Before & After Mini Makeover (& Thanks!)

13 years ago

I posted a few questions (namely about tile) while my husband and I were in the midst of our kitchen mini-makeover. We had some great help - so thanks! We recently purchased a 93 year old home and have been whipping it back to shape. Though we didn't have the money to completely re-do our kitchen, we painted, replaced the countertops and sink and added subway tile. Here's a peek of before and after.

Before:

After:

We still had to replace one tile near the stove when we took this picture. Now after seeing the images, I'm pretty sure we're going to break out the tool sand carry the tile back between the microwave and stove as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Our Renovation Blog

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Comments (42)

ironcook
13 years ago
waaaahh!! that is FABULOUS! my bottom jaw just hit the desk. i just LOVE what you did, and i'm not exaggerating.

maybe i'm biased because that's what i want my counters to look like.

you did a wonderful job. i love the colors and window treatments and the island. omg... i know i'm gushing.

your kitchen makes me so happy. well done! :)
Pevo
13 years ago
Your before kitchen is better than my current kitchen....so your makeover is 1000 times better!
Great color and wonderful counters!
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Fantastic!!! You have done what I am just beginning to think about doing!I was surfing CL last night looking at wing chairs to slipcover with linen like fabric like you! .( I may have found a slipcovered Mitchell Gold sofa for 250) no wing chairs yet.But just thinking about it,not sure I can pull it off but your photos show I am on right track You have amazing talent here- not everyone can do what you have done- as simple as it may be to you to do! Gorgeous gorgeous work! thanks for the inspiration.Sue
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elba1
13 years ago
How bright and fun - enjoy!
mtnrdredux_gw
13 years ago
It's beautiful. So light and fresh and full of energy!
Fori
13 years ago
Ironcook, that's what I thought!

Apples, your kitchen makes my heart feel super happy. :) Well done.
northcarolina
13 years ago
It looks great! Would you mind sharing details about your countertop (i.e. kind of wood and what finish you used)?
brianadarnell
13 years ago
Is this the same kitchen?! It looks awesome! I love the aqua color especially with the brown BB countertops. It looks so great- enjoy!
lithigin
13 years ago
What a FANTASTIC set of changes! I love the bold color, LOVE the darker choice in the butcherblock, and think your blah before now looks like bright clean crisp white cabs with terrific pops of color. Nice job. I should imagine that you'll be happy with your mini-makeover for much longer than you thought you would!
applesandshanana
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks so much for the nice replies! It feels great to be done. The butcher block is from Ikea and is solid oak. We treated it with food safe butcher block oil several times with light standing between. We were pretty nervous about going with butcherblock, but we have been really happy so far. I just felt like butcherblock would go with the more classic feel of the house the best. I ended up loving it!
honorbiltkit
13 years ago
From perfectly nice to spectacular..."mini" indeed. Great color sense. And the alluring view to your stair hall suggests that the rest of the house is lovely as well.

Congratulations.
Lori Ryan
13 years ago
very cute!!! Love the colors!
applesandshanana
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks so much for the nice replies! It feels great to be done. The butcher block is from Ikea and is solid oak. We treated it with food safe butcher block oil several times with light standing between. We were pretty nervous about going with butcherblock, but we have been really happy so far. I just felt like butcherblock would go with the more classic feel of the house the best. I ended up loving it!
katsmah
13 years ago
That looks great! I love the wall color and the butcher block. A lot of great little touches to make it a happy kitchen!

I looked through your renovation blog. Your house is very nice. I love the columns into the dining room. How many fireplaces were original to the house? Shame they were all closed up. I love houses from the 20's and older. They have such wonderful charm.
blfenton
13 years ago
I had to go back and forth to make sure it was the same kitchen. Amazing. I love the blues against the white - makes it all so crisp and fresh and the accent of lime green brings it to stunning . The butcher block counters tie in so well with your floors. You took this kitchen from drab to fab - I love what you did.
User
13 years ago
Simply beautiful. Love the turquoise and the great drum shade. Yes I agree to complete the tile all the way across. You have a gorgeous space. Really like the 5 panel doors too. And yes the peak through the doorway into the rest of the house is very enticing. I will look at your blog and see if there are more pics of your charming home. Great job ! c
laxsupermom
13 years ago
Beautiful job! Love the drum shade! What a fun fabric. The butcher block looks amazing! Enjoy your new space!
marthavila
13 years ago
You did a great job! Congratulations!
beekeeperswife
13 years ago
Looks really nice! Great job! The blue is so "happy". I went on a kitchen tour yesterday and one of the kitchens had this same color, and a lamp that was similar to yours.

If I can be so crass as to ask, is that a bathroom I see? Have you "done" that room yet? If not, you should consider using the green that is in that lamp of yours in there! That is exactly what the homeowner did in that blue kitchen on the tour....it looked so happy! Hey, it's just a thought, and since I can't see the bathroom (if that is what is behind that door) I am not thinking of this as any kind of criticism of how it is decorated now! So, it's just a thought for you (as if you even asked!)
applesandshanana
Original Author
13 years ago
katsmah - Thanks! The house has four fireplaces (living room, dining room and both bedrooms). I wish, wish, wish they were still functional. Right now we're trying to scrounge up some original iron plates to cover up the empty spaces.

beekeeperswife - Yep, it is indeed a bathroom. It's kind of done. We painted it a blue/gray/violet color and hung a few pieces of art, but it doesn't really feel complete. Now that the kitchen is done, I'd love to go back and use that color. I think you're right, it would look great. Have to let my paintbrushes rest a bit, but it could definitely come down the road.
flwrs_n_co
13 years ago
What a wonderful redo! Your new kitchen is so happy!! You absolutely nailed it with your wall color, counters, fixture, . . . everything!! I just love it and would be so happy cooking/baking there! Enjoy!
stacieann63
13 years ago
Wow! You did a terrific job! The counters are gorgeous and I love your shades.
northcarolina
13 years ago
"The butcher block is from Ikea and is solid oak. We treated it with food safe butcher block oil several times with light standing between."

Thank you! I like it a lot -- I'm considering BB for our kitchen too and love the color of yours.
ghostlyvision
13 years ago
I just love your choice of...everything! What a great looking room!
sumnerfan
13 years ago
What a dramatic change! I also appreciate the info on the countertops as that is what we are planning to use. I love your bold color choices. Everything looks great.
shelayne
13 years ago
Oh! Oh! Oh! Your kitchen makes me grin ear-to-ear! I LOVE that color, and it makes the whole kitchen look so fun and bright and fresh! I love that drum shade--it's perfect! I love your BB, too!

I agree to take the tile to behind the range. It is going to be even more fabulous!

Thanks for sharing your happy kitchen!
noellabelle
13 years ago
Wow, that's just beautiful!!! I LOVE your countertops, and your wall color is fabulous! I went with a more muted aqua, but I love the happy pop of yours! Congrats on an amazing makeover!!!
jejvtr
13 years ago
apples

Congrats on your new home & lovely mini make over - when I see this I always thing "gesh we could have saved so much $$$"

please have your electrician change out the outlet by the sink to a GFI one

Nice work - enjoy
sabjimata
13 years ago
Lovely! The pendant, butcher block and wall color are all great. Enjoy a job well done!
cessnabmw
13 years ago
Nice kitchen! Where did yo get the roman shades from??
cat_mom
13 years ago
From drab to fab!! Very bright and cheery and fun!
applesandshanana
Original Author
13 years ago
cessnabmw - The shades are from JC Penney, called Savannah II Roman Shades. I think they're on clearance now, too!
sameboat
13 years ago
I thought the "before" was nice - but your "after" just POPS! Very nice and fun!
beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
13 years ago
Now *that* is an amazing kitchen, perfect for Springtime -- bright, colorful, and beautiful. You and your husband should be very pleased and proud!

Becky
dianalo
13 years ago
It is amazing that you went with darker colors and yet your kitchen looks lighter and certainly, brighter!
The counters are the perfect choice for the age of the house and being period appropriate, but the wall color makes it fresh too. You really got a ton of bang for your buck ;)
Babydoll2006
13 years ago
Now that is a fun kitchen. Nice work.
itsallaboutthefood
13 years ago
Wow...great update!
applesandshanana
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you for all the great compliments! We carried the tile back behind the stove, so now it really feels complete.

Here is a link that might be useful: Our Renovation Blog
livefromtexas
13 years ago
It's perfect. Great job.
jtkaybean
13 years ago
I LOVE that color on your walls, you did a great job!!!
BlueKitten
13 years ago
Your wall color makes me insanely happy and makes the room ooze with charm. Proof positive that you can do a fantastic makeover on a budget.
cj47
13 years ago
That mini makeover had a major impact! Beautiful colors, love the butcherblock counters and the addition of the little island for more workspace. Very nice job! I bet you'll be happy with this for a long time to come.

Cj
makeithome
13 years ago
What a fantastic mini-makeover! your kitchen looks AWESOME!!!! So bright, fresh and fun. LOVE

Before & After Mini Makeover (& Thanks!)

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