Kitchen Before and After on a tight budget

My Kitchen before and after on a tight budget

I know these photos look light and bright. Some may think it's looks fine, but I promise you all the veneer on these cupboards had cracks of wear over time. It's a modest kitchen compared to a few dream kitchens I've had. Nonetheless, it's easy to work in and suits my life now just fine!

I've never been much of a white person, but I like it better than beige so it's no wonder the walls were once painted purple. A nice muted purple that everyone commented on and loved. Including me.I have many purple accessories that really stood out!

I wasn't quite ready to relinquish the purple kitchen to the apple green. I had been checking online for two years to see what the green I hankered for looked like. I test out the virtual kitchens with black cupboards. But when Pepper purchased the paint, I was anxious to let go of my cozy kitchen, and family room.

Photo taken July1st 2007
Once the white veneer was pulled off, it exposed press board,
which was primed then painted with an oil based Benjamin Moore paint
that smooths out after application. Then an special oil base black paint was applied. It took two coats and people were astonished at the difference.It's been done over a year and a half now but the little extra touches took a bit of time to complete.

After Photo taken December 22, 2008
Black was used for the cupboards, Benjamin Moore apple green latex for the covered up purple walls. My taste is unique, it's not for everyone. Many feel the cupboards are too dark, yet note that it's a wonderful improvement. Don't feel obligated to lie and say you like it! Truthfully I never expect anyone to enjoy my tastes. It's fun, it's me and it was a great change. Bryan and Pepper did an amazing job and we all enjoy the clean vibrant look!
I would eventually like to change the counter tops, they may even be painted. I need new floors and a new stove. Only two burners work on mine, they have been changed once before.

That's my art corner, my spot on the couch where the little white table ,

( that I love) is used to do my art. The coffee table harbors many art supplies.

That's my family room that often gets very cluttered with art supplies. I tidy them up and throw small dark blankets over them when company visits! Years ago that would be unheard of, and everything would have been painstakingly returned to it's proper place. But I need access to my paints and such in order to keep creating. That perfectly tidied house gets forfeited for my art! Ultimately I am happier for it too! Besides I try to take company into my living room. Still they gravitate to this room!There you have it the main rooms I live in when I'm not at the computer or sleeping!