millinery hats.
This little corner turned out lovely.
I repainted the kitchen bench from a green color to a pretty aqua blue shade.
Also added was a resin rose garland to give it more of a shabby look.
The lightbulb went off to cover the water bottle with one of my birdcages.
Looks MUCH prettier now doesn't it? ;)
Above my kitchen door I did another DIY project by adding darling embroidery
to make a valance.
I can use my fingers to roll up it or down.
My favorite make-over of the entire kitchen was this built in cabinet.
I first took off the glass cabinet doors. In order to give it more of a cottage victorian look I added decorative wood bead trim, wood millwork corners, clear glass knobs, and resin flower baskets.
Last but not least painted it PINK!
I didn't want to spend a lot of time and money trying to cover up the kitchen TV & cable box. 9 times out of 10 it's not hanging up. The children enjoy watching TV in the kitchen while eating breakfast and snacks.
However, when I have friends or company over I think it looks much nicer hidden behind the ruffle white petticoat.
I must give a huge plug to Sealah tape. I used it for everything.
I LOVE this stuff!
I adore Mr. and Mrs. Humpty Dumpty S & P shakers.
How fun is this phone??
I purchased it on Amazon.
I played around with styling a bit and created a little breakfast table.
I hope you enjoyed viewing my kitchen make-over, and maybe were perhaps inspired to try out a few DIY tricks of your own.
The ONLY thing that would REALLY complete and truly make it the kitchen of my dreams was if I were to win the Loto so I could purchase these.
FABULOUS huh???
Oh well...Maybe one day! :)
Thanks for stopping by!
See you soon!!!
Hugs & Kisses,
Oh Jenn, it is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute!! I love it!! Oh and you are right, those retro appliances would be the bee's knees!
xoxo
Posted by: chinamommy | July 26, 2011 at 05:38 AM
Soooooo adorable. Love it.
Posted by: Erin Parker | July 26, 2011 at 06:00 AM
Oh my goodness goodness GOODNESS, Jen! I've been checking in, and am over-the-top THRILLED to see this post today. GORGEOUSNESS!!!! I will be coming back again and again just for a breath of fresh inspiration. Too many things I love to mention them all, but here a just a few of my many faves: bird cage hiding the water jug, almost-returned curtain turned into a ruffly tablecloth, and the ruffly white petticoat covering the TV shelf. (I may try to incorporate that idea in my living room.) Oh, I could go on and on, but I'd better stop. Need to save some time to get started doing some freshening up of my own house. I am officially inspired!! Sendin lots of hugs for your hard work in coming up with this post for us!
Posted by: Linda Diane | July 26, 2011 at 06:30 AM
It was beautiful before but absolutely gorgeous now...I love all of it and now your retro goodies really stand out. Billy will probably not be happy when I tell him we have to make some changes around here! heehee.
Posted by: angela | July 26, 2011 at 06:57 AM
Hello Jennifer,
your kitchen makeover is so cute. I too have the curtain from u.o. I've used it as a shower curtain, but now I'm tempted to use it on my table. I bet your children love to spend time hanging out in your gorgeous kitchen.
Bertie x
Posted by: Bertie Meadows | July 26, 2011 at 09:10 AM
Wow--this is just yummy--so much work--you must be so proud of yourself!! Gorgeous! Now what magazine is it going to be featured in???
Posted by: Janet Ghio | July 26, 2011 at 09:17 AM
OM freaking G!! So beautiful Jen!! Looks like it could have been the kitchen of some very sexy grandma- stunning!!!
oxox
Posted by: Maija | July 26, 2011 at 09:39 AM
jenn, this is like steppping into a fairy tale. thank you for the tour and i'm sure we would all be delighted to see more of your home and your new crafting heaven/haven! thank you so much!!!
Posted by: sharon | July 26, 2011 at 09:40 AM
Oh wow, this is truly beautiful, well done you, amazing job,
hugs,
Em.x
Posted by: Emma | July 26, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Your kitchen is sooo cute and there are so many cute things to look at in every spot !!! It looks wonderful Jen : )
Posted by: Benita DeVary | July 26, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Wow it's completely over the top and completely gorgeous! Love the chandelier and your clock turned out adorable! You know I adore it. BTW, I am about to paint my kitchen lavender! LOL! I was afraid you were going to go all minimalist farmhouse style on me when you started but I should know better!! xoxo... Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Grenko | July 26, 2011 at 10:55 AM
I love your kitchen and wish it was mine! Your magical touch is everywhere!
Posted by: Teacup Lane | July 26, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Jenn..Your kitchen is YUMMILIOUS...The way you put it all together is the SWEETEST EYE CANDY EVER.... LOVE IT.. xoso Sandy
Posted by: Sandy O'Donovan | July 26, 2011 at 12:01 PM
I am so many shades of green right now! What a magnificent makeover! I really love the open airy feel mingled with all the bright and cheery accents. The water cooler may be my absolute favorite part!
Posted by: K @ Aurora Blythe | July 26, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Oooh Jenn, your new kitchen is sooo dreamy!... I just love each and every detail. Your pink phone is fabulous!... and all of your collections make it so cosy and yes, it does look like grandma lived there!... you have such a beautifully soft way of decorating, and I think it is perfect!... I would just stay in the kitchen all day long!... xoxo Julie Marie
Posted by: Julie Marie | July 26, 2011 at 01:30 PM
Your makeover is over-the-moon dreamy! Love the softness of your colors and how light and airy the room feels. And of course, you have added all of the perfect retro touches. Love it!
Posted by: debi | July 26, 2011 at 01:30 PM
Hello Jenn, Your kitchen is so lovely and inviting:) Love the birdcage and clock idea,tea towel valance,where you did not cut your beautiful linens,tablecloth,using what you had. I have a pink kitchen,love it:) Thank You for some great ideas. You Hubby is so sweet letting you enjoy your home. Sweet Texas Hugs,Mary:)
Posted by: crash-n-smash | July 26, 2011 at 02:12 PM
I love love love it, especially the cage over the cooler idea. Clever! Do you have any "before" pictures?
love
rosie
Posted by: rosie | July 26, 2011 at 02:39 PM
Wow!!! WoW!!! WOW!!! I just wish I could jump right into these pictures. Pure bliss!
You did a spectacular job, everything is absolutely gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Bekah | July 26, 2011 at 06:21 PM
Jenn, I love you've integrated so many of your wonderful collectibles into your kitchen! So nice to be able to see and enjoy everything! I also love the salvaged wooden architectural details, so much charm :-). Great job, hope you enjoy it for many years to come! xo, Jen
Posted by: Jen B | July 26, 2011 at 09:13 PM
Your kitchen turned out beautiful just like I knew it would. It is amazing! Love the soft colors you chose and that pink phone is so cute! I love how you did your curtains too. Looks like a fairy tale kitchen. Great job!
Hugs,
Lee Laurie
Posted by: Lee Laurie | July 27, 2011 at 08:30 AM
I loooooooove it!!! Those are the same appliances I want in blue, no stainless for me. You did good!!! I am doing my kitchen in bluebirds and kittens, isn't that silly!
Posted by: Michelle from Manteo | July 27, 2011 at 08:37 AM
So pretty and so you! The curtain solution is just wonderful, but I'm deeply in love with the water bottle cover! Can I steal that great idea? I've been wanting a water bottle, but hate the look of them for my kitchen.
Posted by: Karla Nathan | July 27, 2011 at 09:46 AM
You know how much I adore your pretty new kitchen! The bird cage over the water bottle is fabulous, girl! Each little detail is stunning and so JENN!! Call me when you get a chance, I have some fantastic news!
love you baby girl,
mama Sherry
Posted by: Sherry Williams | July 27, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Jenn,
WHAT FUN!!! Sooooooooooooooo YOU!!!!!!!! I can't choose what is my favortie thing... the blue cupboard is divine, the gingerbread trim over the door, all the "EYE CANDY" everywhere. LOVE the vintage linens as curtains/shades! ADORABLE! Thanks for sharing. How's the new studio coming along? I miss you sweet girl! Still pouting I don't get to come play with you & all the other girls in North Carolina... Oh he owes me big for missing this one. HUGS!
Charlene
Posted by: Charlene | July 27, 2011 at 09:37 PM