Monday, January 12, 2009

{ makeover monday }

I love before-and-after makeover features--especially if they include a budget friendly twist. I recently spotted this kitchen makeover while perusing the Cottage Living site and saved it for my inspiration file.  I thought you might like to take a peek as well...


"Before"

Rather than completely demolishing her kitchen and starting from scratch, this homeowner simply gave her existing kitchen a new and improved facelift--an option that's both budget and environmentally friendly--so right there I was hooked. It also doesn't hurt that I love this homeowner's aesthetic and the finish choices she made with her upgrade. 


The existing upper cabinets were raised to the ceiling allowing room for a single open shelf to be installed below them. Simple details like V groove and crown molding were added to give the room some architectural interest.


Black honed granite replaced the older laminate


The existing upper and lower cabinets were given a fresh look with a painted finish


A new backsplash of white subway tiles...*sigh*


The new display shelf underneath the upper cabinets is such a brilliant idea-I love how it turned out.


The new view from the dining room...gorgeous!

What's also nice about this approach is that one could budget it in stages if necessary. For example, start by refinishing the cabinets and then updating countertops and appliances down the road...or floors, etc. Though not as seamless of a process, it does offer budgetary options.

More details and a complete slide-show of the remodel process, including additional before and after photos are available on the Cottage Living site. I recently read that the November/December issue of Cottage Living will be its last. I'm so disappointed...it's one of my favorite mags.

Feedback please:  I'm considering adding Makeover Monday as a new feature, offering a variety of makeover ideas and inspiration--from repurposing a piece of furniture to complete room makeovers. What do you think...is this something you would enjoy?

19 comments:

  1. i am all for makeover mondays! we renovated our kitchen a year and a half ago and i *love* it! it is always fun to inspire people, even if they just take their favorite ideas from your posts.
    (crossing fingers that you start...)

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  2. Yes! I think it's a great idea. This post for example -- it's so completely inspiring. I crave seeing how other people transform their homes.

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  3. I LOVE this idea!!! We will be updating the decor in our Master Bedroom. This is very helpful!

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  4. Brillant! Makeover Mondays....YES!

    Tissy

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  5. I have this same kitchen makeover clipped from Cottage Living (so sad that there won't be more issues)and saved in my little spiral-bound inspiration "file". I love the idea of makeover Mondays!

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  6. I think it's wonderful idea...I love this one! I so want to finish my kitchen, perhaps this is the inspiration I need...or a good kick in the pants! Suzanne, my dear, you always show us the most beautiful things!
    xo
    t

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  7. Ummm....YES! Of course! I love this idea! And I love this kitchen....so wonderful! We kind of did something like this(for budget reasons) and gave our little kitchen a face lift....it was such a wonderful change! Thank you for the inspiration Suzanne!
    xoxo
    Melis

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  8. funny...i just kirtsy'd hidden in france's post on diy or decorator...

    and i was thinking that i much prefer the diy route for makeovers.

    so yes. yes. makeover monday. genius. looking forward to it. xoxo.

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  9. ooh, i love that kitchen. thanks for sharing....

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  10. I think makeover monday is a fabulous idea. Keep it!

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  11. Here are ideas for tile mural installations FOR MAKEOVER MONDAY , tips on framing the tiles and using field tiles to coordinate with the mural.. Considering the use of found vintage labels and a great way to showcase retro art.

    http://aliciatappdesigns.com/customer_testimonials.htm

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  12. I love this makeover - yes I say go for it!

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  13. I have similar cabinets in my kitchen and had ripped this out of CL for the shelf idea as well. I like that she did the environmentally correct thing with the sink and cabinets - they are perfectly good, why throw them out?

    BTW< I heard CL is shuttering the website as well, so you may want to PDF the pages you like, as soon they will be no more.

    Also, I am in favor of Makeover Mondays! I like to look at "finished" rooms, but it is so much more inspiring to see what the room was before.

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  14. Hi
    Just found your blog..enjoying it very much..added you to my reader & love the idea of makeover mondays..this one was great. thank you

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  15. I share your disappointed. I really loved that magazine and looked forward to it every month. It's such a bummer that it's gone...
    On the upside, I'm seriously considering doing this archway in my own kitchen/dining room. It's awesome.
    *sigh* Still bummed.

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  16. what a phenomenal kitchen. it strikes the perfect balance between homey and stylish. i feel like you could really make a mess cooking in there without feeling like it was too precious, but then you'd be equally proud to show it off. I'm SO forwarding this link to a friend who's about to dive into her own kitchen re-do. She's going to poop herself!

    And thanks for the link love in the left side bar :)

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  17. I am Anne's friend who is redoing the kitchen and I LOVE THAT KITCHEN!

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  18. that's an amazing makeover!

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Thank you for stopping by...I love receiving and reading your comments. Please click the "publish comment" button again if it doesn't work. xo ~suzanne