First the Pickett Furniture light fixture.
As you can probably guess from the montage of photos, I'm having quite the love affair with it. (Shhh! Don't tell Mr. Limestone!) Its even better than what I imagined. First off it has personality - something this room seriously lacked before. Second, it draws the eye to it when you enter the room, makes a stylish statement and distracts you from the the things I hate about this kitchen. Third, its practical as it adds a nice light to the room without blocking the sunshine from the windows. It was a total splurge but so worth it.
Which brings me to the rest of the kitchen makeover which, unlike the fixture, is very much on the cheap. I have a lot more to share about it but as I mentioned, I'm not quite finished. I still have to add a couple more things to finish this space off enough that I can call it done (for now). In the meantime, come on in.
Overall, I think it looks a lot better. Its got a lot more of a clean look than before which is mainly what I was going for so that was good. When I add some curtains to the window area, I think that will add a lot as well. I do like the colors I selected but I wish the countertops were a little bit lighter - they are too close in tone to the navy lower cabinets. I might repaint that, might not. Some shelving and artwork would be nice too. It's not perfect by any means but Im feeling more pleased with it.
What do you think? Do you think I should repaint the countertops? What else would help? I'd love to hear your ideas on how to improve it. (But please no suggestions on repainting the cabinets because I'll need at least a year to recover from that ordeal.)
That is an absolutely amazing light fixture. Just stunning! The rest of your kitchen is coming along so nicely. I love the colors.
ReplyDeleteThis light fixture is amazing, I've never seen anything quite like it. It does become the focal point of the space, and the cabinet colors are perfect! Janell
ReplyDeleteSo far so good! I love it! It turned out amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love the light fixture!! I think some open shelving over the stove would be good. Hit up Ikea for some shelves and maybe a magnetic spice hanging bar. That wall just seems like it needs something to help witht he flow with the cabinets.
ReplyDeleteYes definitely. The cabinets just ending like that on the wall is such an odd thing for the former owners to do!
ReplyDeleteOMG.......that light fixture is ahmazing! I would put a nice larger white marble cutting board on the counter under the microwave and see if that is enough to lighten the area for you. I think it looks great as is!
ReplyDeleteWOW It looks like a whole new space! I am loving it. The colors and the new light fixture are perfect. I like the dark countertops honestly. I do agree with the comment below that shleving is needed to help fill in the blank spaces and some fun artwork. I also almost would consider moving the fridge to the other side but hard to tell from these photos?
ReplyDeleteI think you should repaint the cabinets.... Okay, obviously I'm kidding! I love the white uppers and navy lowers and I think the countertops work fine! Why spend more money on them when you've got fabulous curtains to think about? And that light fixture? SWOON. It's a stunner fo' sho'.
ReplyDeleteLove the new light fixture! Absolutely gorgeous! I agree with Jill, grab a big white marble cutting board, and accessorize your counters before repainting. It might read lighter after you add a few things. Love the cabinet colors. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYES!! It's easy to see why you're having a love affair with that fixture! It's fantastic in that space! The cabs look WAY better, I really like the combo of navy/white
ReplyDeleteIt's coming along nicely! Thank you for sharing the intermediate steps. I really enjoy the light uppers and the dark lowers, something I hope to do in my kitchen. Have you considered different knobs? Perhaps larger ones could add a bit of color and make the cabinets more dynamic. Also, once you add pops of color to the counter tops with bright bowls and other decor, they won't seem as dark but would provide a smooth transition (like a color gradient) from top to bottom giving it a seamless look. Can't wait to see you progress further!
ReplyDeletePlease leave the cabinets as they are- ADORE the blue! I think the countertops could go lighter but really look great as they are. A gorgeous transformation and that light is sublime!!
ReplyDeleteI love the new light fixture! It definitely is the focal point. I agree that chunky shelving will add more function and balance. I'm on the fence about painting the counters. Light would be nice, but I would be concerned about staining and scratching...
ReplyDeleteThe kitchen looks amazing , I would kill for all that opportunity for open shelving in those blank spots, it will look amazing ...the light is so neat . I think the counters look good as is
ReplyDeleteThat is too gorgeous for words. I'm going back to ogle some more.
ReplyDeleteThe light fixture is AMAZING!!!! I like the cabinet and counter top colors together.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I LOVE the light fixture. So gorgeous! Cabinet colors are great and I don't mind the counter color. Once you get some shelves and a bit of color going, I think you are going to be thrilled! I would wait on painting the counters until after you get to that. Beach time is almost here!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the light fixture! It was well worth the wait. The cabinets are a definite improvement. Find something like some white canisters, stacking pedestal cake plates or pedestal bowls and try them on the counter top. Adding a little bit of white will lighten that area up and then add a pop of color (some oranges or lemons in the bowl) for some added visual interest. Some ikea white shelving over the stove will fill in the odd gap. Since the appliances are mismatched (we've all been there at one time or another), maybe build an inexpensive MDF surround for the fridge in white, to minimize the black on the right side and keeps things feeling bright.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful light fixture! The counters do look a little dark, but I like the cutting board idea, or you could install some undercabinet lighting to help brighten it up.
ReplyDeleteGREAT JOB!!! i like the countertops the way they are! a bit of contrast with the cabinets is nice
ReplyDeleteI second your love affair with your light fixture!! I've never seen anything like it!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be too much trouble to repaint the cabinets. The colors are great but I think you need tile. If you like bead board that would be an alternative to tile. All you would have to do is glue it on. That way when you remodel it would be easier to remove then tile.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about doing some open shelving, just to balance out the side of the room where the cabinets stop abruptly?
ReplyDeleteI think it looks fantastic. I wouldn't lighten the counters - they look very classic in a dark color - and I love that you did the two tone on the cabinets - light on top, dark on bottom. And that light fixture is, of course, amazing!
ReplyDeleteInstead of repainting the countertops I would ... get laminate. I can't believe that I'm advocating for that, but given the room and the cabinets it could be a low cost option for you that would help the room dramatically. Normally I would have recommended butcher block but I know how much you hated it before.
ReplyDeleteIn love with the light!! It adds so much to the room!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie. looks great!
ReplyDeletesorry is you have already answered this question but I could not find it: can you tell me the name of the color for the dark color cabinets? I want to repaint my monstrosity of a kitchen and this color looks great! Thanks so much
I LOVE the light fixture! You could repaint the counters, but I don't think you have too. I think some open shelving and curtains would go a long way to making the room more complete. Just my two cents :)
ReplyDeleteDon't waste your time repainting the countertops but instead use Jill's suggestion of a white marble cutting board. It's coming along very nicely indeed. Once you get in all the other details you won't notice the countertop at all.
ReplyDeletewhat about moving the cabinets to the other side so all the cabinets are on one side and the open shelving on the other side? It looks a little heavy on the side by the door. Also, maybe look for a cheap black stove? just so there isn't such a contrast?
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower of your blog, and I can already tell that we have a few things in common when it comes to style! The kitchen turned out great...I'm obsessed with the light fixture! I love contrasting cabinet styles/colors in one space to make it unique...great choice with the cabinets!
ReplyDeleteOh, its coming together and Looking BEAUTIFUL! Love the chandelier!
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great! Love the new color on the cabs. For the countertop color, it's hard to tell from photos vs being there, but I think the color is fine. I think there's still enough contrast with the lower cabs and painting it lighter might bring it to close to the wall color? If it were my kitchen, I'd put some open shelving above the range, to address the odd way the uppers stop right there. Makes you wonder what people were thinking when they built the place doesn't it..... :) Another thing that struck me right away in the photos was the big black fridge right next to the stove. My eye seemed to stop right there and I had to force myself to look past it to the dining area and window. Not sure if moving it to the opposite wall (where your garbage can is right now) is an option, or if it would even help the "visual flow" -maybe if you've got some high impact drapes to frame the window that would help to draw the eye further into the room? Or even replacing the black fridge with a white one? (not sure if that's in the budget though...)
ReplyDeleteOverall it looks wonderful and I would be proud to have my kitchen looking just like this! Keep the great posts coming, I love perusing your photos for inspiration...
Love love LOVE the light fixture. I do think the countertops should be repainted -- I'd actually go white (if you put some poly on them, they should be wipe clean, no?) Or put in butcher block countertops from Ikea (in the birch color) which obv. aren't as budget as paint but could look awesome.
ReplyDeleteYour kitchen is sooooo much better! Although I have to be honest that light fixture is not doin it for me, maybe it's too cold? it just feels like that light fixture is too stark and modern for for your kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThat is a seriously cool light!! And it's amazing what paint can do - it looks like a totally different room without those light cabinets. Inexpensive white Ikea shelves above the stove with cool and even useful stuff on them would look great. It's really coming along!
ReplyDeleteOh wow. That is a fixture to base an entire room's design around. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great! I didn't read all the other comments, so sorry if I repeat. I might get a black stove, and add some shelving over the stove. Maybe have one long shelf that goes over the frig and stove, and shorter shelf/shelves below that just go over the stove. I can't decide if I think stainless shelves to tie in the counters or white shelves to tie in the furniture and upper cabinets.
ReplyDeleteI have the Ballard cafe wood shelves in white, and I really like them. You can see them here: http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/07/27/bay-window-curtain-rods/
My shelves are staggered, only the longer one is on bottom in my room.
I LOVE it!!! It's gorgeous!!! Now rip out that track lighting (puke) and do one of those treatments to make the appliances all look stainless steel and you'll be good to go. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. Almost didn't recognise it! Don't repaint the countertops as I think havng them so similar to the cabinets creates a seamless look.
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! The countertops are the perfect color. Once you bring in more color and interest I bet it won't bother you anymore.
ReplyDeleteI would put a pot or spice rack over the stove and add some art work to the room. And a bold pattern curtains. Like a navy ikat or something.
I wouldn't repaint the counter tops. I would take out that bank of upper cabinets that contain the microwave. Unfinished cabinets (or just shelves) aren't very expensive and you could "fix" that wall a bit easier than trying to disguise and go around the oddly placed cabinets. If that's not an option maybe just rearrange the cabinets on the wall, add some shelves and make it look more intentional. Could the microwave go over the stove and the shelves over the counter top?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful interior! Love the light fixture, lovely!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't do anything to the cabinets or counter top until you have lived with it like it is for a while. It will either grow on you or you will get a better idea of just what you want it to look like.
ReplyDeleteI really love the new kitchen. Looks great! The kitchen seems long and narrow. Wonder if putting something on the long walls would make the room seem to expand outward? Either way- love it!
ReplyDeleteNice! Looks great. the light fixture is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, Beautiful, I love it, Mrs. Limestone! :) ...makes me want to rip down the ceiling fans in my apartment {yep, that was plural :/ } I have no idea what to suggest, I just know whatever you do will be fabulous. I have a blank spot above my stove..just like that..so I can't wait to see what you do!
ReplyDeleteThat fixture is amazing. It is the crowning glory:)
ReplyDeleteFabulous light fixture. So chic and does add a pop to the space. I would add shelves above the stove too as many have suggested. The black fridge does stand out a bit..but it if still is in good shape why spend the extra money on a new one. You picked a perfect paint color for the kitchen. Its calming...and has that beach feel. I would not worry about the counter. It looks nice and you never know when you might be able to pick up a piece of granite that is a "left over" from a stone company. Thanks for sharing and have fun looking for extras...check Anthropologie for window treatments, I find they have a nice selection of different patterns that will add some texture to the room.
ReplyDeleteOk that is totally genius. That would definitely break up the counter and be a practical cutting space. Now I just have to find one. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could move the fridge just to have one side more open but it wouldnt' fit there.
ReplyDeleteThese are actually new knobs (the original ones were giant and ugly) and I kind of love them. I considered putting in non metal ones but they seemed to give it a playroom type and/or a vintage look which wasn't really what I was going for.
ReplyDeleteYes, I definitely need shelving. Im worried about the fact that there doesn't seem to be much behind the wall above the stove so I'm a bit scared to go putting shelves up there. But thats the freedom that comes with knowing Im going to renovate in a few years - the worse case scenario of ripping a hole in the wall isn't quite as scary :)
ReplyDeleteThe MDF surround is a really good idea - not sure if I have the carpentry skills to tackle it but I might have to give it a go.
ReplyDeleteYes, it definitely needs tile in here when we renovate but I don't want to make that investment right now (plus there is the issue of the way it ends in the middle of the wall that would drive me bonkers!) Beadboard is a good idea for a cheap alternative but I have a weird dislike of it - don't ask me why - its perfectly nice looking, its just not me. Maybe I find the lines distracting?
ReplyDeleteYes definitely. Hopefully that will fill in the space so it doesn't look quite so random.
ReplyDeleteI know laminate isn't THAT expensive but it seems crazy to pay to buy it and the trouble of installing it just so it ends in the dumpster a few years from now. Now that the butcher block is painted, I feel a lot better about it (even though it doesn't love the cracking and buckling issue, at least it doesn't look grubby anymore)
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't mention the color yet (more details on the specifics when Im all done) but the color I used for the lowers was Martha Stewart Wrought Iron which is a dark navy color. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteThat would definitely make sense (when we renovate I plan on having no upper cabs on side to open it up) but its way beyond my skill level to rehang cabinets.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes that white stove is driving me crazy!! I just can't bring myself to put down the money on a new stove when this one is practically new (former owners never used it.)
The counters I painted over were Ikea butcher block - complete junk (they cracked, buckled, stained and splinter) so I would never buy those again. But white would have been the right choice to paint them. Thats what I get for not picking my cabinet colors first.
ReplyDeleteha - i put that track lighting in. I know its not 100% gorgeous but I felt it was so much better than the nipple light. I think it actually works in this space but we can agree to disagree :)
ReplyDeleteI saw those stainless kits and I was wondering about it. Having a hard time believing they work - any experience with them?
That microvave annoys me to no end so I would love to put it elsewhere but the only way to do that is to renovate and/or build my own cabinets. Way beyond my DIY skill level. (My husband and I are at odds when it comes ot over the counter micros but Im hoping not to have one when we renovate in a year or two.)
ReplyDeleteOMG. Can I order this light fixture? I went to the website but couldn't find it. Was it a commissioned piece? Wow. I am in love.
ReplyDeleteYou can order it. :) It's not on the website yet because it was a commission and I haven't been able to put up photos yet. Email me at info@pickettfurniture.com and I'll tell you how I can set you up with your very own. Thanks, Jeremy.
ReplyDeleteI love everything about your beach house...including your new light fixture.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about hitting the fridge w/ some appliance paint?
Yay, yay, yay! I've been waiting for this post. I love the navy lowers and white uppers. And the light fixtures is a stunner too. Can't wait to see how everything gets pulled together with accessories and curtains.
ReplyDeleteCamille
I would build an encasement around the fridge. I think it looks neater (because it hides the back of the fridge and it could give you a bit more cabinet storage on top or the fridge and maybe to the side, maybe put shelves or cubicles on the side of the fridge. I think your new kitchen looks simple, sleek and comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI think the counters look great...and wowza I *love* that light fixture. Shelving next to/over the sink may be nice and one of your amazing photos large and in charge over the over. I really love the way this space is coming together!
ReplyDeleteUm, so is that light fixture one of a kind? Because I want it so so perfectly for our 111 year old twin victorian that we're settling on in a month (!!!) - its gorgeous! Have you seen anything even similar anywhere else?
ReplyDeleteI too love the light fixture. It's amazing and well worth the splurge -- whatever the cost! Do you have a blog post about painting your cabinets? I did a search, but didn't find it.
ReplyDeleteHere you go: http://www.brooklynlimestone.com/2011/03/shore-files-kitchen-sprucing-underway.html
ReplyDelete