Sunday, November 22, 2015

Finally Finished



It took awhile, but finally our kitchen update is finished.


In August, I told Steve that I wanted to make some changes in "his" kitchen and showed him this picture as my inspiration.


I actually love this look of our "before" kitchen, but the shelves didn't hold much and the table wasn't a functional workspace.


Steve's only question was, "will it require a home loan?"


He jumped on the idea when I told him that most of the changes were small and it wouldn't cost much.


Our first step was to find pendant lights and we are quite happy with the Kichler Missoula pewter lights we found at Lamps Plus.


The lights required electrical work and our electrician suggested bartering - he did the kitchen lighting and lighting in our garden in exchange for one of Steve's paintings.


Steve and I bought these slatted wood shelves in 1978 when we bought our first house.


We stole the shelves from the bathroom (which required changes there too) and filled them with dishes that Steve can quickly grab when he's making dinner.


My grandmother's Kansas farm table is in the same spot, but a cutting board nearly the same size as the table top provides a better food prep surface for Steve.


Steve actually sits on the stool a lot while he makes salads or chops ingredients for his incredible sauces - those baskets beneath the table provide needed storage for big bowls and platters.


We needed an area for messages, paper, pens, etc.


and I found the perfect piece at Michael's to serve as a "desk".


Steve painted a chalkboard on the pantry door and he uses it every single day.


He takes a photo with his phone before he heads to the grocery store each day- notice he only allows cursive writing on the board!


We had the tile floor installed in 2004


and the granite counter tops installed in 2007 along with Steve's Viking range


so the only other major expense on this project was having the kitchen painted  - we no longer climb ladders!


Peeking into the dining room, you might notice another change - we had no plans to buy new dining room chairs, but when we found 1 white and 2 red metal cafe chairs half price at a local shop we couldn't resist.


Steve doesn't know it yet, but this week I have plans for a big change in the entry on Thanksgiving Day when our son is visiting and can lend his strong arms.


After that, all my effort is going to Christmas decorating because I am joining 2 different groups of wonderful ladies to show off Christmas decor.


I need to finish up a lot of little Christmas projects!

65 comments:

  1. Love, love your kitchen. It makes me happy.

    Enjoy and have a happy Thanksgiving week ~ FlowerLady

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  2. CAROL! This was a thorough and FUN tour! And to have Miss LULU as a guide (her feet make me laugh) was just fun on this early Sunday morning. The white is smashing, along with that fabulous Viking stove and other stainless amenities. The fresh look comes at a lower expense when you have an artistic flair as BOTH of you have. What fun too, to barter! NOT A BAD DEAL!

    Sending you warm hugs from Minnesota, Anita

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  3. That looks really great, Carol. You guys did some nice changes and didn't have to break the bank to do it. I love the bartering system. We used to have a window, siding and door business and did the same thing.
    You are lucky to have a "cooker" for a hubby. Mine is helpless in the kitchen...unless you like the taste of "char" on everything. lol
    Hope the boys do the work you want in the entry way. lol Surprise is always fun for guys!
    Have a great Sunday- xo Diana

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  4. Carol, You have made a beautiful working kitchen...the best way..a little at a time. I like Steve idea of taking a picture of the shopping list before going to the store. Clever. Great bartering on the lights. Blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving. xoxo,Susie

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  5. What fantastic changes....Love the new chairs and the range. It looks like you accomplished your goal without that home loan. We never paid for a service when we constructed our home, we also bartered. I think most don't realize it can still be done. I haven't wrote in cursive in years. It's no longer taught in schools here and I was so used to printing from my drafting days. I'm glad you pointed that out, or I wouldn't have noticed it. I bed Steve is happy with his new work space.

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  6. how beautiful! I love all the changes and I really love the way you've styled the space. You have such great talent for styling - how I wish I had your talent!!!

    Happy Sunday!!

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  7. I'm completely jealous of that Viking range!!!! Your kitchen looks lovely, so cozy and welcoming.

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  8. I'm loving the changes in your cottage kitchen, Carol! And it's always good to have the cook on board with with the changes you made, right? :o)

    I can't wait to see your holiday tour!

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  9. Fabulous Carol!! I am a big fan of little changes! ;) I bet you love looking at your dream space and Steve really enjoys the added function. Happy Thanksgiving!!

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  10. Your kitchen update is wonderful, Carol. I especially like the table with the cutting board, stool, and shelves above. I often wish I could sit while chopping. Everything is so cheerful, too. I bet your husband is glad he agreed with your great plans!

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  11. Your new changes in your kitchen really make a difference, and I love your new lights! I like how you put the cutting board on the table to give Steve a really nice prep area. How does Steve like his Viking, I have one too and love it. So is Steve happy too?

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  12. Just one word ...
    FANTASTIC

    Have an especially nice Thanksgiving

    All the best Jan

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  13. Love the changes! Jim would drool over that stove; I'm drooling over the pendant lamps!!

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  14. It looks wonderful ! So your Thanksgiving is going to hold a Honey-Do as well as a Sonny-Do! :)

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  15. Love the kitchen makeover, Carol. The lights are perfect for that space and how lucky the electrician wanted to barter for one of Steve's paintings. It is also fortunate the you already had the nice shelves. I would imaging you can't find those any more.

    I look forward to your Christmas posts.

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  16. I like your changes. Best I can tell you are only two colors on your shelves now, and it looks more serene! I love how you fit things into your small space so well. Love the pantry door and the fact that Steve takes a photo of it before the market. Ah those phones come in handy!

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  17. LOVE this!!! I want a white kitchen & maybe next year I'll get my wish. I also want to do the chalkboard on a cupboard door thing...brilliant! Thanks for sharing.

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  18. I like your 'new' slat shelves and the new 'desk/message centre' and chalkboard. All wonderful ideas that go perfectly in your pretty kitchen. I look forward to your Christmas decor for this year. I wish you and Steve a blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

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  19. Your kitchen looks fantastic! You really did a great job!

    Judy

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  20. I don't like to cook but since I don't have a 'Steve' I must feed myself. Your adorable and bright kitchen would make it way more fun then mine. Great job. Love the chalk board but...Sopranos 10 Roosevelts 3? inquiring minds want to know! :)

    hugs,
    Linda

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  21. It looks beautiful and I love those white bowls with the blue stripes.

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  22. Beautiful. It was fun to follow along on IG. :-)
    Happy Thanksgiving,
    Carla

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  23. Carol, your...I mean Steve's kitchen is wonderful! There are many things I love in that space. The open shelves, the counters, that range, and I like your accessories too.

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  24. Your kitchen is so charming! I love the vintage style of it mixed with modern appliances. I love your flooring and those pretty new lights that you hung. I like the shelves that you hung and the cute table underneath too. Sounds like your husband is a good cook! Lucky you!

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  25. I absolutely love what you've done to your cozy cottage kitchen...it's even better than your inspiration photo. It's not easy finding storage solutions for a small space, but you mastered it! Great job!

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  26. I see so much in your kitchen that I would love to have! It's really my style ... love it!

    Happy Thanksgiving week!

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  27. Your kitchen is one of a kind and so YOU! I really had to stare at a few of the pics as I wanted to take everything in. Among the many things I love: The open shelves, table where Steve does his food prep, the chalkboard (and the fantastic idea to take a pic of his list), the floor...how I love that but it would not work in a large kitchen like I have at the lake, as if one can complain about a large kitchen! I'm looking at so many tiles it's a blur in my head. And bartering...wish that would work out more for people. We are getting a big cut in price for our cabinets as my hubby does a lot of free legal work for friends and family and this guy wants to pay us back. Win win.

    I'm off to read and Pin your post on making the table runner. Thank you in advance. I hope to make a few for Christmas, for myself first of all, and then maybe some gifts for my kids.

    Jane x

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  28. Just like the rest of your home, the kitchen is so bright and beautiful! It looks like a wonderful space to cook in! Love the chalkboard on the pantry door. I have thought about that if we ever finish out pantry. LOL! Have a great week! Looking forward to seeing your Christmas decor. :)

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  29. Your kitchen is adorable. So bright and I'm completely jealous of Steve's Viking Range. The bartering idea is great but I think the electrician got the better end of the deal with one of Steve's paintings! Can't wait to see your Christmas decorations. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

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  30. Love your kitchen - it is so fresh and flows perfectly with the rest of your house. Love the shelving idea. That's one thing I eventually want for my kitchen when we have it redone. Cute chairs around your table, too - nice, updated look!

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  31. A man who cooks! Sounds delightful. Love your kitchen!
    Brenda

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  32. Love your new kitchen. Everything looks so fresh. Love bartering, is a win win for all involved.
    Everything looks wonderful Carol. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
    Mary

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  33. Carol,
    I love updates and changes without the huge expense of remodeling. Your kitchen has charm and wit, a happy room. Also looks Lulu approved, lol. Looking forward to your Christmas post tours.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  34. Your new kitchen looks amazing. I love everything about it!

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  35. Love the changes you made to your kitchen!!
    ~Cindy

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  36. Smart electrician!

    I love the changes you made to the kitchen. My spouse, the best cook here, loves having a open shelves and baskets holding what he needs. He can find it easily, and it doesn't get cluttered like closed cabinets.

    I have a chalkboard, but I love Steve's idea of taking a photo of the list! What a time saver.

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  37. Love it! I just love the farmhouse look. The Sometimes it's the little things that make a huge difference. I love changing things uop justa bit. It helps me not to get bored easily with my decor. Love the open shelving and the blu and white china is my favorite part. Great kitchen...and just in time for Thanksgiving! I just finished putting up my Christmas decorations this past weekend and it feeld good to have it all done. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Best wishes, Silvana

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  38. Isn't it fun how a few small changes can make a big difference? Looks great!

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  39. Sua casa é muito aconchegante,parabéns.Valéria.

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  40. Just like everything in your sweet cottage, your kitchen looks amazing...and so easy to work in. (I love Steve's knives hanging on the wall, in easy reach.
    I sure am looking forward to seeing your C'mas decorations...I just know they are going to be so adorable and I will want to copy cat you. :)
    xo

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  41. We just changed the knobs on our kitchen cupboards in the Greek house and thought we had done quite a bit until I read your blog. . .back to the drawing board!

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  42. I am so happy for you that the kitchen is done and am intrigued what is going to be done when your son arrives to give a lifting hand. The lamps look fantastic. Everything you've done is very inspiring. I like how you had a photo and went from there as that is what we've been doing on the dining room and hallway. Like your other fans, I love the viking range and admire your wood plank ceiling. Lucky electrician that gets to pick out a Steve painting!!!

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  43. Cozy kitchen! I could live in it! I like all the little changes.

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  44. Yea for you guys! Everything looks so fresh and fun. It's great that you got it done before the holidays. I can see why you couldn't resist those chairs. That style of one of my favorites. You'll have to let me know what you think of the comfort of them.

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  45. Carol,
    The large cutting board is perfect for the table. You still have room behind it to store other things. The shelves are also a perfect size since they fill the space uniformly now. (Yes, I have that symmetrical gene.)

    Just beautiful. I bet the fresh coat of paint makes your eyes happy.

    Judith

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  46. Love your kitchen with it's new look. Everything is so fresh and cozy. I would love to be in your kitchen. Small changes can make a huge impact. Your talents show through this beautiful look and how wonderful to have the help of Steve to get it all complete. Looking forward to what else you have planned with the help of your son.
    Happy Thanksgiving. xo

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  47. {{{{ CAROL }}}}} the package came and I am so tickled over the adorable little stocking. I just love it. Thanks so so much. Can't tell you how thrilled I am to have something so cute that you made.
    I so admire your talents....and I can't wait to do a post on this little JOY. Right after Thanksgiving... I will put it into my Dec. 8th, Christmas in Texas blog hop...
    THANK YOU.
    XOXO bj

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  48. I love the changes in your kitchen. So glad you still have you cute red table. The new shelves look great and do seem to hold alot more. The new lights-swoon! Great re-do!

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  49. Your kitchen is adorable. We have open shelves and just love it! I like the new light fixture. I'm looking into something like that for over our sink too. I think the thing that blows me away is that your husband does the cooking! That would be a dream. After 32 years I'm a little over the cooking. Have a blessed weekend. Happy Thanksgiving.

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  50. I like the slatted shelves. Boy, it must be nice to have a man do the cooking! My hubby is spoiled but in all fairness, he does work hard and I'm home all day. But one of these days, he's going to learn how to make one special dish so I get to have a break! I'm looking forward to your Christmas decor! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

    Autumn blessings,
    Sandi

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  51. Great make over however the original was really cute I liked your primary colors then again I love a white kitchen like I have

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  52. Carol, I had to smile at your reference to this being Steve's kitchen. The "chef" makes it very clear that the kitchen is his territory. I'm limited as to what can be placed on the limited counter tops. He is very protective of his work space. I admit, rightfully so! '-)
    Love the crisp white and the touches of red. Great job!

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  53. Beautiful kitchen. I love that you were able to barter for the electrical work. I wish I had a skill you needed. I love Steve's paintings!

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  54. Oh Carol, your kitchen looks great. Love the lighting fixtures.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  55. Your kitchen is one of the cutest cottage kitchens I've ever seen! I love everything about it, and I love the open shelves. I like how everything looks vintage in keeping with the age of the cottage. YOu nailed it, my friend!

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  56. Your kitchen looks great. I love it. I hope Steve enjoys it.

    Thanks for sharing.

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  57. Your transformation looks wonderful. I do like the light, the words and the shelving with white and blue things. Sarah x

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  58. I love your "new" kitchen, Carol! So clever to put a large cutting board on that table so that it's more functional. Sometimes it's the smallest of changes that make the biggest impact. Love the new pendant lights, too!!

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  59. The kitchen looks awesome. It's amazing what a few changes can do to the atmosphere of a room.

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  60. What a beautiful and charming kitchen Carol - I LOVE those lights and that huge cutting board is just perfect - I need one that size too !
    And those metal chairs?
    They were made for your bright beautiful home !
    xxx

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  61. hello Carol , thank you for visiting me . Oh how I enjoy visiting you here .
    how amazing I can have a look in your home from Holland . Its raining raining and raining overhere . I just went to the supermarket because my granddaugther is coming to stay over night so I have to be prepared .
    She is my inspiration !
    Reading what you wrote made me see how different my life is , living alone .
    You are so happy with Steve and living together
    Reading this made me understand my own life better .
    I guess I never yet accepted in my head I live alone now .
    I used to change my home all the time and now I don't anymore .
    You made me realise that . Work to do !
    Have a wonderful week with all your pre-christmas-fun !

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  62. Carol
    I'm a little late, but I had to let you know that your kitchen looks fabulous! I've saved that same photo for my dream kitchen too. The small changes made a big impact and it sounds like a much more workable set up for Steve.

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  63. I'm with you on the ladder climbing. Hey I trip over pine needles so I sure don't need to be on a ladder. Nice barter for the electrician.
    So what's up with the cursive only? ;o) I really like that store and the wine rack.
    Heck I like everything you do.

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