Handle fail

I mentioned I was going to do more work on the kitchen, re-painting the cabinets and such.  Well, I figured it would be time to update the handles.  I don't hate my handles, but I thought I could improve upon them.

I found some on-line that I though could work, and they were in the right price range.  There were a couple of option in finishes that I could choose from.  And in the end I made a poor choice.

Initially, I wanted either a brushed nickel or a flat black to match with the other finishes I have in the room.  But then I realized I didn't want to spend the extra money to replace the exposed hinges, which are an aged brass.  I thought that either the nickel or the flat black would only highlight the fact the hinges were different.  So I though I would go with the aged copper.

To me in the photo, it looked like the bright copper was mainly on the edges and the handle itself was darker. But I was off in my interpretation.

Here is what I got...

I haven't taken them out of their packages, because I will be returning them.  But they are definitely a bright copper color, and they will definitely stick out, and not in a good way.

So I am back to the drawing board.  has this happened to you?

-Laurie

Next up....This

Now that I have finally amputated our peninsula, I am left with a kitchen that needs an island.

as well as other things, but and island is up next.  and I am hoping to make it out of my $25 Craigslist find.

It needs some work before it is ready to use, but this is whats up next.....

I hope it is ready to be revealed soon.

-Laurie

Rustoleum Countertop Coating Project

Changes are happening in the kitchen.   I got out-voted on changing the cabinets from blue to gray, but I still am itching for a change.  Of course what I really want is brand new wood counters and real hardwood floors, but that is not happening right now.  Nope.  But what I do know is that the floor really bothers me and I need to figure out something to make it fit better in the room.

OK, I hate the fake tile inset in the fake wood floor, combined with the light counters the whole room looks like it is floating a bit.  It needs to be grounded. (All sorts of parenting jokes are swirling in my head about sending the floors to their room without dinner, but I digress)

In short, I am praying and hoping that by darkening the counters I will be able to "ground" the room.  Oh and I'm getting rid of the peninsula.

Due to budget constraints, I am going to use Rustoleum Countertop Coating, which runs about $20.  The colors are limited, and I have read mixed reviews, but I am desperate to visually change the room.

So we start off knowing the price is right, but trying to select a color is a nightmare.  First of all, you are expected to be able to select your color from the tiniest "swatch" on the top off the box.

I wanted to get an off black color.  I knew Black was going to be too dark, but trying to decided between Midnight, Storm, and Clay was frustrating.  Remember you are trying to decide this in the store and in their great (read sarcastic)  lighting.  I also found out that I would not be able to return the paint if the color was wrong.  ERGH.

I did decided to try Storm.  It is gray, it does have a blue undertone, and is close, but I still would have liked it a tad darker.  I wish I would have asked if I could have used a custom color.  Anyways, I got lucky.

But before I could get started I needed to remove the peninsula.  I created a guide with a board to help get a nice straight edge.

I filled the raw edge with wood filler and sanded it smooth before painting the counters.

I spent time on degreasing the counters and sanding the surface.  The directions say you don't need to sand, but with our counters being so smooth I decided to take the extra step.  I also used a microfiber roller cover for a smooth finish.  (I had read that foam starts to flake off).

The paint is stinky.  I decided to paint the counters on a weekend when the family was going to be out camping, and it was a good decision.  The smell does fade as the paint dries, but it is still pretty strong for a day or so.

It took me 4 thin coats to cover the ivory counters.  I would have been done with 3, but afer returning home I discovered the cats had been on the counters....oops.

Actually, I think they did me a favor, because my last coat was a bit patchy.  So on my fourth coat I was cautious with my roller marks.  You don't have a lot of work time with this paint.

The package says you should let the paint cure for 3 days.  I gave it 4 and am still being really gentle with the surface.  But so far I am happy with the results.

I do feel like the darker counters help minimize the floor.  But like any project, you are never done with one step.  Nope.  This is just the beginning of a few more "projects" I will be working on in the kitchen.

Since we have removed the peninsula, I will be replacing it with an island.  I want to lighten the color of the cabinets.  I have ordered new door handles, and I will be making new curtains.  Just a few items to keep me busy.  I hope to have all this done before Thanksgiving.  XX fingers crossed XX

-Laurie

Weekend Project

Oh Yeah- It's happening

This weekend.

-Laurie

Planning is for sissies

My plan was to either work on my kitchen cabinets or maybe the guest room, but it was definitely not pulling out everything from my sons closet and re-building it from the ground up.

Why am I doing this?

Well, lets just put it this way.....He pulled his clothes bar off the wall, again.  And I was sure I hit the studs this time.  Guess it is time to put new batteries in my stud finder.

After picking up his shirts and hanging them on the top bar, this is how he left it. Ok I try and give him slack, he is a 6 year old little boy.  

(I know it is blurry, but believe me it is no better in focus)

After clearing out the stuff, here is my true starting point.

The closet is a good sized walk-in, but the shelves on the right make it too tight.  So I knew that if I ever got around to it I wanted to move the shelves.  Guess there is no time like the present.

But first it all needs to come down.

Well this is where I'm at now.

My new plans are to first tackle the closet then move on to finally finish his bedroom.  Not sure how long it is going to take, but its about the journey-right.

-Laurie