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Young House Love » Our Third House » A Soft Blue-Gray Paint Color For The Kitchen

| By John Petersik | December 2, 2013 | 333 Comments

A Soft Blue-Gray Paint Color For The Kitchen

Another Monday, another leap forward for our kitchen. Here’s where we were last week, after priming and painting the trim, doors, crown molding, and paneling white.

WhiteTrim After Main Angle

And here we are today, with the walls freshly coated with a little Nelson Blue (the light blue color that we’ve planned on from the start).

Nelson After Main

Shall we all let out a communal sigh of relief that the walls aren’t covered in wallpaper anymore and there are no more spackle holes and raw drywall from under those cabinets that we removed? Together now. Ahhhhh.

Nelson After From Garage

Update: There have been a few questions about the intercom and why we didn’t remove it yet, but we’re not sure if we’re going to retofit that with another system (maybe that plays an ipod in each room or something) so for now we’re planning to cover that whole wall with a nice framed out pinboard or something – so it’ll be hidden but the wiring will still be there for a future conversion.

Getting to this was a bit more involved than just getting our paint on, though. For instance, you may have noticed that our big over-the-range microwave is now missing from the scene.

Nelson After Stove Area

It’s the only appliance we’ve planned to replace as part of our Phase 1 kitchen makeover, since it was so front & center in the room, it crowded our stove, and we always seem to prefer range hoods over microwaves with vents when it comes to performance. So we’ve replaced it with a stainless countertop version that we’ll eventually get “installed” into our pantry (which just calls for an outlet to be added in there so we can plug it in). It was just $78 at Home Depot (marked down from $139!) and that pantry solution isn’t just for phase 1, so we’re planning on using it for the long haul, even after Phase 2, which is nice.

Nelson After Mircowave Area

Removing the old one wasn’t 100% straightforward, but we managed. We had to unscrew it from above through the upper cabinet, but the screw was recessed a few inches below the cabinet, so our drill barely reached. Since it was so dark down there, we ended up breaking out the oh-so-thin battery-powered fairy lights from Clara’s Halloween costume to provide some much-needed illumination. #MacGyvering

Nelson Stove Sherry Unscrewing

I supported the cabinet from below the whole time so when it eventually came lose from the screws that Sherry was removing from above, I could guide it down safely. That puppy was not light. Probably all the dried food splatters inside wiring and stuff.

Nelson Stove John Lifting

Once we unscrewed the mounting bracket from behind the microwave, we also had this old vinyl backsplash to scrape off the wall. We knew we’d prefer a seamless painted wall back there for this phase of the kitchen’s transformation since we actually had a painted wall behind our first house’s fully renovated kitchen, and it held up well thanks to the paint being nice and wipeable – even with spaghetti splatters a plenty.

Nelson Stove Removing Backsplash

The pliable sheet of vinyl came off really easily (Sherry just used a spackle knife to pry it off) but it left the wall pretty pock-marked behind it. Thankfully it wasn’t anything a little spackle couldn’t handle.

Nelson Stove Putty

We already had the spackle out because there were plenty of holes around the room to be filled (and sanded once dry). This is a terrible iPhone pic, but you can kind of see the extent to which some of the walls were nail-holed. We’re talking 20 in a three foot radius.

Nelson Putty Holes

We finished all of our patching right before heading off on a whirlwind road trip to New Jersey for Thanksgiving, so it wasn’t until we got back on Friday afternoon that we could bust out the primer for our first coat (which is what many of you saw in our Instagram feed that evening).

Nelson Primer Instagram

Even though we were painting a light color over an already light wall, we chose to do a primer coat first for two reasons:

  1. The areas behind the cabinets that we took down had never been primed or painted, and it’s always good to prime drywall before painting it.
  2. Walls that haven’t been painted for several years may soak up more paint (as we experienced when painting Clara’s room) and we’d rather it soak up extra primer instead, since it’s cheaper than paint (one coat of primer + two coats of paint is almost always cheaper than three coats of paint because you usually need to buy more than one gallon of paint for more than two coats).

Nelson Primer Both Painting1

We knocked out our primer coat during Clara’s nap that afternoon using our usual Sherry-cuts-in / John-rolls system, which took the room from this…

Nelson Primer Before

…to this. Don’t mind the piles of stuff that we shifted to the center of the room, away from the walls. But much better, right?

Nelson Primer After

That photo was taken Saturday morning, right before we broke out the Nelson Blue paint.

Nelson Paint Hands

One thing we did to make our job (well, Sherry’s job) a bit easier was that we strategically taped off a few tight spots. Since it’s hard to squeeze into the gap between two doors, for example, we put tape along the edge of the door frame to protect the face of the molding from getting paint on it. It meant that Sherry could focus on making sure she got full coverage on the wall without worrying about messing up the crisp white molding next to it. And in less tight spaces, she’s great at just freehanding things (seven years of being the cutter-inner in the relationship can do that to ya).

Nelson Tape

We also decided to paint a couple of the eyesores in the room – like the yellowed doorbell box and an old phone jack next to the intercom box, which you can see two pictures down.

Nelson Paint Sherry Doorbell

We originally worried the Nelson Blue was a bit too faint, but it definitely showed up a bit more distinctly once it began to dry.

Nelson Paint John Rolling

We love the color. In fact, it almost feels like a nod back to our first kitchen’s wall color – although this one is a bit lighter and has more green to it, and the horizontal paneling around the bottom half of the room adds a little something extra. I’ll admit it’s a bit hard to fully appreciate the new color while the room is held back by things like the countertops, the cabinets, and the floor (we’re definitely in that “middle” stage, so it should start making more sense as we tackle other things on our list).

Nelson After Main

And we can definitely celebrate the fact that we’re a nice looooong way from where we started.

WhiteTrim Before Main Angle

When you look at it from certain angles, you can almost trick yourself into thinking the room is a lot closer to done. For instance, the view from the front door is much improved.

Nelson After From Foyer

And the little breakfast area is shaping up to be a nice combination of white trim + horizontal planking + blue walls + rustic wood. Just ignore the big intercom on the wall and the fake brick floor, mmkay?

Nelson After Beachy Kinda

So here’s what our kitchen to-do list is looking like now. We’ve officially crossed 9 things off and have 9 more to go… some of which are a lot easier than the nine we’ve already done (switching out lights and hanging shelves are a welcome relief after all this priming and painting – although that 15th bullet is going to be a multi-step multi-day extravaganza).

  • Remove wallpaper
  • Move fridge cabinet forward
  • Remove upper cabinets on window wall to prep for open shelves
  • Reinstall crown molding (you can read about how we did those first four things here)
  • Prime & paint the pantry and the door to the garage
  • Prime & paint the trim, crown molding, & baseboards
  • Prime & paint the paneling (you can read about how we did those last three things here)
  • Prime and paint the walls
  • Remove the existing microwave (craigslist it?) and get a countertop one we can eventually install in the pantry
  • Install a cheap range hood (we’ve seen some like this for $20 on craigslist) to lighten up that wall
  • Patch and paint the ceiling
  • Replace the florescent light in the cooking area and the pendant over the sink
  • Replace and center the light over the dining table
  • Hang floating shelves on the window wall
  • Paint the cabinets (you can see the colors we’re leaning towards here)
  • Update the old cabinet hinges and knobs
  • Get a rug for eat-in area? Possibly install peel and stick tiles everywhere?
  • Curtains for windows?

*To read why we’ve chosen these steps for Phase 1 (for example, why we’re painting the cabinets, why we’re not going to attempt to paint the linoleum, and what’s on the agenda for Phase 2) there’s lots of background info in this post for ya.

How was everyone else’s Thanksgiving weekend? From the Instagram comments we got, it sounds like lots of you were using the extra days to accomplish some stuff around the house. Meanwhile I’m still trying to shake off the last vestiges of my food coma. Too. Many. Rolls.

PS – As an extension of Small Business Saturday, a great local bookstore here in Richmond called Chop Suey Books is offering 10% off signed copies of our book until December 8th. Just call them at 804-422-8066 or email them at [email protected] to get your copy (they’re happy to ship internationally). 

More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Our Third House, Painting

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Introducing Our Dog To Our New Baby

Comments

  1. Avatar for Laura @ Rather SquareLaura @ Rather Square says

    December 2, 2013 at 9:57 am

    Great transformation – with the upper cabinets removed and that long wall painted all one color, it really looks bigger and brighter. I love the color too! Just enough of a contrast with the white paneling below.

    Speaking of paneling, we were inspired by your current and past painting-wood-paneling projects, and we tackled an entire wood-paneled room in our own house recently. It really helped referring to all the info you posted about your own experiences, so thank you!
    http://www.rathersquare.com/2013/12/painting-wood-paneling-knotty-or-nice/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:06 am

      Wahoo! Looking good Laura!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for ShannonShannon says

      December 2, 2013 at 9:44 pm

      Great progress! Random question – is your kitchen table sealed wood? If not, how do you take care of it?

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:24 pm

      I think it might have some matte wax on it so it looks and feels raw but doesn’t stain, at least so far it has been great! We heard from someone who spilled red wine on hers and dabbed it up and in the morning it was gone!

      xo
      s

  2. Avatar for juliejulie says

    December 2, 2013 at 9:59 am

    Looks wonderful, very crisp and refreshing!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:00 am

    Wow!What a great change.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Mrs. MoneyMrs. Money says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:01 am

    Ahh!! I love it!!

    You guys are making me want to repaint a room!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for GemGem says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Wow, this looks great! I can really picture it now. I’m glad you’ve decided to go for coloured cabinets as opposed to white ones in this kitchen (for phase 1, anyway), it’s so much lighter than your other kitchen so I think it works. And that floor looks so much better with the new wall colour. I’m a fan!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Katie J.Katie J. says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Amazballs!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for jordanjordan says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:05 am

    you two rock! I was in anticipation thinking a baby reveal was coming today. This week? (fingers crossed)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:07 am

      This week we find out! Hoping to share with you guys by Friday if we can tell the whole fam before then :)

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for HeatherBHeatherB says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:34 am

      I need a “like” button…

  8. Avatar for MeredithMeredith says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:06 am

    It’s incredible what a fresh coat of paint can do to a room. Looks great!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for AllynAllyn says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:06 am

    Very nice! But I’m surprised that you left the intercom and (what appears to be a) phone jack on the back wall. Does the intercom work/do you intend to keep it? And do you plan to use the phone jack in the future?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:11 am

      We have a plan to build a nice big pinboard over that whole area, so it’ll be framed out and covered by the end of Phase 1!

      xo
      s

  10. Avatar for Annaliza RAnnaliza R says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:07 am

    Where did you get white ceramic bowl and floor basket pictured with the new microwave? Love them!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:10 am

      HomeGoods! That’s our full-of-junk bowl! Gotta have one of those in the kitchen, haha!

      xo
      s

  11. Avatar for Mrs. MoneyMrs. Money says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:07 am

    Is today the big day for finding out what the baby is? :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:10 am

      This week! Wahoo! Hope to reveal to you guys by Friday assuming we can get the word out to the family/close friends before then :)

      xo
      s

  12. Avatar for CassandraCassandra says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:09 am

    I love how the Nelson blue flirts with the slate tiles in the foyer!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:11 am

      Haha!

      xo
      s

  13. Avatar for JodiJodi says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:09 am

    it looks fantastic! and the new wall color makes me not hate the dark cabinets. they actually look pretty good. also? i adore that table.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:12 am

      Aw thanks Jodi!

      xo
      s

  14. Avatar for JessJess says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:11 am

    I really love how nicely the new wall color goes w/ the tiles in your foyer :) I know ya’ll haven’t made a final decision about those tiles yet, but it must be nice that in the meantime, they look a lot more cohesive!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for JessacaJessaca says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Will the range hood be in phase 2? If so, I’d go for something pricier and read reviews to get something of quality. Cheap is cheap sometimes…I’m learning the hard way.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Oh yes, we’re planning no other major appliance purchases until Phase 2 when we can research and invest in long-term things. For now we’ve found a $25 range hood on craigslist that we can use for the time being and craigslist for $25 down the line when we replace it for Phase 2. More details when we pick it up and install it!

      xo
      s

  16. Avatar for Jess @ Little House. Big Heart.Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:11 am

    I’m loving that color! I’m planning on going navy in our kitchen soon, but your light, bright, and airy kitchen (sans cabinets and floor) has me rethinking it!

    And speaking of the intercom… what’s happening with that?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:18 am

      I’ll add an update to the post for you guys about that! Sorry we forgot to mention it!

      xo
      s

  17. Avatar for Ana SilvaAna Silva says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:12 am

    I love that color! Great choice.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:13 am

    The view into the kitchen from the foyer shows how nicely the new kitchen wall color plays off the foyer tile. Great job!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Karen L.Karen L. says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Love the new paint color. I still think I need to repaint our dark dining room a light color like yours! One question (and maybe I missed it already): why don’t you take down the old intercom fixture if you’re not going to use it? Maybe it’s too difficult to do or something. Since you usually say to “ignore it”, I was just wondering.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:18 am

      We’re not sure if we’re going to retofit that with another system (maybe that plays an ipod in each room or something) so for now we’re planning to cover that whole wall with a nice framed out pinboard or something – so it’ll be hidden but the wiring will still be there for a future conversion.

      xo
      s

  20. Avatar for Lisa @ Double Door RanchLisa @ Double Door Ranch says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:13 am

    What a breath of fresh air! Looks so much better!

    Over the long weekend, I kept moving on my craft room. I have one coat of Edgecomb Gray on the walls so far and it is reading so. gray. Its amazing how even a big swatch can have such beige undertones but on every surface read straight-up gray. I’m gonna go with it and keep layering things in. Hopefully it works out!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:14 am

      Congrats Lisa! I bet it’ll look gorgeous in the end!

      xo
      s

  21. Avatar for KaraKara says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Hey – that Nelson Blue makes the slate flooring in your foyer looks better too, double winner!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:14 am

      Wahoo!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for KaraKara says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:15 am

      Ha! I’m just repeating what other are saying now.

  22. Avatar for Robin @ Happily Home AfterRobin @ Happily Home After says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Super big ahhhhh. I definitely see a modern Scandinavian feel developing in your kitchen which is what I love and am working towards in mine as well. The bowl of succulents really pops now on the table, funny how small details can become big elements when the background color changes. I like a fresh aire blue in the kitchen, I’ve used BM Spring Mint which is also pale / “just there” … funny, I recall hearing on “Design Star” once that blue is an unappetizing color and therefore not one that works in a kitchen. Just proves that there’s no “rule” that works all the time!

    Reply
    • Avatar for HeatherBHeatherB says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:39 am

      I was going to comment on the succulents and cacti, too! One of the first things I noticed. Good job, Sherry! They are alive and beautiful.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:40 am

      Wahoo!

      xo
      s

  23. Avatar for Bonnie @ The Pin JunkieBonnie @ The Pin Junkie says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:14 am

    You’re making great progress! Removing the wallpaper and painting has already made a huge difference! The updates give the kitchen so much more light. Really love it! Want to come do my kitchen?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:17 am

      Ding dong. It’s me!

      xo
      s

  24. Avatar for aNJFLeraNJFLer says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:15 am

    It looks great. The light blue paint makes the room look like it’s about 100 ft long! Taking out the cabinet to the right of the window was exactly the right choice too. WOWZA

    Reply
  25. Avatar for MyraMyra says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:15 am

    I LOVE your table…where is it from?!?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:17 am

      Thanks Myra! Here’s that post for ya! https://www.younghouselove.com/im-still-laughing-about-blardware/

      xo
      s

  26. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:16 am

    I know you’d mentioned the slate in the foyer is in rough shape, but now with the blue in the kitchen, it really compliments it! Maybe you can replace it with something in a similar grey-blue?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:22 am

      Thanks Katie! I think we’ve been leaning towards big dark tiles (heated, wahoo!) so we’ll have to bring home some samples when it comes that that phase and see what we like! We want to run them into the kitchen too, so it’ll probably be in a year or two but I can’t wait!

      xo
      s

  27. Avatar for Megan @ Rappsody in RoomsMegan @ Rappsody in Rooms says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:18 am

    Wow! It is a HUGE difference! Way to just bust out that painting over the holiday weekend! It looks great!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:18 am

      Thanks Megan!

      xo
      s

  28. Avatar for LijaLija says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Looks great! A huge improvement. But are you sure you want to paint the cabinets still? I actually like the grain of the wood now that the walls and trim have been painted. If it were me (and I know you’re not asking) I would replace the flooring and countertops before painting the cabinets, I think. But I’m sure they will be gorgeous whatever you do, as always!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:23 am

      Thanks Lija! If you check out this post, you’ll see why we’d like to replace them (at the bottom there are detail pics for ya, and they’re pretty gnawed on up close).

      xo
      s

  29. Avatar for KaraKara says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Question about cutting in – I have the short handled brush as well and have attempted to cut in without taping off. But I find that there are some bristles that stick out and just inadvertently paints the trim or whatever edge that it’s next to. What do you do about those, cut them off?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:25 am

      Oh yes, I’d just trim those off if you see them. Usually I try to keep them happy (yes, I try to keep my brushes happy) by washing them well and letting them dry flat on the counter so the bristles hopefully stay in alignment for the most part.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for SapphiraSapphira says

      December 2, 2013 at 12:01 pm

      Sherry, maybe sometime you could do a post on how you guys wash your brushes and keep your painting tools in good shape? I never seem to get the job done right and end up having to buy new brushes all the time! I bet a lot of us could benefit from that (and could also be a great stockpile post for when the Bun comes along and you’re super busy). The kitchen looks great btw! That breakfast nook shot makes me want to have a cup of coffee and gaze out the window pretending I actually have a breakfast nook.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 12:03 pm

      Thanks Sapphira! I just use water for anything latex (even this primer) and wait until the water runs clear. Probably takes 5 mins per brush (if you only take 1-2 mins it’s not really clean and get crunchy and firm when it dries). For oil-based I use mineral spirits, but that’s pretty rare these days, so usually it’s just water and time. Rinsing it over and over again. I should make a quick video for you if I remember!

      xo
      s

  30. Avatar for Sara wSara w says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Wow! It looks gorgeous! That blue is so bright and airy. I think you’ve already said before, but where did you get your table? I love the chunky pedestal, and the top is so pretty!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:23 am

      Thanks Sara! Here’s that post for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/im-still-laughing-about-blardware/

      xo
      s

  31. Avatar for StaceyStacey says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:24 am

    So bright and cheerful!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:25 am

    Is the color a Benjamin Moore? Very pretty!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:25 am

      Yup, and the finish is satin.

      xo
      s

  33. Avatar for Pamela TPamela T says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Looks awesome! the window/trim/paneling paint job you guys did totally helped motivate me and my manfriend to “get on that already” with our front picture window. it has 20 panes, and is basically floor to ceiing. After 3.5 years I finally have the confidence in my painting skills to tackle such a daunting process. I am one coat of primer, and one coat of paint down. probably two more coats of paints- takes about two hours for one coat- and i kept thinking of your comment about how much ITS WORTH IT!
    while i was tackling that project in the living room, the dude was installing shoe molding in the family room and kitchen. #makinggains #crossingthingsofflistsfeelssogood
    sherry- you dont use the plastic liners in your little red handy painter pail?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:31 am

      I do use those when I have them around. So helpful! Otherwise I just let it dry out in the garage and then peel out the paint (so satisfying, it’s like peeling Elmer’s Glue off your hand as a child… or was I the only one to do that?).

      xo
      s

  34. Avatar for Kristen T.Kristen T. says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:27 am

    Ooooh, I love that color! Especially with the horizontal white paneling…looking very beachy chic to me. :) Just lovely.

    Reply
  35. Avatar for ErinErin says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Wow, I could look at the before-and-after pictures all day long. And the pic from the front hallway just makes me sigh with how mellow and beautiful it is. I chose a very similar color for my kitchen and living room 2 years ago, Behr’s Limelight. It’s a blue shade but definitely has green in it like you mentioned. It’s such a great shade for subtle contrast with white and greige. Enjoy! It’s beautiful.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:29 am

      Sounds so pretty Erin!

      xo
      s

  36. Avatar for hannahhannah says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:28 am

    love the blue! and it does make the wood cabinets look great. and because im feeling punchy this morning i just keep chanting, “hanging boob light!!” i forgot those existed :) looking forward to a new light over the table? :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:30 am

      YESSSS! Those can’t be gone fast enough. The funny thing is we think the hanging boob was purchased for resale (the other lights everywhere in this house look very old, but that one looks new-ish so we think the old light over the eating area was perhaps sentimental and they left this dangling boob light in it’s place ;)

      xo
      s

  37. Avatar for Tania @ Run To RadianceTania @ Run To Radiance says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:29 am

    I love it! So pretty and soothing! We painted approximately 800 square feet this weekend…still finding paint drops in the most random places! :O

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Go Tania go!!

      xo
      s

  38. Avatar for KrissyKrissy says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:29 am

    Glad to see your cacti are still going strong! The color is really pretty!

    We skipped house stuff and spent the weekend in the woods. Only one week left til season’s over.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:32 am

      Can you believe they’re all still alive and kicking? My secret? Haven’t watered them once. I just ignore them and they love it here apparently.

      xo
      s

  39. Avatar for JamiJami says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:33 am

    Guys, I really love the dark cabinets. Would you consider rethinking and leaving them? I think they look awesome with the light walls. 80s ranch retro…definitely the next big thing! ;) Seriously, I love them. An unexpected and bold choice…just think about it!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:36 am

      Aw thanks Jami! If you check out this post you’ll see why we can’t just leave them (in the detail photos at the end). Up close they’re in pretty bad shape. We love the idea of leaving them dark on the bottom though, so we won’t lose that contrast and depth of the dark tone.

      xo
      s

  40. Avatar for Theresa M.Theresa M. says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:35 am

    The kitchen is so bright, I gotta wear shades!! (an 80’s song reference in case you’re too young to have heard it.)
    Two questions though… You just primed and painted the doorbell? No special DIY magic? And thirdly, why are there fairy lights with your cookbooks?
    Sorry, totally lied. Three questions.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:38 am

      As a child of the 80s, I’m fully in on that eighties reference. High fives! As for the fairy lights, we mentioned those in the post (they’re battery powered, and they helped me see that screw that was recessed – without them I was going in blind). As for the doorbell, yup, just primer + paint. Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Theresa M.Theresa M. says

      December 2, 2013 at 11:37 am

      I believe I could’ve been your babysitter in the 80’s! And yes, whenever you answer a question, it fer sure helps!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 11:40 am

      Haha! Did you have big hair and wear a scrunchie? That was the babysitter wardrobe back then. I loved it and totally wanted to be like them when I grew up.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Theresa M.Theresa M. says

      December 2, 2013 at 1:32 pm

      Like totally! (and there may have been a banana clip as well)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 2:13 pm

      Sweeeeet!

      xo
      s

  41. Avatar for JessJess says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:36 am

    It looks so much bigger in there! It’s amazing what paint can do to a room’s perceived ‘size’ without having to move any walls.

    Question: is there a specific reason you painted the walls before the ceiling (it’s uncrossed on your to-do list)? I’d always learned to do ceilings first to avoid any accidental sprinkles/splatters on the walls and baseboard that can come with rolling overhead.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:40 am

      We just were done living with those walls with the unpainted square and those spackle marks. Technically it’s nice to do trim, ceilings, and them walls (so nothing from the ceiling drips on the walls) but we’re pretty neat painters and have done ceilings afterwards a bunch of times, so it was just about getting some color up and losing those crazy blotches of spackle and unprimed drywall that plagued us.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for JessicaJessica says

      December 2, 2013 at 11:38 am

      I’m a pretty neat painter, too, and I can never seem to stop the roller from inadvertently spraying onto the walls when I am painting a ceiling. How do you prevent that?

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 11:41 am

      That sounds like it could be a pressure thing. If you’re pushing too firmly on the roller it can spray (or if you have too much paint, but it doesn’t sound like that’s your issue) so I’d try just not pressing as firmly or going as fast, to hopefully cut down on that.

      xo
      s

  42. Avatar for KateKate says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:37 am

    Amazing! Such a difference! I am always so impressed with how much progress you two make. It would take me a year to get that before and after photo.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:44 am

      Aw thanks Kate!

      xo
      s

  43. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:38 am

    LOVE! Can’t wait until you work on the cabinets. That will really transform the entire room even more! Good work guys!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Yvonne @ Dress This NestYvonne @ Dress This Nest says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I can’t believe how amazing it looks already and you haven’t even painted the cabinets!!! It looks SO much bigger and more airy. What a relief for you! I can’t believe you are doing this in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. You guys are crazy but are such an inspiration. I want to paint my kitchen now.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:40 am

      Aw thanks Yvonne!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Lisa ELisa E says

      December 2, 2013 at 12:50 pm

      I can’t believe how much you get done so quickly, either, and always big projects around the holidays! We are hosting a Christmas party this weekend and want my kitchen re-painted, up for the challenge? Oh and minor detail, I’m up in MI, lol!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 12:52 pm

      Oh man, if only I could make it there and back before dinner! I vote that you bribe some friends or family members with pizza and see if you can knock it out!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Lisa ELisa E says

      December 2, 2013 at 1:21 pm

      LOL – would love that, but I’m afraid my friends would run the other way. Getting older…. no fun. It was a nice thought, anyway. Looks great, btw. :)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 2:16 pm

      Aw, good luck Lisa!

      xo
      s

  45. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:39 am

    Hey guys!

    Oh my goodness, the kitchen looks GREAT! I love the color.

    So I have been super busy, but I still wanted to mail a letter for your bulletin board in the hospital. Are you still accepting them?

    I hope that you had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving, it sure looked like you did on your Instagram, and I can’t wait to find out the gender of the little bun soon! I know that I’ve said this, but I have a feeling that it’s going to be a boy. :)

    All my best,

    Sarah

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:44 am

      Aw thanks Sarah! Yes, we’re still accepting letters for the hopital! So feel free to send away! We can’t wait to find out what’s cooking either :)

      xo
      s

  46. Avatar for BrittanyBrittany says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Is it just me or are the wood cabinets looking nice and rich against all that light? Kinda dig ’em… Might be worth just leaving them/replacing hardware for phase 1!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:43 am

      If only they weren’t all gnawed on. There are some pics in this old post for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/well-that-can-of-worms-is-officially-open/

      xo
      s

  47. Avatar for KathrynKathryn says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Aw. I miss the warmth of the original wood panelling. But kudos to you both for knocking this stuff out so efficiently!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for IsabelIsabel says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:48 am

    Great progress guys! Feels so good to get such major things accomplished :) I can’t wait to see the cabinets done. We want to do some major changes to the kitchen too and want to start with the walls and cabinets but just can’t figure out colors. I change my mind every day *sigh*. We were at a wedding in DC this weekend and as we were driving down, I started to see the Richmond signs and told my husband: that’s where my Internet friends are from (he’s terrible with names so saying John and Sherry or YHL usually results in blank stares). He got all excited and said: oh, we should go visit them! To which I replied: aside from the fact that Richmond is like 2 hours further south, how would you react if two complete strangers showed up at our door gawking like idiots? He was like, good point, guess you’ll just have to continue reading the blog. :-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 10:54 am

      So funny! I love that he was down for a visit!

      xo
      s

  49. Avatar for SamanthaSamantha says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Wow! I love how the paint has really brightened the room. I can’t wait to see it with the painted cabinets.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for keishakeisha says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:54 am

    *sigh* I don’t know how y’all do it. I’ve been slapping paint samples on my kitchen walls for months. I am so scared of colors. Just when I think I’ve found a color, I notice it looks different in different light, and it’s back to the drawing board. Your kitchen looks fantastic so far – looking forward to seeing more progress.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 2, 2013 at 11:28 am

      Aw thanks Keisha! I’m a big fan of test pots of paint if you can’t decide! That might help you narrow things down and dive in!

      xo
      s

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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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