I firmly believe in making the best of what you have.
What I have is a very small kitchen.
But after a few weeks of elbow grease, $25, and a pint of chalkboard paint,
I can finally say loud and proud:
I love you, little kitchen.
I've spent the past couple weeks painting the exteriors of our cabinets with a soft white paint and the insides of our cabinets with chalkboard paint. It's been so much work, and I'm so excited to finally be able to show you!
First, let's start with the exteriors of the cabinets. Those got a nice new coat of fresh white paint.
I've spent the past couple weeks painting the exteriors of our cabinets with a soft white paint and the insides of our cabinets with chalkboard paint. It's been so much work, and I'm so excited to finally be able to show you!
![](http://assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png)
First, let's start with the exteriors of the cabinets. Those got a nice new coat of fresh white paint.
The interiors of each cabinet also got painted white, and then the backside of each cabinet door got painted with black chalkboard paint.
The chalkboard detail added so much character to an otherwise average little kitchen.
Just so you know what a huge improvement this is, take a look at what these awful 1970's cabinets looked like just a few weeks ago:
These cabinets are over thirty years old, and were gross in just about every way possible. Since replacing them is totally not in our budget right now, I knew my only option was just to make the best of what we had. I realize that painting your kitchen cabinets isn't for everyone, but for an outdated kitchen like this, it made such a phenomenal improvement!
The chalkboard detail added so much character to an otherwise average little kitchen.
![](http://assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png)
Just so you know what a huge improvement this is, take a look at what these awful 1970's cabinets looked like just a few weeks ago:
These cabinets are over thirty years old, and were gross in just about every way possible. Since replacing them is totally not in our budget right now, I knew my only option was just to make the best of what we had. I realize that painting your kitchen cabinets isn't for everyone, but for an outdated kitchen like this, it made such a phenomenal improvement!
After painting the cabinets, I labeled each cabinet with whatever goodies were stored inside.
This is my favorite cabinet, full of mugs I've collected through the years, mostly from thrift stores.
I also made a special cabinet just for our party supplies. We entertain a lot, and it's nice to have everything in one place.
I decided to spruce up my silverware drawer, too.
I got to enjoy contorting my body into a fruit rollup to reach the 4 feet of hidden space.
But the end result was totally worth fruit-rolluping myself.
So, I painted it.
Like I do everything else.
I used paint and then put 2 layers of poly over it.
(Update. This totally did not last. Since this post, I've done something much better to this tile. Seriously. Check it out...it's awesome.)
And although this room still has a ways to go, it's so much better than it was when we moved in.
I also made a special cabinet just for our party supplies. We entertain a lot, and it's nice to have everything in one place.
I decided to spruce up my silverware drawer, too.
I painted and labeled my old wooden silverware organizer.
and then I used the same blue paint on my old wooden knifeblock.
and then I made a little area for all my spices, labeling each one and storing them in a crystal bowl I scored from the thrift store.
I updated the kitchen light with a chandelier I found on Craigslist. It's much better than the former boob light.
Some of the cabinets needed more TLC than the rest, like the pots & pans cabinet.
But the end result was totally worth fruit-rolluping myself.
Here is another one of my favorite parts of the kitchen.
I like the tile. I hate the color. Totally outdated, and not cohesive with my color scheme.
(ignore the dining room...under construction)
Like I do everything else.
I used paint and then put 2 layers of poly over it.
(Update. This totally did not last. Since this post, I've done something much better to this tile. Seriously. Check it out...it's awesome.)
I also added a chalkboard trim around the bar. Those chairs are another Goodwill find. Originally $5 each and dark brown. I just primed and painted them a semi-gloss white.
I also added a few botanical prints in white matted frames...one of my fave easy art ideas.
It's really starting to feel like home!
Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Don't forget to pin this post so you'll have this info when you need it!
![](http://assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png)
**To see what's happened to the kitchen since this original post, check out these posts! There's been so much great stuff!
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It looks wonderful. I LOVE what you did with the insides of the cupboards! Very nice work.
ReplyDeleteVirginia, the kitchen looks awesome! Great job using all of those affordable finds!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gutsy and AMAZING transformation! I love it all - especially the painted tile - what a difference!
ReplyDeletegena
Thank you, Ladies!! I'm loving the new kitchen! :)
ReplyDeleteI painted the walls & trim and the outside of the kitchen cabinets last summer, but I haven't yet painted the inside... I give you tons of kudos for that! And your kitchen looks amazing! Really great transformation hun! xo! ♥
ReplyDeleteHi! Visiting from the Shabby Creek Cottage! Oh wow! Your kitchen looks brand new! I love all the chalkboard.. and it made me laugh that you put entertaining instead of junk. Too funny :)
ReplyDeleteIm your newest follower.. I would love a follow back if you like my site too. And please feel free to share this at my Friday party starting tomorrow!
Awesome! I just blogged this to my blog so my folks can get a look at your wonderful creativity! Great job!
ReplyDeleteShut the front door! I completely love everything about your makeover - such an amazing transformation! You did a great job! I am your newest follower - your lovely blog is fantastic! Please stop by my blog to say hello - i love to make new bloggy friends! Follow me back if you would like to keep in touch :) Heather
ReplyDeleteYour kitchen looks very lovely! I love how you made spaces, like the cupboards, so pretty even though they aren't seen by everyone. I love doing making those kind of spaces pretty!
ReplyDeletePS, my kitchen is even smaller and yours look large compared to mine! :)
-Ashley
http://modernrococo.blogspot.com/
I love it its beautiful great job!
ReplyDeleteFabulous makeover and I just love the chalk on the inside of the cabinets, great idea! thanks for linking up, I just posted your kitchen on my facebook page.
ReplyDeleteXO
Kristin
It looks amazing!! I love the chalkboard paint inside the cabinets! Genius! The fruit roll-up part had me laughing! :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE your chalkboard paint inside the cupboards! It really looks sharp. Great job!
ReplyDeletewww.mummy-maggie.blogspot.com
Hi Virginia,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I think I might steal it and I'm off to pin it now.
So cute! Great idea! Had to pin :)
ReplyDeleteSarah
Brilliant. I'm not just saying that, chalkboard on the inside where you write what goes on which shelf? You are a genius! My husband has never figured out where anything goes, 5 apartments/houses and 7 years...
ReplyDeletePinning now!
Jessica
stayathomeista.com
That looks fabulous and so useful too! Love it! I hope you will share this (and any other rooms) at my new "May House Par-tay" at www.cheapcraftymama.com!
ReplyDeleteOMG Love those cabinets! Everything looks fab but the inside of the cabinets is a brilliant idea.
ReplyDeletewww.itsybitsypaperblog.com
SO crafty and brilliant! The chalkboard on the insides of the cabinets are super cool, but I love it all!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much ladies! It's been such a blast to share our little kitchen with everyone! Thank you all for your sweet compliments! ~ Virgnia
ReplyDeleteHi Virginia, this is just the coolest thing! I love that you did this on the inside so you don't have to see it all the time, but wow, what a surprise when you open the doors. I can see why you love your little kitchen so much. Although, I guess "little" is a relative term. Your kitchen is about twice the size of mine. Hard to believe huh? Hope you'll stop by and see me at my blog sometime! I should do a post on what I've done with mine. Maybe sometime soon. I found you through At the Picket Fence's link party.
ReplyDeleteVirginia, you go girl! I love your kitchen makeover! I'm especially jealous of your chandelier. Seriously? I can't believe it was on Craig's List. I also like the chalkboard paint inside the cabinets. Thanks for joining the DIY Talent parade!
ReplyDeleteTerrific makeover! Love the color, the chandelier, the fun "messages" on the inside of the cupboard doors--great work!
ReplyDeleteVirginia, your kitchen looks fantastic! I love that you painted the inside of the doors with chalkboard paint. Beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteStopping by to let you know that I featured this post for this week's Tickled Pink! :) Stop by my blog to get a button, if you want!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a fabulous makeover! I love the chalkboard doors...and white inside the cupboards, really makes your kitchen shine. Kudos!!
ReplyDeletefound you on Hometalk - LOVE the makeover, love the chalk paint and the chalkboard touches are inspiring! A D O R E!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your chalkboard paint idea...I'm so doing this when we move cause I can almost bet we'll have yucky insides of the cabinets...this makes me so excited!
ReplyDeleteWe have cabinet twins! We just got finished painting ours white..what a chore that is hey!
ReplyDeleteI have a question about the chalkboard paint..I am thinking about doing our pantry door in chalkboard paint but I am wondering how it will hold up to all the finger prints, possible splashes or spills etc. How have your doors held up?
Vanessa :)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your kitchen! And I'm a new follower - yay! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm moving into a new house soon and am thinking about painting the kitchen cabinets white as well. What paint did you use? Thanks!
Brie @ Breezy Pink Daisies
I just FOUND your blog and I am sooo loving the chalkboard inside the cabinet doors!! I am soooo doing this and posted so on my blog, today!
ReplyDeleteFantastic job! I love it too!
LBDH
I love the color of the walls! What paint color did you use? I'm working on my kitchen and I LOVE that color!
ReplyDeleteNever seen something like this, you have done a fantastic job with this chalk paint makeover, my wife will be amazed to see this.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteNice image about the Kitchen Cabinet Doors. It is very impressive, and it is a very nice blog. I like this site. Keep it working every day.
Glass for Cabinet Doors
Your kitchen, though small as you said, is fabulous. I certainly would love to have this as my own. Painting those cabinets (or even for closets Bergen) white was a great idea because it makes the kitchen look cleaner and more refreshing, aside from it being brighter. You really did an amazing job. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWhere can I buy that kind of design for kitchen cabinets? I want to have that because they are very cool and clean. I'm relaxing every time I see them.
ReplyDeleteKitchen Cabinets
Amazing job! That is a lot of work. Thanks for sharing your lovely home!
ReplyDeleteI love what you've done to your house - I'm trying to do the same to mine...I already painted the cabinets dark/espresso a couple years ago and want to go white now. I use Behr Ultra Pure White on my trim and am thinking of going with that for my cabinets...is there a reason why you recommend choosing a different white (I noticed you use the same Behr for your trim)? thanks so much! I really need help with this!
ReplyDeleteGet out of town!! This definitely has the WOW factor!! Just found it on Pinterest. I'm thinking of doing the same thing. How long did it take you? and can you really paint over tile like that?
ReplyDeleteHi Virginia! Your kitchen looks AMAZING!!!! I'm actually going to try the same on my kitchen. Could you tell me what type of paint you used to paint the cabinets white? Thanks a mil!
ReplyDeleteHi Marina! Thank you so much! You can find all that info here: http://www.livelovediy.com/2013/04/10-easy-steps-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets.html
DeleteHi Virginia,
ReplyDeleteI've been researching what paint to use on my cabinets. How has the chalk paint held up in your kitchen? It is showing dirt or scratches? Thank you! Julie
I was wondering what color you painted the walls? I LOVE the kitchen, very nice!
ReplyDeleteDid you use the same paint on the interior as the exterior of the cabinets?
ReplyDeleteHi Virginia!
ReplyDeleteWe are trying out your chalkboard paint idea. We are so excited! How did you paint the backside of the cabinet without it dripping down the side and ruining the white paint? You did such a quality job! Thanks! Nicole
So awesome! Thank you so much for this idea! I am going to do it to my cabinets here soon and I am so excited. With 4 kiddos under the age of 6 our house is not as perfectly organized as yours but I think it would be so cute to put Bible verses or something to remind us to be thankful for the food and the drinks we have so readily available. Reminders to be thankful are always a good thing. Super excited!
ReplyDeleteOMG! I just found your blog while being board at work and getting ideas to decorate my house from Pinterest, and let me tell you... I am SO happy I found it, this is incredible!! I love it all, thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteLove love love it
ReplyDelete