It has been a long, long time coming - but the kitchen is officially complete. Blair's dad came over yesterday afternoon to hang the cabinet and microwave above the stove, and everything worked out perfectly.
In an effort to reuse as many pieces from the original steel set as possible, the only cabinet we had left was not as wide as the microwave. So we improvised and create an asymmetrical shelving area using one of West Elm's white "Chunky Wall Shelves" (we used the same shelves in our bathroom and bedroom as well, only in different finishes). We were afraid it was going to look awkward or contrived, but the effect couldn't have been better. I really think it fits in with the quirky, playfulness of the rest of the kitchen.
(The shelf is a great spot to keep things off our limited counter space. With the addition of some framed art or magnetic knife holder, this nook will be complete.)
My mom also stopped by with the custom-made curtains she put together for us using the leftover material from our dining room chairs. They are exactly what we were looking for and really help to unify the kitchen with the dining room.
(A second set of dual curtains on the back door gives us a little more privacy, and the draft stopper from Stacey is a life saver during the winter.)
Next, we got moving on all of the detail work. Outlet covers and switch plates were reinstalled, the tile and countertops were wiped down again, we installed the kick-plates under the cabinets and handles on all the doors. And after all that was complete, we cleaned the entire kitchen.
(We raised the rack above the new curtains so that our cacti get the sun they need ;)
The result is what we consider "modern vintage." We wanted to create a space that was warm and inviting with authentic elements, but include high-end components and materials that you won't find anywhere else. From the travertine tile floors to the solid walnut countertops to the glass tile backsplash, I think we hit the nail on the head - and we are thrilled with the result.
P.S. - Come see it in person this Saturday!
14 comments:
that's a good looking kitchen :)
Gorgeous kitchen - and so close to the layout of my own! What paint/color did you use on the walls?
it's a sherwin williams - aquatint.
also, thanks for the compliments!
I love all the great work and results!! I discovered you via my daughter's blog (health nut_em) and Stacy's blog. Your whole house is beautiful!
I love the curtains and rod/hardware covering your window on your door. I would love to know where you found the rod and hardware? I am trying to cover a similar set of windows.
Thanks!!
Rebekah
http://everylittlethingtheydoismagic.blogspot.com/2010/06/bee-in-my-bonnet.html
We found the rod and clips from Target.
Love your kitchen rehab. We are in the neighborhood with a similar kitchen and strongly considering refinishing the metal cabinets. I was wondering if I could chat with you about it? how did you prep the cabinets before painting? (sandblast, sand, strip?) do you have any local recommendations for refinishers? ideally, we'd like to strip them and keep them unpainted... any thoughts on that? we also have the same sink - do you recommend reglazing it? thanks for your time & sharing your project!
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks for the compliments! We would love to have you over sometime to show you around the kitchen. We have lots of recommendations and resources that we'd be happy to share with you. Just let us know what days/times work best with your schedule.
wow, that's very kind of you! how about Tuesday (27th) evening? we'll bring dessert.
Sounds great! Shoot me a line at blair.c.wilson(at)gmail(dot)com
What color is the trim? I love what you have done!
I don't know if you are still checking this blog, but could you tell us where you had your cabinets refinished? We live in NW Ohio, and our 1950s kitchen still has the original steel cabinets we would love to get refinished. Thanks!
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