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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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September 27, 2011

My kitchen island transformation…Part One

also known as “She’s got legs, she knows how to use them!…” or aka Step 3, 252 in my kitchen remodel…

island-1

Ahhhh…my dear friends.  You have so generously and graciously put up with me and my almost but not quite reveals of my never ending, will it ever be over kitchen remodel.  When I started this ginormous project in April I truly never realized how long it would take.  See there’s this thing called “life” and it keeps getting in the way.  I am also almost doing this completely on my own, (I love my husband. He does not love DIY projects. We agree to disagree on this issue.)  which is a huge undertaking but also very rewarding and I am almost there.  I see the finish line (or the crown molding on the cabinets since that’s the last project left) and it is looking lovely my friends, just lovely.
I didn’t want your interest to wane too much as you are waiting with baited breath for the final reveal (you are still waiting with me right?? Winking smile) So I thought I’d give you a peek at my new (old) island! I can honestly say it’s my favorite part yet! The before and after is almost shocking…

{mouse over for before and after transformation}

Kitchen island before and after
I do need to interject here and say the “Before” isn’t really our before. This was a photograph taken when we first looked at the home..but the island itself had not changed in the six years we’ve lived here, and she was due for a makeover! Isn’t she a beauty now?

island-9
As you can see we wrapped the original island in beadboard and new baseboard trim.

island-7

Pin It

I painted the cabinet doors and added hardware where none ever existed.

island-10
Of course the most dramatic change is the addition of the island legs, the removal of the old counter and the  beautiful Ikea butcher block counter we replace it with stained in walnut!

island-2
Seriously I could just lay on this counter, I love it so much! Removing the old island counter and extending the new counter out longer instead of wide like it use to be, gained us almost two feet of space between the island and the refrigerator! It feels like we doubled our kitchen width!

The white and walnut together are just so soothing to me and makes me smile every time I look my new beauty.

island-1

Pin It

Did I mention how much I love her!? And, I love you all so much that later this week I’ll give you the complete step by step tutorial on how I gave our island her makeover…including having to convince the tool rental guy at Home Depot that I was renting the compound miter saw for myself and not my husband. Yep, ladies 95% of this project was completed by just little ole’ me..and I am so proud of myself!

So be sure to join me later this week when I’ll show you, how you can do this

{mouse over}
to your own outdated kitchen island!

For past tutorials on my kitchen projects you can visit my posts on: building a window seat addition, replacing our planning desk, building a decorative shelf, how to make frugal cabinet feet, how to replace a recessed light with a pendant, repurposing our old chandelier, how to add an Ikea farmhouse sink in an existing cabinet, and making your own DIY cornice boards.

Pin It

For the full HOW TO on the island please visit my: Island Modification Tutorial

Thanks for joining me at my new “island retreat” at the picket fence!

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Roomspiration-Kitchen 

You Are Talking Too Much: YATTM Monday Party
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures

Domestically Speaking: Power of the Paint Party
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
DIY By Design: Sizzle into Summer
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Project Queen: I Turned The Daunting Into The Doable Tuesdays
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Stuff and Nonsense:
2805: Potpouri Friday
Tidy Mom: I’m Lovin’ It!
Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday
The Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home Party
Dittle Dattle: Amaze Me Monday
The DIY Showoff: Project Parade
Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday
Ask Anna: Weekend Warrior
Thrifty Decor Chick: Before and After

99 Comments Filed Under: Beadboard, Decorating, Good Ideas, Kitchen Remodel

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Next Post: A Tale of Two Mantels…Part Two »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Teresa says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    My O’ my, yes she is a beauty! You have done a marvelous job on that island.

    Reply
  2. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    Heather, your kitchen island is really beautiful. You did a really good job! I love the top you put on it! All the details are perfect!

    Reply
  3. Nette @ This Dusty House says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    I love it! What a transformation… and now you have more counter space!

    Reply
  4. Happy Cottage Quilter says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    I love it! It looks so great!! You did an amazing job.

    Jocelyn @
    https://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  5. Anne says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Awesome job!

    Reply
  6. Gloria Fox @ Potentially Beautiful says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Wow, what a difference that makes in your kitchen! Beautiful!

    Reply
  7. LowCountryLiving says

    September 26, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    Reply
  8. Anna@Directions Not Included says

    September 26, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Gorgeous! The work you’ve done in that space is amazing.

    Reply
  9. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says

    September 26, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    It looks great! I love the beadboard and the butcher block top! It’s so funny that we did a similar change in our kitchen. Every single day I’m happy to have the extra room in there!

    You did a beautiful job!

    Pam

    Reply
  10. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    September 26, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    I love her! What a transformation!! Can’t wait to hear how you did it. Toodles, Kathryn

    Reply
  11. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    September 26, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    WOW! You did an amazing job with your island. It looks like a magazine photo!

    Reply
  12. Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS!!

    Lou Cinda 🙂

    Reply
  13. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Heather, this is wonderful. I love the dark wood top with the white bead board. Your kitchen is looking mahvelus, darlin!

    Reply
  14. Debra @ Common Ground says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    I wish you could see me, I’m standing up and applauding you right now! This is fabulous! And I know you must feel so good to have accomplished this!! Yay for you, Girl!! xoxo

    Reply
  15. Liz says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    Wow, what a beautiful transformation. I love it all, I like how you have decorated the top of the island, adorable, so warm and welcoming! XO Liz

    Reply
  16. Pamela says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    Just beautiful Heather!! I am envious girl!

    Reply
  17. Sandi @ The Primitive Skate says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Wow! What a transformation! I LOVE it! You Done an awesome job!

    Reply
  18. sweetpassionsonathriftydime says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Hi.. I am a new follower and love the transformation! I too, LOVE walnut and white! To die for transformation! Great job!!

    Reply
  19. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Heather I LOVE IT!! You did an awesome job at transforming your island, I can see why you luvvvvv it so much! We did something similar to our island a few months ago and it’s still my favorite thing in my kitchen! Great job girl!! Martina

    Reply
  20. Sue says

    September 26, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    Heather, I luv luv your kitchen transformation! What an amazing change. You did a wonderful job! ~ Sue

    Reply
  21. Amy Kinser says

    September 26, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Very beautiful change up. Oh how I would love to do something similar.

    Reply
  22. simpledaisy says

    September 26, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Oh my!!! It’s absolutely beautiful!! I love your kitchen…simple and beautiful:)

    ps…i’m having a little give-away on my blog. Stop on by if you get a minute:)

    Reply
  23. Catherine Anne says

    September 26, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    I LOVE LOVE your kitchen!
    Such a great post!

    Reply
  24. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    September 26, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Your island is fabulous. Love your kitchen and your remodel has definitely made huge dramatic changes to the entire space. Truly gorgeous. Can’t wait to see more. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  25. stefanie says

    September 26, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    oh, its fabulous!!!!!

    Reply
  26. Nicole@Thrifty Decorating says

    September 26, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous!! I am pinning this, putting on FB and hopefully, eventually copying it in my kitchen! LOL

    Reply
  27. Fishtail Cottage says

    September 26, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    What a fabulous difference – amazing how charming that change made the whole room…i just love it! xoox

    Reply
  28. A Cozy Cottage in the City says

    September 26, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Oh I just LOVE this transformation!!! Seriously very inspiring!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!! Love, love, love!!! 🙂

    Hugs,
    Jessie

    Reply
  29. Judy says

    September 26, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    You’re not kidding when you say the before and after are amazing. It doesn’t even remotely resemble what it uses to look like. Move over and I will lay on that gorgeous countertop with you. Lol. Stunning. Can’t wait to see the tutorial. I love that you did 95 percent of the transformation.

    Reply
  30. Tanya@takesix says

    September 26, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    Beautiful, beautiful job, Heather!! I love the colors!

    Reply
  31. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    September 26, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    Heather, what an amazing job you have done! Very professional!! You should be proud of your work!! It is beautiful!!

    Reply
  32. Eeva says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    That is unbelievably beautiful!!! I love it, too, and since it is not in my kitchen, I’m openly jealous! WOW, WOW and W O W!!!!

    Reply
  33. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    You go girl!! Awesome job Heather!! I love doing “man’s” work. It always makes me feel good to know I did all myself. Your island is gorgeous and the picture looks like one out of a magazine! That cat however, eek. It looks like it was about to choke up a hairball. hahaha I can not wait for the full kitchen reveal. You should be soo proud! = )

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  34. Stuff and Nonsense says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    i love how it turned out

    so pretty
    simple
    and sweet

    well done!

    alison

    Reply
  35. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Beautiful job Heather! I love the dark top with the painted bottom too- aren’t miter saw’s fun to use?! Makes the job so much easier!! 🙂

    Reply
  36. Dusty Coyote says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    Wa wa wee wa! That island is so gorgeous! Great work! I’m also impressed with your hocus pocus before and after photos.

    Reply
  37. Gina says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    What an amazing transformation…it’s beautiful!

    Reply
  38. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    I love your island, too! Love the white with the dark top. But I am even more impressed that you did it yourself. Wow!

    Reply
  39. Sue says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Heather, What coding are you using for your mouse roll-over? I’m looking at a couple different versions and need an easy one! Let me know, okie dokie? 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  40. Kristina @ A Home Made by Kiki says

    September 26, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Love this! What a transformation!! I am your newest follower.

    Reply
  41. michelle says

    September 26, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Heather this is gorgeous!!! You and hubby did an amazing job and that top, ooohhhhh…pure beauty!!!
    Your kitchen has transformed into a beautiful should-be-in-a-magazine gathering place!
    love!!
    xoxoox

    Reply
  42. Maddie Kertay- The Domestic Anarchist says

    September 26, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    It looks wonderful.. but have to admit that I am still cracking up at the ” Not our cat” notation!

    I have the same counters, which brand stain did you use?.. mine have been natural for a long time but I am ready to go dark.. I never was a natural blonde 🙂

    maddie

    Reply
  43. NanaDiana says

    September 27, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    Heather-Phenomenal job! Pheomenal!!!! You outdid yourself on this one. That is one thing I always tell people…long and narrow to give yourself more room between appliances and countertop. I am so glad that you finally got this part done. The top looks wonderful stained dark! Love it-xo Diana

    Reply
  44. Heaven's Walk says

    September 27, 2011 at 12:52 AM

    Oh my gosh….what an incredible transformation, Heather!! Truly magazine worthy! I’d be laying on it all day long, too! lol! I’m looking forward to see your DIY tutorial! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  45. Debbie~refreshrestyle.com says

    September 27, 2011 at 12:55 AM

    I am in LOVE! and I love the roll over thingy (you gotta teach me that)! This is so beautiful and I know you love it too!
    Debbie

    Reply
  46. Mama says

    September 27, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    It’s just gorgeous!! I would want to lay on that too, great job & the Ikea top looks superb with the stain, I have never seen that before! Clever Girl

    Reply
  47. Shannon@FoxHollowCottage says

    September 27, 2011 at 1:45 AM

    Beaded Board and white paint. Girl, you worked a miracle. It looks boo-t-full. Enjoy your new island!!

    Reply
  48. Ginger Zuck says

    September 27, 2011 at 1:47 AM

    Amazing! WOW!

    Reply
  49. Doreen Grace says

    September 27, 2011 at 2:23 AM

    Wow! “mousing” over that before & after was almost startling. What a dramatic beautiful upgrade! And I just love how you added legs to the island. 🙂

    Reply
  50. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    September 27, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    I would not know what to do with a compound miter saw but you obviously do! Well done girlfriend…my kitchen island is very similar to yours. Beadboard and a dark wood top. I love mine and I LOVE yours! What a sense of accomplishment. Can’t wait to find out how you actually did it!

    Reply
  51. Cindy says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Your kitchen is beautiful! Life does get in the way…but so worth it to have a kitchen like yours!!!
    Lovely!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  52. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    September 27, 2011 at 3:38 AM

    That really is an amazing transformation. Um, is that cat hacking up a hairball? lol…that is one crazy looking cat…ok, sorry, got off track here. Back to your island. Wow that is so incredible…love the bright white and the little silverware caddy…and just everything! so BEAUTIFUL! great job!!!

    Reply
  53. Ellie says

    September 27, 2011 at 3:45 AM

    What a beautiful island! What I can see of the rest of your kitchen has me drooling too. I’m going to go explore your other posts–I have a kitchen reno coming up and love to see what other people did and what they learned. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  54. Desire Empire says

    September 27, 2011 at 5:39 AM

    This is a major improvement. Very Hampdens. Love it.

    Reply
  55. Debbie says

    September 27, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    I just kept mousing over time time again because I liked seeing the transformation. I really love this!

    Reply
  56. Kim says

    September 27, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Looks awesome Heather. You did good! Totally transformed your kitchen with that island. Gorg!
    xoxo,
    Kim

    Reply
  57. Marianne says

    September 27, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    No way is this the same island….just gorgeous. Oh, you should be so proud of yourself because I am just so proud of you. I can do some small wood working but nothing remotely close to this. And that sink hiding in the back….I really want that!
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  58. Amish Stories says

    September 27, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    Well done and love the before and after shots. Thank god i have a island in my kitchen as i need every bit of space for my stuff. Richard from Amish Stories.

    Reply
  59. Ange says

    September 27, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    Oh the beauty of that island, it’s almost too much! Wow! What a transformation! 🙂 I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are awesome girl!

    Reply
  60. Becca says

    September 27, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    O to the M to the G !! Heather, this is utterly fabulous !! What an amazing transformation … love eveyr aspect of it, from the farm legs and the beadboard to the fabulous IKEA top. Even more is the fact that you did this mostly yourself … I’m truly inspired … truly !! Thanks for sharing, xo

    Reply
  61. FABBY'S LIVING says

    September 27, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    So glad that awful cat wasn’t yours!LOL… Crazy about your new island, it came out gorgeous, so glad I came by, I just love kitchens, we did ours 1yr. and 8mths. ago and I adore it! Yours is an amzing transformation, it looks old world! You’re so talented, my goodness. Thanks for sharing. Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  62. Judy says

    September 28, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    So happy you linked up this project. It’s so amazing.

    Reply
  63. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    September 28, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    Major improvement. I love it. The dark finish on top is fab.

    Reply
  64. mississippi artist says

    September 28, 2011 at 1:39 AM

    I love it! A great transformation. I espescially like that dark countertop!

    Reply
  65. The DIY Show Off says

    September 28, 2011 at 2:42 AM

    WOW! What an inspiration and amazing transformation! I love it! Great job, Heather! I love your entire kitchen. The dark butcher block top is gorgeous! love the little caddy too! 😉

    LOL at the cat!

    Reply
  66. Suzy says

    September 28, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    You have every right to be proud of yourself! You did an amazing job. I love the the new butcher block, the beadboard and the added length with the legs. Way to go!

    Reply
  67. Sandra says

    September 28, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    The remodeling projects you have posted are very impressive…especially since you’ve done much of the work yourself. The results look amazing! We are currently in the process of a major kitchen renovation and after reading all your tutorials, I just may end up repainting my existing oak cabinets instead of investing in new ones. Thanks so much for sharing the details of all your hard work!

    Reply
  68. CAS says

    September 28, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    You did such a beautiful job! I’d say it’s a “Masterpiece” and “Bravo” to you!
    🙂 CAS

    Reply
  69. Amy says

    September 28, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    This is SO gorgeous! I wish I had seen this months ago when I was looking for ways to expand my kitchen island, you should be SO proud of yourself! Good job.

    Reply
  70. d e l i g h t says

    September 29, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    This is just beautiful!! Love the white and walnut top. I’m getting ready to do my little kitchen and this is exactly what I had in mind for mine so it is great to see it in your photos. Thanks for the great photos and information. I’m ispired!

    Reply
  71. FARMHOUSE PORCH says

    September 29, 2011 at 2:30 AM

    First of all…great blog! I’m following! Second of all…I wish I had a sister. Third of all…great budget kitchen re-do. I have that same big slab of butcher block from IKEA out in the garage. My husband bought it for no reason like 6 years ago. I’m totally gonna stain it and give it new life now! : D

    -Linsey

    Reply
  72. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says

    September 29, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    WOWZA!!! What a transformation! I can’t even believe that is the same island…it makes the whole kitchen look different! Bravo on a job well done!!

    Reply
  73. Honey at 2805 says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Your island does have great legs and I’ll bet she is as happy as you are! Probably doing her own happy dance! Great job!

    Thanks for linking to Potpourri Friday. I appreciate you participation!

    Reply
  74. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    September 29, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Absolutely Stunning!!! And what a transformation! I love it!

    Reply
  75. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    September 29, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Heather, You should be so proud of yourself. The new island is fabulous and I am really impressed that you did this all yourself. Love the beadboard and the Ikea top looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing your transformed island at the Open House party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  76. Sue says

    September 30, 2011 at 1:19 AM

    I would stay in the kitchen all day!!!

    Reply
  77. Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.com says

    September 29, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous Heather and awesome YOU did it!!!! All that work paid off you get to see this beautiful island every day, so well done!!!

    {michelle}

    Reply
  78. Korrie@RedHenHome says

    September 30, 2011 at 3:43 AM

    I am so impressed! I just love the new look…and wish I had a kitchen island!

    Reply
  79. Julia @ 551Eastdesign says

    September 30, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    This is beyond words! I am blown away….I would do a lot more cooking if this was in my kitchen!

    PS I have a $50 cash giveaway going on at my blog till Monday. Come by when you have a chance! 🙂

    Reply
  80. Angie says

    October 1, 2011 at 4:31 AM

    Absolutely beautiful – you should be proud! My husband built me a nearly identical island in our kitchen, except for the butcher block top. Ours is stained wood, instead of painted.

    Congratulations on a job well done!

    Angie @ Knick of Time

    Reply
  81. Shannon at madiganmade says

    October 3, 2011 at 1:14 AM

    OK. I’m in love! This is beautiful! And I love the walnut and white contrast, too!

    Wonderful job!

    Reply
  82. Home Frosting says

    October 3, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    What a transformation! Your island looks beautiful. I recently built a larger island for my kitchen and love it. You did a fantastic job! Lesa

    Reply
  83. Anna says

    October 3, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    That’s amazing. I love it! If it were my house I’d probably have a love affair with it too. 🙂 Thanks for sharing at the WWLP!

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  84. Diane says

    October 3, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Yes she is beautiful! New follower and would love for you to follow me back. https://dianewingpurses.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  85. The Vintage Farmhouse says

    October 4, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Ok that is a seriously amazing transformation!

    Reply
  86. Julie says

    October 4, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Very nice transformation! I’m sure this will be an inspiration to many!!

    Reply
  87. Judy says

    October 4, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    I just have to feature this tonight at my party. It’s too good not to.

    Reply
  88. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    October 7, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    So beautiful! This makes me want to paint my kitchen cabinets sooo baaaad!

    Reply
  89. Ellen says

    October 7, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Love that! Y’all did a beautiful job — and such a difference it makes in your kitchen too! 🙂

    Reply
  90. The Corson Cottage says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Hi Heather! Wow what a transformation! Your island is beautiful I love the rustic wood. I’m your newest follower:) Can’t wait to check out what else you’ve been up to. Found you through Roomspiration link party at the DIY Showoff. Carrie

    Reply
  91. LouAnn says

    December 9, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    This is beautiful. I have white appliances, and pickled (pink) oak cabinets. I would love to paint them like yours – what color paint did you use?

    Reply
  92. Arjun Kanuri says

    May 31, 2013 at 11:11 PM

    Hi, I do believe this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit yet again since i have bookmarked it.

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    Reply
  93. Jenerally Informed says

    April 29, 2014 at 6:13 AM

    That turned out so nice! Love the butcher block top.

    Reply
  94. Tracy Kristensen says

    April 1, 2015 at 12:58 PM

    Hi! We are getting ready to do the same sort of thing. I’m curious how did you handle that lip that stuck out on your old island with the bead board? That was expressed as a concern by my carpenter because he said the bead board sticks out past the lip which is a 1/4 inch and the bead board is 3/8th inch. Do you remember how you handled that?

    Reply
  95. Sharon says

    May 12, 2016 at 12:41 PM

    I think you did a beautiful job of transforming but my question is …is it a good work space? I need space for rolling dough, wrapping dolmas, mixing cake batter, etc., etc. What is the best surface for working with messy ingredients? Like you I have a husband who doesn’t see the need for renovation and won’t help me (funny he partakes of ALL the tasty results though), but I’ve had cancer twice and an appendictomy. I’m hip deep in renovating my studio, I don’t have time to make mistakes. Ladies, what’s a good surface to cook on? Also, I’d like to extend the top so I can put some barstools for seating (I don’t have a separate dining room & would like an informal space to eat). Would a slab of marble or granite be unstable extending beyond the actual island?

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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