Today on the blog it is all about a love story- about finding yourself exactly where you need to be. Well, and a bit about adding vintage charm to your kitchen. But the story behind that is the biggest part.
About taking something tarnished and polishing it up and why those simple and easy projects are not always the way to go.
A Story and look at our kitchen
Would it surprise you to know that I haven’t always been a girl that makes sense?
I can be honest. I have learned that my way of thinking often doesn’t make any logical sense. I know what I like. I know what I want- but does the method to my madness make sense? Often, absolutely not. And you know who knows it even more?
My husband.
I am THE best at making that man crazy. (at least I am good at something, right? 🙂
And there was a moment back.in.the.day when we were young (19 and 21) and working on our first house and I was a basket case of pregnancy hormones and I started falling apart at some random thing and knew that I was a pain in the you know what – and in his exasperation he paused and smiled and wrapped his arms around me and said:
‘Anyone can have an easy woman… why would I want that when I can have you?’
I had a couple reactions honestly. The first- blubberfest because-he has always been the sweetest man and he loved me even when I was feeling pretty unloveable and was literally an emotional wreck. But that he also had no idea how much more emotional that emotional side could get. (young love haha- he has since learned!)
Which brings me to this house.
Home
The house we live in now is our 3rd home together. Well 4th if you count that tiny house on wheels that he bought when he returned from Desert Storm that we lived in for a few months. And with each house- there has been a challenge of some kind. Some bigger than others- but none were quite as much a basket case of issues as this one we live in now… kind of like me.
From the day I drove into the driveway- I knew this was not going to be an easy job. It was ugly and it looked like it should be bulldozed. So Why would I even want to get out the car and take a closer look at something that was already so decrepit and broken from glance?
The honest answer is that it was at the tippy top of our price range in expensive California and this was the only house that I felt drawn to when I first saw it. Sure it was tarnished. Beyond tarnished really- it was a the point of when tarnish starts pitting and eating away the metal. And when my husband came to look at it and said ‘No way- this is terrible.’ And I couldn’t disagree- it was. Especially compared to the sweet farmhouse we had moved from in Minnesota on 120 acres that cost less than a brand new car.
But I reminded him about what he said back in the day…and changed it to fit the project.
Anyone could take on an easy project- why would we want to do that when we could tackle this one?
Yeah, I don’t think that thinking went over real well. The truth is – even after I got him to agree to wander through- he wasn’t so sure. You see, we had 3 little kids- and my husband worked in another county for several days and nights at a time -which meant it was the kids and I at home for 3-4 days a week by ourselves.
And we knew we weren’t going to be able to buy the house, walk in and throw lots of money at it to fix all the issues- we were going to have to pay to fix each thing as we could. And do each project with little skills.
This house was rough. But I argued it was a diamond in the rough. (Okay- it looked like coal but who is really counting? )
We originally thought it would take a few years- we would flip it and we could look for another project. But the more that we worked on things and that tarnish was polished away – I saw the bones that the house had and how perfect they were. And the more I found myself feeling so much like this was the perfect place for us.
And a lot of those first glance elements that we were told to replace in favor in updating and making the house more appealing to the market- they were the things that spoke the loudest to me. Some of them were not the easiest of things to live with- but we decided that they were not going to be changed.
The Kitchen
One of those things is the original cupboards that were in the kitchen. How do I go from that story to this story about the kitchen? It is a rambling kind of Monday folks- I have no other explanation. But I have often been asked how to remodel a kitchen and keep that vintage feeling and look- it definitely helps that our kitchen has those original bones to work with.
We could have replaced the drawers that drop and the doors that never like to stay closed- but kept those elements that make us crazy and that we love all at the same time. (Again- my husband knows nothing about this lol.)
7 Simple Ways to Add Vintage Charm
So all kidding aside- if you have a vintage kitchen you want to be more functional- how can you update and keep the original vintage character and feeling? Or how about adding some vintage charm and touches to your newer kitchen? And of course- without breaking the bank with a huge kitchen renovation bill?
Here are 7 simple ideas today that I think absolutely can make a difference without changing everything.
1. Change the lighting
This is a simple thing- but you know that ceiling fan with a beer bottle pull in our kitchen when we moved in? (see 2 pictures back for a close up) Yeah, two chandeliers was a much better fit I think. The chandeliers currently in our kitchen are $20 vintage finds. They aren’t perfect and I have thought about updating them since- but they are kind of part of the story now I think.
2. Fresh coat of Enamel type paint
Vintage paint has a vintage type sheen you are probably familiar with. It is more gloss/enamel look than flat or eggshell. But it definitely isn’t photo finish type baked on paint. I have found that some of the best paint for our vintage cupboards to keep the look and keep the functionality of easy to clean is a enamel. Oil based if you can do it- but that does require a bit more to it and lots of open windows and no touching for several days- so water based enamel is a good option too.
3. Add an island
We didn’t have an island when we first moved in. It was just a long galley style space with very little counter area. We added one island, then switched it for a second larger one and then finally were able to add the perfect fit a few years ago. It absolutely makes a huge difference in this room and gives us so much more space to work.
4. Architectural interest
On the ceiling. On the walls. Add some of that old world style interest with wood planks, beaded board or ceiling tins. You can do this more easily with wallpapers that have the look- or put actual planks or tins up.
5. Open Cupboards
Those open cupboard areas on the ends of our kitchen? Originally had doors. One was broken and when I removed it to try and fix it- loved seeing the wood walls in the back and decided to paint it and leave it open. I repeated at the other end for symmetry and voila.
6. Update your backsplash & Counters
Tiles, beadboard, or even a slab of stone- your backsplash and counters can make your kitchen look totally different. You don’t have to go expensive with a specific type of stone- there are many options for all price brackets. Just remember with a slab- you will need a fabricator to cut and install so that does add a bit to the cost.
7. Change your hardware
Knobs and handles are an easy change- and they are inexpensive as well. I ordered unlaquered brass knobs and pulls from House of Antique Hardware and they were perfect for giving our kitchen that original vintage look when we updated the lucite knobs.
These are all simple ways to give your kitchen that vintage feeling and look without changing everything or having a kitchen remodel bill that runs into the 5 figures.
And up next in their series- a few ideas for temporary changes for example in a rental kitchen -without renovating anything.
Something that completely blows my mind when I look back at this house and kitchen and remember where we started? I knew it could be beautiful & charming. I saw the potential through the dust and yuck. But I had no idea that it would be in magazines. Or that it would be included in 3 books. I had no idea that opening the door to this house would lead to opening the door to writing a blog or books. Which just reminds me to be okay with looking at things a little differently. Even if it makes my husband crazy even now. And yes indeed- you can ask him- I am absolutely even better at doing that than I was before. 🙂
In case you missed them – I just released my 3rd book French Country Cottage Christmas (currently on sale for $20!!) And my first book is FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE & my second book FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE INSPIRED GATHERINGS
You can see more of this grazing table HERE– it is perfect any time of the year!
I have been doing a whole lot of reflecting while dreaming and planning the past couple of weeks. Every time I do a reflection series- it seems looking back at the project comes up so you will see more of that including some before I have not shared yet soon.
Happy almost Friday all!
Good ideas
Thanks so much for sharing. Lots of great advice. I find myself having to start over in my small kitchen due to a leak from the garbage disposal under my sink. I am retired and on a tight budget. Some cabinets were destroyed in the demo, but not upper. The entire 1st floor has to be redone since water leaked under some of it and it has been removed. There are no thresholds on the 1st floor, so to match the whole floor has to be redone. It is on a concrete slab so needs to be engineered wood rather than hardwood. What do you think about the cabinets? Should they all match in color? Formerly stained, but have dark floors, dark granite, and dark cabinets. I would like to lighten the area up since there are no windows in that part…but in the family room it opens to. Thanks for any advice!!
I love the white cabinets and the counters and space on backboard.
I haven’t seen the floor but if I do i can give you an opinion.
Marla
Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful. You really must have had a vision. I never would have guessed that such a beautiful room started out the way it did.
Such wonderful ideas, thank you
I've never seen your kitchen in full view but what I have seen looks great. My husband and I bought a new build home a month before we got married and stayed there for years then we decided to upsize. So upsize we did and had to do some renovation. After that we moved in now home which is a downsize and have renovated here. We will be here because we don't have the enthusiasm to do another home and I like living here. Thanks for sharing photos and story of your home. Stay Safe
Hi Courtney!, Thank you for this story! I had asked for it in comments the other day, and was so happy that others asked as well. Looking forward to a story soon about your amazing range etc…. Have an wonderful evening. Stay safe and well.
MorningStar @rosethorn_house
Such a sweet Love story! Your kitchen is gorgeous with the chandeliers and they have a story behind them. Having pieces of furniture or china that belonged to a friend or family member makes me happy when I look at it and remember the days gone by when I could talk with them. You were not rambling but pouring your loving heart out and I think that is what bloggers were first doing. Best wishes for a healthy and happy home as we all find ways to cope and survive.
Beautiful kitchen, love your house, your garden, your book, your style, thanks for sharing. Can you one day do a post sharing your skill on photographing all your lovely vignettes?
We are about ready to get new countertops. I'm looking at marble. Still a bit afraid of it. We need to put the microwave in island to get it off counters. I would love to make it look like an old piece of furniture. We are putting in drawers where cabinet door were. Do you have any ideas for getting an old furniture look? I bought some French wood carved panels for the end cap and some ball feet. Will stain it all a darker wood, but dont think we'll be able to do much more. I also have a two tone kitchen. BM Winds breath uppers and stained wood lowers. I had thought about painting the island then using a gel stain, but not sure I wanna lose the wood look. Thank you!
Marble is alright if you can overlook the etching that is inevitable. I have it in my kitchen and love the color and veining but as i use an area i keep it covered to try avoiding another ‘spot’ where a glass of water was setting, etc. the finish is a honed finish and perhaps that makes some difference? i have called different places to inquire about what can be done but i am always told because marble is soft and porous this will be a problem. would love to hear from anyone who may have found a solution to avoid this. best of luck!
I Love your story reminds me so much of my life, trying to find the perfect forever Home. Great ideas that would will work for the old and the new. Looking forward to more story's and help to make our home the same
Good morning Courtney. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos of your home and your
great ideas. I love your back splash and was wondering if there was any product you
could recommend that it affordable and easy to care for? I have a small kitchen but I
think a nice white brick look would be perfect. Thanks for any suggestions. Stay well and
happy.
Good morning Courtney. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with all of us. I
look forward to your posts. I really like the way your back splash looks and currently
I have no back splash. I like the rustic white brick look and was wondering if you
could give suggestions on something affordable but more important easy to care for and
clean. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanking you in advance.
I love all these great tips Courtney, thanks so much. Your home has so much heart put into it… Love it.
Alicia
WoW !! I luv it! I want to paint (chalk paint??) the oAK VANITY in our guest bath !!! ??? —gulp—. ThANK. YOU. for sharing !!
🦋linda of no.cal.
Thank you Linda! Have fun with the painting project!
Absolutely love your kitchen! What a wonderful Job with the transformation. Jean
Thank you so much Jean!
It would be great to see each eoom before and after. Maybe you have this and i miSsed it.
Hi Sonja! I have done some ‘Before’ before and After room posts- I will have to round them up sometime.
Love your casual happy-go-lucky attutude toward decorating. It makes for beautiful spaces!
Thank you Bernadette!
Received you book this week. Stunning! I hope you next book will be all Christmas decorating. I bought 2 Sannibel SPruce from Balsam hill’s memorial day sale for flanking my fireplace.thanks for all your hard work.
Oh that is such great news!! I hope you enjoy it!! And I would LOVE to do a Christmas book sometime- so fun!! The Balsam Hill Sanibel Spruce are such beautiful trees- you will love them!
Thank you for your stories, i like them and your beautiful house.
Thank you so much Karolina!
Your hubby sounds like the most patient loving man on earth! WHat a sweet story! Love your kitchen. Okay, all that you do actually. Pinned
Hi! I absolutEly love everything about your Kitchen. I am In the planning stages for my new KITCHEN – can you please tell me specifics about your counter top and backsplash? Also Love that chandelier!!
Love all your comments snd ideaS, and your books!
I love all your comments and ideas, and your books!
Thank you so much!
You said your hardware was unlaquered brass, but they look shiny. Brass can turn very dark with oxidation, so do you polish yours or are you allowing it to remain NATURAL?
It is unlacquered brass. The brass just hasn’t shown age that much since we put them in- and I don’t polish them- they are natural. I just wipe off to clean.
Always a pleasure to see what youve accomplisHed. I dont think you sleep.
Haha! Thank you Jeanne! I don’t sleep as much as I should probably 😂 but I do sleep!
Well Hello. I seem to have found you in the strangest of ways, but I am sure glad I did!! From the beginning of your story when you talk about yourself I had to chuckle and the jumping of subjects…..sounds so much like me. I had to laugh. Anyway, I am not sure if you will ever see this post, but I want to Thank you for sharing your hard earned and I mean hard earned knowledge with all of us. Your home is a beautiful forever home.😊
I left out something important, I get it, when you see something that just draws you in and You have to have it because you can see the beauty! That’s my home and just about 50 other projects within. He, He Take care, Stacy
Oh so many magazines I have scattered around the floor photos bits and pieces then your email puts it altogether the look I want my original 1950’s cottage i bought a few years ago. i wanted to live in it before i realised what i want to do to renovate my kitchen your stile is inspirational i really like the look and know i can also repurporse my existing kitchen cabinets – thank you.
Hello, and I love reading your post aBout your home. It lovely and you have great taste. I have pur both of your books also. Thank you JeAn
Iam new in youR pague
Iam so I love with everything i well fallow you
Courtney, I dont know which I am in the most awe of, your courage and vision to make a beautiful home Rise from the Neglected cottage you found or the willingness of hour husband to agree to try! Your home is lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Cheryl
eVERYTIME i SEE YOUR Kitchen I drool! I particularly love your large island and beautiful table. Do you happen to know where I could find one that looks like it?
Thanks—-Deb
Hi Debbie! You can find the table at Eloquence- it is the Avignon table. The marble was a custom addition to the table.
Courtney, as always, great tips and content. I have followed you for years, but rarely comment. But I do want you to know I love what you post and appreciate you keeping your blog updated and relevant. Thank you for all the inspiration!! I’m working on a redo of my home and your insights are always helpful!
We “must be” soul sisters…I know EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE SAYING…&my hubs, too, thankfully, tolerates & for most parts “goes along” w/my “inspiration & his Implementation!!” Our hand built log cabin is finished…40 years…(well, almost.) Rec your book last week…it’s on display…franki
A wonderful post that I did so like
Beautiful Kitchen! Wondering what stove/oven appliance you went with to get that vintage look and for your fridge & dishwasher as well? Planning on redoing my kitchen and want a vintage appliance look & feel. Thank you!