best colors for kitchens

Kitchen Updates

Hello!  I thought I would pop in and share a couple of big changes in our kitchen.  If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/dianagray5?ref=badge#">Instagram</a>, you've already seen them.   Even though I was happy with our all white kitchen, I was ready for a change and so one evening while cleaning out a cabinet, I came across my can of Annie Sloan chalk paint in French Linen and wondered how it would look on my lower kitchen cabinets.  So I tried it and absolutely loved it.<br /><br />Problem was, after painting the lower cabinets, I now hated the countertop.  However, I've always hated our countertops.  When our home was renovated, leftover ceramic floor tiles were used as countertop.  Yuck.  But new countertops have never been in our budget so the only thing I could think of to do was to paint them.   So, that's what I did and I just love them now.  :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwlVvquAK9V6AKgJO91RiHCCagh21F1S0VRg8TxKzsL6NxMdoBvTryIrl71qA9Svi3Vyd4A3TLjVQU3PzR-TNWaYkORAITOKbHR0LU8OiUQNhSei0vbEZ-t7HkOn5dkt-vg628RiLlVX_/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwlVvquAK9V6AKgJO91RiHCCagh21F1S0VRg8TxKzsL6NxMdoBvTryIrl71qA9Svi3Vyd4A3TLjVQU3PzR-TNWaYkORAITOKbHR0LU8OiUQNhSei0vbEZ-t7HkOn5dkt-vg628RiLlVX_/s1600/004.JPG" /></a></div><br />To paint the countertops, first I cleaned them really well to make sure there was no grease or anything that could prevent the paint from adhering.  Then I primed them with Kilz oil based primer.  I let that dry for 24 hours.  Then painted one thin coat of Rustolueum Oil based enamel in Glossy White and let dry for a full 24 hours.  To roll the paint on, I used a foam roller meant for very smooth surfaces.  I did a total of 3 coats making sure to let it dry a full 24 hours between coats.  Also, using oil based paint was important as I was afraid latex would just bubble and peel off if got wet often around the sink.  It was definitely stinky but luckily our kitchen has lots of windows for ventilation. <br /><br />I can't believe I didn't do this sooner.  It is super easy to clean and very durable.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69DmZ9uvmAQQ_lfEdF8jUocAVmdcOuckzo90dR31EF2tK3SeFmGzJbbTjHjM_wkRLJuaGe31Cw4XqnT9vWkalTyF9EWyFEtlr7GRsQpmiYu6xAtLshFXfC_aPqo_MV1Vjk2tzPmzVrZDB/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69DmZ9uvmAQQ_lfEdF8jUocAVmdcOuckzo90dR31EF2tK3SeFmGzJbbTjHjM_wkRLJuaGe31Cw4XqnT9vWkalTyF9EWyFEtlr7GRsQpmiYu6xAtLshFXfC_aPqo_MV1Vjk2tzPmzVrZDB/s1600/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And I love the shininess as well as how they look with the french linen paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsHRQnrMlHLELXTzUGtARtpnJlK5wOCzmmhm2i9otyOGyxqvRY0DqUv5mT9LsaXro9uoLh5ICVgq_uBTo9TONi3KhvgvzwHVCndjshkispKfeJ8l-cecR5jaFoKkpNefmnwtbcGOqm-8n/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsHRQnrMlHLELXTzUGtARtpnJlK5wOCzmmhm2i9otyOGyxqvRY0DqUv5mT9LsaXro9uoLh5ICVgq_uBTo9TONi3KhvgvzwHVCndjshkispKfeJ8l-cecR5jaFoKkpNefmnwtbcGOqm-8n/s1600/007.JPG" /></a></div><br />And of course I had to make some cute little cafe curtains from some Ikea tea towels that I just bought.  They completely take me back to my grandma's kitchen.  She had something similar and they were always blowing in the breeze, which I just loved.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh09VF8_uAiRscdGjjmEshyphenhyphenzT-VLIUw9pglliwE8fa6c8DZe7fCuKeXbnNR7eyOHy4Aa_Lf7njzFcdraoh7bkoZVfxNeMBWc3Si0iboXRG-_9vV0sHChYvTmCmBkuC0mTrdBcnjoJSrgP/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh09VF8_uAiRscdGjjmEshyphenhyphenzT-VLIUw9pglliwE8fa6c8DZe7fCuKeXbnNR7eyOHy4Aa_Lf7njzFcdraoh7bkoZVfxNeMBWc3Si0iboXRG-_9vV0sHChYvTmCmBkuC0mTrdBcnjoJSrgP/s1600/005.JPG" /></a></div><br />The whole project took about a week when you consider the drying time between coats but it was totally worth it.  I just love it and the total cost was around $20 for primer, one can of oil based paint and a roller.  Gotta love that even more!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mGeqWLe5qd6JoPD3bg4-Z3-OHpXRBCiwv9EinVARj5Umdrv70qIDPX5bv8F3_QdDrs_yrgdhE7lqclRAXpHfyxJwkm2YGsUMqSDCJmOcxrZ_LzjHr521SSUoV0wi-3qbvqWgKlpLNqFX/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mGeqWLe5qd6JoPD3bg4-Z3-OHpXRBCiwv9EinVARj5Umdrv70qIDPX5bv8F3_QdDrs_yrgdhE7lqclRAXpHfyxJwkm2YGsUMqSDCJmOcxrZ_LzjHr521SSUoV0wi-3qbvqWgKlpLNqFX/s1600/006.JPG" /></a></div><br />Have a great week!

Kitchen Updates

Hello! I thought I would pop in and share a couple of big changes in our kitchen. If you follow me on Instagram , you've already seen ...

4:00 AM

BOTANICALS ON YOUR WALL ( AND ANSWERS TO DECORATING QUESTIONS)

BOTANICALS ON YOUR WALL ( AND ANSWERS TO DECORATING QUESTIONS)

I love the current design trend all about nature and natural history. Read more »

10:26 PM

BEDDING BLAHS

<div class="tG QF" style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24.26666831970215px; position: absolute; width: 0px;"><br /></div><br /><div class="Ct" style="background-color: white;"><br /><div style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24.26666831970215px;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24.26666831970215px; text-align: center;"><br />So, I've been wondering if I'm the only one who seems to have trouble dressing my own bed….<br><br />Nothing out there is inspiring me...</div><br /><div style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24.26666831970215px; text-align: center;"><br />I usually end up with boring white...</div><br /><div style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24.26666831970215px; text-align: center;"><br />when I'd much rather have something eclectic like this:</div><br /><div style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24.26666831970215px; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24.26666831970215px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqvhNio1IsSKffeHWXmr3Y9tiycfKUt4ekBaKjd7p-fDIp35TJHdSgAJIIMhAN8F9H8PehvTc5J90jSxem8iVxm3XHJ6gx_hln2Hy1evHiDsAUj-yG5EuKi5b5x3ORyZdV8aNPS4hujQ/s1600/sparkel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqvhNio1IsSKffeHWXmr3Y9tiycfKUt4ekBaKjd7p-fDIp35TJHdSgAJIIMhAN8F9H8PehvTc5J90jSxem8iVxm3XHJ6gx_hln2Hy1evHiDsAUj-yG5EuKi5b5x3ORyZdV8aNPS4hujQ/s1600/sparkel.jpg" width="548"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.shimmermepretty.com/">Shimmer Me Pretty</a></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/so-ive-been-wondering-if-im-only-one.html#more">Read more »</a>

BEDDING BLAHS

So, I've been wondering if I'm the only one who seems to have trouble dressing my own bed…. Nothing out there is inspiring me... I u...

5:23 PM

NON STERILE KITCHENS

<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />I love white kitchens</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />you know I do...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIjU7DKk_8ldDJOvSMCpGqKf10q2zTA94I6bYUSTo94HzAfZs3ZVGgWZJnhpN96PHLXCAl8Ard2nomUYGspsJ1Ds7bxlG3yNvjuQrEchNxAX1hSQA9_e5M4yA2jgqH-LTBTN5PBbsQS0/s1600/Mix-Finish-Erika-Powell-Blue-Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIjU7DKk_8ldDJOvSMCpGqKf10q2zTA94I6bYUSTo94HzAfZs3ZVGgWZJnhpN96PHLXCAl8Ard2nomUYGspsJ1Ds7bxlG3yNvjuQrEchNxAX1hSQA9_e5M4yA2jgqH-LTBTN5PBbsQS0/s1600/Mix-Finish-Erika-Powell-Blue-Kitchen.jpg" width="608"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />but honestly, despite my 'love' of them</div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/non-sterile-kitchens.html#more">Read more »</a>

NON STERILE KITCHENS

I love white kitchens you know I do... but honestly, despite my 'love' of them Read more »

10:37 PM

WINDOW DRESSING

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />DRESSING THE ROOM</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYy78NAvhMHXrCLc4ojPjD7pZKJrhuMRyZ-pie5_IAByb3eLtY4IIiKKviaDrm8lcRHMeByXuKleqwbFxf0iNM9h72DoUvt0VdVkXTMYQKyDp7tZ6wZ-0-XIpghhl1Vs7cgU3VdD2_0eU/s640/20878fa9259a03d6944a4f5c71b777a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYy78NAvhMHXrCLc4ojPjD7pZKJrhuMRyZ-pie5_IAByb3eLtY4IIiKKviaDrm8lcRHMeByXuKleqwbFxf0iNM9h72DoUvt0VdVkXTMYQKyDp7tZ6wZ-0-XIpghhl1Vs7cgU3VdD2_0eU/s640/20878fa9259a03d6944a4f5c71b777a5.jpg" width="480"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PINTEREST</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I see them too.<br><br />Magazines full of rooms with beautiful windows. <br><br />Bare windows.<br><br /><br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/window-dressing.html#more">Read more »</a>

WINDOW DRESSING

DRESSING THE ROOM PINTEREST I see them too. Magazines full of rooms with beautiful windows. Bare windows. Read more »

10:28 PM

GIRL COLORS

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"><span id="goog_309157990"></span><span id="goog_309157991"></span><br /></pre><br /><pre style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; white-space: normal;"></pre><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />What makes a room feminine?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Color is a definite element</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />but so is furniture style and the fabrics you use</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi498GRyGyl0y5KIQx29Ya8Tc_48lZdvt-gomt5-p0ntJ9V49rt_EcY7-n4L1wwadoQxBfnCygUB8KBfBCwPH9KtJVRh6VUWFHULfB-BdxmE829MzDPNq16qcAH7MqOaEPa4bfwJYXpuKo/s1600/aerin-lauder-hamptons-ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi498GRyGyl0y5KIQx29Ya8Tc_48lZdvt-gomt5-p0ntJ9V49rt_EcY7-n4L1wwadoQxBfnCygUB8KBfBCwPH9KtJVRh6VUWFHULfB-BdxmE829MzDPNq16qcAH7MqOaEPa4bfwJYXpuKo/s1600/aerin-lauder-hamptons-ed.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ELLE DECOR<br><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-feminine-palette.html#more">Read more »</a>

GIRL COLORS

What makes a room feminine? Color is a definite element but so is furniture style and the fabrics you use ELLE DECOR Read more »

10:16 PM

COLOR MAKES ME HAPPY

<div style="text-align: center;"><br />Color can alter the look and feel of a room</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2SHSnpmEAqBHDgd3IYUsc5c8L36Gf9mD-Pkl-cw0vfbqTRnuFJEF96HS413PiQ3ogH6BS95jHpw1fmttwZki6egXsoIvHsAG6JJ3nXqBEcwfOlZWCpJZYb3TD2m_FyicseCDqVvANx-H/s1600/de+madera++colorindesign+net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2SHSnpmEAqBHDgd3IYUsc5c8L36Gf9mD-Pkl-cw0vfbqTRnuFJEF96HS413PiQ3ogH6BS95jHpw1fmttwZki6egXsoIvHsAG6JJ3nXqBEcwfOlZWCpJZYb3TD2m_FyicseCDqVvANx-H/s1600/de+madera++colorindesign+net.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and if you love color,</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />a little bit may not be enough to create the look and feel you crave</div><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/color-makes-me-happy.html#more">Read more »</a>

COLOR MAKES ME HAPPY

Color can alter the look and feel of a room and if you love color, a little bit may not be enough to create the look and feel you crave Read...

11:40 PM