If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors
to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.

~ Henry David Thoreau





Sunday, March 21, 2010

The Cottage Kitchen........a little paint should do

I am participating in Metamorphosis Monday, hosted by the very talented Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.  Be sure to visit her blog and the many lovely make-overs from other participants.  You will be so inspired.

Welcome to the cottage kitchen at ITLLDO

 This is the only photo I could find of the "before" kitchen.
(photo taken on our first visit, prior to purchase)



We started unloading stuff as soon as we closed.



The stove that was left in the cottage was coppertone with a matching hood  (I could have sworn I had a picture of the lovely, yet functional, stove)  It left with the rest of the Stuff that remained in the cottage after we took possession.

A new white stove and lots of white paint (right down to the coppertone hood) does wonders!!





A very functional cottage kitchen....one small problem, though.  We could not open the refrigerator door without hitting the bar.





Sweet little windows peek out to the attached lake-side sun porch, but the view of the lake was so limited from the kitchen.  Plus, painting those dark cabinets seemed so daunting.






So, after we painted all of the walls, we proceeded to tear them out...





And those quaint little windows......  gone!





New white cabinets, custom made by a craftsman in our near-by Amish community.  (The same man that built my bathroom cabinets..If you missed my bathroom renovation in last week's post, click here.)






A slight rearrangement.....





Some new recessed lighting





Navy laminate countertops, plus room for a dishwasher.....(I want a little relaxation when I come to the cottage)  And a lake view!!!!





A few red, white and blue accessories, plus porcelain tile floor





And a completely renovated, bright, white kitchen.


I think ITLLDO....for now.
















16 comments:

My Cottage Charm said...

Very sweet kitchen re-do, it reminds me of my own. You can take a peek at our re-do if you have time. :)
http://mycottagecharm.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-to-paint-your-kitchen-cabinets.html
Our cabinets were a mess, but we did opt for paint...you were smarter! (but ours turned out beautiful too, just tons of work.)
Have a great week!

Unknown said...

love those cabinets with the clear glass..

Martha said...

A very pretty kitchen -- can't believe the change!

Amber said...

Oh my goodness, it's beautiful! Doesn't even look like the same room! I love the cabinets with the glass "windows".

Denise Marie said...

Wow, what a great space!! Love the view from the dishwasher. lol

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love your new kitchen. It is just gorgeous. That one wall of all cabinets is just wonderful. So much storage. Your new lake view is fabulous. Hugs, Marty

Sonny G said...

I just have to say that too me, this is the perfect kitchen~! I wish I had seen it before I remodeled mine.
You have beauty, function and storage and it doesnt get better than that.. I hope you enjoy every single moment in your new space for many many years...
Sonny

Gloria said...

Beautiful!! You must be so proud! (and glad that it's over too)
Congratulations!
Best regards,
Gloria

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Love the beadboard on the cabinets!

susan said...

Cynthia-You do have truly great before and after pictures! Wow! I'd love to see the rest of the house now too. The beadboard and glass front cabinets are great (love the red and blue in them). This is beautiful without being fussy. It will MORE than do! Nice to "meet" you. Thanks for stopping by!

shannon i olson said...

great job. looks like a wonderful place for a morning cup of coffe. very refreshing

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

What a transformation...love the wall of cabinets.

Marigene said...

Beautiful transformation! Love those long cupboards.

Martha said...

I remember visiting your kitchen first time around -- I thought i lovely then and it's still lovely!

Wanda Lee said...

This is just such afabulous transformation!! I love the white cabinetry!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Cynthia...

Ohhh my goodness...what a fabulous transformation! I would have never known it was the same room even...of course, I realize that is the point! Hehe! BRAVO!!! This really is a beautiful kitchen! Girl, I can't believe that you painted all those walls...only to tear them out! Hehe! Sounds like something I would do! Ohhh...but it's sooo much better and now you get a terrific view of that great outdoors! Love the new layout and I love, love, LOVE your n new cabinets! They are sooo pretty! Love the glass doors in the upper cabinets! I love your new kitchen!!!

What a fabulous transformation and a fabulous post! I'm so glad that you shared your new kitchen with us for Sunday favorites this week! I would love to see more of this sweet vacation cottage...hmmm, maybe more Sunday Favorites posts? Hehe! I really would love to have you join in with us again, my friend! Thank you so much for your sweet note and well wishes for the Sunday Favorites "One Year" birthday celebration! And...thank you for adding the giveaway button to your sidebar...I appreciate that!

I'm just elated that you added Happy To Design to your list of blog follows! I am also adding your delightful blog to my list! I'm looking forward to getting to know you...it's sooo very nice to meet you, Cynthia!!!

Have a wonderful day and best wishes with the gift card giveaway!

Chari @Happy To Design