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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Styling a Kitchen

At Long Last...My Kitchen
Finally, photos of MY kitchen. 
I meant to post this days ago...but then we had a couple of cloudy days
and I can't take good photos on cloudy days.
So while I waited for the clouds to disappear,
I analyzed the styling of the kitchen.

As I said before...there is lots I'd like to do to this kitchen
but I can't afford to do a thing at the moment.

Still, I was able to give it a little facelift by restyling.
I'm aware that it is nothing spectacular but you said you wanted see.
See...this kitchen has major issues.
But I've tried to make the most of it.

First, I hate that checkered board floor.
I've always thought I liked a black and white check floor.
But it doesn't work here because -
1. It should have been set on the diagonal which would have opened the room up. 
Set this way...it just emphasizes that the room is long and narrow.
You'll see in the photos coming up.
2. The black and white floor is too much with the black and white backsplash. 
They should have done one or the other...not both.
3. Black counter top, black and white floor, black and white backsplash, black appliances equals
TOO MUCH BLACK!!!!
I hate the black appliances...but I'm just going to have to live with them for awhile.

I hate the black countertop too...but not as much as I thought I did. In person it looks like soapstone.
If a person has to have formica...it's about the best you could have.

I'd love to change it but I think If I changed the backsplash and floor...I would think it looked just fine.
Hey...the "Something's Gotta Give" kitchen has black countertops and we all know how great it looks.
I read these weren't even really soapstone.
They were just painted plywood.
(Something's Gotta Give Kitchen)

See! If my kitchen had a wood floor and stainless appliances? It would be chic.

Good news is...this floor is in such bad shape...that I'll be forced to do something about it soon.
It's permanently stained and cracking.

In a future post...I'll do a mock up of what the kitchen will look like 
once I change the floor and add a few things I have in mind.

But this post is about styling what you have and trying to make it more pleasing.

So this is what the kitchen looked like the day I bought the house.
I knew the red had to go immediately. And it was the first thing I changed in the house.
That floor hurts my eyes mixed with the red walls...it looks like a fast food restaurant.
Breakfast nook was red too.

So this post is all about how the kitchen looks now but when I went to take photos to show...
I just couldn't post because I was so unhappy with it and I thought I'd try to restyle it for no money,
because I have no money.
This is how it looked before I restyled.
In kitchens I had before this one...I always had a mix of vintage bowls in pastel colors.
But they never worked in this kitchen.
There is too much black for them to work.
I decided to bring every piece of silver or mercury glass that wasn't being used in here.
I made a toile skirt out of fabric I already had to go under the sink to break up the cabinets a little.
That brown blob is Violet...she decided to get a drink of water in the middle of this shot.
The black tiles are splotchy from me trying to clean them with bleach.

Above the frig.
The only thing I bought in this photo were the decorative balls in the mercury glass bowl.
I got quite a few at Hobby Lobby at 50% off. Everything else...I shopped the house.

When I bought my refrigerator I really wanted a vintage look. If budget had allowed, 
I would have bought a Big Chill or a Northstar vintage inspired refrigerator.
But they cost thousands whereas this frig was around $600.
It is a new Frigidaire. I removed its current logo. 
I had found the antique Frigidaire emblem on Ebay and attached it to my frig with sticky velcro. 
I pretend it's vintage.

I took the doors off these cabinets which also helped make the room not look quite so long.

I hate to be picky but I don't like the doors on these cabinets either. 
See the bottom where the molding is just plain square? I like that but I don't like the top arch. 
I know its a little thing...but it bothers me every time I look at them.

I added the iron work on top, hoping to make it look a little hutch like 
and again trying to break up that long vast expanse of cabinets.

Ideally, I would add crown molding to the top of these cabinets and do something special to the top of this one to make it look more hutch like...but for the cost of a little iron work and white spray paint...
I got the feeling. And it's kept me happy for the time being.
White metal iron work is the theme in this kitchen...if you haven't noticed.
I'm thinking about putting mirror in the back of these shelves. 
That black and white backsplash is just too busy - I dream of white subway tile.
I am working on a quick and cheap fix for this problem to show when completed, 
hopefully soon

Lots of white metal ironwork in this kitchen. I love the stuff, if you couldn't tell.
All of these pieces were bought at different times and in different finishes.

As I'd find a piece...I'd paint it white...shabby chic it and put it up.
The ceiling had a hideous florescent light when I moved in.
I found this one on Ebay.
I love the shape of it. 
It would look so great lowered and over a kitchen island.
Maybe someday the kitchen will get widened and I'll have room for an island.
Most of the houses from this period have an arch over the sink.
My house doesn't and neither does the house to the east of me.
The house to the west of me - has the arch.
So I added some more white iron work in place of architecture.
The light fixture came from Ebay. 
There wasn't electrical in the ceiling there 
so I just hung it from a hook and let the chain and electrical wire run down the wall.
It actually goes under the window sill and then plugs in the wall. 
I like simple curtains.
These couldn't be any more simple. 
Two antique linens clipped to a wire attached to the window with eye hooks.
I like the way they droop.

Then there is the stove top.
This is where I began with my restyle.
It looked like this when I started the other day.
This area above the stove is really strange.
I believe it is original to the house. 
I've seen it in one other home in the neighborhood.
The inside of it has a nice curve but you don't see that...
all you see is a big box over the stove.

I'd love to rip this out and put in a range hood with a vintage stove below it.

The restyling of this kitchen began with that sliver tray. 
Once I added that...I knew I just need lots of sliver in this kitchen and as I type this...
I know I still need more. 
A stainless range top and hood would make me like this more.
So I brought all the mercury glass in and immediately knew I needed a big statement over the hood 
to fill that dark box up there.
I went to Hobby Lobby hoping to find a cool piece of metal work.
Hey...if you find a good thing...might as well over do it.
But there was nothing that was the right size and shape.
And I know I saw one this past summer that I passed up thinking I just didn't need.
Only thing I bought at Hobby Lobby that night were the decorative balls I put in the mercury glass bowls. 
I stopped in at Ross, hoping I might find something there and there I found this HUGE clock. 
It had a silver distressed frame making it perfect to go with my new kitchen theme.
And it was $20! 
Thank you, China.
Yes, China may take over the world someday but until it does, we get cheap decor like this.

As much as I thought this clock would look good in the space. 
I hesitated to buy it.
I'm not a big fan of clocks or watches. 
I don't like to be confined by time.
Truly...it causes me anxiety.
Because I'm always running late and seeing clocks just makes me feel bad about myself.
The clocks I do have in the house...I keep all set at different times...
so that I don't know actually exactly what time it is. 
Like this one is set 20 or so minutes ahead.
It helps me hurry out the door when getting ready to go somewhere.
If I think it's a little later than it really is...it hurries me along.

I'm still late for everything though.
I love these canisters. 
My Mom bought them for me and the whole set of dishes the night my sister got married.
She got married in the afternoon and afterwards...Mom was like...
"Let's go buy those dishes". 
They came from JC Penney. We had to hit several stores to find them all. 
I'd cried a lot that day...so it makes me happy to look at these and know that my Mom decided 
to cheer me up by buying me the complete set of all of this. I think it cheered her up too.

I think that's the only time we ever bought all of one thing at one time. 
We usually do the collected over time thing.
Black wall oven. 
Really hate it...big bunch of black...ick.
A glimpse into the breakfast nook. I'll show it tomorrow in full.

Harvey is eating...but Harvey is always eating.

sharing at

64 comments:

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

What a gorgeous kitchen!! I love that metal scrolly piece you put above the cabinet!

Natasha in Oz said...

Wow, your kitchen looks amazing! I love everything you have done but I can't believe how different it all looks without that red wall. No wonder you are so happy-it's gorgeous!

Best wishes,
Natasha.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Nita...

Ohhh...what fun...to get a tour of your beautiful kitchen! My friend, you may want to make many changes but I really do think it's a darling kitchen! I understand where you're coming from though...I have a vintage 1950's kitchen...metal cabinets and all...and I am sooo wanting to remodel! But...I have tried to make the best of it as well! You know, I love the yellow!!! You're right...it looks sooo much better than the red (and I love red!) I also like that you took the cabinet fronts off of the two cabinets...that looks awesome! Ohhh...and I love all the decorative metal scrolls that you've added...soooo pretty, my friend! Love, love, LOVE your silver and mercury glass accessories...they look fabulous in your kitchen!!! Thank you so much for the tour of your pretty kitchen...I sooo enjoyed it!

Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Funky Junk Interiors said...

Sooo pretty! I know you aren't happy with alot of features, but honestly, you've downplayed all the problem areas beautifully by adding the best detail where it mattered most. Love all your creative unique touches! That's why I love your blog. :)

p.s. you can paint tile :)

Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

Little Emma English Home said...

Wow Nita! your kitchen is great! I love all the details, it's very classy!!!

Happy weekend, here it's raining....

Zaira

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

I think you have done a fabulous job and I love the yellow! Teresa

Olive said...

Nita, you are right the silver touches add so much to the space and the black the former owners have in there is too much. As Donna said paint the backsplash. Love the white iron pieces and my favorite thing is the large light fixture in that odd shape.

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

Although you aren't thrilled with your kitchen, you've done an amazing job on restyling it effectively and cheaply! As a matter of fact, you've inspired me to do something similiar. I too inherited a kitchen that I simply do not like nor do we have a budget to fix it! Thanks for the share today Nita, I've enjoyed the tour. xox

High Street Cottage said...

Hi Nita, your talents are obvious from this fantastic tour of your kitchen. First let me say, I'm not a fan of black, but you are making it work in a big way. Lots of cottage kitchens do have black appliances, and counter tops, it does add a certain balance. I think if you hate the floor, that is one thing that is fixable, although to me it adds a frenchy charm. I'm making a toile skirt for a project in my home, and yours looks just wonderful. The touches you added to go from the ordinary to extraordinary are superb. I love all the iron work, and the lighting. But what I was going to say is if you hate the floor and cannot replace it just yet, are you able to paint? or cover with a great rug? I know there are floor paints now, even the pretty woodlike laminates that are do it yourself. But honestly it's dreamy just the way it is.

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

I think your kitchen is such a charmer; the only thing I'd change is the backsplash (white subway tile) and bead board behind the shelves for the vintage look you're going for.

S
xo

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I think it is simply CHARMING!! I love the colors and love the iron work you added and the silver and mercury glass is the perfect added touches. Love the light fixture. I think stainless steel will take away from the charm and age of the home. Vintage looking appliances would look great.

Cindi Myers said...

I agree, I would paint over the tile until you are able to get subway tiling. I had been thinking of putting down black and white tile in my kitchen and after seeing yours, I think I agree, I'd do it on the diagonal so that it was more of a diamond shape....
OR I still think I will be painting mine with white floor/porch paint. You did a FANTASTIC job of re-styling. My kitchen has a lot of black in it and I've been thinking of even adding more OR painting EVERYTHING white. But I must say what really got to me about the post was your Mom buying you those dishes. I totally got that. When my sister got married, I was very happy for her as I'm sure you were for your sister and I put on this BIG happy smile but inside I felt so sad and my heart ached...not in a selfish way, just sad that life hadn't turned out like I thought it would.
But hey we can do whatever we want to our homes without anyone else complaining about it!
XOXOX - Cindi

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi Nita~ I know you are not 100% happy with it, but I have to say your kitchen is soo charming! Love it! I like the black and white checkered floor- it is so vintage and fun and looks like it belongs. I love all the white iron scrolly details you have added in and the open door cupboard. I took doors off two of the cupboards in my kitchen to create an open display area too- it works great. The light fixture you found is gorgeous. Your kitchen is so warm, inviting and sweet~ What a great vintage feel! :)

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

I've been waiting on this post and it's just as I thought. Your kitchen is beautiful! But I know how you feel when you have a vision for a space and it's not matching up to reality. You've truly disguised the problem areas with so many clever decorative touches. It's just a doll house of a kitchen!
I chuckled right out loud reading about your aversion to clocks. Me too! And I'm always late.
Hope you're having a great weekend!

morninglorycottage said...

I think your kitchen is amazing! That money thing can be frustrating but I think you've done wonders with what you've got. I know you can paint tile. Perhaps you could paint your backsplash for the time being? At least until you can do what you really want.
Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

Hi Nita, Nice job!! Have you considered using that same black and whie fabric on tne back of your open cabinet? I think it would be pretty with your dishes. You can just wrap it around some foam core cut to size and staple it in. I have painted tile before after a coat of Kilz and it turned out beautiful. Love your blog.

DreamgirlLisa said...

Nita, your restyle is fantastic! What a BIG difference just a few pieces made. And, your kitchen is really not as bad as you think, I have a very similar kitchen, and it's all about working with what you have. My dream is a total remodel, but realistically, I don't know how that will ever happen, so I have to make due with what I have. I really need you to help me re-style mine! I love the silver with the black and white. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Nita, I am in total agreement with all your other followers. All that gorgeous silver and mercury glass is divine. You did a great job of styling your kitchen. Could that be a career path you should explore?
Have you thought about bead-board wallpaper for the area? I would be painting that back splash too.
Thanks for the great tour of your kitchen I feel inspired to go move my stuff around.
Traci

Nita Stacy said...

Everyone has said such nice things about my poor little kitchen. I love the suggestions too. I have thought about painting the tile...but have resisted because it seems silly to paint white tile - white.

I have been thinking of just painting the black ones...but have a couple of other ideas in mind too.

Actually, white subway tile is so cheap that I could change it out without it being very expensive.

I liked the suggestion for the back of the open shelves. Beadboard would be good...I hadn't thought about fabric. The wall is not very even behind the shelves because this room was once a kitchen and the back hall to the house and they combined the kitchen and hall to make the room bigger. There is a lump where the old wall used to be.

So I might have to put in a false back wall to make it look even and smooth behind the shelves. Covering foam core with fabric is something I hadn't thought about. I might have to think about that.

Pam Kessler said...

I love the skirt under the sink and the vintage logo on the fridge was brilliant! I love the black and white tile floors myself, but I do think the backsplash tile is a little much. I agree that you might try painting that. And those touches of silver and mercury glass are great.

Sharon Rexroad's Bringing Creativity 2 Life said...

A sweet kitchen for a sweet gal (and her weiner dogs!)

Have you explored replacing just the front door panels of your black appliances? Here's an article on what is involved:
http://www.ehow.com/i/#article_5431964

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Okay, I may be stating the obvious, but the floor seems to be your big issue, right? Can you afford to paint it & carry the color into the breakfast nook? That would give the feel of a much bigger space. Personally, I like your backsplash (it's only too much because of the floor). I really like your kitchen. I think it's very charming. I was also wondering if you like touches of red in your decor? With all the black, white, & silver, little pops of red here and there would look really good & give a feeling of fun. You've done an amazing job of disguising the areas you aren't crazy about. Good luck on your next steps.
CAS

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

I love what you've done, and the style of your writing -- i feel like I know you when I read your posts. I fianlly took the time to update my blog list today and added yours. Thanks for sharing your lovely kitchen, even if you hate things about it. We
ALL have things to change in our homes!!

the gardener's cottage said...

i really like it. i know you do not so at least you can take solace in the fact that a lot of people do like it. times are tough and money is tight these days so i think the little things you have done to make it more 'you' is very smart. i think it is really very charming nita.

~janet

Kathy said...

Ahh your kitchen is so nice -I think everything looks lovely and you did such a great job with decorating. I do like the yellow walls has a soothing effect. which we all need more of :-)

Debra @ Life in a 320 square foot home said...

OH. MY. GOODNESS. It is lovely! What fun you must have had in re-styling this one! Very well done!

By the way - I reserved a queen quilt for you :-) Will e-mail with more details.....

Thank you, dear! So pretty....

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

What a great kitchen! I love all your mercury glass. You've styled it beautifully!

Allison said...

I love your kitchen. It is a fun room. You have done a great job with it! It really has a lot of character and charm with a touch of whimsy. Your light fixture is beautiful and I adore that shape. Your mercury glass and silver touches are perfect. I just think you've done an amazing job!

Andrea at Opulent Cottage said...

Nita, I know you hate this kitchen but girl, you sure have made the best of it! Love that toile, I have the exact same thing, and my kitchen is yellow too, LOL. LOVE all of the silver and the pretty scrolly iron pieces. Your styling is fantastic.
Why don't you do a combo of silver spray paint and Rub-n-Buff on that dishwasher? You could do it on your stove hood too, it would look like stainless.
I hope you realize your darling kitchen has alot more charm and style than most kitchens out there! Thanks for the photos, they were definitely worth the wait. You have really inspired me to restyle mine!

"Create Beauty" said...

How I have enjoyed browsing your kithchen and breakfast nook! You have made them look fabuous!!! I love your taste, and yur comment about clocks cracked me up. I'm the same way. I set my clock in the bathroom later than it is.... after actually buying a clock for the bathroom because I was always late for church (telling my hubby, sorry! I didn't know it was so late!) Anyway, back to your kitchen, the things you did to it give it such personality and style.
We once lived in a house for 5 years (that we rented and were only planning on staying one year...) and the kitchen floor was awful old linoleum that always looked dirty. Yours is great compared to that! Perhaps a rug could break up the squares you don't like? And we have dogs and for years have had a 'Pergo' type laminate flooring that looks like wood but does not get scratched up from the dogs running about.

Taking photos of a space really can get one inspired to re-do the decor huh? That happens to me also.... makes you realize what needs changing! The silver and mercury glass you placed about looks fabulous!

And it still makes me laugh that one of your dogs has my name : )
~ Violet

VS said...

FABULOUS kitchen make over friend!! Thanks for sharing, I'm visiting from Common Ground & I love your blog!
Smiles,
Susie

Cassie Bustamante said...

it turned out beautifully! you really personalized it and made is special!

Roeshel said...

I think you did a beautiful job - every detail you've added is so pretty. Great job! Thank you so much for sharing in the DIY Project Parade! ;)

Have a great week!

Roeshel

Sonia said...

This is my first visit to your charming blog and home...love your kitchen and the changes you have made! We all would love to change so many things about our houses wouldn't we??...if money were no object.! LOL I think things look so much more cozy and charming as well as welcoming when we restyle what we have and accent the positive aspects of our homes. I love what you have done!

Miss Bloomers

xinex said...

I love all your changes. Love the wall color. Your kitchen is very charming!...Christine

Becky@Organizing Made Fun said...

Everything look SO great! I really loved how you did so many small things - several that I did to our kitchen. We have a 1940s house and we just re-did the kitchen for cheap. I got a 40s vintage oven...check it out:

http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com/p/big-home-projects-kitchen.html

Love it!

Becky B.

Unknown said...

I think you're being way way too hard on yourself. In fact, I love your kitchen! Cute cute! Really love that chandelier. How about painting a different color in the back of that cabinet instead of mirrors. Just a money saving thought!

Anonymous said...

Pretty kitchen, but I'm not sure why you are fighting so hard against the black appliances, counter tops and tiles? I think you are making it much harder than it really is. Use the beautiful things that are there to your advantage. Good luck.

Between Blue and Yellow said...

You've done a great job, very homey and inviting.

Elizabeth said...

Beautiful! You've given me some great ideas for my kitchen!

I already have the dachshund for my kitchen;) His name is Ollie. What cuties you have!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Nita, I think your kitchen is so very elegant!! The silver is the perfect touch to all the black and white, and ohmy...love that toile sink curtain. You really have put it together so elegantly! Thanks so much for linking up!
xo,
Debra

The House of Healy said...

Okay, so your restyle is *fabulous*. So, so chic. I'm really jealous. Please come do that to my house. I'm really terrible at restyling. And similarly have no $.

Iron work. Charming.

I'm attempting to find fabric to skirt my sink too! I love yours so much.

Love the new fridge logo. just a great idea.

Side note: have you seen the "stainless steel" Contact paper. I've used some on a rolling cart top in my FL room, and it looked pretty good. Been thinking about using that, and some white Contact paper across some appliances (such as the dishwasher). I haven't tried it, but it could be a cheap way to fake it until you get what you want. :)

Denise C said...

I happen to love the black and white floor. BUt if you don't, you could add a rug or floorcloth (easier to keep clean. OR... have you thought about painting your floor until you can get wood ones? I painted all the floors in my house two years ago. One of these days, we're getting "real" floors, but until then, the painted look works fine.

If you have time, I would love for you to link this post to my blog party at http://firstadream.blogspot.com/

Pamela said...

You did such a wonderful job! I know you do not really like the flaws but I think it is all just charming! You did a wonderful job turning an ugly duck into a swan!

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Hi Sweetie~ ~ ~
I think you are being to hard on your sweet kitchen I love the vintage look. You did an amazing job on the redo. Sure there are things you really want to change but I love the look. I love the backsplash and would keep it if it were me.
I am considering a B&W checked floor so hey, yours is just fueling me fire. Enjoy and have fun with it.

~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

Historically Vintage said...

There is so much to say about this blog entry but first is WOW! AWESOME! You did such a great job at redesigning this space. I simply love it. Your use of the sliver and mercury glass items made the entire room POP! The color is exquisite. I love the idea of putting the mirror backing your shelves with your plates. That will look spectacular! Don't you just love shopping around your house and creating something fresh and new? I just recently blogged about my sun room redo. The kitchen.... well..... I wouldn't dream of showing those pictures... that's a true nightmare!!!! Someday....
Annmarie

Historically Vintage said...

Oh, I almost forgot! Your vintage Frigidaire emblem was a stroke of genius! Great idea!!! I would totally do that... if I had thought of it.
Annmarie
www.historicallyvintage.com

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

This kitchen has some great features but I agree with you -- the floor adds too much black and white. But I love what you've done with it. And the iron chandelier and arch over the sink are absolutely beautiful. Good job!

foreverdecorating said...

I love the black and white tile and floor. Have you heard of MacKenzie-Childs? Go look at their website and you kitchen is screaming for it. They have courtly check that would go perfect. Yes, it is very costly, but I just paint my own version. I'll show you sometime coming up on my blog. Terry

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

"Nothing spectacular" you say? Surely you jest. I think its fabulous, especially with your "restyling"! Isn't it funny how we perceive things when they fall short of our expectations?

Thanks for linking to my party. I look forward to the projects you link up each week.

Blessings,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Kitchen! I think mirror behind those shelves would really brighten it up in there and look great! Love your lighting and the use of metal embellishments. Thanks for sharing!!

Tammy @ Type A said...

i think your kitchen is awesome! i love the scrolly metal details. just beautiful.

Sweet European Dreams said...

I realize that it's not exactly how you want it, but oh my, you've done a LOT with just color change and accents! I love that you changed the fridge logo - I would have totally done the same thing! glad I found your blog today! -diane

Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com said...

You have made your kitchen shine (literally and figuratively!) with the mercury glass and silver accents! I think you have a real flair for accessorizing. I had those b&w floors in my last house (60's vintage) and understand exactly how you feel about them! :) You have done a fabulous job with what you have, though, even if not everything is how you want it yet. P.S. Did you ever consider painting the backsplash tiles? It can be done!

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Your kitchen is BEAUTIFUL!!! Don't underestimate it! I don't know the condition of things BUT I would just redo the floor, everything else looks perfect! I "LIKE" the back splash AND it's in style! I LOVE the iron above the OPEN Cabinet(You COULD add beadboard or maybe some toile wallpaper in the back. I LOVE your dishes! Everything you are doing looks FANTASTIC so keep it up...
Hugs, Donna

The Tablescaper said...

Your kitchen was adorable before, but clearly wasn't your style. I think you've done a fabulous job of making it "YOU". Love your mercury glass! Makes me wish I had more of it.

- The Tablescaper

Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com said...

Nita, I saw this on Yahoo the other day and thought of you. I thought it was an interesting idea:

"Transform Your Tiles
Update the look of your backsplash — without grout — by using tile decals. These adhesive stickers come in various sizes to perfectly cover up dated tile designs, without leaving a sticky residue. We like these Mibo tile tattoos through 2Jane.com, or try Zazzle.com's vintage tile stickers."

The enchanted home said...

It may not be the kitchen of your dreams...but I have to say you did a beautfiful job!! I love all the small details you have added, the silver, the beautful scrolling....all these little elements and layering are what make this space special and stand out! I love black and white floors.....so if you end up keeping them I could see putting marble subway tiles in a calcutta or carerra to create the look you are after, and it would be so rich and not compete with the floor. I know of an amazing source for the best price possible for this and will be happy to share wtih you...if you are interested just email me! Beautiful job!! Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures!
www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

cotedetexas said...

hi! your kitchen is so adorable!!!! I actually like the floors! i love black and white. i see what you mean about the diagonal, but i still like them. you've done a great job. I love the skirt but mostly I love the silver!!! I am going to have to do that too!!!!!


thanks so much for your comment today.

Joni

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Hi Nita...I don't exactly remember where I found you. Maybe Pink Saturday or someone's blog roll...anyway I love this post about your kitchen. I too have a kitchen I wish I could gut and start over. But I can't so I'm making the best of it. I was wondering if your cabinet door hinges are painted? I have nasty gold hinges that I hate and I'm not sure how to fix them. I thought about just painting them the color of the cabinets in the hope that they would disappear. :o) Wishful thinking I'm sure. If you have any advice I would appreciate your input. Nice to meet you. ~Ann

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Your kitchen is great! I think if you change the checker board floor it would really make it, even though as it is, it's gorgeous, I love it and I'm so glad I just passed by. We did a complete re- do of our kitchen, which also had a checker board floor like yours, it wasn't put on the right way either...but now it's black Italian tile and it looks amazing! I will show it someday, the before and after look.
Have a terrific week.
FABBY

Jennifer said...

I love your kitchen. And if you saw mine, you'd love your kitchen too. The only real problem I saw that bugged me a lot was...you seemed so unhappy about it. Oh, honey, please know that being positive and celebrating all you have can make even the most dumpy of places feel like a shabby chic castle for a princess! DH and I lost our home when he was injured at work. We lost everything and had to rent a horrible place that 3 days into it with realized with infested with bugs! I didn't sleep for a month!!! But I've made it a lovely home, bug free and shabby chic....a little more shabby than I'd like, but it's a precious place with precious people and precious memories. Never apologize or complain but celebrate what you have and who gave it to you. ;)

All my love,
Jen-

Tamra said...

Your kitchen is adorable! If you really can't stand the back splash then paint it. Just use XIM or Zinzer oil based primer. Then a coat of white paint in gloss. It will hold you over until you can switch it out.

You've done a great job with this space!!

Patricia Cowan-Wilson said...

Nice blog... hang something white and shabby from the oven handle and just move it when baking... Patricia