Kitchen & Interior Design

kitchen cabinet redo

Almost a year and half ago I took the plunge and painted my cheap-o kitchen cabinets. I have the kind of cabinets that feel a little bit like cardboard in the center... yuck. I wanted to do something that looked more expensive, custom & light. Before I painted my cabinets, I compared my kitchen to a granola bar with red berries... I don't like granola. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSmnjfAEC5XHh-jirFuilIpMy82H1X7r9hu8Q9hA5wWuKO6ghCiFbZFk31OMJhFND-pB7gywDzJm4X54GZ3lTNu_RldZz3NYhxSUY9uGTlXSiANh7OFtstCu35WMMO4t50kcaBDnBVGOC/s1600/may19-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSmnjfAEC5XHh-jirFuilIpMy82H1X7r9hu8Q9hA5wWuKO6ghCiFbZFk31OMJhFND-pB7gywDzJm4X54GZ3lTNu_RldZz3NYhxSUY9uGTlXSiANh7OFtstCu35WMMO4t50kcaBDnBVGOC/s640/may19-10.jpg" width="406" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mister Hubbs and I painted the kitchen crosby by Ralph Lauren. I wanted something that was dramatic, that would be a great contrast to the light cabinets that I had in mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I went to Home Depot and had a long talk with the paint guys about a way to avoid sanding... I found out the hard way that you cannot avoid that dusty step! I had primed all 35 cabinets when the first 2 coats of primer started to peel off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">After many tears of frustration, another trip to Home Depot, and some furious sanding... I was ready to prime, again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">When I finally got ready to put the actual COLOR on the cabinets, you would have thought it was Christmas, I was so excited! I used a small, sponge roller for the inset portion of the cabinet door to avoid visible brush strokes, but I did use a brush for the hard to reach grooves.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2TIDGKtZo8qRGj79EdM8IIQeyQJ3v05m9zev8vlmIRq1IOY-tI35cqCKnjF2JVEEiy2ORZRjKbXCPvJ5en_irJcCO6fjf3K5sqCA9Y2cFe70XKz0mZLclwtK2PmGz4l-NgkUe3olkUK1/s640/may19-102.jpg" width="406" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2TIDGKtZo8qRGj79EdM8IIQeyQJ3v05m9zev8vlmIRq1IOY-tI35cqCKnjF2JVEEiy2ORZRjKbXCPvJ5en_irJcCO6fjf3K5sqCA9Y2cFe70XKz0mZLclwtK2PmGz4l-NgkUe3olkUK1/s1600/may19-102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I wanted to use a creamy-ivory Ralph Lauren Architectural Cream for the outer cabinets with a grey glaze to soften the edges and create depth within the cabinet face. I used the glaze sparingly, I didn't want the cabinets to look dirty, or too stylized. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I used Ralph Lauren Boulder Grey on the island to mix it up, and to add a little more interest to the kitchen. The grey island also creates a custom look in the kitchen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YMQXqNcEgG7KbvnlDEwurjnM8Xqnq11zbT41eGR1H8WjZoIacyNkrXOfV9GDcNjXM0cgOZT_A3o785QsAt8H9U0Y_aV2yiS4DHNvyDVUpPntoRrRnekrnFSjHRbMt0ZuUtcmtOJzbrx8/s1600/may19-10+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YMQXqNcEgG7KbvnlDEwurjnM8Xqnq11zbT41eGR1H8WjZoIacyNkrXOfV9GDcNjXM0cgOZT_A3o785QsAt8H9U0Y_aV2yiS4DHNvyDVUpPntoRrRnekrnFSjHRbMt0ZuUtcmtOJzbrx8/s640/may19-10+(1).jpg" width="456" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Months later I painted the ceiling of the kitchen to warm up the space- I chose a color from the Ralph Lauren Regent Metallics collection called champagne toast. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The metallics are beautiful and add so much interest and glamour to a space, but let me warn you... the consistency of the paint is like water! And the roller you use to create the correct texture looks like a shag rug... so, what I am saying is that it's a terrible idea for a ceiling! I really love that it's a one-step process- and once you get used to handling it, it's not that bad- but it takes MANY coats- and LOTS of patience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also replaced the modern & casual light fixture from the previous owners with this beauty from Pottery Barn. I added even more crystals to the chandelier for a little more "ooh-la-la!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNcz9L3tC9UtWOxayFjZ9vXy1x2f_IkRMs-D7LfY35YZqe_oTxKdb0xTLFdwB38L2mRU5pGmpghq_QdpJFPzh5DV0x6BZ0kCJwf88z-jGTikgfL8Yy8-zNRs5lDR0X70yGFBtbC_lj4Fr/s1600/may19-104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNcz9L3tC9UtWOxayFjZ9vXy1x2f_IkRMs-D7LfY35YZqe_oTxKdb0xTLFdwB38L2mRU5pGmpghq_QdpJFPzh5DV0x6BZ0kCJwf88z-jGTikgfL8Yy8-zNRs5lDR0X70yGFBtbC_lj4Fr/s400/may19-104.jpg" width="331" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really love the progress my kitchen has made with a few gallons of paint! I feel like my cabinets look brand new, super fancy & custom. After all that work, I have to give myself a little pat on the back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7efQqgfiWicWs1nAj13KP9QVdbhrNKOcqfVlKGWykHltKnz0Y3C1p7tKkhVmydeu2zCYHC3kCRtX2_9UiHI9XYw2xV5LPgP2yVRCyMHnryTtaofQ9SNkK21sYR6jI5_zjPABs47IKa5n/s1600/may19-105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7efQqgfiWicWs1nAj13KP9QVdbhrNKOcqfVlKGWykHltKnz0Y3C1p7tKkhVmydeu2zCYHC3kCRtX2_9UiHI9XYw2xV5LPgP2yVRCyMHnryTtaofQ9SNkK21sYR6jI5_zjPABs47IKa5n/s640/may19-105.jpg" width="406" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYLuIFtrWA-vq4ZY1a0uSJyymIj7-hB4D2-AK9WKaOSiMvRyP8LN0_vPgRCzYk6Olrd4QAURvI-MIP_wXNR4iSY9kZe5oG3ODdhMrI687e4WcHvEjWpfLZOBxo9z33B0urWhVdJFtBPrE/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYLuIFtrWA-vq4ZY1a0uSJyymIj7-hB4D2-AK9WKaOSiMvRyP8LN0_vPgRCzYk6Olrd4QAURvI-MIP_wXNR4iSY9kZe5oG3ODdhMrI687e4WcHvEjWpfLZOBxo9z33B0urWhVdJFtBPrE/s640/signature.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

kitchen cabinet redo

Almost a year and half ago I took the plunge and painted my cheap-o kitchen cabinets. I have the kind of cabinets that feel a little bit like cardboard in the center... yuck.I wanted to do something that looked more expensive, custom & light.Before I painted my cabinets, I compared my kitchen to a g…

19May2010

my "green-ish" thumb

I spent my Sunday on a mission... The mission was to make my front porch lovely. I started out with a few rocking chairs that Mister Husband and I had purchased a little over a year ago. We also had a pair of cute pillows given to us as a wedding gift, and a lantern that was used at our wedding, but has since fallen apart completely. Why did I even leave it on the porch? No idea. So, here is the before.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWTe1sS6LE3u26X1Fn_AdRMv3OvytlAzyyCr9Ly8LdD9cnDgg9uVGdhwcymcStTk9HfB24O4Vn9m7UxfbVoHGKotClb1lwUl1ZrXQg6X_jS7PQ_Dtlmy8Eix-8ieGtT9EuleBYWpdtS_T/s1600/may18-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7-33sOOHc2hVxsC7ZSeqOAR7LGqhVqTz2oWYAT1LzyMbv3uKCD8rxC0ofvNZ6B27TcwU17PUOBNHquxuu1GP51nIUTgOPVKjcImky2JA5x9TuVK1ausTztn6ysYp0bEX5HlP_6NgNXj3/s1600/may18-10+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7-33sOOHc2hVxsC7ZSeqOAR7LGqhVqTz2oWYAT1LzyMbv3uKCD8rxC0ofvNZ6B27TcwU17PUOBNHquxuu1GP51nIUTgOPVKjcImky2JA5x9TuVK1ausTztn6ysYp0bEX5HlP_6NgNXj3/s400/may18-10+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I went out to Homegoods love it and purchased a few pots. I wanted to stay with white and blue-ish green colors that would work well with the color palette from my previously owned pretty pillows. I also wanted something that would complement pink flowers...I gravitate toward a feminine palette, thank goodness, Mister Husband obliges me.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The MiracleGro potting mix is supposed to be idiot proof... we'll see!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also picked up a great little side table from World Market- I wanted something that would compliment the rocking chairs- and work as a simple backdrop to my pretty pots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Lady of the castle, my little cocker, decided to join the planting porch party. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideRiYerB67daNFTEKAfFz3KpYr9XCBg8CTJz-VsTq2VQxwl7S-Ff_qR6wE5ugooUDwTv42Ds9BtlTSiY1ZfEK3cbv-PVy_UOj_kB6Uo6P-kyBzOzrbTHsU_oZ-F6Id27haTz46xFqU407/s1600/may18-10(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideRiYerB67daNFTEKAfFz3KpYr9XCBg8CTJz-VsTq2VQxwl7S-Ff_qR6wE5ugooUDwTv42Ds9BtlTSiY1ZfEK3cbv-PVy_UOj_kB6Uo6P-kyBzOzrbTHsU_oZ-F6Id27haTz46xFqU407/s400/may18-10(2).jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideRiYerB67daNFTEKAfFz3KpYr9XCBg8CTJz-VsTq2VQxwl7S-Ff_qR6wE5ugooUDwTv42Ds9BtlTSiY1ZfEK3cbv-PVy_UOj_kB6Uo6P-kyBzOzrbTHsU_oZ-F6Id27haTz46xFqU407/s1600/may18-10(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>And now, the finished product!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was most excited about a twisty little dried branch I found at Homegoods- I had 3 people stop me in the store to ask where they were located. I felt like I had a little pile of gold in my buggy! I also loved the jar covered in wire via World Market. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some of my favorite plants are the dusty miller and the hosta fire and ice. I think these little guys were the perfect contrast to my pink and white petunias! I am honestly not sure what the yellow guys are... the tag only said annuals, but I gravitated toward the texture and shape. Anyone know what I can call them?  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4UoRMC3ZuswlzAPv5IvmjkSGgFyx7z2nTtIphykr7CXzcdVeB-27kIatkFCVqwgDWXEtGwv8RAoJiC4GI3mbnqiR6YjS-dQTZB7wsMidlCGfrAe603ldGdy6-toj1P_ILHQJlkgB-j26/s1600/may18-10(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4UoRMC3ZuswlzAPv5IvmjkSGgFyx7z2nTtIphykr7CXzcdVeB-27kIatkFCVqwgDWXEtGwv8RAoJiC4GI3mbnqiR6YjS-dQTZB7wsMidlCGfrAe603ldGdy6-toj1P_ILHQJlkgB-j26/s400/may18-10(3).jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really love all of the bright colors, and I am so happy that I created a little outdoor living space to enjoy. Of course, the facade of my little castle could still use a little fixing up here and there, but for now, it's lovely!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFumWLqL4dYXKiiMdQYGsoNKiufbbO6rtNDnN-vv7HYvUZTXcj1kRvU86WsAPzzX4ooyvNQfZCMNIfeBLRieNTbKcHtsNEuUvhBoVcw0dS4E-b-cCjLVzonVd0cBIaf7PhvvvaW0q4jk8/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFumWLqL4dYXKiiMdQYGsoNKiufbbO6rtNDnN-vv7HYvUZTXcj1kRvU86WsAPzzX4ooyvNQfZCMNIfeBLRieNTbKcHtsNEuUvhBoVcw0dS4E-b-cCjLVzonVd0cBIaf7PhvvvaW0q4jk8/s640/signature.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

my "green-ish" thumb

I spent my Sunday on a mission... The mission was to make my front porch lovely. I started out with a few rocking chairs that Mister Husband and I had purchased a little over a year ago. We also had a pair of cute pillows given to us as a wedding gift, and a lantern that was used at our wedding, but…

18May2010

hello blog world! can you hear me?

<div style="text-align: justify;">So, I am officially a blogger. I am so proud I can hardly speak. I just spoke with my husband, who happens to be on a business trip, and told him I was making a life change.... I was officially becoming a blogger. To this he said, "okay, hmmm. Let me call you later."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh yes, I am sure he will be the first to "oooh" and "ahhh" over my every word! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Why did I start blogging? Well, because I love blogs. They make every day a little bit better. Beautiful photos, funny stories, and inspiration out the whazoo... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am a graphic designer living in the south, loving artwork, design of all kinds- and most of all my abode, or shall I say, Castle?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to my daily ramblings, I hope you enjoy! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaitD0jojEyC8tBP1mZ2DH1trm5WL8qI8jDrPlKgZkgPSTVB1YUIS-X6hfxsqudDD-CTqsY3PfPxb_y9fPRh1DjOinebXXP4C61ljZmOw2u2qJQ4CnkmsuCIlGdURgBM6vlqRZSWy0JES/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaitD0jojEyC8tBP1mZ2DH1trm5WL8qI8jDrPlKgZkgPSTVB1YUIS-X6hfxsqudDD-CTqsY3PfPxb_y9fPRh1DjOinebXXP4C61ljZmOw2u2qJQ4CnkmsuCIlGdURgBM6vlqRZSWy0JES/s640/signature.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </div>

hello blog world! can you hear me?

So, I am officially a blogger. I am so proud I can hardly speak. I just spoke with my husband, who happens to be on a business trip, and told him I was making a life change.... I was officially becoming a blogger. To this he said, "okay, hmmm. Let me call you later." Oh yes, I am sure he will be the…

13May2010

Kitchen & Interior Design

kitchen cabinet redo

my "green-ish" thumb

hello blog world! can you hear me?

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