Kitchen Reno - Part II

And the saga continues.

Again with the whole iceberg thing: you see one project and feel confident it won't take too long to tackle. That project ends up being imperceptibly and indelibly connected to 8 other projects that you are then forced to tackle before any one of the projects can be satisfactorily completed. One of the rules of Home Renovation 101.

This month we started by ripping out ugly old linoleum and ended up pulling baseboards, painting walls, painting door knobs, ripping off 40 year old 'tile' and rock-hard adhesive from our back splash, removing a massive range hood ... I think that's all. Oh, and of course spending as much time at Lowe's as we have at home. Here are photos of the 'progress' if you could call it that ... more like chaos.

And I have a party to host on Saturday! Yikes!



After just one coat. So pretty and crisp against the freshly-painted door/trim.





The blue looks COMPLETELY different on this wall. Crazy, color-changing paint.





Awful adhesive! And the little tiles we had to chip off one by one.





Kevin pulling more tiles. They used to be vintage green. The ones behind the oven were never painted.





All the tiles are OFF. Now to get the adhesive off.





Most of the adhesive is off. Now to smooth the surface, patch holes and retexture.





The fruits of our labor? or ... whatever. ;)



Kitchen Reno - Part I

Last weekend we started ripping up our old linoleum on what must have been a subconcious whim borne of deep-rooted hatred for the heinous blue and what-used-to-be-white-but-then-turned-tan-ish linoleum that we've put up with for the past year. It must have been there since the '80's when a former owner 're-did' the kitchen in blue and white. Blue and white linoleum (so classy), blue and white wide-striped wall paper and sort-of-matching border along the top of the walls. Oh, and the blue 'granite' laminate desk-height shelf along one of the walls; I'm not sure of its original purpose - for us it was just a catch all and I really don't need more of those (I'm a 'stacker', according to Kevin).

So ... yeah; I'm not sure how it happened but before I really knew it I was dripping in sweat, tearing ravenously into the sticky tiles with a nail bar and pulling and ripping - something primal about it, almost, and very exhilerating. Weird how the renovation bug bites and doesn't let go until all you see on your debit card statement is Lowe's Home Improvement and all your weekends are consumed comparing trim or deciding between gloss or eggshell.

At this point I honestly don't know what direction our kitchen will go. I'm just going with the flow, whatever that is, and doing things that I think will work. We start working on one thing and then 3 other things are directly affected by it and if we don't fix them, too, then there is no point in even doing the first thing we set out to do. So we might as well get it all done now (either that or we don't do ANY of it) but that means it's turning into a bigger project than anticipated (moral of the story: always anticipate MORE work and MORe stress when you are updating your home). I feel like I'll be working on my kitchen for the rest of the year.

Also, we've had a few Boozy Susie moments (via) with the trim and the switch boxes for the electrical plugs (I know that is not their technical term). It looks like they put the dry wall up and then realized they had covered a switchbox and just hack-sawed the drywall away from the box. Also, the trim is, well trimmed, very haphazardly and uneven. We might as well just redo everything.

Here is what it looks like now. Crap, basically. (Actually we just threw a smattering of rugs all over - the patch of new concrete by the sink is very dusty and my cats like to roll around on it, so ... now it looks like we live in a tent)

Just getting started. The linoleum by the dishwasher (where the patch is) was obviously already pulled up so we started there.

 The ugly patch of concrete. Apparently we won't be able to match it to the rest of the concrete if we sanded and stained. That's what we wanted to do but with this patch, there will be a big discolored spot ...

Freshly spackled (but still ugly and discolored from the wallpaper), ready for Kilz (which nearly kilz'ed me, by the way - oil based paint is AWFUL and fumey!)

New color for the walls once all the Kilz is up; it's called 'Clear Horizon' by Valspar. It's actually lighter and less periwinkly than it looks in the photo.

Here's hoping we haven't opened an awful (read: expensive) can of worms.

Design Inspiration - Smart Shelving for Small Kitchens

As I continue drooling over awesome kitchens that I find online, I have happened on several examples of efficient, space-saving shelving ideas for smaller kitchens. If you are running low on cabinet space, here are some ideas for adding a few extra shelves (the window shelves would look great with glass or small china pieces) and extra open storage space to house some of your dishes, appliances or serveware:


If you have a passage between your kitchen and dining room, utilize the space above the doorway for one small shelf - perfect for a collection of decorative china (cups and saucers, vintage Jadeite, etc). This would also work above a window or over a pantry door.

I love the use of window space as storage space, too - I think rooms and spaces pulling 'double duty' is a really efficient and creative way to make the most of smaller homes.

I love the addition of the decorative glass above the shelf.

The glass shelves (isntead of wood) is a nice way to keep the space as open as possible. Also, aligning the shelves with the window panes helps keep your view unbostructed. (This idea is from PrettyHandyGirl.com, an excellent DIY blogger I happen to follow)

I love this sleek modern kitchen; it still has a warmth about it that is welcoming. The long shelves along the window do nothing to close in the space and really showcase some pretty, decorative items. Of course not everyone has a huge bank of windows in their kitchen. ;) But even smaller kitchens can pull off the look.

The next space-saving idea is to introduce an open shelving system to your kitchen. If you have a bit of floor space, you can turn a corner or small piece of otherwise-awkward wall into storage space. I just recently scored a large open shelf this weekend from freecycle.org - I think it would be perfect for a spot in my kitchen that really needs to be put to use.


I think the subtle blue color of these shelves is beautiful! A white kitchen is an open kitchen, but I'm a fan of color and this brings a little personality to a storage space that could otherwise look a little cool and industrial.

I think people are afraid of showing their appliances or even their food in the kitchen. We've 'learned' that storage space should be closed (cabinets, pantries). But I think it adds a huge dose of interest and personality to a kitchen to have things out in the open. People tend to collect things they love so why not have them out where you can see them and your guests can appreciate them? (Also, I'm LOVING the little jars of dry goods in the photo below! Stylish and clever!)

This is such an awesome space. The shelves along the back of the kitchen are JUST like the one I got this weekend (except mine is white powder-coated metal). I can see it now, holding my acacia wood salad bowl, blue floral cake stand, trifle bowl ... the perfect way to display pretty items (and pieces with unique silhouettes, too, like this coffee pot I scored at an estate sale).




What are some of YOUR favorite space-saving ideas??

Part I: Design Inspiration in the Kitchen

I'm thinking about my kitchen today. I'm not really sure what I want to do with it, but my sweet little kitchen needs a makeover.

I have been browsing Google Images this afternoon scoping out some truly great kitchens (and getting distracted with dining rooms and living rooms, too. However, since all 3 of those spaces are connected in my house, I feel like they sort of 'go together'). Here is a list of some of the primary ideas I have for MY kitchen (think of it as my design journal) along with some of my current favorite photo inspirations.


Kitchen/Living/Dining: My Design Top-10


#1 Green/turquoise cabinets; my current cabinets are sound, but need to be refinished. I would like to do a green-ish stain or a paint/rub off look (I think this is called 'antiquing'?) with some fresh pulls to complete the look.


I like the shade in this first photo especially - subtle and minty (but maybe a bit to 'dusty'? hmmm).

#2 Concrete floors. I currently have a very sad, dated linoleum in the kitchen that was partially ripped up by the previous owner due to a repair so it's missing a large patch which is covered by an even sadder, more dated blue rug. I want all of that gone and to sand and finish the existing concrete floors.

I love the look of this 'natural' gray floor.

#3 Add a cabinet 'end' shelf to the large section of cabinet/countertop that divides the living room from the kitchen. There is a rounded end to the counter that cantilevers over the end of the cabinets and I think a few open shelves there would be nice - I like the idea of showcasing a colorful collection of glasses or plates, or simply shelving a collection of cookbooks (and opening up some pantry space at the same time).

This type of kitchen feels really 'cookie cutter' and cold to me, but the open shelving element is nice.

I really like how the shelving contrasts against the fun, pale-turquoise cabinets. This color is not too far off from what I have in mind for my cabinets (see #1).

#4 Add 2 or 3 short wood or aluminum shelves to replace to some very rickety, last-minute little shelves at the end of the wall cabinets by the fridge. Maybe a few baskets here for storing boxes of tea and cocoa.

These simple, white-painted wood shelves would be perfect - they could be very simply constructed with some pre-made brackets and a 1x8 or 1x10 board cut down to size.

I love this example because of the juxtaposition (!) of the closed cabinets and the open shelves. This proves that you can have a mix of storage 'types' and it looks great - it doesn't all have to be the same.

#5 Get a stainless steel trashcan with pedal - the kind that has the little 'doors' that open so your trash isn't just sitting there in an ugly plastic container for everyone to see (and potentially smell! hah)

Love this cool 'butterfly' version by Simple Human.

#6 Install open wall shelves on the far wall by the dining room, perhaps with an open space below for large, categorized recycle bins. The open shelving above would be great for storing small kitchen appliances, serveware (like clear glass cake pedestals and trifle bowls), or surplus dishes that deserve to be shown off (like some of my vintage pieces or some colorful Fiestaware). Along this wall, I would want to keep some space (below the little arched 'window' that opens into the living room) for a countertop which would be great for a prep 'station' or for setting out food for company.


Colorful pieces like this deserve to be on display! I love the adorable frog reamer on the top shelf. How great is that?

Love the great detailing on the brackets and the tiniest hint of green on the shelves.

Love these 2 simple shelves - what a great, light and bright space. (Also, LOVING the cabinet colors! A marriage of mint green and turquoise blue.)

I love the idea of this sort of 'enclosed' shelving tableau.

A really cool 3-compartment recycler in stainless:

#7 Replace the countertops. I have NO idea what kind of countertops I really want. I am torn between granite and Corian (after a visit with some friends in their new place, Corian is definitely on my short list now - very sleek clean and classy) - something on the darker side like an ashy gray which I think would compliment the cabinet color I want (see item #1). My first priority is price/durability - I don't want to go crazy for something just because it's pretty, but I'm willing to pay for something that will be sturdy and sound for a long time.

A very pretty gray granite:

One of my favorite Corian's called 'Mardi Gras' ... how fun!

#8 In my dining room, I would LOVE to install floor to ceiling open shelving. I think this would be awesome for some of the insane amount of books Kevin and I have accumulated over the years. I think the mix of colors and sizes, old books and new books, make a great (sort of eclectic) design element. Plus, I think it's a cool idea to mix room 'purposes'. I don't just dine in my dining room so why not put books in there to make it something of a library, too? Not only do I eat at my dining table, I read, I make jewelry, I play games ... it's a multi-purpose gathering space so why not embrace that?

I love the idea of using the wall surrounding the walkway from dining room to kitchen as a storage space - really opens up the rooms!

How cool is this? Who said a window couldn't be used as a storage space? ;) What a great way to show off beautiful colored glass pieces, as pictured.

Another sample of the wallshelves that surround a door or walkway. I really like this example because I think this idea would suit our little dining room. What a great way to bring in more storage without adding a bulky credenza or buffet.

LOVE this! Love all the Jadeite against white wall and shelves.

So open and bright! I really like the idea of the dark wood shelving against a light wall. The sort of long brackets extending from the bottom of each shelf adds something a tiny bit industrial to the look. A very warm and modern and academic looking room.

#9 Paint my dining chairs a contrasting color. I think leaving the table as-is is OK for now, though that table is not my favorite. I need to find a nice simple tablecloth for it, too.

The contrasting wall behind the build-ins coordinates with the blue chairs - love this look. It's a little too traditional and 'matchy' for my taste. Love it, but not for my house, ya know? But I like the idea it gives me to paint the wall behind shelves a different color. What a great way for dishes or collectibles to 'pop'.

These warm yellow cane seats are adorable in this country kitchen! Just a nice warm infusion of color, especially married with the great bursts of red all over the space. (And there are those darker-wood shelves again.)

#10 Paint my living room. I want something really vibrant but I have to admit, however much I love color (I truly do! See? Here and here, too!) I am also scared of it. I am scared to paint my living room (or at least an accent wall) a bright grellow or almost-neon/pastel blue (yes, that combination IS possible, if only in my head!). Yes, it can always be covered up or changed in 6 months if I hate it. But I guess I have commitment-phobia when it comes to painting. Which is probably why I have yet to paint a single room in my house after living there for nearly a year. I am currently working on tearing down those pesky mental barriers to progress!


Amazing, focal-point, grellow/chartreause walls. I love how colorful furniture stands out against the bold walls. I have a warm orange club chair in our living room and pale blue velvet grommet-top curtains (both pictured here) that would really contrast well with such a confident wall color.

Also loving this at once subdued and bold blue. It doesn't quite take over the room like grellow, but it gives the room a very open and energetic feeling while being a great 'background' for the rest of the furnishings. I'm not so sure this would work with my curtains, but ... maybe for another room - the piano room!

I really love this blue in particular - verging on a Tiffany's blue and so great for this small space and the saturated light from the window.

So ... that's it for now - my current Top-10 for my living/dining/kitchen space: the heart of the home, right? Now to just slowly and surely chisel away at the to-do list. Honestly, a maority of them are not especially pricy or time-consuming (as they say, painting is the cheapest way to make over a room!) it's just a matter of gathering up the will-power to 'Just Do It'.


If only home decorating was as easy as a quick 'Copy' and 'Paste', my house would be right out of a magazine. ;)

So much snow ... so little to do.

So ... several snow days later I feel like I've run out of things to bake, photos to take and movies to watch (don't EVEN get me started on the Facebook factor).

Don't get me wrong, all-day pajamas, home-brewed coffee, talking to Kevin anytime I want and sleeping in are definitely bonuses of being at home and not at the office. I'm just starting to feel that 'cabin fever' everyone is talking about. I want to go to Target or Whole Foods or go driving around with Kevin somewhere we've never been or get Starbucks. 

All that to say: today is the day I decided to clean out and reorganize my pantry. Unfortunately the whole 'cleaning out' part was pretty insignificant. I have kept all but two items as well as a single lid and a single container from our Tupperware collection - couldn't find their respective partners so they're going into the recycle bin. But the 'reorganization' part was a success.

I pulled together as many small-ish boxes and storage containers I could find and got to work. Of course I forgot to take a 'before' photo, but here are the after photos - these are the 'good ones' anyway since it looks a lot better now that it's been straightened up.

I still need to get some nicer storage containers - some of them are re-purposed shipping boxes (if you find the Amazon.com logo, you get a prize! ... joking ;) - but they sure work for now. I like categorizing everything so there is a bin for baking sugars and chocolate chips, grains and rices, etc. 

Check out the results of my boredom!

Here is the overall photo ... I still feel like it looks jumbled but that's the nature of a pantry I suppose: all the boxes and jars look different and sort of cluttered.

And here the photos by-shelf (descriptions are from left to right) ...

Shelf #1: cookbooks; bar accessories (jigger, shakers, etc); liquors; spare cutlery set (it's a bamboo motif; fun for summertime)

Shelf #2: coffee, tea, and coffee mill (very far left - I couldn't get it in the picture); crackers; condiments (vinegars, jams, hot sauces, etc); storage bags, wraps, parchment and napkins. 

NOTE: The bags that are NOT in a box are my recycled ones; I do this all the time whenever I use up whatever was in a bag. I wash them out with warm water and dish soap and then set them out to dry overnight; they are as good as new and it keeps me from buying quite as many bags.

Shelf #3: The canned shelf! Soups, beans, tomato products, etc. In the middle, syrup and honey ... oh, and cat food. ;)

Shelf #4: Mixes (onion soup, taco seasoning); dried fruits; candies and extra packets of salsas, etc; baking products like baking soda, powder, etc; corn meal; whole wheat flour; flour and sugar canisters.

Shelf #5: Dry pasta and prepared polenta; pasta sauces; oils; baking mixes (there's Paula again!); nuts; baking sugars and other dry ingredients (cocoa powder, powdered sugar, brown sugar, etc)

Shelf #6: Paper plates and wicker plate holders; drink mixes; travel mugs; water and Gatorade bottles (we use these on our bike rides); salad spinner and salad bowl.

Shelf #7 (aka 'the floor'): Rices, oatmeal, wheat germ, flax seeds, etc; storage lids; storage bases.  

NOTE: Behind the lids is a small box of glass jars we have washed and repurposed; Kevin uses them for his homemade hot sauce, I use them for oil and vinegar for salads at the office, etc. Another great way to save resources!

I think I might take another pass through now that I know where everything is and pull some items that are still unopened that I want to get rid of. Maybe canned things that I have entirely too much, etc ... Also I read somewhere about people having 'pantry week' at their house. Instead of going out to eat or buying more groceries, prepare all of your meals out of your pantry as much as possible to try and clear some of the excess. Of course, I feel like you should still get fresh produce to have on hand ALL the time, but if you don't keep track of what is in your pantry it can get out of hand and you can end up with duplicates ... or like me, two unopened packages of golden raisins. ;)