Kitchen Redo - House Pics Post 2

So, my kitchen isn't finished yet, but it's close enough for me to share pictures. Here we go:

BEFORE:

^^^Please notice the HUMONGOUS slatted doors over the pantry^^^

(left picture)

and the crumbling yellow tile countertop and backsplash (right picture)

along with the mismatched "wood" laminate. 

Did you notice the smoke-stained vent-hood 

and the gaudy, retro knobs on all the cabinetry...

...or should I mention those things too?

AFTER:

We sanded and painted the cabinet doors and replaced the hardware. I couldn't salvage any hinges (although I did try), but I was able to save a TON of money by resurrecting some old cabinet pulls. My mom bought the pulls for me at a garage sale ($7 for 40 pulls). We cleaned, spray painted and lacquered them, and they turned out great! The originals sell on ebay for $7 a piece. We just took off the ugly plate on the back that was making them look so dated!

I took off the bifold doors that covered the pantry because they were poorly hung and falling apart. I opted to leave it open and *try* to keep my food stuffs looking neat and organized on the shelf. I picked up some clear canisters at a garage sale (14/$10) and had a few of my own already. 

It helps to keep everything looking somewhat unified.

Here is our breakfast nook. I still need to pick out fabric, make cushions, refinish the bottom cabinet doors, and do something with the window, but it's coming along. (Samweli enjoyed running through some hanging streamers at a party we went to, so I thought I could set some up in the door to keep him busy while I was getting my kitchen set back up.)

Did you notice that we moved the oven? That's because my wonderful hubby got me a dishwasher! Hmmm...I wonder if he thinks that counts as "helping" with the dishes.

There's still a LOT more to be done, but the bulk of the job is over. Maybe we'll get it finished before we've lived in the house a year, but if not, that's okay. I'm just blessed to have such a functional place to cook.

I know colors don't come across computer screens like they ought to, but if you want to check out my kitchen colors, try these from Sherman Williams (but wait until it goes on sale, of course):

Compatible Cream (walls)

Navajo White (cabinetry)

Dover White (trim)

As usual, I've updated the Fluff Gallery and Family Photos sections with new projects and pictures. Please feel free to take a look and enjoy my family and my fabrics! Just click on the tabs at the top of the page.