Friday, April 8, 2011

When It's Finished!!

My kitchen...it's been rarely (if ever) seen on this blog.

It's one of those rooms that I just keep thinking "When it's finished"......When it's finished I will post pictures.......

Fully well knowing that nothing around here is ever truly "finished".
And since I have come to terms with the fact that we have a limited budget (nada, non exsitant!) and things will get done on their own time, I am FINALLY posting full views of my kitchen!

First there is the kitchen island. It's a cabinet I dug out of the trash last year. The marble top was a Craigslist find for $50. 

The chandelier I found a few years back at a yard sale for $2. 

The once yellow cabinet (Ebay for $30) has been given a fresh coat of white paint. The 1959 GE Stove was a FREE find on Craigslist.
The mirror was a couple of dollars at a yard sale.

We added some trim, side brackets and glass knobs on sale at Hobby Lobby for $1

 The house is old and the cabinets are wonky, and are too expensive to replace right now so I used a drop cloth to tack over them.
 The built in cabinet once had glass doors. When we moved in here though the glass was all broken. I covered them with fabric to hide our canned goods. (There's no pantry in here, limited cabinet space, and counter space)







The funny thing is that once I started taking the pictures and thinking about all the imperfections, I noticed how lovely my kitchen is, imperfections and all. So all that waiting for "when it's finished" just felt so silly!!


Please check out the following great blogs who have featured my kitchen:

112 comments:

  1. I think it is wonderful. Seems like thinkgs never really are finished. You've done a fabulous job with it. Love that mirror. It is stunning. Hugs, Marty

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  2. Nicki, what a charming kitchen & wonderful treasures you have incorporated into your kitchen ... fresh, warm, inviting.

    Have a beautiful weekend.
    TTFN ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

    FUN GIVEAWAY ends 4/10

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  3. it is soooooooo sweet, I love it!!!!

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  4. This is remarkably charming. I love free and reduced. It gives the space sooooo much character and charm. What a vision you had for each piece. Your kitchen could stand up to the best designer kitchens around.

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  5. Your kitchen is so charmong! I love it! You should take the doors off under your sink and put a curtain under there for added charm.Just a suggestion no hurt feeling if you don't do it. LOL Traci

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  6. I have to say I adore the mirror over the stove. One of my all time favorite interior photos which I keep in my inspiration files has a mirror over the stove, just so unexpected. Thanks for visiting Inspired Design... I am now your newest follower. Thanks for entering the giveaway... pinkies crossed! xo

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  7. I love your kitchen! Love, love that mirror and that stove is great!

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  8. What a sweet kitchen! I'd love to have all that space!

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  9. I love your sweet kitchen...you've done a great job and I'm glad you chose to share!

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  10. I agree! I think it's a gorgeous kitchen. And, that ruffled bag is fantabulous!!!

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  11. A perfect cottage kitchen...love it!

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  12. I think your kitchen is really pretty! I love all the romantic cottage touches. Also, I know you didn't ask, but I'm going to suggest something easy that I think you will like. Take off that thingy and the doors under your sink. Put a tension rod in the space where the thingy is and hang a pretty toile curtain! I'm new to your blog via Miss Mustard Seed and I have to say, everything is so cute!

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  13. Nikki thank you for giving me the heads up on the peacock! I've been out thrifting (that's what the hubbs and I do for excitement on a Friday night *winks*).....and when I read your comment I came running! Girl that is one elegantly disheveled kitchen...definintely feeling the elegance! You have quite an eye for beauty!...And I'm feeling kitchen envy *winks* I'm so glad you admitted to loving it too because I was thinkin' you were crazy not to love it! And yeppers that's a peacock in the chandy....What a wonderful whimsical touch! I really wish you could come to my house and help me do something with my kitchen because it really is boring.
    I'm adding you to my blog list because I absolutely love your blog!...Hope you don't mind? Vanna

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  14. I'm glad you shared your beautiful kitchen with us. I think it has a lot of charm and character. It's bright and white and has beautiful cabinets, lovely displays and an awesome vintage stove. Blessings, Pamela

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  15. I love your kitchen the built in cabinet is awesome and i love when someone can pull things together without spending a fortune even if you have it I like the creativity and ingenuity of being frugal and finding one of a kind finds!
    Sherry

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  16. Nicki, I love your kitchen... it looks very dreamy. have a great weekend

    Pattie

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  17. I am loving your kitchen!!! That marble top is gorgeous and so is your mirror!!
    Great style going on here!

    Pamela :)

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  18. What a charming kitchen! I especially love the mirror over the stove. I have an old mirror that I was thinking of putting over my stove too...although I don't have that much room I have a silver tray in the spot at the moment. I love the kitchen island...it just needs a little trim.

    I put off showing my kitchen for the longest too because it's so not what I really want. But everyone loved it once they saw it...but I just see all the things I want to change.

    I'd hang the new chandi myself if I were you. Unless it's too heavy. I've hung mine by myself....but the really big heavy ones...you have to have another person to help hold.

    Great kitchen. I can't get over that you bought that mirror for $2.

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  19. well I think it looks fabulous!!
    Lovely blog :0)
    alicia

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  20. Nicki it looks just beautiful!
    The mirror over the stove is stunning!

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  21. Sorry, imma late arrival. Im lovin the size and charm of ur kitchen, and ive not posted much of mine for some of the very same reasons...U know though , there is something about hearing the cabinet where the coffee cups are kept, squeak every single morning when im still in bed, and Mr. Romantic is getting coffee. Its my cue to get up, lol. I plan on visiting my bff in a couple months(Pattie @The Shabby Chick)so u better LOCK the back door, we will raid the fridge, lol..............Bonnie

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  22. Beautiful beautiful beautiful, I am crazy about this look in a kitchen, so welcoming and homey!!! Great job

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  23. Yes, your kitchen is just beautiful even with all the work you think you need to do! I love how it's all white and that stove is so cool!!

    Tania

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  24. Its beautiful. The non-closing doors and all, it's so cool with that gorgeous mirror over the stove. The peacock in the chandelier is definately my favorite though!

    MJ
    Lucky7Design

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  25. See what beauty you can create on a limited amount of money and trash pick finds! I love your kitchen and I love that stove. I'm heading to craigs list right now. I keep forgetting about it. I saw some blue ball jars on the cabinet tops...are they the jars you were thinking about getting?

    I went to a couple of garage sales on Saturday and got a quilt top and a quilt! I posted them on my blog. I've been a bit behind in the blogging area.

    Cindy Bee

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  26. What your kitchen is....is.....CHARMING!!

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  27. Your kitchen is gorgeous. I love that built in cabinet. And really really loving that basket with flowers on your stove. It's all very cute!

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  28. Nicki I love your style. It's gorgeous. Too much to list what I love here. And you made my day with your comments about things not being finished. It's the story of my life. It could have been me writing this post lol.

    x

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  29. What a gorgeous kitchen!!! And such thrifty finds you've added make it so perfect! I get so inspired by posts like this, well done! xxx tami

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  30. I'm really glad you posted this. We too don't have the money to redo our kitchen. It is neat to see what you do with what you got. It really looks lovely!!! Your newest follower...I hope you can visit me sometime soon!

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  31. I love your kitchen Nicki! That island is amazing!I am a new follower.

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  32. Nicki I think your kitchen looks great. It reminds me of European kitchens with all the china cabinets and such. I guess they bring their portable cabinets with them when they move!

    Our kitchen is an original 50's with metal cabinets and pink tile that is coming up off the floor. I so know about the budget thing and you are doing a great job making your home so charming!

    bee blessed
    mary

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  33. I love your cute blog ,you are so talented and creative.Your kitchen is perfect. I am loving all your finds.

    Blessings, Sheila

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  34. Your kitchen is adorable! I can't believe how you found so many things on the cheap. It looks very planned out. You have a great eye. Love how you step out of the box. The cake plates stand out to me b/c I have a collection of antique ones too. I used to display them on my cabinet tops as well. We are on the move so they are all packed tightly away until we get to a more permanent place.
    And the peacock really livens things up. Cute!

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  35. Very nice!... and clean looking !

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  36. So pretty! It's amazing what you can do with limited funds! I just remodled my kitchen on a $1,200.00 budget. I had a water leak and had to replace the cabinets! Blah! I hope you'll pop over and check out the transformation!

    ~Mikey @ Shabby French Cottage

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  37. very pretty! love all your blue mason jars!!

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  38. I really admire what you have done in your kitchen with a limited budget. It has a lot of style. Your stove looks so clean for its age! We moved into the house my husband grew up in. We have old cabinets, no dishwasher, no money, etc., so I know what you mean. Besides, it's the people and the love that makes a home. Come visit me.
    http://cottageatthecrossroads.com

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  39. So, so pretty !! You've done a wonderful job creating a bright and cheery kitchen. Love the mirror and your china cabinet. The collection of jars on your soffit adds such a great pop of color !! Well done !! *Becca* (your newest follower)

    www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com

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  40. Found you at a Diamond in the Stuff and I LOVE your kitchen it really is lovely, You are silly to wait so long to show it! I am your newest follower I would love it if you could follow me back!

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  41. wow! that kitchen looks beautiful! love the mirror above the stove! i hopped over from uncommon slice. :)

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  42. I think your kitchen is absolutely charming and perfect. The mirror is stunning and adds such character.

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  43. Gosh, I don't know where to start! From your lovely collection of glass bottles, to the stunning candelabra to your wonderful gilt mirror. Such a dream!! :-)

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  44. I'm loving your kitchen and thanks for sharing it with us. The simplicity is perfect in a very elegant way especially with that fabulous mirror above your stove:)

    Kathleen

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  45. Your chandelier has great 'bones.' You could do so much with it. Paint it white, add some really neat things. It has great potential. What you have done so far looks fab! It's never ending.

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  46. I clicked over from Type A's Anything Goes Party & I honestly really like your kitchen. It comes across very open & uncluttered. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  47. Found you through Savvy Southern Style and what a lucky link click that was. For one thing I don't EVER think I've seen such a clean, white kitchen! But the whimsy of the peacock observing from above was the perfect tough. Just became your new follower.

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  48. correction: perfect TOUCH, something Helen does NOT have on so many levels!

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  49. Great collection of ball jars and old bottles...now I like the light fixture!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  50. I like it, a lot. Thanks for finally sharing. You have a beautiful kitchen!

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  51. Just found your blog and I LOVE your house, it has so much charm. Your kitchen is just beautiful.

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  52. I like your kitchen. It has wonderful charm and character.

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  53. Oh my! Your kitchen is such fun! I do kind of like the chandy.

    From what I've heard around "these parts" is that the second front door was for Sunday's and other special occasions. It led to a front parlor or sitting room where people could come and particpate in a service/meeting/etc.

    Not sure if this is the same for your house...but it is what I was told when we looked at buying a farm house. Dear hubby has never let me forget how we lost that house in a bidding war!

    Thanks for sharing your kitchen!

    Jillian
    Bella Rosa Antiques

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  54. I think the kitchen looks great! Don't wait on hubby to change the chandelier! Do it yourself! Make sure the breaker is turned off, get a ladder and take down the ceiling cap. Once you look at the wiring, you will say to yourself, I can do this! Really, it's easy! I've done it a million times! Then hubby will be blown away! Next time you want something and he drags is feet you can just say, never mind I will do it myself! I bet he will get right to it!
    Theresa
    aka:tot

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  55. it turned out really beautiful!

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  56. love you kitchen that sucks about not having a/c. but the room is beautiful. thanks for sharing this at my party!

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  57. What a gorgeous kitchen. You have outstanding taste. Thanks for sharing at my Swing into Spring party.

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  58. You have a lovely kitchen oozing with tons of charm!

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  59. Love your kitchen ~ Simple & Elegant! Love the Mirror...

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  60. Your kitchen is gorgeous...you and hubby have done an outstanding and fab job in there...love how you put your creativity to use by buying salvalged pieces and that you found what you loved by doing that...you should be very proud because it's perfect in there :)
    Big hugs,
    Queenie

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  61. I agree, your kitchen IS lovely.

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  62. Wow I love how fresh this looks - the mirror is my favorite part! Very nice.

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  63. So many pretty touches in this kitchen--love the chandelier and your island and that mirror!!! It looks great; thanks for linking to my Share the Love link party!
    Mary

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  64. Even with imperfections, your style shows thru. I love the mirror & the peacock the best!

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  65. Holy cow!! I've been trying to reply to each of my comments individually by email and just now realized there are over 60 comments!! Thank you all so so so much!!

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  66. I love the simplicity of it and you've scored some amazing finds! I could easily settle in there for a chat anytime! :)

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  67. I have to say...when you first said that you hadn't shown pictures of your kitchen because it wasn't finished, I thought the first photo was maybe an inspiration pic you found online! It's really a beautiful room. You've made the most of what you have and created a romantic, charming space!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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  68. Your kitchen is so charming!
    be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  69. I love this kitchen. It is so simple and so beautiful! I love how clean and white it looks! My kitchen is a DISASTER all of the time. Thank you so much for the inspiration to do something about it!

    Cara
    http://miscellaneousme.wordpress.com

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  70. I LOVE your kitchen, Nicki! Thank goodness you decided not to withhold it from us any longer. And, as a blogging friend, I'll be happy to come raid your kitchen - but for the chandy you don't like, not the food! lol

    Thanks for linking this loveliness to my party. It was like a breath of fresh air to tour. ;)

    Hugs,
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  71. in the end your kitchen is really lovely ;). i like the curtain idea for under the sink but would prob go with burlap or something that coordinated with your window curtain. also i am sooooo into storage so i would put a very shallow shelf at the end of that counter to store spices ect paint white call it done then no cutting of that marble.

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  72. I think your kitchen is GORGEOUS!!! You have done a fantastic job - and all the improvements you would like to make from here are just going to be extra icing on a beautiful cake!!!

    ;-D robelyn

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  73. I really love your kitchen...it's personal, inventive, and charming! Hopped over from Savvy Southern Style...I'm a new follower!

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  74. This looks great! There was a kitchen in House Beautiful or maybe Domino a while back, that everyone was raving about. When I saw the first picture I thought it was a picture of that kitchen. I really love the big mirror over the stove.

    Visiting from Remodelaholics Anonymous party.

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  75. Your kitchen is lovely. I adore the mirror over your stove.

    I am visiting from Common Ground.
    ~Ricki Jill

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  76. I really like your charming kitchen! I love the quirky things in a house that really bring lots of character! You mirror above your stove is fantastic & the island is gorgeous(-have you thought about corbels? ) Love the charm. Thanks for sharing at FNF!

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  77. I really love your kitchen as well. It certainly IS charming! You've done a wonderful job making it beautiful and unique!

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  78. Very charming! love how light and clean it looks,

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  79. I think your kitchen is charming and lovely. Love the marble on your island. The mirror and cabinet really make it elegant. Thanks for linking up to VIF! xo Debra

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  80. I really love your kitchen. It's so beautiful and bright and airy. I also love how you did it all on a budget. Everything has a story to tell, a history and I like that! It looks amazing!!

    xo and God Bless,
    Kathleen

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  81. I always feel like you- like some areas are off limits to my blog because it doesn't look as fab as some...so I totally get it; but your kitchen is already so charming that anything else is just extra! :) Love the built in cabinets and the stove! You've done an amazing job on the cheap!! thanks for sharing this!

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  82. I love the love you out into your space and I wouldn't worry too much about air conditioners I have one and I say the best slept nights are the ones where the windows open its rainy and a fan is humming in the back ground.

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  83. OH you have a lovely kitchen! And we are practically neighbors!!! We moved from Nenana, Alaska to Kokomo last year. And I must say we are loving it here! I can hardly wait to go exploring this summer. Your stove and the chandelier are absolutely stunning. Nice to meet you and I can hardly wait to look around more!!

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  84. It is simply lovely, I love the simple but welcoming look you have created, and adore your blue jars!
    Tracey

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  85. So nice.. makes me want to pick up a paint brush and paint everything white! :)

    As for your door, since I can't see a photo I suspect you have a Funeral Door. If one of the doors opens directly into a room ( ot a hall or foyer, or once did) then you have a funeral door. AS was the custom when a loved one die they were laid out on the dinning room table for visitation, the direct enterence door made it much easier to get the casket in and out of the room sinc often if there was a front hall it was narrow. .. Houses often had bay windows in this room so the table was moved into the bay the casket put on the tale so that people could walk by to give their respects without distrubing the family. More than you wanted to know huh???


    Maddie the D.A. and old house owner.

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  86. I can't believe you don't love that chandelier. I love it! I would paint it a blue color. That would be so pretty in your space.

    Crazy...about the funeral door....who knew!?!

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  87. Wow, this looks amazing!! You really did a fantastic job with little money. Thanks for sharing! :)

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  88. I have your twin kitchen here in my new (old) farmhouse! Like you, I have barely shared anything about my kitchen. We are pay-as-you-go DIYers, so my kitchen-of-my-dreams will be a while as well. You have done a great job of making your kitchen warm and inviting. I will have to post mine one day soon! Lori L

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  89. Wow! My draw is dropped, that is beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration and also for joining Farmhouse Friday! ~LaurieAnna

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  90. Your kitchen is lovely. The best part is the love you have for family and friends to feel at home. You will get the things fixed...eventually. We are all floating in the no money canoe right now unfortunately!!

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  91. love your kitchen- has a clean, fresh farmhouse look to it- reminds me of Chez Fifi's new book....

    Karen

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  92. What a wonderful eye you have for simple, elegant beauty. I love that you decorate on a budget and it doesn't look like it. Stunning...

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  93. Dropping by from Laurie Anna's. Your kitchen is beautiful. Love how you've displayed your collections of vintage bottles and jars. We haven't even started our kitchen yet!

    Deborah

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  94. Nicki,
    This post SO made me smile...I have lived in a lot of OLD kitchens and they all had quirks like this...but that is why we love old houses so much, right? I love all of your touches...but HOW do you keep that mirror clean?
    Rene

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  95. Until we moved from our last house, 3 years ago, I didn't know there actually were base kitchen cabinets that would close without a backwards kick from a cook's heel.

    It took me 30 years of being married to get a kitchen with cupboards that are not a struggle to use . . . and then when I got them they were horrible orange-y oak and I spent half my life painting them.

    Our current house is our first with A/C, too. All things in time.

    Your kitchen looks lovely. I know it's not convenient or efficient, and you don't have enough storage space (who does?) but you will always remember this kitchen-in-progress and love it.

    And people really come in without knocking?
    Yikes.
    that would not go down too well here in New Jersey, farmhouse or not.
    :-)
    Best wishes, Cass

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  96. Forgot to say -- about the two front doors -- you might find this interesting, from Old House Web:

    http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/two-front-doors.shtml

    Cass

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  97. Wonderful house. My grandparents wanted to preserve what was left after the fire and as a grandchild, I would like to give them nice ideas. What have you used when it comes to insulation types?

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  98. Your kitchen is so charming, finished or not. It just invites me to walk in that back door and sit down for a chat! I completely understand about not wanting to post until something is "finished." I just wrote my last two posts on this topic! You have a lovely blog and a gorgeous home. I can't wait until mine looks half as good as yours.

    Have a great day!
    Deborah

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  99. Your Kitchen is refreshing :) love the mirror

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  100. You have some great ideas! Your lace curtains remind me of a bridal veil. You use alot of white, so the little bits of color here and there really stand out.I especially love the eiffel tower treat stand you made out of a cardboard box! Talk about brilliance on a budget! I am looking forward to seeing what you do next!

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  101. The kitchen look charming...I really like it.

    Roman shades concord, ca

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  102. I think it is authentically farmhouse-y! I love what you've done - and new isn't better, I adore your clever way - and FRUGAL WAY- of making this so picture perfect.

    Well done, truly and sincerely!

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  103. I love your kitchen! It has such an authentic cozy farmhouse feel to it. I haven't shown my full kitchen either for the same reason. Maybe, just maybe, I will now...after I fix the chipped up counter tops!

    I'd love it if you would share this at "What We Accomplished Wednesday," at Green Willow Pond. It is live right now. Have a great week!

    Hugs,
    Deborah
    Hugs,
    Deborah

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  104. Thanks for sharing your lovely kitchen with us, I love all the treasured finds,
    you used..... adding the marble to the top of the chest for an island is outstanding
    and I really love the way you put the drop cloth to cover the bottom cabinets,
    all your special touches make you kitchen perfect!
    Cheryl
    zany-mayd.blogspot.com

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  105. I love your kitchen! Just beautiful with all of that fabric draping beneath your counters. I think it's full of vintage charm, which in my opinion is better than a spanking new kitchen!

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  106. I have always admired your kitchen. It shows well and seems cozy and welcoming. I think I prefer the look you have to a modern show room kitchen. Good work!

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  107. brilliant idea to drape over the cabinets. I love your style! I too am a shabby chic vintage fan, so I adore your ideas and crafts.

    http://elle-alice.blogspot.com/

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