Bringing A Kitchen Up To Date

I’ve been working with a friend/client who is wanting to update her kitchen and dinette and put a little “spice” if you will, into her décor.

I thought I’d give you a sneak peek at where I’m headed with this one.  She lives in a lovely ranch style home with exquisite solid oak custom kitchen cabinets.  Only problem is…..she doesn’t like the very dark, heavy grained OAK cabinets.  They were there when she purchased the house and always wanted to change them, but they are very good solid custom cabinets so it doesn’t make sense to replace them.

She is not a fan of white cabinets, so my suggestion is to paint them in an espresso to help hide the grain she doesn’t like and which will give it an updated modern feel.    Although there are a few methods to help hide the grain when you paint oak cabinets, none are perfect.  It is sooo hard to cover over the grain so it doesn’t’ show.  I have seen a product called Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations and the testimonials sound good.  Have any of you tried it?

She also describes herself as a “caught in a taupe world” home decorator and wants to jazz up the space with color.

Below is a mood board that I am working on:  I like the results so far.

Her favorite colors are eggplant and sage so we are going to use these colors for accents and on windows and rugs.  Replacing fixtures and cabinet handles will also imbue a modern vibe while still maintaining a traditional “chic”.  The homeowner likes “bling” so in goes a chandelier.

(Oops! The above photo is not mine. It came from Google Images. I have the automatic watermark turned on in Windows Live Writer and couldn't figure out how to remove it in the already published post!)

I’m loving the sophistication of this window treatment.  I want to use geometrics in this space and stay away from florals.

Of course, I have to add a French touch.  I’m thinking updated ticking and toile? Or maybe a confit?

We’ll see.

Until next time,

Kim

Linking up to:

Newbie Party at Debbie Doo’s Blogging and Blabbing

Cowgirl Up! at Cedar Hill Ranch

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence