StyleWise: kitchen design

Stenciling-The Ultimate Solution

A few weeks ago we worked on refacing our kitchen cabinets with the leftover bead board from the ceiling project. Although there is still more work to be done on the lower cabinets, the uppers are done! After giving the cabinets a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore Simply White OC 117 inside and out, I decided that that the interior of the glass front cabinets needed a little something to enhance the white dishes I collect. After considering many different options like wall paper, fabric and paint, all of which didn't give me the color selection I needed, I decided that to get the right color, I needed to paint my own pattern. Stencils are a perfect solution because you can select the paint color you want.

I was looking for a soft pattern and color that would not be too busy with all the other elements in the room. I selected a small arabesque pattern that has a fresh contemporary look. After trying an earthy green color that I have in the tile backsplash, I decided it was a little too much color and too much contrast.

the wall color, Carrington Beige, seamed to be the right choice.

The great part about stencils and paint is that if you don't like the result simply paint over it and try something else!

I am happy with the result, and as my hubby says

" if you're happy, I'm happy!"

The soft paint color highlights the dished nicely without overpowering the dish displays.

Now it's on the next phase of this, "kitchen makeover on a budget, the countertops and flooring...stay tuned!

Do you have a transformation you'd like to share? If so e-mail me photos for a feature on "Transformation Tuesday"

Until next time!

Tina!

Friday Faves and Kitchen Project Update

Well we're into week….I don't know, I think week four of our kitchen project. As I'm sure the DIYers out there know only to well, projects take more time than you anticipate, especially if you have to work!

Hubby and I have been putting in long hours at work so we only really have Saturday and part of Sundays to get things done. Now I'll admit, I am a wee bit impatient…every room in the house is a mess due to the kitchen work zone and living in a mess drives me crazy!

The bead board ceiling and crown moulding is done for the most part, just a few paint touch ups to do. The crown was a bear to install for hubby, I don't think we have a straight wall in the whole house! The cabinets are getting a facelift too with the leftover bead board, plus we're adding glass inserts to two full doors and the tops of two other doors. I have one almost complete…the primer is drying as I'm writing this…I finally, after thirty plus years of living here, have a new fixture over my sink! I also found an old fixture at a second hand store the perfect shape and size for over the table and I am giving it a makeover as well. I got to use more power tools too, installing the bead board and trim on the cabinet doors! I think I did a pretty good job on those mitered corners.