November 3, 2014

Kitchen Reveal....I'm Done....Finally!

Yea.....I'm done with the kitchen remodel.  It was painful and inconvenient, but....Soooo worth it!


So many of you commented that you liked the old kitchen, but pictures can be very deceiving, this 30 year old kitchen was on it's last leg.  The laminate counter tops were covered with nicks and stains, the cabinets had been painted a couple times and were literally falling off the hinges, and the whole right side of the kitchen was wasted space where I was able to add cabinets and a huge counter top.



I only did one glass cabinet since I like to hide my junk lol!



This is my collection of a pattern called "Gay Fad", (What a weird name) It is such a pretty pattern


I love all of the slick storage options I have......


......And the spray faucet and single DEEP sink for hiding dirty dishes.  I also replaced the window ledge with matching granite


A nice feature is the drawers and cabinets have a soft close mechanism


Now....When it came down to the backsplash options.....


......In the end I decided to go with small subway tiles for two reasons.....


.......One was cost.  The fancy glass tiles were really expensive and since I was not brave enough to install them myself, the final cost would have been about $800 with installation.  I was able to install the small subway tiles myself for a total cost of $60


The second reason I used subway tiles is, I thought the colored tiles would be getting to trendy for the look I wanted, where as subway tiles are timeless.

To the right side of the kitchen I did a small granite backsplash


I love to turn on the under cabinet lighting and pendent lights at night


The valance is styrofoam like I did in my bedroom; The tutorial is HERE.  
It's screaming for a shabby sign to hang above it....I'll get to it.


My kitchen is painted green, but my plan is to carry out the blues I used in my Hollywood Regency bedroom to the rest of the house so.....That pretty blue color you see in the valance is the color I plan on painting the kitchen in the future......Not right now though....Because I'm EXHAUSTED!


So, I'm done!  I did it on a budget, I did not change any appliances, the foot print of the kitchen, or the floor.  I installed the backsplash myself and used Ikea cabinets (That's a whole other blog post) that were on sale for 20% off.


I realize it is not exactly a jaw dropping gorgeous kitchen, but it is the prettiest one I've ever had and I'm pleased with how it turned out, mostly for it's fabulous functionality with tons of storage and counter space.  The other day I was making a homemade salad dressing and pretending I was on a cooking show....All by myself, no one else around......The worst part is I'm telling you I did it lol!

Happy Creating!
Carol 




60 comments:

Betty said...

You are wrong, it is so gorgeous. I love what you have done and I adore those small subway tiles. I wanted to put some in my kitchen, but it was going to be out of our budget. When I was looking I never saw the small ones. You are so lucky. The countertop and the cabinets look so good. You did a great job.

Jenna said...

It's a nice kitchen and I'm happy you are pleased with it...that's all that really matters. I still like your old kitchen,the cabinets were very charming and the kitchen as a whole was much more inviting. I think the new kitchen looks too much like one you would find in an office, it isn't very unique or different. Everyone seems to want a kitchen that looks very white and very clean these days. I have seen so many that look like yours on the blogs. As long as you are enjoying it, that is what counts!

Createology said...

Oh Carol I LOVE your new kitchen and the fact that you stayed on budget and did work yourself. The subway tile is classic and looks timelessly beautiful. How very adorable that you were emulating a cooking show making salad dressing. Life is Good and You are Wonderful...

pogonip said...

It looks wonderful and inviting, Carol. (I knew it would!) Your choices are timeless and budget-friendly and well thought out. I especially like the way your subway tile allows the granite to be the star rather than competing. Simple and elegant! Enjoy!!

Rita C at Panoply said...

Carol, I absolutely love all the changes and updates you made. That side cabinet and counter you added make a huge difference in work space and storage, don't they?! I like that you opted for the non-trendy white subway tile backsplash too. Smart! I need to update my laminate countertops but I'm more afraid of managing the scope creep that seems to take over my husband than anything else. Before you know it, he'll be contracting the entire house - never mind that a carpenter can't do plumbing - you know what I mean??? Great job - I'll bet you'll enjoy entertaining in that space now (even if it is just you and the pretend cameras and audience, hehe).
Rita C at Panoply

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It looks fabulous, Carol! I know you are proud of it and now it will stay like new for a long time! LOVE the white tiles. That's one of my favorite parts. I showed hubby your photos. I hope you can relax and enjoy it now! Hugs, Diane

Melodee said...

your kitchen looks amazing! I love all of your touches! The granite window ledge is such a cute touch. I especially love your under cabinet carousel....that's to die for! way to go with installing those subway tiles (we recently did the same and it's a bit of work but a big payoff!)....enjoy talking to yourself on your home cooking show :)

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your new kitchen is beautiful, Carol! I love all of your choices...especially that beautiful tile! I'm with you...timeless over trendy, for things like that...and only $60? Awesome!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Carol, This is beautiful transformation! You did an amazing job.
Hugs,
Sherry

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I think it's AWESOME and that you did an AWESOME JOB!!! Love the mini subway tile. Where did you find it???I would like to use it in my kitchen!! Between your new bedroom and kitchen...it's like a new house!
LOVE IT!!
warmly,
deb

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Carol, Your kitchen looks wonderful. I love it all. The pendant lights are so pretty and so is that lovely subway tile.

hugs
Sissie

NanaDiana said...

Carol---are you kidding me? That kitchen IS gorgeous and the best part is that you did so much of it yourself. You made really wise choices and I LOVE all the storage you have. I agree with you on the backsplash. While I LOVE the looks of the glass tiling I do think it will become "the thing" and end up dating a place in time-much like avocado appliances did. lol

That being said I have seen beautiful kitchens with that tile in place,

Your did a marvelous job and I love that your were on your own "reality show".....hmmmm...Cooking with Chefette Carol has a certain ring to it, don't you think? xo Diana

Jamie @ Domestically Vintage said...

Carol, I LOVE your new kitchen! The subway tile is just gorgeous! I really like all the white and the granite counter tops. It's all so perfect! ~ Jamie

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

I'm exhausted just reading about it.
And I know it probably took much longer than you wanted it too..but gosh! Look at you doing the tile yourself.
I love it and think it looks wonderful and spacious...the white subway tile was a good choice. And mind you the savings!

Connie said...

Carol, your new kitchen is beautiful! You are going to have so much fun cooking in it. Love the counter tops.
Connie xx

Ann said...

Your new kitchen looks as sweet as you do. All the special touches like granite, subway backsplash, lights under the cabinets. Good job. Now you can relax in your new bedroom right?

Acorn to Oak said...

Congratulations! It looks great! And, I love those dishes. I agree...that is a funny name. lol

Marlynne said...

Lovely! You should be proud!

BECKY said...

Wonderful update, Carol! So clean and fresh, and I love the granite color you chose! You are amazing, gal! You are the most "get it done" girl I know!!! I need some of that really badly!! LOL!!
Thanks for sharing your lovely new space!!
Hugs,
Becky

Feral Turtle said...

I am gonna have to say that your kitchen IS pretty jaw dropping. I love everything about it! I love your subway tiles too. You did an excellent job installing them!

Kathy said...

Well it looks pretty darn jaw-dropping to me. Stunning!!

Bente said...

Your kitchen is gorgeous. What a great job. Love the tiles. You must be so proud of yourself.

Hugs from here

Ros Crawford said...

Absolutely gorgeous!! I'm so pleased for you ... Now you can relax and enjoy!!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It looks gorgeous, Carol! You did a fantastic job. Love the tile you went with. I agree, the white subway tile is more classic and timeless. I narrowed things down to that myself for when we eventually get to ours. Love the countertop and sink, too.

Gina said...

It's beautiful Carol! I think you did an amazing job and I'm so impressed that you installed the subway tile yourself. I've always wanted to learn to tile. Enjoy!!

Nilgün Komar said...

its all very nice... ♥

Teresa said...

When we remodel our kitchen we also went for IKEA cabinets and it was a wonderful choice.
Though you make it sound easy and peasy I know how much stress and work it is behind such a sweet renewal. You did more than great and the final result is wonderful and yours to enjoy and play with this and that to make it more your own. I can see some touches like that shabby sign missing. But all in all? you were amazing. And courageous. (I thought my marriage of 20 years would crumble when we had the kitchen remodel... so much stress and starts and stops ;) and that dear husband look that says "you made me do it. I might bury you under the tile" ahahah (a regret - I didn't put lights under the cabinets. It pains me so much. I asked but he forgot and when I realized we were on that phase ahahah)
Thank you so much for sharing,
Teresa

PS - funny the kitchen is fuller but somehow looks bigger. A wonderful job indeed, Carol!

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

I simply could not be more pleased for you, Carol. Oh, happy day! It's be.you.tiful!

Hugs,
Kelley~

DownTheLaneWithDaisy said...

What a lovely transformation! I especially like the undercounter lights. I dim mine down at night and they are the greatest nightlight. You really expanded your real estate with the extra cabinets and large wraparound counter. Enjoy it! You did an amazing job!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Carol, LOL When can we see the airing of the cooking show??
I love your new kitchen. It turned out fabulous and the subway tiles are perfect and like you said, timeless and less $$$$
Love all your storage space and the extra counter top has to be a big plus. Love the pendants lights too. Dimmers at night are so cozy.
Love your collection of dishes in the glass cabinet. What a pretty pattern.
You have outdone yourself and I am so happy for you. It is magazine ready my friend.
Enjoy XO

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

I love the transformation Carol and the best part is that you were smart and did it on a budget. Love your choice of subway tile for the back splash and your pretty dishes. Thumbs up!!

Unknown said...

Hi Carol, your kitchen turned out beautifully. I'm also in the midst of a kitchen renovation. What torture it was for a few weeks to have it torn apart and a mess but also like you said, so worth it! Please check it out when you have a moment! Sweethavenhill.com Great Job on the tile!

Annette said...

The kitchen is lovely! I like the subway tiles very much and agree the others were too trendy. You were so sharp to put in the under cabinet lighting...we didn't and sure could use it. Congratulations on a job well done!

Cynthia said...

Carol, this is gorgeous, love your decisions and choices. I agree about the glass tile. The granite is such a pretty color. I also think it was great that you did the window. My friend did that and I think all kitchens with a window behind the sink should be done this way.

Cindy

Stacey said...

Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful! I love the white subway tile backsplash and would have made the same decision. The glass tiles are pretty too but they will probably end up being faddish...the subway tile wont. Your granite looks like mine. It's very neutral and makes me smile. :) Great job!!

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Your kitchen is very nice. Sometimes good things are worth waiting for and the hard work. Great job! Nancy

sandy said...

It is beautiful! I actually like the subway tiles better as they are so classic so you're right about them being timeless!
I have to admit that I also pretend sometimes to be on a cooking show. If I'm in a hurry I pretend I'm on Chopped! Hah!

Becky said...

wow. Your kitchen is beautiful! Love how you did just one glass cabinet. Yes I was one of those who loved the look of your old kitchen, but now that your done, I love this better:)

fixitfaerie said...

Wow, your kitchen looks beautiful. I like everything you did. You go girl!

Maureen Wyatt said...

I think it is jaw dropping and you've earned your interior designer stripes!

farmhouse-story said...

it's a beautiful upgrade, carol! you must love being in there--love the subway tile and granite together:) enjoy!

Barbara said...

It looks heavenly!

hopeandjoyhome said...

Lovely! I bet you are glad it is finished!

hopeandjoyhome said...

Lovely! I bet you are glad it is finished!

Donna said...

Ooh-la-la! Love it! I have those self-closing drawers like that and will never, ever go back to the regular ones. You did a fabulous job!

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Congrats on finishing your kitchen! It looks lovely, bright and clean. Enjoy it!

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

I've been waiting for this! I love it! Great choices, love the counter top...and I would so watch your cooking show. Can you make a dish out of lace and frills?? heehee....go rest now child.

From Hickory Hill said...

I totally understand the statement "looks can be deceiving". You can do a lot for "looks" with paint and accessories but doesn't fix the things that are broken and don't function. Love the new kitchen!! You did a fantastic job!!

Little Miss Maggie said...

It turned out great, Carol. It's updated and modern. I also love the granite you selected. It's beautiful.

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Haha, You are so funny1 That is exactly what I did when we finally finished our kitchen. I cooked in front of a make believe cooking show audience! How dorky! But it sure felt good!
Congratulations!

Rebecca Nelson said...

I love all the changes. Updated and chic and it looks very functional. Kitchens are the <3 of the home! I LOVE IT!

xoRebecca

Anonymous said...

Wow what a pretty new kitchen you have now Carol! ( I did like the old one too but know how tile, counters and cabinets can only last so long-my 50's tile and cabinets are at that point for sure!)

I have a pretty bowl in the gay fab which I didn't know that it was called that! I have always wanted to find a few other pieces to go with it and your collection just might be the trick to start hunting!

Enjoy your new kitchen and take a breather!

bee blessed
mary

By Neymes said...

Que bom gosto Carol,parabéns ficou linda,até gostar de cozinhar mais agora?Boa semana.Beijo.Valéria.

entirely apropos said...

Turned out FABULOUS, Carol! It’s a lot of work to do a remodel ….however, anything with plumbing is an additional chaotic challenge! You did great!
As usual …. You inspired us! I love your choice of colors and patterns. Looks very classy.
Enjoy your kitchen. I’ll be anticipating some recipes in your upcoming posts! Ha!

Veronica said...

I absolutely LOVE your new kitchen! So pretty!

Ivy and Elephants said...

Oh, it turned out beautifully! I love the addition of the cabinet for storage and the fancy options. I agree about the tile, too. You did an amazing job!
Hugs,
Patti

The Sterling Cherub said...

It is GORGEOUS! I love the white baby subway tiles you used, and I think they are the perfect choice because, while the others you selected were also lovely, I think they will eventually end up being dated. The subway tiles and countertops are timeless in style. In fact, the entire kitchen is, those cabinets are lovely, and I think it has a great footprint - it may not be a huge kitchen, but it looks smartly designed and very functional. It really is very dreamy! Congrats, you did a great job on it!

Anonymous said...

You are one amazing lady.....I could never tackle a job like this....wellll...I could...but the results would be disastrous. LOL....Carol, your kitchen is beautiful. Love that subway tile xo

Curtains in My Tree said...


It's fabulous and so elegant, love the under the counter lighting
also smart you could install the little subway tiles yourself.

I like the glass door with your beautiful old pyrex showing I have never run across that pattern anywhere before

Linda said...

Carol, it is absolutely gorgeous! I love this. You have great taste.