August 8, 2012

White Wednesday ~ Kitchens and Reflections

When thinking about what to share with you today, I remembered that I haven't really posted much about my kitchen re-do.  

This was completed close to two years ago, and while trying to find my pictures of the "before", well...let's just say by the time I located them...it would be another month between posts. 

So here we go... we'll just have to settle for the "afters" for now....

My home is a 115 year old colonial...so as you can imagine...it was ready for a remodel!
The old kitchen was dark and dreary...(barn red cabinets) that made a screeching noise when you closed them, since the house had settled and nothing fit quite right anymore....

I really love the do-over...full of modern conveniences like lazy susan's, sliding spice racks, pantry cupboard, double oven, cupboards and drawers that close automatically....ahhhh
This was no easy remodel. The doorway into the hallway had to be widened to accommodate the fridge.  We closed off a doorway where you see the stove now to make more counter space. Took out a mudroom to open up the kitchen and add closet space.  Before the redo, my kitchen had FIVE doorways leading out of it...which made for a very awkward kitchen.

The entire room was gutted down to the studs.... new walls, ceilings, floors, doors, window, appliances, cabinetry ...everything~
Although enjoying the kitchen has been short lived since the home is up for sale...
I'll always have these pics to remind me of the sweetness here...

Next I wanted to show you a sweet find this summer at a local boy scout troop sale. 

This mirror was gold in color and I just knew it would look lovely refashioned in  a coat of white.
I painted it in Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in Old white, and then distressed it around the edges.

I was going to sell it in the shop...and then I decided....
It was TOO lovely... I just couldn't part with it...

Loving the details....
She stands over four feet tall!  Now I just need to find a place for her where she can "reflect" and shine!  Not bad for a mere $7.00, wouldn't you say?
I also scored some fantastic old books and this lovely print, which DID make their way into the shop.
Along with this luscious lace, which currently graces my hand embellished gift bags!

Before I go, I wanted to thank Stipje for featuring my chalk-painted pots on her blog. Very sweet and such an honor for me.  You can follow the link here to see how she features other blogger's creations: www.stipje.blogspot.com


This week I'm linking up with the following parties:


See you there!
karens sig 2

18 comments:

Blessed Serendipity said...

LOVE your pretty kitchen. You did an amazing job on it.

Danielle

Unknown said...

your kitchen is serenely beautiful! I just love the creamy cupboards....that island too...and all of the delightful details therein! oh, and that 7.00 mirror....a KEEPER! ;) (merci for your kind words as of late. made me smile! ;)

Pura Vida said...

I love everything about your old 115 year old kitchen...very very pretty!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Karen, your kitchen remodel is beautiful, lovin' that great island! and wow, what a score with the beautiful mirror, it's a keeper for sure!!

melissa @ daisymaebelle.com said...

Love your kitchen remodel! The island is perfect! And, your $7 score on that mirror is amazing! I would say that is a keeper! Life to the full to you!

White Lace and Promises said...

Everytime I find a gold mirror, I paint it white and it sells right away! Can not believe this one fro $7??? Really?

Rita said...

I'm here from Kathleen's Faded Charm.
Great remodel of your kitchen: it looks fabulous and stylish.
and your mirror is definitely a keeper. love your shabby chic transformation!
rita

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Love your kitchen remodel! So, you are going to move and won't be able to really enjoy it..Paint sure can change things! I've sprayed painted a few mirrors!
Nice book wins!
Warmly,
deb

farmhouse-story said...

beautiful kitchen-esp. love the island, karen:) the mirror was an awesome price--it will look great anywhere!

Rooms by Ann said...

Your kitchen turned just beautiful, I love the paint color.

Olivia said...

Pretty, pretty kitchen!
xo
Olivia

Miss Gracie's House said...

Your kitchen is so elegant and so beautiful!! 5 Doorways are not normal?! Gotta love old houses though...
Rene

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Looks great Karen ~ hope Fred is feeling ok!

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

What a beautiful kitchen remodel - it's so you! I hope you can enjoy it a little while longer and eventually find another kitchen to make you smile.
I love that song you put in the latest post, too. Bless Mother Theresa for the inspiration. :)

Maria Elena said...

Your kitchen is gorgeous!!! Love your island!

MONICA LIVAS said...

Your kitchen is beautiful!

Connie said...

Your kitchen is lovely and I adore how you left a few bits of rustic among the new. Great mirror and a great price, too. I need to find where you shop, LOL.
Have a great day, and enjoy that pretty kitchen this Thanksgiving:)
Your blogging sister, Connie

Ivy and Elephants said...

Love the remodel. Your cabinets are just yummy. Great job!
Patti