The Kitchen Facelift

For more than seven years I have lived in my 1930’s Normandy home, and while so many other rooms throughout the house have had facelifts and remodels, the kitchen has remained the last to receive my attention . . . until now.

My goal was to institute a change that would not require a contractor’s help, yet would create a more welcoming and functional space. Therefore, the term facelift – paint, hardware, window treatments and dishes – pertains to that idea that all the changes were something I could easily do myself.

First the before pictures:

BEFORE

And now . . .

For the past two months, the kitchen has slowly taken shape. The decor aesthetic I wished to create was one that blended clean, tranquil simplicity with a welcoming French country touch. Have a look at the after pictures below and following the pictures, I’ve broken down all of the changes and links to anything you see in the photos that interest you or you might have questions about.

AFTER

~My boys – Norman and Oscar – patiently waited Sunday morning for me to finish the kitchen post. A walk and a treat quickly followed this photo. ~

While my kitchen may not be making the pages of House Beautiful any time soon, I was thrilled with the outcome. What I discovered during the process is that simple changes, cleaning out the clutter (much was edited and will be sold in yard sale to be held this spring), choosing colors that work well together or create the right tone for the mood one wishes to create, as well choosing quality accessories can make a tremendous difference.

I now spend much more time in my kitchenette reading and sipping tea in the morning. When having company over, I tinker away in the kitchen while they are able to relax in the kitchenette, sipping wine and catching me up on what is going on in their lives.

I’ve now designated the right side of my sink (where the wine is stored and the cupboard full of glasses is located) as my “bar area” where drinks are prepared, while keeping my food preparation on the left-hand side of the sink where all of my appliances and dishes are stored. A simple change, but it is working well. And since I eat oatmeal every morning, I’ve placed it by the stove-top to prevent messes and instill simplicity in the process.

Needless to say, I’m inspired to cook even more, am having fun with meal presentation and enjoy welcoming my guests into my kitchen. Thank you so much for your patience in waiting for the final pictures. Bon appetit!

ALL THE DETAILS:

*A thorough, deep cleaning

*Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White on the walls and ceiling (matte) and trim, as well as faux brick (satin)

*Window treatments (due to my window frames which were not wide enough I was not able to mount them inside the frame, but they are capable of such a placement) customized from Blinds.com – white roman shades with no cords (love this!). They are customized to the 1/8 of an inch of what you need.

*Added a dimmer switch to the kitchenette and changing the electrical outlet plates

*Changed the cupboard knobs to glass 1 1/4 inch brushed nickel knobs from Rejuvenation (the pulls for the drawers that I picked out didn’t fit, so I’m picking up the right size when I return to Portland next month).

*Removed the above-counter cupboard doors

*Lined the shelves with cork

*White porcelain dishes and glassware from Sur la Table and Crate & Barrel (purchased during December & January sales which was a budget saver)

• Both the round and square dinner plates are the medium, not the large size which provides more than enough room for a meal (and saves money).
• Viv 20 oz Big Red wine glasses
• stemless wine glasses (love these for casual lunches or afternoon snacks as well as when dining outside)
• tea/coffee cup
• espresso cup and saucer
• pasta bowls
• square plates (8.5”)
• bistro round plates (10”)
• large glass canisters
• tea kettle from Le Creuset

*Added a framed print of “Dignity & Impudence” by Sir Edward Henry Landseer – located at the Tate Britain museum in London (where I originally saw it and became smitten – do read the back story. I have a feeling if you are a dog lover, you will appreciate it as well).

*Please note, the rug is old (saving up to have it replaced soon!) And you may have noticed, I am still debating on what would look the best.

*The lighting (while put up three years ago) is from Rejuvenation – nickel finish).

*Changed the wall clock to white – click here to purchase. 

*Removed under-sink doors and replaced with a white cotton curtain set from World Market.

*Added two white porcelain utensil canisters from Providence Fine Living in Walla Walla – the most lovely store owner with endless expertise.

*Added a large, trimmed in white, corkboard for recipes, coupons, grocery lists and newspaper articles freeing up the refrigerator and eliminate the endless magnets.

*The wall mounted pot is not new, as it came with the house when I bought it, but I am thrilled to have it. It can be found here.

*The wines are from Walla Walla and Oregon wineries as well as French wineries picked up at my local wine shop – Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman aka W5. (Currently on the rack – a French Chateau Petit-Freylon 2010 bordeaux, French La Vieille Ferme rosé, Charles Smith 2011 Syrah and Abacela’s 2007 Malbec).

*Flowers – hydrangeas picked up in Portland’s Pearl District – Sammy’s Flowers

*Garage Sale finds – cutting board, kitchenette table (added the white paint), and tablecloth

A list of the cookbooks found on the counter:

*Barefoot in Paris by Ina Garten

*The Barefoot Contessa Foolproof

*Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics

*Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child

*Pure Beef: An Essential Guide to Artisan Meat with Recipes for Every Cut

by Lynne Curry

*The New York Times Cookbook by Craig Claiborne

*A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen

by Hugh Acheson

*Everyday Italian by Giada de Laurentiis

*Bouchon by Thomas Keller

*The French Women Don’t Get Fat Cookbook by Mireille Guiliano

*The Country Cooking of Italian by Colman Andrews

*The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

*Weeknight Fresh & Fast (Williams-Sonoma): Simple, Healthy Meals for Every Night of the Week by Kristine Kidd

Finally, if you have further questions about anything you see in the kitchen, leave a comment below and I will be sure to do my best to answer.

~If you are seeking more decor inspiration, I have good news. First, stop by my monthly Houzz Ideabooks (January’s highlighted my kitchen facelift and includes more links to products used or desired). Second, beginning next week, I will be posting a four part series of simple decor inspiration. Lastly, later this week I will be sharing some exciting news that will have me learning the ropes when it comes to decorating small spaces, yet adhering to the simply luxurious premise.

~Rest assured, this week’s motivational post has been moved temporarily (this week only) to Thursday. Next week, the regular Monday schedule of posts will resume.