A KITCHEN UPDATE - BYE BYE OAK

Kathleen's kitchen was kind of perfect,

except for the wallpaper border

the outdated window coverings

and the oak cabinets

and the fact that she wanted to change

everything 

except the layout

[which was the perfect part]

and the floor - a wood look tile that she loved

But, other than that, she was okay with her kitchen....

Now, however, 

she loves it.

Who can blame her?

Gone are the dated yellow oak cabinets -

in their place... creamy white.

A new apron sink,

new window coverings...

and new appliances.

The new colors are beautiful, soft and calm -

a palette of grays, navy and mustard

We added additional recessed lighting

and pendant lighting [Pottery Barn]

We kept the table and chairs but recovered the seats.

We added new bronze knobs and pulls

Pental Quartz counters

and tumbled travertine (subway style) back splash

(we tucked the electrical plugs up under the cabinets so that beautiful backsplash

wouldn't be interrupted by ugly outlets)

We topped the island with warm walnut butcher block.

Added a custom vent hood

A few accessories

and an awesome magnetic blackboard

for the desk area

We also reupholstered this funky little desk chair - 

for a pop of mustard.  

The result is a warm and inviting kitchen

Updated

Beautiful

custom kitchen cabinets by

Aplus Home Improvements

FAMILY STYLE BONUS ROOM

I can't believe how long I have been doing this...
and I can't believe how much I still love doing it.

This project was particularly fun - not so much the room itself - although I love how it turned out -
but the fact that this was a little used bonus room at the top of the stairs
and everyone walked through it to access the bedrooms.
 We took this little used space 

and turned it into the favorite spot in the house to hang out.

Fresh new paint.

New built-ins.

(this corner column is actually DVD storage)

New cushions and pillows
and the bench is extra wide - perfect for sleepovers if needed

and window treatments

added recessed lighting

and sconces on each side of the window

in antiqued brass

(yes, brass is definitely back)

We gathered stuff for the shelves

and also made new purchases to add interest.

New club chairs for TV viewing

Its no wonder they love this spot

Comfy floor pillows

We decided we needed to add a little visual weight to the area below that big black

flat screen - and a little greenery

so we created these planters with faux succulents and black pebbles

This place is full of family memories

and not just on the shelves

It's all about family

as it should be

Before the remodel, everyone passed through this room to access the upstairs bedrooms.  

No one wants to pass through it now.

Sandy from Pacific West Drapery Design created the bench cushions and pillows, as well as the floor pillows and window treatments.

Construction by Aldon Thompson of Thompson Construction

Photography by Bleudog Photography (Shawna Henrie)

Union Jack pillows are from a trip to London.