Hello to the most encouraging friends ever! I’m popping in today to share more kitchen progress.
But first, congratulations to Mary L. of Florida! She was the winner of my Craft Junk Giveaway, and has already been notified. Thanks to everyone who entered to win! I’ll have another box of goodies to give away in October!
Back to the kitchen…if you missed the before of our kitchen, here it is:
You can see more of it in this post HERE. When I shared our progress on Thursday, it looked more like this:
It definitely has to look worse before it gets better, right? This was the primer stage and it looked pretty bad.
Well as of yesterday morning, it looks like this:
And this:
Better, no? But still not the dreamy kitchen I envisioned in my head. This is more like a blank canvas now and this is where the fun starts! 🙂
So it took me three hours just to put one coat of paint on the fronts of the cabinet doors, an hour and a half to put one coat on the backs of the doors, and just over four hours to paint the boxes in the kitchen and butler’s pantry. That’s eight and a half hours to get one coat on everything, if I were to paint non-stop. As you can imagine, I painted pretty much all day Thursday and Friday, and into early Saturday morning. I stayed up to paint what I thought was my last coat of paint on the door fronts.
I awoke Saturday morning totally beat but feeling excited to start putting the kitchen back together, except that’s not exactly what happened.
Unfortunately because our cabinets were so dark to start with, in the light of day, it was clear everything needed one more coat of paint. I could have sat on the floor and cried. So as you can guess, I painted all day Saturday too, but then it was done! It took one coat of primer and three coats of paint.
Sunday I was able to hang all the doors and add the hardware. It was SO worth it!! I also straightened every cabinet in my kitchen because they clearly needed it!
I redid our previous kitchen as well and created a step-by-step tutorial for how I painted my cabinets HERE. I did everything the same and used the same products, only I needed three coats of paint instead of two. I did upgrade to the paint with primer this time as well. It is Behr’s Ultra Pure White in a satin finish right off the shelf.
Here’s a closer look at the hardware I chose:
Simple chrome pulls and knobs from The Home Depot.
There is still a lot do do in here. I have picked out my backsplash tile and it should be here on Tuesday. It will add so much to this space. I can’t wait to share it!
I also need to build the range hood cover, and I have just about figured out how I’m going to tackle that.
I found brackets for my shelves for the right of the window…
Once I hang the tile, I can start on those. You can see I still have a big grout cleaning party ahead of me as well. That is last on the list.
The butler’s pantry looks so much brighter now:
I still need to prime and paint the shelves that go in the upper cabinet. I didn’t have a spare inch to lay anything else out in the garage with all those doors out there.
Also still need to add glass to the two cabinet doors that are missing to the right of the stove…
That is of course why they are still missing. 🙂
And then there are the pendant lights, the stools, and the island:
I ordered new pendant lights on Amazon and they should be here Tuesday with the backsplash tile. Hopefully the Hubby can get those hung next weekend. I have an idea for what I want to do with the stools, but they are not high on the priority list at the moment.
As for the island, it is just about finished! I worked on it most of yesterday. Here’s a peek at how it looked as I was getting started on it:
It just needs to be painted. That will make a huge difference in this space for sure. I’ll be back to share how it turned out on Thursday!
UPDATE: Our kitchen island is complete! See its new and improved look and how I did it HERE!
And that’s about it, friends! I am thrilled that all that cabinet painting is behind me. I’ve had a couple of great nights of sleep and am ready to get this space finished!
Thanks again for all your kind words of encouragement. It means the world to me!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Melanie says
I love your paint color! Can you share the color name and brand? Thank you!
Christy says
Thank you, Melanie! Do you mean the wall color? They are campfire Ash buy Behr. I’ve used it all throughout my home and I just love it! XO
Jackie says
Did you use the same Behr Cottage White (only with the primer) on the cabinets?
Christy says
Hi Jackie! The Cottage White is more of a creamy white. Here I used Behr’s Ultra Pure White right off the shelf. It is a true white. And yep, I used the one with primer this time. 🙂
ColleenB.-Tx. says
WOW! What a Beautiful change. Amazing difference what paint and new hardware can do to make the old look like new. Really makes your kitchen look much bigger and brighter.
Great job.
Christy says
Thank you, Colleen! I am so pleased with how it looks so far! And Yep such a big difference just those changes made. It really does feel so much bigger now! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Wowza!! You are like freaky fast!! What a bummer to wake up and think you were done and then have to do another coat. You still managed it though, beautifully! When I did mine in stages I did two coats of primer and two coats of paint but ended up where you are. It looks great. Can’t wait to see the rest of it done, you are totally amazing.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Mary! I was really bummed, but you’re right… I got it done. I probably should have done two coats of primer as well, but I guess it doesn’t really matter since I still needed for coats total huh? Now the fun begins with all the little things to finish it off! XOXO
Jody says
There is just something about white cabinets. So bright and cheerful looking. I want blue ones but it is the same feeling. You did a wonderful job.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jody! It was a lot of work, but so worth it! And yes it just brightens the space right up! Blue cabinets would be awesome! XOXO
Janie says
Looking forward to seeing all of it
Please be sure to share how you replace the cabinet front panels with glass!
Christy says
I am excited to see it completed too! And you can read my full tutorial on adding the glass here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-add-glass-to-cabinet-doors/
This is from when I did it in our last homeC and I will do these the same way. 🙂
Carole says
Everything is looking great. I can’t believe how much work you have accomplished.
I have a tip you might like. You can paint the floor tile grout instead of scrubbing it. A friend of mine painted my bathroom walls and said she could make the tile floor look so much better by painting the grout. I said go for it immediately and it looked amazing after she was done. She always suggests this to her clients because she knows it will clean it right up and look so much better.
Christy says
Thank you, Carole! I saw a blogger friend do something similar, and I was thinking about that! And I have to go find that instead of doing all that scrubbing! Thanks again! XOXO
Shirley says
Now that’s a huge huge difference! It is just gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Shirley! XO
Sue Leake says
You are a machine! I thought I worked fast, but you got this girl. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Christy says
Ha ha I feel like it LOL. I feel like I can’t rest until it’s done though. Almost there! Thank you, Sue! 🙂
JamieK says
Looks wonderful! Whew I bet you did get some sleep! Just made me tired reading it????. It’s gonna turn out so Beautiful! Can’t wait for more updates! ????????????????
Christy says
Thank you, Jamie! Nothing a good nights sleep can’t fix right? Ha ha! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! XOXO
P Boszko says
Lookin’ great kiddo…all your hard work is showing!
Christy says
Thank you so much! XOXO
Deborah Murphy says
That looks alot better! I am in the middle of a total renovation of the kitchen and master bath. We are in to week 6. I was not as fortunate and all me cabinets are in a dumpster!. I just love white cabinets. You and hubby do quality work. Good luck.
Christy says
Thank you, Deborah! Wow, week six? It is going to be amazing when it’s done I’m sure, and you probably got to pick exactly what you wanted. We were very fortunate that our kitchen was decent to begin with though! XOXO
Lori Sawyer says
Cabinets look fantastic, its so bright in there now
Christy says
Thank you, Lori! It really is! XO
Cathy Beecher says
Your kitchen looks incredible! What is the color that you have used on the walls?
Thanks!
Cathy
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! The wall color is Campfire Ash by Behr. XO
Christina in SW FL says
Christy, I can’t imagine how tired you are!! Oh my! I would have cried with you and then helped you paint. The results are completely marvelous! :::: applause ::::
Do take some time to be good to you too!!!
Christy says
I was so exhausted, but I feel much better now. Would’ve been awesome to have you come and help me. The only person I trust to paint for me around here is my sister, but she showed up on Sunday after all the painting was done LOL. I still put her to work helping me hang the cabinet doors back up though lol! XOXO
Pam Walsh says
Love your new kitchen. I know that you must be so happy with the results.
Which primer and paint color did you use? Can’t wait to see what you do next !!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Pam! I’m so happy with the way the cabinets have turned out so far. I used Kilz primer in the white and gold can, and Behrs Ultra Pure White right off the shelf in a satin finish. XO
Pat says
Looks great!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Pat! XO
Diane says
You have done an amazing job as always!! I can’t wait to see it completely finished. I did notice you added trim to your island. Do you have info on how you did that?
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Diane! I will be sharing the island on Thursday along with all the details on how I did it! XO
Wendy Somerville says
Beautiful Job Christy! Makes a world of difference. I can’t believe how smooth they are. You have inspired me to maybe tackle mine once I know how to paint these Melamine cabinets.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Wendy! It really does look like a different space now. I imagine you could paint melamine cabinets in the same way… clean, sand, prime, and paint! XOXO
Denise says
Christy — all I can say is WOW! and then WOW again!!! What a beautiful space you and your hubby are creating. I know it is a lot of hard labor, but it is going to be so worth it. Can’t wait to see more!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! I appreciate that! It has been a lot of work, but so worth the effort for sure. Can’t wait to continue to share the space as it comes together! XO
Diane says
What paint did you use? I have black cabinets and I really want to paint mine but I haven’t gotten the courage yet! But I love how your kitchen turned out and I also loved the kitchen in your previous home. Are you sure you don’t want to move to Austin so you can help me paint mine?? ????
Christy says
Ha ha! My sister just told me she wants me to help her paint hers…I told her she has to wait until I forget the pain of this one first LOL! The paint I used is by Behr. It is their ultra pure white right off the shelf. It’s acrylic enamel I believe. XO
Lisa Meadows says
Did you use a brush? What primer did you use? Did you sand first?
Christy says
Hi Lisa! I followed the same exact method and products as I did in our last kitchen using a brush to cut in and a roller made for cabinets to roll out the rest. I wrote a complete step-by-step tutorial after completing the first kitchen which you may find helpful. You can find it here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-a-step-by-step-guide/ It should answer any questions you might have! XO
Lilly says
WOW!! It already looks so much better and brighter. Great job you guys! I’m getting motivated to start doing something to mine. lol
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lilly! It is a bit contagious, right? My sister wants to do hers now as well ha ha! XO
Linda D. says
Wow! What a difference! It looks fabulous already! So much lighter and brighter. I so admire your willingness to tackle so much on your own — I always want to be some more experienced person’s ‘sous chef’: tell me what you need and I’ll do it beside you. I am amazed at how much you accomplish working alone in the garage. And this is not to discount all the hard work your husband and boys contribute. I just seem to need someone in the same room with me for project encouragement or I get discouraged and don’t finish. The thought of all that painting on my own is daunting, but your results SO tempt me to try! You’re my hero!
Christy says
Aww you are so sweet, Linda, thank you!! I think I get that from my mom… My dad was in the military and gone most of my childhood, so she had no choice. She was always taking on projects! I appreciate your encouragement! XOXO
Linda says
Your kitchen is looking gorgeous! Gives me inspiration for mine.
Christy says
Thank you, Linda! I love that you are feeling inspired! XO
Kellie says
It looks amazing!!! What a little paint can do…….
Christy says
Thank you, Kellie!! Yes paint is magic! XO
Cornelia L Short says
It looks amazing and I can’t wait too see what you’ve picked out for your backsplash and the new lights. Do you have a muscle in your body that doesn’t hurt? 🙂
I would definitely say you’ve earned a day at the spa or at least a really great massage!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cornelia! I can’t wait for y’all to see the backsplash and pendant lights! This has been hard work for sure, but so worth it. And yes…I might need a massage after all of this! XOXO
Sherry Stuifbergen says
It looks fabulous! It is SO good when all those hours of painting and sweating pay off! I can’t wait to see it all together, but it has been fun to watch it in stages. You are such an asset to your husband! Does he know how much money you save him by being such a “go to it” gal? I know he must be proud of your accomplishments. You also set a good example to your boys…making something beautiful with what you have or find…on the cheap. When you get done, it looks fantastic!
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Sherry! Thank you so much! I usually wait until a space is completed to share it, but I have enjoyed sharing our kitchen as I go this time. My hubby does appreciate all that I do for sure. Thanks again for your sweet words of encouragement; they are much appreciated! XOXO
susan says
Looking beautiful! Can’t wait to see the island!
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! The island turned out pretty! XO
Anne Allen says
My cabinets DESPERATELY need painting but I don’t have the thousands of dollars I’ve been quoted to have it professionally done OR any work area where i can take all of the doors off and sand them. But your post sounds like you just left the doors on and used primer instead of sanding …..is that true? If so, that’s a life-changer for me!! Are you pleased with the finish you got? Oh, I really hope you say YES!!
Christy says
Hi Anne! I am sorry to say that I removed all of my doors and laid them out in our garage to paint them. I think it would be really difficult to paint the cabinets themselves if the doors were still attached. I am really pleased with how mine have turned out though, and it saved a lot of money doing it myself. XO
Holly says
We were away when you started this project but have got all caught up now. Wow – loving it so far – so exciting. Thanks for taking us along for the ride – can’t wait til it is all Christy’d 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Holly! “Christy’d“ Ha ha love that! Glad you are enjoying seeing the progress! XOXO
Sherry Stuifbergen says
I’m back to say that I think you need to start teaching classes…to give confidence and share your expertise. Do you know what a stir you have probably caused in the neighborhood, painting your kitchen cupboards yourself?…and all else that you do? You give others the urge to tackle their own..but they need the confidence and expertise you can give them….just sayin’….you should think about teaching…see if your DIY stores will sponsor you for some “weekend” seminar…you can get them started with handling and buying basic tools, etc.
Christy says
You are the sweetest, Sherry! If only there were more hours in the day! XOXO
s says
WoW! So much brighter! I recently finished painting my kitchen cabinets in white so I know how much hard work you put into yours. I am anxious to see your finished kitchen. Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you! Yes you definitely know the pain ha ha! Can’t wait to see the finished product too! XO
Marcie Lovett says
Incredible job, Christy! So much work, such a beautiful payoff. Brand. New. Kitchen.
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! It really does look like a whole new space! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Loving this project! The kitchen is so much lighter and brighter now. Makes you really want to spend time there. Can’t wait to see the new backsplash and lights. Go, girl!
Christy says
Thank you, Debbie! It really does look so much brighter and even feels bigger! I can’t wait for y’all to see the backsplash and lights! XOXO
Patty says
You are amazing, Christy! Can hardly wait to see the big reveal! By the way, I watched a Hallmark Christmas movie the other day and the star looked so much like you that I kept thinking you must have a “side job” as a Hallmark star!! 🙂
Christy says
Aww thank you, Patty! And that is too funny! When I was in my early 20s, I took a job out of state, and met a girl there who looked almost exactly like me only she had dark brown hair. I even had people stop around town, because they thought that I was her. Funny! XO
Angela says
Looks like a lot of work and you and your husband did an excellent job! Really looks nice. At first I thought, the cherry cabinets looked good and why change them? But now, I love the fresh clean look and the contrast with the black counters. Like you said, you can decorate with any color. Thank you for sharing your ideas and the how-tos.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Angela! Our kitchen really was nice before, but it just wasn’t our style. And Yep… You can add any color to jazz it up! XOXO
Jan Schouw says
Christy, you have definitely inspired me to get started on my kitchen. Imdid buy the paint and primer. Likr you, my cabinets are dark. First, I’ve been working on my She Shed which is almost done. Your kitchen looks great. Thanks for sharing. Oh, i also read your How to paint kitchen cabinets. A really big help.
Christy says
Thank you, Jan! I love that you were inspired to paint your kitchen! After hours of painting, you can retreat to your she shed! 🙂 XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Everything looks so bright and cheery now! Love it! I know you are happy to have ti almost behind you. And I can’t wait to see the new pendant lights and the backsplash tile that you chose! Or did I already see it? 😉 xo
Christy says
Thanks, Girlie! I can’t believe I am almost done! I don’t think you’ve seen them? Or did I text you a pic of the backsplash? They are so pretty!! They both came in today, can’t wait to get them installed! XOXO
Mary says
You are amazing! The cabinets look great-so much more your style! I love your hardware choice (I have the same ones throughout my house too)! You have great vision and I can’t wait to see the finished project.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! You have good taste ha ha! XOXO
Sandra Long says
Looks so much better !!! You are absolutely amazing! How you did all of this so fast. I only had to paint the cabinets in my kitchen because I got new doors. It took me all weekend to clean, sand, prime and two coats of paint, no doors and fewer cabinets. I am in total awe. Can’t wait to see the island 🙂
Christy says
Aww thank you, Sandra! When I start, I just have to keep going until it is done LOL! I finished the island up today and it turned out pretty! See you Thursday! XOXO
Ruth says
Wow girl! I did my kitchen white but sent out the fronts and painted boxes myself. You are amazing. Oh, and I love my white kitchen with its bead board back splash. Very country fresh ????
Christy says
Aww thank you, Ruth! I absolutely love the idea of a bead board backsplash! XOXO
Regina says
Looking great Christy! I’m wanting to tackle my kitchen too very soon, lots of oak going on that I want to get rid of. Did you roll all the cabinet doors or spray them? They look flawless! Can’t wait to see the island on Thursday!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Regina! I used a brush to cut in, and a roller to roll out most of everything. You can see my full tutorial I posted from our last kitchen here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-a-step-by-step-guide/
I did these cabinets the exact same way, except because they were so dark, they did require one extra coat of paint. XO
Lisa says
I’m so happy for you- it’s looking like a brand new kitchen! I only wish I had energy like you have! Thank you for sharing. You’ve encouraged me to get back to projects at my house!
Christy says
Thank you, Lisa! I am like a machine when I have a big project going on…everything else is neglected so not sure if that is good or bad ha ha. I love that you are feeling inspired to make changes at your house too!! XOXO
Lizzy Leff says
SO much better. I can’t wait to see the pendants & backsplash you chose. Great work!
Christy says
Thanks, Lizzy! I can’t wait for ya’ll to see the backsplash and pendants too!! XOXO
Mary Lou McMillen says
Your kitchen looks incredible already, can’t wait to see the finished product. You are an inspiration to all of us & your DIY posts keep us testing our imaginations! Thank you for taking the time to include us in your kitchen makeover.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Mary Lou! You are SO sweet!! I love that you guys are following right along with me in my kitchen adventure! XOXO
Angelia Lutz says
What a transformation so far. Great job. Are you painting by hand or using your sprayer on these? Also, what paint and primer did you use this time?
Christy says
Thank you, Angelia! I am cutting in with a brush and then rolling it out. I used the same products…the Kilz in the gold and white can, and Behr’s Ultra Pure White in a satin finish right off the shelf (blue and white can)! XOXO
Susan Ronnfeldt says
It looks AMAZING!!! What a worker bee you are! Cannot wait to see the completed project!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Susan!! XOXO
MaryJean says
Your cabinets look great! Because my cabinets were very dark, too. I had to paint 3 coats. If I had to do it again I would have used a primer first. You’re moving along quickly!
Christy says
Thanks, Mary Jean! Yep it’s getting there! XOXO
Kaycee says
Christy, Wow, what beautiful results on your cabinets!! Your hours and hours of painting and repainting really paid off your kitchen is so bright and beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Kaycee! It even feels bigger in there! XOXO
Amy says
So much more Beautiful! Love how bright and airy and welcoming it is now. Did you paint the inside of the cabinets too? Or were they white on the dark cabinets?
Christy says
Thank you, Amy! It even feels bigger now! Luckily they were white already…yay! XOXO
Debra A Wise says
Wow Christy! Looks so amazing. Alot of hard work but the results are worth it.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra!! It was SO worth all the work! The rest is fun stuff! XOXO
Margie says
Your vision was on spot beautiful.
Christy says
Thank you, Margie!! XOXO
Marty Koons says
Wow – what a job! It looks great!! You definitely have more ambition than I do! LOL
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marty! I am so excited that I can almost cross this big chore off the list! XOXO
Rose says
It looks so bright and fresh, great work.
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! It feels bigger too! XOXO
Joann says
An you share what color you used on your kitchen walls ? Sorry if you previously mentioned it ; I may have missed it ! Also when working with gray what tips do you have for picking the best white to go with it ? My kitchen has a lot of woodwork and cabinets which will be white. I think whites are so hard ! Thx !
Christy says
Hi Joann! The wall color is Campfire Ash by Behr and I just love it! It works really well with the bright white. I used Behr’s Ultra Pure White right off the shelf for all our trim work when we moved in, so I just stuck with that for the cabinets. It is a nice clean bright white. XO
Cecilia says
Yikes, I feel your pain! I had to put three coats on my cabinets and it was exhausting. Messed my shoulder up doing it too. But thankfully, it looks good. Yours does too! What a difference! Well worth the time and effort!
Christy says
Oh yes then you know the feeling very well! But yes so worth all the work when it’s done! Thanks, Cecilia! XOXO
Addie says
WWWhatttt???? Slacking???? Get busy on that floor tile grout!!!
Those “flashing open” cabinet doors!!! too funny!!!
Looking 100% better!!!!
Christy says
Ha ha that nasty grout keeps photo bombing my beautiful photos ha ha…it HAS to get done soon! Thanks, Addie!! XOXOXO
Julie Briones says
Man… white paint… the miracle-worker! Looks amazing, Christy!
Christy says
Yasssss!! White paint can do amazing things! Thanks, Julie!! XOXO
Penny Rose says
Absolutely Gorgeous! Your kitchen looks so much bigger. Your island is going to look great too! I cannot believe how fast you painted this. It’s amazing what a transformation you can make with paint!
Christy says
Thank you, Penny! It really does feel so much bigger in person. Isn’t paint amazing? XO
Carla says
It looks amazing! I’ve been showing my husband your kitchen transformation as I’m trying to convince him to do that in ours. If anyone can convince him, it will be you and your beautiful work!
Thanks for showing us your progress!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Carla! I’m glad I could help ha ha! I hope it works! XOXO
Char Fisher says
All your hard work was well worth it! It looks absolutely beautiful and really brightened up the kitchen. Can’t wait for the next set of photos when you put the back splash up. You are doing an incredible job and you are amazing!
Christy says
Wow thank you so much, Char! I am so pleased with how it turned out, and I cannot wait to start on the backsplash! XOXO
Susan says
Sooooo Awesome!!! Doesn’t even look like the same room!! Can’t wait to see your backsplash when finished!! You are sooo very very talented Christy!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Susan! I have so enjoyed this project, but I am excited to see it finished…almost there! 😀