DIY // Kitchen Update: Reinstalling the Kitchen Cabinets

Where were we?  Oh yes...waiting for the paint to dry.  For a look back check out Go-Go Gadget Kitchen Update, A Muddy, Dusty Kitchen Update and Rock n' Roll Kitchen Update.

With the paint finally dry and cured, we got busy putting the kitchen back together and mounting the cabinets.  We used the existing builder's grade cabinets and the same layout, so putting them back up was a breeze.  I sanded them down and gave them a coat of Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 Primer.  Then we mounted a ledger (1x2) to the studs to make the mounting process even easier.

DIY // Kitchen Remodel Update: Go Go Gadget

Hey there!

(or is it HIGH there?  these paint fumes must be getting to me.)

Here's where we left off last...the walls were primed and ready for paint.  For a look back check out A Muddy, Dusty Kitchen Update and Rock n' Roll Kitchen Update.

Primed and Ready for Paint

Have you ever wished that you had some super-human power?  Me too!  It's usually something standard like flying, but today I wanted two bionic paint roller hands that could bust out the paint in no time and maybe some Go-Go Gadget stretchy arms so that I could do it from the comfort of the couch.  Say what?  Yes, I just dropped a righteous Inspector Gadget reference.  A-thank-you.

Anyways, back to the task at hand (or hands, heh.)  The Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 Primer coat had dried and the walls were finally ready for their color.  I'd love to tell you the color we chose, but I can't.  We scored a great deal on paint a few months back.  A hardware store was selling 5 gallon interior eggshell paint for $35 and they'd tint it, too.  You heard me right, 35 dollars!!  We bought two 5-gallon buckets and had one tinted to a light gray and the other to a taupe.  And you know what I did?  I had color-remorse and took them in to a local hardware store and had the color darkened up.  Well, it didn't quite come out as planned and now I'm stuck with a taupe which was created from the gray (and really is not bad at all), a strange terra-cotta color and the feeling of regret.  5 gallons of terra-cotta....not sure what I'm going to do with that!  At least the taupe works (or greige if you're hip), which is what we went with.  I think it will look nice and warm against the cool white cabinets and trim and the stainless steel appliances.

Two coats of paint went on, and quite easily, I might add.  I'm sure all the credit should go to the primer...but I think I'll take it. We're getting there people.  We might have a late night ahead of us but it'll be worth it!

Two coats of paint dried and ready for the window trim!

So, what's left?

• Finish hanging drywall in kitchen
• Mud/sand
• Drywall texture
• Prime walls
• Paint
• Hang cabinets
• Install window trim & crown molding
• Paint cabinets
• Fun stuff (open shelving, nook benches & bookcase)

Ah, the end is in sight!

Until next time,

DIY // Kitchen Remodel Update: A Muddy, Dusty Kitchen

Here's where we left off in the last update...A nook with new drywall & a coat of mud and a few panels left to put up in the kitchen.  For a look back, check out the Rock n' Roll Kitchen Update.

And where are we now?

DIY // Kitchen Remodel Update: Rock N' Roll

Rock n' Roll kitchen indeed...Sheetrock, that is!  There's absolutely nothing more satisfying than completing a large project, especially one that was fighting you every step of the way.  Well, we're not finished quite yet, but we are well on our way.

The kitchen was pretty good to start with.  The cabinets were relatively new and the flooring was okay.  Aside from the FOUR layers of wallpaper, we were pretty much content with it staying how it was after we upgraded the appliances to stainless steel, until we realized that the cabinet was too low above the stove for the over-the-range microwave to fit.  So, the cabinets (or cabinet) would have to be raised and that meant the header-thing (or soffit, if you're technical) would have to be removed.  And then the list of things we wanted to change snowballed from there.

The breakfast nook, on the other hand, needed much more work.  And on top of the stuff we had to do, there was a lot that we wanted to do, like build a bench & bookshelf in the nook.

Kids Crafts: DIY Foam Animal Masks

We're headed to the Oregon Zoo in a couple weeks.  I love experiencing the zoo with kids.  They're just so excited and so in love with every single animal.  I don't love the expensive gift stores, though.  So, to ward off the wallet-busting trip I made these adorable and inexpensive animal masks which could take the place of any of the expensive crap sold at the gift store.  While my boy was a little too young to help out, this would be a perfect craft to share with your kids.

LEED for Homes Made Easy

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Now let's talk green.

I spent a few years working in the Green Building movement.  I learned an amazing amount about sustainable design and how harmful home products affect a person's health, but the biggest thing I learned is how uninformed the average person is when it comes to all things green.  Going green typically equals lots of greenbacks in many people's minds, but if you choose the right products you could be putting money BACK in your pocket in the long run.

And it looks like Home Depot and the US Green Building Council knows just that.  They've stepped up and made it a whole lot easier for people to implement sustainable design elements into their homes with their new database, which lists affordable LEED eligible products.

{via}

What is LEED for Homes?

The LEED rating system is the most recognized international standard for green buildings and stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes measures green building performance across a range of categories, and products play an important role in achieving certification.

Check out the new tool and read more about LEED for Homes.

Pinterest Challenge Winter Edition: Tin Can Man

As I mentioned before, I'm at it again ~ it's Pinterest Challenge - Winter Edition time where all us Pinners finally start doing and stop pinning, for a little while at least. Thanks to the ladies over at Bower Power Blog,  Young House Love,  The Great Indoors and Hi Sugarplum for lighting the fire under all of us!

For those of you that aren't following me on Pinterest (and how dare you!) I have pins upon pins of awesome projects I want to complete, but this one beat out all the rest to become my Challenge project. And the reason?  I have been wanting to make one for YEARS.  But with no yard of our own, I just didn't see the point and never got around to it.  Until now!  I'm so happy to have our first piece of yard art.  Drum roll please....

Please allow me to introduce, Mr. Fancy Shoes.
{Anyone that can sport gold shoes is pretty awesome in my book.}

I've Always Been a Sucker for the Makeover

With the first sign of spring, I'm usually in full-fledged cleaning & organizing mode.  I love busting open the windows for some good ol' fresh air and getting my spring cleaning on.  And why stop at the house?  The blog underwent a design overhaul this past weekend thanks to my awesome friend Kat and I am feeling really good about it.  Like jumping up and down good. There's nothing like a clean home (or blog) to inspire some creativity.

So what do you guys think?  Are you digging it as much as I am?

Pinterest Challenge: Winter Edition

Do you guys remember my Mason Jar Soap Dispenser for the Pinterest Challenge Fall Edition?  Well, those hilarious ladies over at Bower Power Blog & Young House Love are at it again and this time they've invited two more ladies along from The Great Indoors and Hi Sugarplum.  It's Pinterest Challenge time again - Winter style.  (Although it is looking a bit more like Spring 'round my parts.)

For those of you that aren't following me on Pinterest (and how dare you!), I've been pinning like crazy and most of the pins are focused around our home renovation, but there's always been some amazing crafts in there, too. Here's a little peek at some of my home DIY inspirations.

{1) Floating Wall Shelves  2)  Stenciled Floor  3) Glass Pendant Lights}

I can't wait to complete each of these, but with the current state of our home reno (replacing a foundation beam has taken precedence over our kitchen remodel), I've had to put each of these off.  So, to my craft section I go and just in time for National Craft Month!

BLEND Interior Design Studio Deal @ Living Social

As I mentioned yesterday in my interview with Michelle Dirkse of BLEND Interior Design Studio, here's the deal offered by LivingSocial for interior design services by BLEND Interior Design Studio.    What can you get?  Color Consultation for Up to 1,000 Square Feet ($69), Furnishing Renovation Package and Consultation for Up to 500 Square Feet ($99), or Concept Package for Up to 500 Square Feet ($199)

Specifics:

• Hone in on a hue with a color consultation that matches your armoire to an accent wall, plus get tips on furniture and accessories selection
• Or, leave the planning to the pros and spruce up your space with a furnishing rearrangement 
• Or, let the talented team maximize potential with a concept package that includes an in-home consultation, floor plan, and inspiration page of budget-friendly fixes

Hope you score this awesome deal.  And if so, I'd love it if you'd share your before and afters with me!