3.20.2013

One Room Challenge: The Final

 photo orc1_zps19eb01da.jpg

The end is here!  Woah, I never thought I would be saying those words, but it really is the end of this 6 7 week challenge.  I am grateful to Linda for talking me into doing this challenge again! She really knows how to get my butt in gear.  Thank you Linda!! 

My little rental apartment kitchen finally got the personal makeover it deserved for close to 5 years.  Like I said when I started this project, just because I live in a rental doesn't mean it shouldn't feel like my own.  I should have done this straight from the beginning, regardless if I thought I was only going to be here for 2 years.  Not owning this place it made major renovations not realistic.  This makeover had to consist of paint, fabric, and accessories. 

Lets go back to where I started.  The first picture (on the left) is going wayyy back, back to the first week I lived here.


 Bar cabinet & armoire before

under the sink and the mess before

If you want to start back at the beginning check out the previous weeks here

The rug was purchased about 2 years ago and was the jumping off point for this makeover

I actually stuck to the original plan and used everything here.  

OK enough talking already, here is my new kitchen 
(warning, photo dump ahead)























And that's a wrap!  

7 weeks of planning, projects, paint and hark work has paid off.  With a few personal details, paint and creativity my rental apartment is no longer a place I avoid at all costs.  I might actually put some of those pots and pans I have to use and cook a nice dinner for my husband.  

Who am I kidding, I'll put the newly painted take out menu drawer to use and order us a nice celebratory dinner.  

Thank you so much for coming back each week to check in on my little kitchen makeover.  I had much fun tackling this project that I can't wait to start the next one.  After a little R&R of course.
Now I'm off to check out the other 19 bloggers and their final reveals, I can't wait to see how all the rooms turned out!

 




46 comments:

Jeannine | The Small and Chic Home said...

Everything looks fantastic!

I'm really happy that rentals are getting a little love in the design blog world. :)

Matters of Style said...

It looks so great!! Love the pops of color!!

Julia Ryan said...

This looks really great Linds! I love all the pops of color but I think my favorite part is the new window treatment. It makes a major difference in the space. Note to self: get better window treatments! I obviously matters! :)

Kim said...

Linds, you must smile every single time you open a drawer or a cabinet!! It looks great ... I think we all tend to put things off thinking we might not be somewhere long enough ... I am learning that it doesn't matter!! Way to go! xo

Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door said...

I'm so jealous of your fab organized kitchen. You are so good with the details and you've made your space look like a million bucks! Love the pops of color and that roman is fab!

Sadie + Stella said...

Thats a wrap and I adore it! Love all of the painted interiors and the organization! Jelly, jelly!

Unknown said...

This should be featured in an Organization magazine! Way to amp up all your storage and add pizazz to it at the same time! I love your striped window treatment! and your plants and all your touches. It looks great! Now take a breath!
xo N ancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Ashley said...

Beautiful use of color and, wow, the organization! I'm in owe. Love, love, love the striped roman shade!

Belle on Heels said...

Yep...aannnnnnyyyyytime you want to head on down to Virginia for that free homecooked meal in exchange for some kitchen renovation DIY, you just let me know. This looks fantastic!

designchic said...

I'm feeling so inspired now - need to do a little organizing. Love all of the paint colors and the roman shade looks fabulous...great work!!

Beth Connolly said...

What a difference - I love the striped roman shade, your darling touches, and the pops of color inside the cabinets. So organized and chic now.

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

I'm not sure if I am more jealous of your sewing skills, or the fact that you got sunshine on the day of your photo shoot. You are the best at making a can of paint rise up and work for you. Those utensils are so fun, I must try that one. Will you do a tutorial on the shade? This makes me want to organize my spaces...I hope that feeling passes.

Bethany [at] Powell Brower Home said...

i LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!! those colors are the MOST fun! and i especially love that chalkboard you did with 'shopping' on it- EEEEEEEK its perfect. great great job.

Unknown said...

I ADORE the yellow cabinet/drawer insides!!! Great idea.

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

This is a great lesson on how paying attention to the details pays off. Love the colors and how you used them, and goodness knows I can't resist a stripe! Fun doing this with you, too!

www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com

A Pearl In The Making said...

Love everything about this space.

Painting the drawers was so creative. What is the secret to them no sticky?

pam {simple details} said...

WHOA, you packed a lot of punch into that little kitchen! Such an inspiring makeover for a rental, you have a way with paint and wonderful vision! It turned out fabulous!!

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

awesome job! it looks so fresh. I love the pops of color with the painting inside the drawers.

i am checking out all the other bloggers!

sue smith said...

looks amazing!!

Calypso In The Country said...

Beautiful job! So fresh and pretty!
-Shelley

René said...

Your kitchen looks amazing! LOVE the striped window shade! And the yellow inside the drawers was definitely worth the effort. You have so many fun little vintage & chic pieces here - love!

Carrie said...

Utterly charming! I love the pops of color on the drawers and inside the bar, and the awesome organization.

for the love of a house said...

Wonderful job L! Looks great!
xxojoan

Anonymous said...

You have really done such darling things with that space!

-Rachel

Nicole Scott said...

Looks so great! All the paint details and clever organizing have totally inspired me to get cracking on my kitchen. The final product is a slam dunk...enjoy your take out!!!:) All The Best!

Vel Criste said...

the most challenging space to do is always the kitchen, and you totally rocked this one! I love how you arranged your china/bar cabinet, I wish your doors were glass to see all the beatuies inside! love it and great job!

Unknown said...

So nice to see such huge things that can make a big difference in making a rental feel like home. You have transformed the space, great job!
Cathy @ Room Rx

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Love every little bit of it! You used all of my favorite colors. Hope you enjoy it! But I totally agree today calls from take out! Hope the sun is out in Boston. It looks like we are actually getting a bit of it today in NY.

xo,
Camila

Barbara Matson said...

The kitchen looks amazing! Hard to believe it is the same space! I too am in the same boat, renting for 5 years when we only thought it would be 2!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

EXCELLENT! I love the bright pops of color and how you made your kitchen so tidy and sophisticated. It really is YOUR kitchen...and now it feels like it. I'm inspired to think about what I could paint now for some added flair!

Kathleen said...

Wonderful job!! It reminds me of my bungalow I rented in West Hollywood. It is adorable and classic and charming and ORGANIZED!! Great job!!! The cleansing was probably very cathartic. I love purging:) Congrats! xo

Erin | Holtwood Hipster said...

Good for you! So organized, bright and cheerful. I'd love to cook a meal in that space any day of the week. You must feel so good walking in there and opening up that gorgeous armoire to that beautiful orange paint and all your entertaining goodies. Love the result!

Elisa of Fancy Free Me said...

Beautiful Job! I love the bright paint-it really makes me want to incorporate some into my own home. The blinds are amazing in the space too!

The Pink Pagoda said...

I'm crazy for the paint colors you chose! They really add so much fun and freshness to the space. You've got to be so excited that this is finished and you can enjoy the fantastic job you've done!!

Heather Moore Grahling | Vivid Hue Home said...

i LOVE that you painted the drawer yellow! that's one of my favorite details. everything looks so nice and neat and organized now! Wonderful!

My Interior Life said...

Looks fabulous, Lindsay! Amazing what you can do in a small space with organization and paint. You've inspired me. Great job!

SHERRY HART said...

You must be excited with your newly decorated space....especially since it is all organized now! That part would make me happy:). Love the window treatment and the bright odors you used to make it fun! Congrats on this makeover......so pretty!

Stephanie Sabbe said...

love it girlfriend! you need to add me as a honorary member just so I get crap done around my house!

Cassie Bustamante said...

fabulous! love the curtain and all the hints of color!

pve design said...

I hope you will add all of these things to your web site.
Many designers need to share that the passion has to come from a desire to live artfully and organized. I think this is my favorite post you have shared. It is so real and attainable for many to do it or have you to give them the push~ needed.
pve

Unknown said...

Love that you did a kitchen really unexpected! great JOB! THe Orange...FAB CHOICE!

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

looks beautiful, light, airy and full with little details that make it gorgeous! Well done!

Donna said...

Love what you've done with the fixed elements. So much nicer now and fresh. The yellow on the sides of the drawers is genius. Did you do the tile counters also?

LindsB said...

Donna, no those tile counters were already there when we moved in, the landlord did them that way.

Lauren said...

Love your kitchen! Wondered where the striped black and white fabric is from? Thanks!
Lauren

LindsB said...

Lauren, I actually made it. I was in a rush to find some striped fabric and I couldnt find the size I wanted around me, so I had to make some myself.