I have learned that there are 2 types of people in the world. No, not optimists and pessimists. Not even conservatives or liberals, but rather, those who are opposed to painting wood, and those that aren’t. My dad is practically a card-carrying member of the former group, and because it’s my generational duty to hold a different opinion, I paint almost everything that doesn’t move. I think Daddy cries a little inside every time I tell him my plans to shellac, lacquer, or spray something, and the kitchen was no different. But, y’all. Was I right or was I right?
Gross – Before
After
This was definitely a learning process, and it should surprise no one that I have a lot of thoughts about how and when one should hire contractors (and that post is coming), but for now, just the TA and DA.
Before
Sink After
I painted my backsplash and have tried 2 different applications, but thought they looked too homegrown, so painted over them.
The tile painting doesn’t need a tutorial. I taped off, primed with this primer that I love for everything, and after that was dry, I rolled on about 3 coats of the high-gloss version of the same color I used for my uppers. (Behr Ultra in Spun Cotton for the uppers; Intellectual for the lowers.)
Until I decide what I want to do, I hung some artwork Jane Scarlett and I did together. But, look behind the Rainbow pic – you can kind of see the stencil I tried. I may still do it. I tried just doing a matte finish to look kind of like grout, but you couldn’t even tell I had stenciled, and then I over-tinted, and now I’m debating on what to do next. Got any ideas? I really want to avoid the cost and mess of re-backsplashing, so let’s divert from that route.
Sunset
Flowers
Rainbow
Garden and Storm
Silly Straw
Sorry, y’all. I’m a proud Mama, and felt like I had to show off her artwork. She named them all, and was pretty pleased with herself.
View from the Living Room
Bar
Open shelving
The open shelving turned out just like I hoped it would. I use my wedding china (Vera Wang’s “Lace”) quite a bit, but it makes me happy to see it even during the non-occasions. Making coffee. Sweeping the floor.
Also, the Faberge dessert plates are from my 1st choice in a china pattern, but I couldn’t muster the gall to register for it. The place settings cost a small fortune, and I was already asking 80% of our guests to travel to New York City. However, one of my dearest friends KNEW of my LURVE and totally splurged on these. I cried when I opened them, but I smile every time I use them. (Loave you, Jen!)
It’s not done done. I borrowed that rug from my guest room, but want something with more color like this.
Swoon
But, there you go. I didn’t even white balance or edit these images, which should prove how much lighter and brighter it is in my house. And, now the kitchen fits us. It’s not a full reno, but it’s a major improvement. Wouldn’t you agree? Yes. Yes, you would. Sorry, Daddy.
It’s. Gorgeous. I might have another project for you before too long…..
Bring it, handsome! Would be super fun to dec’rate together. xo
Are you kidding me????????????
If my kitchen turns out half as good I will do the hammer dance.
Painted backsplash looks ok from here. Is it really bad in person?
How bad exactly was the cabinet painting process?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Aw, thanks, Erin! The painted backsplash actually isn’t bad. I painted it the high gloss color of my satin cabinets, and then was planning to stencil a Moroccan tile pattern in the matte (to look like grout). It was too subtle. So, I tinted the “grout” color a little, and it was too unperfect. I don’t know what else to call it. It’s not AWFUL and looks like hand painted tiles, but…I’m doubting the arts and craftsiness of it. You know…because kids’ artwork isn’t craftsy at all. I’ll post pics when I can. The cabinet painting process was HIRED out, and still was kind of a pain, but because of other people’s schedules and attention to detail that isn’t like mine. I could have done it myself, but I probably would have cried. A lot.
Let me clarify – It was a pain because I am impatient and had I done it myself, I would have devoted every spare minute I had to it until it was done. As it was, I had to wait until I could stay home (so the off days I work from home OR on weekends. That makes for a drawn out process). Also, I might be kind of particular and see things that unless you’re the homeowner, you wouldn’t see. But, the contractors I hired were more than willing to help at every turn. Still are. They’ve offered to come and touch up, etc. I’ll post about my experience soon!
that is some impressive shit right there. now, you better stay tuned for the 50,000 emails you’re about to get regarding all the details. don’t worry about whether or not you already told them in the post. people will still ask.
good job.
Thanks, Jenny! I’m getting a post together with the details. Almost harder to write than the actual process of getting it DONE DID.
You were so right to paint over that wood! Beautiful kitchen!
Thanks for solidarity, Lisa!
Looks great. I perked up when I saw this because you have the same colored counter tops that I do, though mine are a stone. I can’t justify changing them now, and so I try to work around them. I love the gray blue (?) you used on the bottoms, so I will be patiently awaiting the paint color name- it almost makes me like the color!
Nice work!
Thank you, Lynn! I used Behr ultra in Intellectual. I ADORE THIS COLOR. And, I love the name just as much. Now, I just wear my glasses in the kitchen at all times and say things like, “E equals M C squared” and “One must refrain from postulating superfluously, mustn’t one?”
It looks so good, Julie! I am a huge fan of painting ugly cabinets. I did the same thing before I moved into my now husband’s house. But, I wasn’t as smart as you. I didn’t hire anyone and instead spent 2 weeks of evenings and weekends sanding, priming, and painting. Ugh.
Looks beautiful and the countertops disappear!
Thank you, Misty. I take that as high praise from Mzzzz Style, herself! I won’t be afraid of painting cabinets anymore, but I am glad I hired this out. Love reading Plastic Jungle and seeing your gorgeous home!
It looks GREAT! Thanks so much for letting me know you were inspired by my project, your kitchen really turned out beautifully! YAY! I’m so happy for you!
You guys are the best. Thank you so much!
Beautiful kitchen. It is exactly what I want to do with my kitchen. I’ve been going back and forth with painting wood as well since our home is brand new and has brand new basic cabinets. Seeing how yours turned out makes me excited to paint ours.
Go for it! Thanks for the thumbs up!
I agree, the after is amazing! We are getting ready to remove 3 walls to make a HUGE kitchen for our equally huge family (6 kids so far) and the darker lower lighter upper idea is definitely going to be part of things.
it looks fantastic and you should be proud! what color did you use on your bottom cabinets- the gray? i love it!! i am new to your blog so thank you!
Hi Joyce – Sorry I am just now getting back to you – I had to dig through about 1000 spam comments to find the real ones! The bottom paint is “intellectual” by Behr Ultra and the top is “Spun Cotton.”
I LOVE this!! We moved into our 12 year old house a month ago and it has awful “oak” cabinets. I think the doors are the only solid wood, the rest is pressed wood (?), I really have no idea what but they are so dated and ugly. I was hesitating to paint them white because we have 3 young kids and worried about always wiping messes off the pretty white cabinets. This would be perfect! This project just moved to the top of my To Do list:)
Yay! Hope you share how they turn out!
[...] Jane / Styled Thing / The Inspired [...]
Um, oh em gee, this is almost exactly what I want to do with my kitchen! I have builder grade light maple cabinets, that after 13 years have turned that weird orange yellow tone that I hate. While I’m not removing doors off any of the cabinets to make open shelving, I am moving my uppers higher and putting an open shelf underneath. Seeing your kitchen redo gives me hope that my vision will turn out! Care to share what wall color you went with? From the pics it looks to be a light gray, which is what I was thinking of. Either that or I was gonna go with a light beige-y gray color which I’m sure exists out there somewhere.
Thanks so much! Sorry to just now reply – your comment got buried in spam. Yeesh. Behr Ultra in Spun Cotton for the uppers and Intellectual for the lowers.
Hope you share your “afters!”
Thank you, all. I’m still glad I went for it. A few months, and no wear and tear to speak of!