Cottage Kitchen Mini Makeover
Hi there everyone!
We had a wonderful week of sunshine here in Oregon and I was a busy bee! If you are snowed in, don’t hate me or be too jealous. It’s pouring buckets of rain now! The sunshine didn’t last long.
I know the New Year tends to be a classic time to clean and organize, but really, I am almost always cleaning & organizing something. My focus recently has been my kitchen. I usually cycle from one room to the next. At my own pace of course, and as time allows. Often by the time the last room is done, it’s usually time to fluff, refine or rework the first room I started on!
Such is life.
Beside a little seasonal decorating here and there, it had been about a year since I really gave the kitchen a good strip and start over. I was ready to start from scratch so I took everything out and started with a clean slate.
The clean slate included painting the peek of sunny Tuscan yellow the same shade as the rest of the room. I am still shocked at how much brighter it is! Who knew yellow was such a light sucker. I finished it in the evening, and when I came up the next morning I was genuinely surprised at how super bright it was! You can just see a little yellow in the photo.
(Excuse the blur. It’s a before so it’s okay right?)
I only have the littlest bit of wall space in the kitchen and it was dominated by my French drying rack. I love it… but it’s been there since we moved in and I was very ready for a Ross & Rachel.
We are now officially on a break.
If you’ve visited my kitchen before, you’ll know I’ve got a skylight to the left of the cook top. It makes for a bright, sunny kitchen, well… half of it anyway. I’d love to share the new white walls and ceiling, but it’s just a blast of light up there. I kept it really simple on the cabinet tops. I thought about trying to use it for extra storage somehow, but it gets very dirty up there when the skylight is open. Especially when the coastal winds kick up!
If you follow me over on instagram you already got a look at the new artwork! Well, it’s not really new, I’ve been hording it forever. I knew that even though I couldn’t find a home for it at the time… I would, eventually.
And I’d find one for it’s little friend, the galvanized metal organizer too.
A year. A good year this cutie has been taunting me.
I bought it and I couldn’t find that “just right” spot for it immediately, but I really liked it and there was no way it was going back to the store. Nope. Not gonna happen.
It’s a good thing I kept it, now, our dish towels, drinking straws and the apple corer are all at the ready.
We are Honeycrisp crazy at the hollow. I can hardly keep them in the house!
You’ll probably notice I’ve got them stashed all over the kitchen.
The little cloche covered cake stand is the sibling of the one I’ve got in the living room. Part of the pair I was talking about finding on clearance. Still can’t believe I happened upon two!
Do you use trays in your kitchen?
I like using them to keep my smaller items gathered on, I can pick it up and pop it over to the side, wipe down and put it back. So handy for quick clean-ups. I’m keeping all our most used utensils here. They are so easy to grab!
Some of your favorite trays and wood platters are within easy reach as well.
Simple to get to, and to put away!
Another new addition are the canisters for Jimmy’s coffee and the goodies that go with it.
They come in three sizes, but I only needed 2 so I got the large and small.
I also seasoned the chalkboard label on mine, so they look a little lighter than the display version.
(the canisters come with the cutest little pouches of chalk hanging on twine too!)
The canisters, paired with the basket and the tiered stands for produce, are keeping this section of the kitchen clutter free and pretty at the same time!
Everything has a job and a purpose.
The tiered stands don’t feel as visually weighty as bottom-heavy bowls, so it doesn’t seem cluttered. I’ve got a big stack of plates in the burlap lined basket and it’s so easy to pop them in there when we unload the dishwasher. It’s taken over the French drying racks duty wonderfully.
I’ve got some extra plates, platters and more Honeycrisp Apples in this farm basket.
My white roo and a yummy peach orchard candle make a simple, casual centerpiece.
Our house is so not fussy… and I feel like this suits us.
Oh, and I am still super-digging the giant wood charger I made!!
You might have noticed the fence board counters are sporting fresh paint, and a new skirt.
The weathered aqua is no more… I hope I don’t get hate mail!
The white top mimics the white tile counters, and the drop cloth skirt mimics the sandy colored cabinets. I feel like it flows so much better than it did before. It’s much more cohesive and less choppy this way.
I’ve decided to use the bar in the sun room more for kitchen overflow, and less for decorating. I’ve got potatoes stored in the baskets and lots of room for Summer produce when I go into full-on fruit mode!! I can see watermelons dancing in my mind already…
My Ficus is going crazy again. I think I might have to transplant it soon… or find a new home for it. This is the single, solitary place in the entire house this beast fits! Maybe I should put it on a water diet. haha.
The vintage scale was a birthday gift from my mom. I’m so glad she talked me into it!! It’s funny how fast you get used to things… the space would feel naked without it now.
I’m pretty certain you noticed Moby II.
A Moby tends to be hard to miss…
You can meet Moby the first here.
I’m attempting to have my own pod, right here in my little cottage!
I’m at three now, so I’m doing swimmingly.
He is pretty much a completely unnecessary splurge. I freely admit it!
But if you can’t have a seagrass whale that makes you grin like an idiot…
What good is living?
After all… I refrained from getting the $633 dollar salt and pepper shakers.
Still shaking my head at that one… sorry, couldn’t resist.
How out of the zillion s&p’s out there, do I zero in something like that when online shopping?
Anyhow… it sure made the Pottery Barn $25 pair feel like an absolute steal!
With the bright new paint, the continuity of the counters… plus extra storage that has freed up counter space and streamlined our routine and the new wall decor… the kitchen feels fresh, light and airy!
Here’s to happy kitchens…
Affordable salt & pepper shakers.
And living a life that makes you smile.
Now I’m set to move onto my next project!
Change is always welcome here, and I’m really reveling in it.
~Shannon
Special thanks to Birch Lane for their partnership & support. I’ve included convenient clickable shopping links below for you. Some may be affiliate links. Click here for full disclosure.
Sources:
-
Dining Set – Broyhill Attic Heirloom Collection
-
Moby Seagrass Whale – Birch Lane
-
Gold and Crystal Cake Stand – HomeGoods (clearance)
-
Black Framed Art – HomeGoods
-
Galvanized Wall Organizer – HomeGoods
-
Chalkboard Utensil Holder – JoAnn’s (clearance)
-
Clear Glass Wood Base Utensil Holder – Target
-
Wood and Iron Tray – Birch Lane
-
Wood Platter Servers – Ross
-
Rooster Canisters – Birch Lane
-
Antiqued Silver Salt & Pepper – Pottery Barn
-
Vintage Scale – Haven Decor
-
Round Farmhouse Basket (set of 3) – Birch Lane
-
Kitchen Cabinets – KraftMaid
And because it’s always fun to remember where we started…
For another gross before & after, click here!
We’ve got a lot more projects in the works
I’d love to have you join us.
Kelly Deal says
Beautiful kitchen and I must say I’m envious of that adorable wicker whale planter. So cute!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hi Kelly! Thank you, we have carved out a home here. I know… he is so stinking cute, I love him too!
Mary says
I’m not sure how I came acrosss your blog but the before and after of your kitchen really caught my attention. Well done! It’s so homey. I also had to giggle at your comment about hording the picture… you didn’t have a place for it when you purchased it. That is so me! If I love something I will get it because eventually it will go somewhere in my home. Thanks for giving a peek into your home. Love it!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hi Mary, Welcome. I’m so glad to hear there are other people like me out there… haha. Once it comes home with me the chances of returning are slim to none. I’m so glad I kept it, I knew I liked it. 😉
Debtgirl says
Pretty!
Mary says
love your kitchen redo! It truly has come a long way. I couldn’t see where the oven/stove is in any of the pictures. Where do you have it hiding?
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
In case you didn’t get my email. The cooktop is right under the micro/hood combo and the wall oven is on the right side of the room. Pretty sure it’s there in one of the pics 🙂
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
All of your changes looks so pretty Shannon! I just love your home. 🙂
I am wanting to repaint the yellow in our dining room. It’s just time. 😉 Things don’t stay the same for too long around here! Now to find the time and motivation!
xo
Nancy
Paige.Rose says
Such an adorable kitchen & so charming! I love the whale planter & the cute picture & galvanized wall hanger !!!!
Paige.Rose
becca says
I LOVE your updates, Shannon (I’m sure Ross and Rachel would agree, too)! Your new pieces look beautiful displayed on your counters. I “want” your vintage scale, and Moby is a fun addition! The pops of green are a wonderful touch, too! I’m off to look again ….
Stephanie @ Casa Watkins says
I love the kitchen makeover. You are on a roll!! My favorite is the galvanized metal organizer. I have a crush on galvanized metal right now. Especially, when its paired with neutrals. Thanks for sharing.
Tina at Home Sweet Home 14 says
Painting that area white really made a difference! Love the changes you made, but that seagrass whale is pulling at my heartstrings (insert squeal)!
Hoep the rain subsides and you have a sunshine filled weekend 🙂
Gina says
As always, it’s beautiful! You are killing me though….you make me want to run through my house & redecorate everything! 🙂 I love Moby II! And yes, those darn honeycrisp apples have a hold on me too. I love them!
debbiedoos says
Breath of fresh airness! Of course I love the canisters..I love it all Shannon. Your kitchen is so pretty. Love the vaulted ceiling. Nice to decorate on top of the cabinets like you have.
Bliss says
It all looks wonderful, and I won’t be the person who starts the petition to bring back the plate rack, but do tell what is the next project?
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
The plate rack is safely tucked away. I’ll never find one again! Just needed a break 🙂 Next is making goodies for the Spring show. Plus painting and decorating the master bedroom and the myriad of other things spinning in my brain! … new or repainted kitchen cabinet hardware, new lighting in the kitchen, painting the open cabinet backs… redoing the linen closet, just have to get my to-do list prioritized 🙂
kirbycarespodi says
I found a scale like yours last week and thought about you! I wanted to put it in the garden, `1 wasn’t willing to pay $50 for something that would live in the elements, though. If I had room in the house….that would have been different. Everything looks great, Shannon!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
You know what is funny? We’ve got and old wash tub. It’s enamel and outside and it’s almost perfect. We’ve known it to be outside for the entire time we have lived here and I don’t know how long before and its’s perfect! I’m sure the scale has more elements though.
Katherines Corner says
Gorgeous!!! So bright and filled with light. Love the whole look Shannon. I invite you to share at my Thursday hop. You can link up through Sat midnight) xo
Anne says
It’s all so beautiful!! I love those canisters….
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hi Anne! Thank you. They fit right in with our style and I like the roosters and the chalkboard element 🙂