That’s right, I got this wild hair this past weekend and decided to paint my kitchen cabinets! This has been on my to-do list for two years! I actually bought most of my supplies a couple of months ago and had psyched myself up for it when we got snow. I knew I would need to open the windows while working in here, so I was waiting for the perfect time. The stars aligned at the end of last week and I decided to dive right in!
Today I thought I’d share some of the chaos. 🙂
Here is how my kitchen started:
I snapped this picture just as I was getting started labeling my cabinets. I had already removed the hardware. It doesn’t feel outdated to me, just dark…dark cabinets, dark counter tops, dark tile, and dark floor (hardwoods or laminate are next on my list!).
Our kitchen doesn’t get a lot of natural light, so I really wanted to lighten things up.
I removed all the doors:
I covered my surfaces:
Found room in my overflowing garage for 17 cabinet doors:
Piled a bunch of stuff in my dining room:
Doesn’t look so messy, right?
Here’s a picture of me cleaning. Just what you’ve always wanted to see.
Primer going on…
Remember how my dining room didn’t look that bad? It was only a matter of time.
But, hey! We’ve got paint!
I am so thrilled with my progress. I started Friday and here are my cabinet doors as of tonight:
We still found time to squeeze in a little of this:
And some of this:
I’ve still got several projects to complete before I can call it done. Just thought I’d share some in progress pictures for now.
I’ll be working furiously, so you might not hear from me until Friday. I’ll be back with my Get Your DIY on Project. The theme for June (can you even believe it’s almost June already?!) is “Knock-off Projects”. Our party opens at 7:00 EST on Sunday, where you can share your knock-offs too, or just come by to get inspired!
A certain super comfy bed is calling this achy girl’s name!
XO,
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Deanna says
I am so motivated to do a similar project in my kitchen, which has dark oak cabinets. Can you provide us information in your follow-up post on products used and technique hints?
I love the way your kitchen cabinets look already. Can’t wait to see the after photos!
Christy K. James says
Absolutely, Deanna! I’m ready to see it finished too 🙂
Celia says
Hi Christy! Looking good!! I too have been wanting to paint my kitchen cupboards and replace the pulls. Can’t wait to see the final results!! I just may get at it this summer!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Celia! I’m so glad to finally be working on it! XO
Andi says
It’s going to look fantastic!! I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen your kitchen! How can that be?? Can’t wait to see more progress. 😉
-andi
Christy K. James says
You are right ha ha! I tried to keep it out of pictures, and my downstairs is completely open with only a staircase off to the center. It wasn’t always easy to avoid it. Now it will be the backdrop to everything ha ha! 🙂
Sue Farmer says
Can’t wait to see the finished project!! We had our kitchen cabinets painted a few months ago and love, love, love them. Had oak just like yours. It’s a big job but worth it!! Hope all goes well and don’t work too hard.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Sue! It’s making a big difference in there already! 🙂
Holly says
This is on my list. It’s like a cave in my kitchen! I have one small window and have to keep the lights on almost all day. Did you use TSP to clean the cabinets first? Sanding? Are you painting the insides of the cabinet doors? Thanks.
Christy K. James says
Holly, I felt like my kitchen was so dark too! I used a TSP substitute and I did sand also. I painted both sides of the doors. I’ll share all the details with the reveal. XO
Jen Y says
i started painting my kitchen cabinets in April……I’m still working on them sort of. :o( I am older than you though, have pretty bad arthritis & have had lots of parties in between. I’m having overnight company this week but plan to get back & finish next week. I cannot wait to have finished.
I painted the inside of my cabinets as well so lots of packing, living out of boxes, unpacking, ect. I don’t plan to paint the inside of my base cabinets though.
I can’t wait to see yours finished. Every time I see someone paint their cabinets it gives me hope that I’ll get mine done!
Christy K. James says
It is a big project, Jen. My hubby wasn’t totally on board with painting our cabinets, so I think that played a big part in not dragging it out. I’ve still got a little way to go, but almost there. Just continue to do a little at a time. You’ll get there too 🙂
Jen Y says
Christy what is it about husbands & wood?! we’ve lived in our house for 24 yrs & it took me about 22 yrs to talk my husband into letting me paint ours. But now that I have the top ones finished he’s very surprised at how much he likes them.
Christy K. James says
I know right? I thought it was just because he didn’t want to have to help, but I did them myself and the best I get from him is, “They look cleaner.” He said if I’m happy, that’s all that matters…and I am! At least they let us do it, I guess 🙂
Carolyn Price says
Christy, you blow me away!! Is there anything you won’t tackle? Can you bottle some of that energy and send it my way? : )
We purchased a little cottage on the NC coast with a love view out to a marsh. I detest the white kitchen cabinets. I’d like to paint them a pewter-y gray. I just may give it a shot!
Thought about you this weekend as I was gardening …. Your landscaping skills rival any professional!!
You are an inspiration girl!!
Christy K. James says
Carolyn, your sweet words completely made my day! I put this project off for so long, but it just needed to be done! It wasn’t so bad after all. I’ll post all the details when I reveal the finished kitchen. So jealous that you have a house on the Carolina coast! I’m in Virginia Beach and that’s my dream! Some day 🙂 XO XO
Carolyn Price says
… with a lovely view.
Paula@SweetPea says
You’ve accomplished so much! I look forward to seeing the end result of your hard work.
Christy K. James says
Oh I’m so glad it didn’t drag out, Paula! I put the doors back on yesterday, so I can see the end in sight! I know you’re looking forward to being out for summer! XO
Krista @ the happy housie says
Good for you! Such a big job!! Can’t wait to see it:)
Christy K. James says
That’s why I’m so behind on my knock-off ha ha! 🙂
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
It’s looking so great Christy! 🙂 It’s going to really brighten up that space. Can’t wait to see it all finished!
xo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
It looks so much better!! Now you guys have to come back over 🙂
robin says
WE bought a fixer-upper on a canal that leads into the gulf of mexico in the panhandle of Florida 2 yrs ago. Left the rat-race of Birmingham, AL city life, for “beach life”. We aren’t retired and are fairly young (haha, mid 40s). I want to tackle my cabinets too. House is 1978 and original gorgeous maple wood cabinets. Hubby says NO WAY. and I think it’s because he doesn’t want to have to help. But my plan is to tackle them this fall………after the summer visitors (we have ALOT of summer visitors 🙂 Your’s looks great!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Robin! My husband wasn’t completely on board either, but I told him I’m the one who has to look at them all day! Really though, I think he just didn’t want to help paint too!
Sharon says
I love the kitchen. I have done 2 kitchens . And said never again. Right ! going to do the last kitchen redo this summer. Never leaving this house till they take me out in a hearse. It’s a big job. I love white kitchens. Great job Christy. Love your web site. Sharon.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Sharon! Painting all those cabinets is a big job for sure. I know we won’t be here forever, but I’m not ready to do this again anytime soon! So glad you stopped by! XO
Pat Cobb says
I love the look of your old kitchen, however I love white better. My husband would kill me if I put paint on anything wood. I can’t wait to see the finished product. So far it is beautiful! Keep the pictures coming and Thanks for sharing!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Pat! I had to work on my hubby for this one. He wasn’t keen on the idea of painting the cabinets to begin with. I did compromise in several place though. You can see the finished kitchen here. https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/kitchen-makeover/ 🙂
Moira Stride says
Christy,
Once again you have outdone yourself and inspired me to take on some projects. On your kitchen redo, what paint did you use, primer, paint etc?
I was going to paint my dinning room, but first we decided to tackle the kitchen, because we having granite installed in 2 weeks. So I am waiting for that process first. 🙂 Thanks again for sharing, and I must say this happens to be my all time favorite blog!!
Moira
Christy K. James says
Awesome, Moira! I love that you feel inspired and that you love my blog…that made my day!! I give every step of painting my cabinets, including the products I used here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-a-step-by-step-guide/ How exciting that you’re getting granite countertops? They are still on my wish list…for the distant (very distant) future! 🙂