A few weeks ago I mentioned in ‘My Project Wish List‘ post that I was seriously considering painting at least one wall in the kitchen a soft white. I’ve felt for a very long time that there’s just way too much brown in our house. A hard thing to live with when you’re a lover of white.
I was not expecting to be writing this post so soon, but mother nature helped us along. Sunday was a bit rainy and the forecast for the next couple of days wasn’t so great either, so I figured it was a good time to get to work on the kitchen. We spent the better part of the day Sunday preparing the space…taping, removing wall track lights, outlet covers, a pot rack and even the cabinet on top of the fridge. Ya’ know, the fun stuff.
I had decided on combining ASCP in Pure White and Old Ochre. I considered using Milk Paint, but I knew I wanted to distress the end result and if you’ve ever worked with Milk Paint you know that the results after sanding can be somewhat unpredictable, and I wanted full control.
To refresh your memory, here’s what the kitchen looked like:
And here’s what it looked like at the end of the day on Monday…
and at the end of the day on Tuesday after a second coat. Getting there!
My goal was to brighten up the space but at the same time keep it in harmony with the look of the cabin, so I decided to sand it in a few places and let some wood show through. The painting of the pears on the wall between the windows is matted with a pure, bright white, which I think helps you to understand the color on the walls a bit more by comparison.
Here’s a closer look. I wanted a color that was very close to the color of the plates, and I think I achieved that.
I moved the painted mason jars to one of the windows, and I also painted a couple of accessories that were previously red. The overall look is much brighter and cleaner I think.
Just a random shot of some wildflowers I planted from seed earlier this year. I was eating lunch and noticed how the light was hitting them so I grabbed my camera :).
This project was a LOT of work. Between the detailed prep, having to get on a ladder and subsequently on top of the cabinets, painting two coats, sanding, cleaning the resulting mess from said sanding, then waxing and buffing everything (oh, did I forget to mention that step?), I’m exhausted!
But the space makes me happy now, so it was worth it.
Here’s a little infographic of the steps in case you ever need to distress varnished wood.
In other news…
We pretty much finished the rock garden! Whoo! That too was a TON of work! I must be a masochist. It actually looks a bit different than this photo now. We’ve since added mulch, a few more plants, moved the concrete leaf to the front and I added some Autumn decorations, but you get the idea.
As I’m typing this Fisherman is working on the side wall of the house. Remember the ugly green color of the wood siding? We’re going to paint that, hopefully within the next week or so, assuming the repair of the rotting wood goes according to plan.
Any plans for the weekend? We’ll be staying close to home, seeing some friends and getting things ready for next week when we have some company.
You know the drill. If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to Pin It!
Vickie says
Your kitchen looks completely different with the newly painted walls! I’m all about light and bright, so I love the new look and your walls blend nicely with all the natural wood. Well done!
kim says
Doreen, it turned out great! I love that you went back and sanded away some of the paint, giving it a rustic appearance. I can only imagine the hard work that your rock garden took. You and your husband are sure on a roll! It makes me feel lazy!
Emily says
Oh Doreen, I knew you would get it right and your kitchen is stunning! What a difference paint makes. I love how you sanded so the wood shows through and looks rustic but still achieving the painted look. Now the kitchen really pops. Great job and thanks for the tutorial. The rock garden is really pretty too. I’m sure you are tired, a lot of work and so worth it! Now, enjoy the fall with all of your projects checked, I hope!
Have a great weekend……..
Nana Diana says
Wow! That brightened your kitchen up a lot! I bet if feels like a whole different place to you. Great job…BIG job. I have painted wood in a couple of houses and KNOW how much work it is—but so worth it in the long run. xo Diana
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Absolutely love it dear Gal! I wasn’t sure that I understood your vision…but now I see it I think it’s brilliant!! Great work Lady!
I’ve got one heck of a virus I’m fighting right now. A week in and still feeling miserable. Ugh! :p so that’s why I’ve been absent.
But enough of my whining. I’m envious of all the projects you’re accomplishing. I love your landscaping too! Looks awesome!! Feel free to fly over & work on some things over here too Super Woman!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! I have a date with a snuggly blankie, hot tea & some cough drops. Lol
Xoxo
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Wow Doreen your kitchen looks amazing! I can’t even comprehend the work it took to do this (well, I CAN comprehend as have done much the same thing in the past!). But I know it’s a ton of work and it came out so perfect. Love the color you chose and the sanding gives it the “old” look like it’s always been there. Love the painted mason jars on your window sill and the look now of the light and bright kitchen and not so much brown! You are sure in a “work mode” lately.. you and hubby… your rock garden is so neat and as the plantings take over, it will look even more awesome! And am anxious to see your green wall on the house make it’s miraculous transformation. You guys are amazing.. and like one of the other commenters said.. you are making me feel very lazy about now… I just got bit by an early Fall flu bug (I assume) and have not felt good at all for the last few days.. so everything has come to a screeching halt in my life! Take care…. Marilyn
Poppy says
White is always right! Can’t go wrong with this neutral hue that is true to its crisp, clean palette, brightening any space, simultaneously warming up it, too. You did an amazing job; kudos to you! It’s pigmented in the perfect, powdery shade of ‘Doreen’s Pretty Plates’. The Pantone people have NOTHING on you!
xx
Poppy
Al says
It looks so bright and beautiful but, like you said, blends perfectly with the rest of the cottage. Congrats on getting a job crossed off your to do list.
tammy j says
rustic elegance.
two words I dearly love and the look they always bring. I never tire of it.
your cabin just gets better and better.
the green outside the window is showcased now.
and when the snow is on the ground the light of the kitchen will cheer you!
it’s all simply beautiful. perfectly done i’d say with the feeling that it’s always been there.
AND
you got it finished in time for your lovely daughter to see! YAYYY!
well done dearest bean! XOXO you are the energizer bunny!!!
Marsha says
Doreen, it is absolutely beautiful! I am so glad you are sharing your pictures of the completed project. I love it. I think it adds more definition and depth to your space. The selection of paint really goes well with your light wood cabinetry and stone island. It has been a modern feel and yet since a country feel. A really great choice.
Rita C at Panoply says
Wow, Doreen, brave and courageous you are, and it paid off! I would’ve been so hesitant to ever paint that wood, but it really looks terrific. Your persistence and patience certainly paid off in a big way. The rock garden looks great too.
Jemma says
Good Morning Doreen,
I have been wondering when you would begin the monumental makeover and waiting too.
Girl, you took on such a major project and the results are beyond fabulous!
You obviously did your research and wow, it paid off.
Your mix of paint colors and then lightly sanding the walls did indeed give your the look as well as the blending that you were searching for in keeping with authenticity of your cabin.
Beautiful! I know that you are enjoying your refreshed and brightened space.
(I have always wanted to have a cabin as my home)
Pinned!
xx
Jemma
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Doreen,
I know you hesitated about doing this but ohhhhhh how awesome it is now. It really brightens up your kitchen.
Awesome job. Love it.
Kris
denise says
I must admit I was skeptical when I read you wanted to paint the walls, but, it looks amazing! I think all your accessories tie in and the island really looks amazing with the painted walls. You really do great work! I need your advice about some vintage furniture I purchased. 1 – a glass door bookcase and 2 – a cedar chest. Both have veneer missing in parts. What would you recommend is the easiest fix for a novice crafty person? I would consider painting, or any other way to clean up the look. Any suggestions? xxDenise
Cindy says
Doreen, I LOVE the outcome. Alot of work but the payoff is HUGE.
LOVE outside too. These jobs are exhausting but rewarding.
You go girl. John is planting 50 mums today, LOL
Hugs
Cindy
sandy says
I love it Doreen! It is so much brighter. Thanks for all of your hard work on the tutorial!
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
I know it was an AWFUL lot of work, but the results are phenomenal! No longer does it have a slightly “cave-like” darkness. It is light and beautiful. you did a fantastic job. You two need to pat yourselves on the back for work both outdoors and indoors and go have some fun!
Brenda
Bonnie Schulte says
When I first read that you were considering painting the kitchen wall, I was a little apprehensive…but WOW, It looks BEAUTIFUL, sunny and bright!! What a big difference..You did a remarkable job, I just LOVE it..wow..wow..and wow again!!
Karen says
Okay, the difference just took my breath away!! I am in love with the new wall, it is bright and so in keeping with the other wood in your kitchen! You have definitely inspired me to do my cabinets this way. I have been thinking about it but not sure till I just saw your wall. Once again, a job so well done Doreen 🙂
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Doreen, what a difference a little paint can make. It looks fantastic. And that was fast too. I love the distressing that you have added to stay true to the cool and feel of the cabin. The room looks larger and airier.
Kim says
Wow. AH-Mazing!! What a difference. Your kitchen was beautiful before but this look is really outstanding. I am so impressed with your vision and the workmanship involved to achieve that look. Enjoy every minute you spend in that glorious space!
Summer says
The kitchen is looking fabulous! Love the walls ♥
Julie says
Hey Doreen, you did a great job with painting your kitchen walls. It looks like some contrast and lighter! I love your pretty mason jars. I hope you had a nice weekend. Enjoy the week. 🙂
Julie xo
Amy says
Doreen, wow! The kitchen looks a-MAY-zing with its white painted walls! I’d have been terrified to do something that was not reversible , but you are so confident, and so talented! You nailed it! The rock garden looks great – I hope you will show more pics of it with its autumn decor. You’ve had a very productive week!
Cecilia says
Oh Doreen,
I love how the kitchen looks! Painting those walls white was just what it needed! It really brightened up the space and broke up the wood. Best thing is, it looks like it belongs. Sanding here and there tied it all in. Goodness though, that’s a lot of work then to also work outside? Yep, you’re a glutton for punishment. LOL. It all looks great! All that hard work is paying off. yay for finished projects!!
Valerie says
I really love the white it brightens up the kitchen. It was so pretty before but even nicer now. I love it.
Melanie says
What a difference that paint made! Your kitchen looks so much brighter. I love the new look. Your rock garden is looking good, too.
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, your kitchen looks wonderful! You did a great job on the white walls. I know what you mean about making the kitchen area looking brighter and cleaner, as I just moved into a new place and the kitchen countertops are white. I used to have grey, and it’s a nice change. Those mason jars sure do look good on the window sill, and that is such a pretty picture of the purple wildflowers. You have an awesome kitchen, and I really like the cabin feel to it. : )
Thanks for the birthday wishes for Jess.
~Sheri
Cindi says
Painting that area white really did make a HUGE difference!
I LOVE it!
I would have been so scared to do that and you just jumped in and got ‘er done!
And then the Rock garden too?!
But another thing is this POST!
The way you formatted the 5 steps, the colors, the font and EVERYTHING!
I’m thinking you will be writing a BOOK in your future.
Yep, everything about this post is cool!
Judy says
Doreen, what a difference and I love the way you distressed it. Wood is so gorgeous and I love the jewel tones but you just have to have a little white to break it up and you have accomplished that. What a lot of work but with a huge payoff. Now, rest awhile!!..Happy Wednesday..Judy
Carla TePaske says
Hello,
I pinned. 🙂
Beautiful, I really like what you did. It turned out so nice.
Thank you for sharing your tips.
Carla
Karen@ Beatrice Euphemie says
Hi Doreen, I love it – you did a wonderful job choosing the perfect color and ‘aging’ it just right, too! It really makes such a difference! I think all of your hard work really paid off with a beautiful, light filled kitchen. Love the rock garden, too and can’t wait to see the finished results this spring when it is in full bloom. Love the photos of the flowers in the sun 🙂 It’s always such a good feeling to get a big project done (or two!) and I hope you are feeling that happy, warm glow of a job well done! hugs xo Karen
susan says
You must be thrilled with your “new” kitchen, Doreen. It looks fabulous! I don’t know where you get all your energy from – you never cease to amaze me.
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Doreen it looks wonderful! It lightened it up but blended in…just perfect! 🙂
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
It makes a huge difference while keeping the cabin’s spirit. It might have been a huge job, but it was totally worth it! I’m in love with your “new” kitchen!
AnnMarie says
Not sure how I missed this post but I am glad I found it! The kitchen looks awesome! I love the log cabin look and this paint does not interfere with it at all! Just beautiful!