Friday, August 23, 2013

Our Kitchen Tour and TWO Giveaways!

Greetings, friends!

 I'm so excited to be joining an incredible group of gals in sharing our kitchens!  And, even more excited that one, no, make that TWO of you, have a chance to win either a new Pfister faucet (worth up to $300) or a $250 Visa gift card (details below)!

Because I've shared our kitchen with those of you who have visited before, I thought I'd take a trip down decorating lane ...

You see, once upon a time, in the land of red, green and gold, lived a kitchen that looked like this.  Eventually, I began a love affair with a paint brush (and a lighter and brighter color scheme) ...


That love affair with paint eventually turned our kitchen into THIS!  I think one of the first changes you might notice is our island, which we first had face panels added to it.  I then painted it Annie Sloane's Old White, followed by her Chateaux Grey (then distressed) ... added a butcher block top and farmhouse legs.

It's now a favorite spot for me to attempt to style vignettes to suit the seasons ...


and to "welcome" you with Scrabble tiles to one of our favorite spots in our humble abode:


Another big change is that we said goodbye to our laminate countertops, maple cabinets and red accent wall ...


and a big, fat HELLO(!) to Golden Beach granite, cabinets which I painted Annie Sloane's "Pure White," walls painted Ben Moore's Manchester Tan and bead board backsplash!  Amazing what a can of paint (or 10) can do, isn't it?


I love how things placed on our counters now really "pop" against the white beadboard and how fabulous the granite is for hiding crumbs (oops):



BEFORE:


AFTER!  We also retired our wrought iron bar stools pictured above (which I eventually painted AS's Pure White) and replaced them with "bare wood" Napoleon rush seat bar stools, which I then painted AS Pure White and Chateaux Grey to tie in with the island and dry bar in our breakfast area.  We also had molding and shadow boxes added to the back of our breakfast bar:


See that lone maple cabinet in the left corner?  It didn't like being by itself, so, down it came ...


and up went 3 shelves which I made ... they will soon be splashed with pumpkins!



One thing that will NEVER change is my laziness ... yes, our chalkboard (that we  made and added to our pantry door) still says Happy "Holly" Day from last Christmas.  Shame!


Skip on over to our breakfast area now.  Sometimes, I truly can't believe it once looked like this.  I do miss the vibrant red, especially around the holidays...


HERE is what it looks like today!  It doesn't even look like the same space, does it?  That's thanks to a dry bar that we had installed, which, of course, I then painted AS' Pure White and Chateaux Grey.  We also replaced the chandelier with one that was once in our dining room.  New curtains and bamboo shades were eventually added, along with a farmhouse table, to help complete the French Country look that I was hoping to achieve:


Now, that summer is coming to a close, it's time to starting splashing a bit of Fall around!  

 Thanks so much for taking the time to visit and allowing me to share our kitchen/breakfast area!  Who knows what it will look like if you stop over again!


Before you go, you simply MUST visit the other tours that are taking place!  AND, don't forget to enter our giveaway (details below)!  
Thursday, August 22

Friday, August 23

And now for the giveaway!

Kitchen Tour Giveaway!

There will be two winners for this giveaway! Pfister generously donated a prize for this giveaway, so one winner will receive a free faucet worth up to $300, and a second winner will receive a $250 Visa gift card! To enter for your chance  to win, just follow the steps below!

Step 1: Follow the bloggers below on Pinterest:
Practically Functional
Step 2: Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck, everyone ... and, thanks for stopping by!
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50 comments:

  1. JudyAugust 23, 2013 at 8:10 AM

    do i have to say it? okay, i LOVE your kitchen!!! seeing your "old" look with red is exactly what I used to have...exactly! it was pretty but it's time had come to be replaced by our love of calming neutrals.

    i can't wait to put my fall stuff out and don't worry about your christmas message on your door...my mantle is still sporting it's Easter look!

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  2. AnonymousAugust 23, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    I wish I had a spot for open shelving in the kitchen. I absolutely love it.

    Gorgeous kitchen, Becca!

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  3. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLRAugust 23, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    Becca, I get so tickled seeing the 'befores and afters' of your kitchen! You just have a knack for spectacular transformations! Your kitchen is beautiful!! You have done a fabulous job!

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  4. Anita DiazAugust 23, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    Wow, Becca what a magnificent change!! I had never seen the before. I had red and gold too and the same color cabinets, but am just now getting to change some of the laminate counters. Love the grey you have in there too. So pretty!!

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  5. PamelaAugust 23, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    What a transformation Becca! I loved watching all the phases of its transformation.

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  6. DebbiedoosAugust 23, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    That is one heck of a transformation! Just WOW.

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  7. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleAugust 23, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    Looks fabulous and bright. What a huge transformation. Your photography is super, too.

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  8. AndreaAugust 23, 2013 at 10:01 AM

    Great changes ! I went through a brown phase, myself, but have gone brighter and lighter also-thank goodness!

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  9. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeAugust 23, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    Love, love, love your kitchen, it is so pretty in the white and your decor is always fabulous. Hugs, marty

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  10. Savannah AtticAugust 23, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    What a Huge Transformation Becca in the Dining Room I can't wait till you start decorating for the Holidays I so enjoy seeing That. Thank You for this opportunity to see Kitchen transformation I know myself the Carnage you go through from start to finish.
    Thank You
    Lisa

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  11. ℳartina @ Northern NestingAugust 23, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    Loved seeing the before and after pics my friend...your kitchen is gorgeous!! Love it white and bright!

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  12. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaAugust 23, 2013 at 11:33 AM

    I love seeing the kitchen before and after pictures together, really can't believe it is the same kitchen! You rock it girl.
    XO
    Kristin

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  13. UnknownAugust 23, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    Love your kitchen, as you already know, and can't wait to see it dressed for fall! The lighter colors just "open up" the space... it feels fresh and airy... ahhh! :)

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  14. UnknownAugust 23, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Oh Becca, you are definitely an inspiration to me! I'm living with darker walls now which I have always loved but I'm feeling the itch to go much lighter (just scared to jump in) You've given me courage to go for it! Thank you!!

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  15. KathysueAugust 23, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    Becca,
    All I can say is WOW what a transformation, you gave your kitchen life and air to breathe!! So charming and your island transformation is amazing, it doesn't look anything like it's former self! Great job and so fun to see the changes. I agree PAINT is my friend too!!
    xo Kathysue

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  16. UnknownAugust 23, 2013 at 12:27 PM

    Hi. The kitchen tour brought me here. I enjoyed studying your beautiful kitchen so much! My home has the same sloped ceilings (14.5' tall at highest point.) Also, odd angles with ledges and corner shelves at 9.5'. Crown molding isn't an option for me. Trying to make the style I love work with the architectural details I can't change has driven me nuts over the years! :) You have done an amazing job and have inspired me to look at my home differently. Thank you so much for sharing your kitchen.

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  17. Shannon FoxAugust 23, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    The transformations in your kitchen always impress! Paint. Who knew? lol. It's just completely delightful Becca. You have a wonderful decorating style and flair!

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  18. Lisa @ Texas DecorAugust 23, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    Hi Becca! Love, love, love your kitchen!! I had a couple of quick questions. I have maple cabinets in my kitchen and have been thinking of painting them white too. Did you have to sand/prep your cabinets in any way before using the Annie Sloane paint and did you wax them after painting them? Also, would you mind sharing where you purchased the beautiful curtains in your breakfast area? Thanks so much!

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  19. Melissa@TheHappierHomemakerAugust 23, 2013 at 2:58 PM

    I love how light and bright it is now, gorgeous as always!!

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  20. Melissa@TheHappierHomemakerAugust 23, 2013 at 2:58 PM

    I love how light and bright it is now, gorgeous as always!!

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  21. AnonymousAugust 23, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    Hi Becca! Your kitchen is so beautiful! I love everything about it.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  22. Courtenay@Creek Line HouseAugust 23, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    I always love your whole decorating style so much, but it was neat this time to see how much your kitchen has changed and how dark it used to be by comparison! Thanks for the tour!

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  23. At The Picket FenceAugust 23, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    WOWZA!! I don't think I had ever seen the before photos of your kitchen Becca and it is seriously AMAZING how far that space has come! It looks unbelievably gorgeous my friend! :-)
    Vanessa

    P.S. Happy Holly Day to you too! ;-)

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  24. DianeAugust 23, 2013 at 6:58 PM

    I love your green kitchen island and open shelving. What a beautiful transformation!

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  25. Recreate and DecorateAugust 23, 2013 at 7:34 PM

    Wow Becca you have done an amazing job on your kitchen! great transformation, I love it!

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  26. Atta Girl AmyAugust 23, 2013 at 11:01 PM

    I've always loved your kitchen, Becca. Gorgeous transformations.

    I thought I was bad; until this week, our menu board still had Easter dinner listed on it. But you beat me with Christmas. :)

    I think our kitchen layout is very similar, so I'm interested in whether those bar stools get in the way. I go back and forth trying to decide if I should add bar stools to our island/bar.

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  27. UnknownAugust 24, 2013 at 6:19 AM

    Thanks for sharing such valuable information.
    Damdama Lake is a best place for Adventure Activities, Boating and Tour packages.

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  28. Maria ElenaAugust 24, 2013 at 6:35 AM

    Becca, I think your kitchen and your home are the most beautiful in all blogland! I love your style and how you make every room beautiful, but at the same time, warm and welcoming. The changes you have made are spectacular! Enjoy your weekend!:)

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  29. UnknownAugust 24, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    Wow your kitchen before and after is amazing! Your kitchen is one of my favorite ones on this kitchen tour. LOVE everything about it!

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  30. An Oasis in the DesertAugust 24, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    Wow, you've made more changes than I even realized, Becca; and they have all been wonderful! It's always fun to see your home!

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  31. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsAugust 24, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    Becca..your kitchen has morphed into that beautiful butterfly... an absolutely stunning kitchen ....you did a fabulous job in transforming it to a perfectly styled, updated and fresh look. I love, love your kitchen!!

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  32. SuzyAugust 24, 2013 at 4:54 PM

    Oh wow, Becca - I had forgotten what your kitchen used to look like. Not only does it not look like the same space - it doesn't even look like the same house! Are you sure that you didn't move and just didn't tell us??? lol I just adore the way that your kitchen and breakfast area look now. I'm soooo ready for a change, but keep holding off since I think we'll be moving in a couple of years. Really, really enjoyed seeing it all again. xo's

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  33. Amy of While Wearing HeelsAugust 24, 2013 at 7:19 PM

    I love seeing how your kitchen has changed. The white kitchen you now have is so dreamy and inviting. I love your breakfast nook, it really does look like a completely new and different room.

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  34. Marty WaldenAugust 24, 2013 at 11:38 PM

    It looks amazing, Becca! What an amazing before and after! Thanks so much for joining us on our kitchen tour!

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  35. UnknownAugust 26, 2013 at 2:36 AM

    The majority of the modern kitchens have open plan living and in almost every house, lifestyle is focused around this room. Modern Sydney Kitchenshave sleek countertops and cabinetry and latest appliances offering minimum clutter. Such kitchens make the users comfortable when they walk into the room. Always go for the design that suits you and your family.

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  36. UnknownAugust 27, 2013 at 9:07 PM

    I've always loved your kitchen, but I've never seen the before! Wow what a change, so gorgeous! Can't wait to see it all decorated for the different seasons!

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  37. Jamie-So Much Better With AgeAugust 29, 2013 at 3:38 AM

    You're kitchen is gorgeous! Love all your details especially the island ;)
    Hugs,
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

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  38. awal.nyAugust 29, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    What a beautiful kitchen transformation. Another show of example what a difference paint can make. You did a wonderful job with your kitchen. Alaina

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  39. Calypso In The CountryAugust 29, 2013 at 9:33 PM

    Honestly, I could stare at your kitchen all day! You have brightened it up so much and made it into such a welcoming, cheerful room! Great job!
    -Shelley

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  40. The Decorative DreamerAugust 31, 2013 at 7:00 AM

    How fun to look back, what a change, huh? Love it all! I especially love the dining area with cabinetry! So beautiful!

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  41. UnknownSeptember 2, 2013 at 8:56 AM

    I used ASCP on our kitchen cabinets as well- still love it two years later :) Your kitchen is just lovely!!

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  42. Kim @ French Country AntiquesSeptember 2, 2013 at 3:26 PM

    Love your kitchen, Becca. What a transformation!

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  43. Pam - @diy Design FanaticSeptember 3, 2013 at 9:27 AM

    Becca, you have transformed your kitchen beautifully! All of the details are pretty amazing!

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  44. KellySeptember 3, 2013 at 5:41 PM

    Your kitchen is really beautiful! I love the lighter colors you used and the new barstools you purchased and painted. I also love the bench at your table with the checked cushion on it. So cute!

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  45. UnknownSeptember 9, 2013 at 1:32 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  46. UnknownSeptember 9, 2013 at 4:31 AM

    I like your
    home decorating styles.Thnx for sharing this.

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  47. Alex WriterSeptember 11, 2013 at 6:09 AM

    I'll buy the decorations and all the necessary things for your home. It gives me pleasure

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  48. Jessica@fourgenerationsoneroofSeptember 16, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    Ok what is going on over here! I know I am guilty of not being around for a while but last time I was here you had color everywhere and now everything is white! OMG I am loving it!!!!!!

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  49. Faren leeDecember 13, 2013 at 8:25 AM

    I absolutely love this kitchen! Its exactly what I want. Im in love with the drapes on your kitchen. Did you make or buy? Also where did you get the rod?

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  50. HerbJanuary 9, 2014 at 10:56 AM

    The new kitchen certainly looks inviting! I don’t cook much, and even I want to putter around in there! And the lighter, softer tone definitely makes the whole place more cozy and warm. Have fun in your new kitchen!

    Herb Koguchi

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I appreciate your comments!

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