{ Cheeky Kitchen Chic }

Good Morning,

We’re talking kitchens again today…

This is the one room in our homes that gets the most foot traffic, the most wear and tear, the most activity, the most dirt… and the most memories. Therefore, when renovating this space, or just simply updating it, much care needs to be taken. A fresh kitchen space can completely transform your home – helping you to fall in love all over again :)

We’re here to get the conversation going regarding all things ‘renovation’ and ‘interior design’ - and hopefully to provide some worth-while advice to all you readers wanting to update your kitchen.

“C” from Courtenay jumped on the chance to have us feature her home for one of our Thursday design advice features. She sent us some before pictures and described her ideas to us.

Kari has been dreaming up options for C’s kitchen. Here’s Kari with her thoughts…

BEFORE:

OUR INSPIRATION:

Via - Better Homes and Gardens

Via – Our Houzz Ideabook

Good Morning Everyone!

Updating a kitchen can seem like an overwhelming feat, especially when you’re on a tight budget.  Luckily there are some inexpensive ways to get the look that you want without breaking the bank, and the first step is to work with what you’ve got.

Thanks C. for your before photos of the kitchen, here’s what I think you should do….

~There is no shortage of natural light in this kitchen; in fact the homeowner has requested a solution for reducing the amount of light that pours in. The first photo offers a practical and unique idea for keeping the natural light under control,  by mounting a glass shelf at the mid-point of the window.  This will allow enough space for a sheer curtain to be installed below the shelf  to diffuse the intense light that passes through the lower half of the window.  The top half of the window is now left exposed for some light to shine through, and the shelf provides a lovely spot for knick-knacks.  Since we’re all about green, perhaps some kitchen herbs would like this new sunny spot.  Even with all this natural light, there will be a need for evening illumination, so either of these pendant fixture inspirations could easily replace the existing fan.  Try The Light House in Courtenay for something similar.

~I love the look of mixed pieces of furniture in a room.  I think this look would be perfect in this kitchen, and what a great way to use what you already have!  I recommend leaving the table as is, but stripping down the chairs.  Next, paint or stain the chairs in a retro colour like Benjamin Moore 2049 – Forget Me Not, from House of Colour on 5th Street downtown Courtenay, and re-upholster in an awesome vintage-inspired fabric from Buschlen Furniture.

~The cabinets would look great with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.  The first photo displays an interesting way to paint the cabinets by using 2 complimentary colours, and 2 different door styles.  I suggest painting the upper cabinets a creamy white, and the lower cabinets a pale celery.  These colours will be a nice compliment to the existing counter top, therefore saving replacing at this time.  When you are ready to replace them, a worth while investment would be a high-end quartz countertop as the slight sparkle would highlight these colours nicely. We love Inspired Spaces and More on Cliffe Avenue – and strongly suggest popping in to choose your new hardware and to start getting ideas for the eventual countertop replacement. The louvered cabinet doors would look great under the sink, and I would try Dmexx in Coombs, to see what goodies they may have in stock.  The pantry beside the fridge would be a great place to incorporate a fluted glass door, and re-purpose that spot as a place to display some pretty dishes.

~There are 2 great flooring options in the above photos.  The first option is the checked floor that has been installed in a diamond pattern.  I love this classic look, and this floor can be easily installed as a DIY week-end project.  The painted wood floor in the second option is a little more costly, however in order to keep the budget down, a less expensive wood can be used since it is going to be painted.  The additional bonus in having a painted wood floor is that the colour opportunities are endless, and when you tire of the colour, it can be changed…that’s my kinda floor!

~Speaking of more painting…I know many people are advised not to paint wood, but I would love to see the wood paneling and back door painted out in Benjamin Moore OC-130 Cloud White.  As seen in photo number 2, wood paneling looks amazing with a fresh coat of paint, and can completely transform the look of a room.

~Finally, for your side door, try Glass Expressions for a colourful stain glass insert.  You could have a lot of fun creating a custom design that perfectly suits the newly updated  kitchen!

~k

Got a design or reno challenge? Want us to feature your home? It’s easy! Simply email us (cvdwellings@gmail.com) with a couple photos of one room in your home. We’ll put you on the list!

See you Tomorrow :)

Love what we’re doing? Don’t forget to spread the word to others in the Comox Valley – and beyond! We’ll love you for it :)

Tags: Kitchen, Local Shopping, Painting, Projects + Ramblings, Q&A, Writing