Kitchen: A Modern Antique
May of last year I wrote an article about how to paint, trim and update dated oak kitchen cabinets, featuring the process and progress photos from one of my first friends in blogland, Kim from One Woman's Cottage Life. Well, Kim has been busy, and her kitchen is about finished! It's just beautiful, and (with Kim's kind permission), there are tons of pictures to share with you.
Before, Kim's kitchen featured builder-
grade oak cabinets and appliances.
When Kim bought her home, the kitchen was functional but without charm, interest or character. Builder basic oak cabinets, appliances and a popcorn ceiling made for a dreary space.
After, Kim's kitchen has an airy
modern sensibility with antique charm.
After her renovations, the kitchen is an airy, light-filled space with a mix of antique and modern sensibilities. Kim and her husband completed most of the work themselves, including a paneled and box-beamed ceiling, crown moulding, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, a freestanding island, farmhouse furniture, a white-on-white paint palette and a stunning cabinet update, which I wrote about in May 2007.
Mouldings, trims and a multi-step paint
finish give the cabinets an old-world feel.
To achieve the dramatic change on her cabinets, Kim added moulding, trim, beadboard end panels and a multi-step distressed and antiqued paint finish. The saturated red injects the space with color and energy.
The distressed, antique-look island
adds texture and functionality.
The addition of a freestanding island built from architectural salvage not only adds texture, but improved functionality by protecting the kitchen's work core from traffic. As an added benefit, it provides a furniture-like view from the nearby dining area.
The drum shade in the dining area
emphasizes the modern twist.
Kim also added a drum shade in the dining area, another nod to modern style. The unexpected shape adds a note of sophistication that sharpens the entire design.
By adding both modern displays such as the row of pears on the windowsill, and vintage-inspired charm like the countertop vignette, Kim has made her kitchen both modern in sensibility yet antique in charm. It is the best of both worlds in a kitchen that I find to be extremely inspiring. I hope you do, too!
Vintage and vintage-inspired items add a cozy charm to countertops.
Resources:
Light fixtures: "House Beautiful Collection" by Kichler. Faucet: "Restoration Collection" from Kingston Brass. Kitchen island & kitchen table: Fuzzot Furniture. Window rods and rings: Wal-Mart. Curtains: Repurposed Queen sheets, Wal-Mart. Curtains at kitchen sink: Repurposed pillowcases, Goodwill. Wall paint: Valspar "Malted Milk." Trim paint: Valspar "Anthem White." Cabinet paint: Basecoat, American Tradition "Homestead Resort Parlor Taupe." Topcoat, Waverly "Cherry." Glaze, "Raw Umber" translucent glaze. Details here.
Comments (21)
It's stunning. All that work has really paid off for them, a beautiful space.
Posted by Jodie | January 8, 2008 1:14 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 01:14
Wow, she's my hero. One day I hope to do a kitchen redo with my existing cabinetry. She is such an inspiration. Thanks for bringing us the whole story!
Posted by Jen | January 8, 2008 4:19 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 04:19
Hey Ang, do we know where her light fixtures came from? They are fantastic!
Posted by Jen | January 8, 2008 4:23 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 04:23
I ooohed and ahhhhed over this kitchen earlier this week. It's really stunning! It's actually kicked my resolve to finish ours and provided me with some ideas I want to implement, beginning with an island to break up traffic flow. Lovely! And the red cabinets are to die for.
Posted by Emily | January 8, 2008 5:32 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 05:32
We ( the blogging world) are all so proud of Kim and her hubbie. What a great job both skill wise and decor wise. Hope she gets top billing on RMS.
Janet
Posted by janet | January 8, 2008 6:02 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 06:02
Isn't Kim's kitchen beautiful! I just love that room.
She and her husband have done such a great job.
Kimberly :)
Posted by Niesz Vintage Home | January 8, 2008 6:35 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 06:35
I don't think there is anything better than seeing real people changing their homes to suit their style. This kitchen is full of color and personality...the island is perfect.
Posted by julie (jane's apron) | January 8, 2008 6:37 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 06:37
I absolutely love the look of that kitchen. What a beautiful, beautiful space. I keep telling my husband I want our cabinets painted red and because it's a new house he thinks I am nuts. He says he's "putting his foot down" on that one. Whatever that means! Someday I'm going to paint our cabinets just like these. Kim did a fabulous job and I love it! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by Anne | January 8, 2008 7:12 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 07:12
Oh, what a tremendous change! Love, love, love the red cabinets. The whole kitchen has such personality and style now. They should be so proud!
xoxo,
Mary
Posted by mary | January 8, 2008 7:21 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 07:21
How lovely! and what a transformation!! Thanks for sharing the befores and afters with me!
Penny
Posted by Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio | January 8, 2008 9:04 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 09:04
I am jealous, I need a kitchen makeover sooo bad! I was hoping to do it this year, but it looks like it will have to be next year.
Ellen
Posted by ellen Crimi-Trent | January 8, 2008 10:06 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 10:06
Wow! What a great transformation. It gives me hope for my oak cabinets that I am so tired of!!! My daughter painted hers white and they look great, also. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Jean T | January 8, 2008 10:43 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 10:43
Beautiful kitchen. Thanks for sharing the photos with us Angela. That island adds a nice touch. Rhondi xo
Posted by rhondi | January 8, 2008 11:11 AM
Posted on January 8, 2008 11:11
Oh, thanks for sharing these new pics. I've been following along on Kim's kitchen too & hadn't seen the new fixtures. They are beautiful! I'm on the hunt for a new DR fixture & foyer fixture, so these are on the front of my plate right now. Lovely transformation & very awe-inspiring!
Rhoda
Posted by Rhoda | January 8, 2008 12:55 PM
Posted on January 8, 2008 12:55
Yes, it looks really good. I've been following her remodeling efforts from the beginning and she has lots of good ideas!
Manuela
Posted by the feathered nest | January 8, 2008 1:32 PM
Posted on January 8, 2008 13:32
Hi Angela! Thank´s for visiting Annalunda - it made me so happy. Cottage Magpie is so lovely and inspiring - I look forward to really discover it! I´m sorry for my English - it´s not so good - but though I have tried to translate some of Annalunda... and I also put an Angel there for you! :)Welcome back!
Annie
Posted by Annalunda/ Annie | January 8, 2008 1:38 PM
Posted on January 8, 2008 13:38
wow, that looks so wonderful! What a great job they did, just shows how much you can do yourself, and that PAINT is magic. Thanks for sharing more photos.
xo Lidy
Posted by frenchgardenhouse | January 8, 2008 10:00 PM
Posted on January 8, 2008 22:00
WOW, thank you *SO* much for all the wonderful comments and thoughts about our kitchen remodel. YOu all are so sweet! I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this article, Angela - you are the best! I got your email, and will try and work on that soon! Thanks again so very much!
Posted by One Woman | January 9, 2008 8:17 AM
Posted on January 9, 2008 08:17
I just love your blog...I have admired Kim's blog for a few months now and have been so inspired by her work. Now I have found your blog and you are another one that I will definately be following! Thanks for the inspiration! :o)
Posted by Jill | January 9, 2008 6:17 PM
Posted on January 9, 2008 18:17
That wasn't a horrible kitchen to begin with. Nice and open, but they sure did an incredible job in there. It looks spectacular!
Posted by cindy | January 10, 2008 12:15 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 12:15
Hello Angela,
Like your blog! I love decorating via thrifty sales...I'm looking forward to checking out your blog more often.
Thanks for the tips!
~ Jillian
Posted by Jillian | January 11, 2008 7:16 PM
Posted on January 11, 2008 19:16