The kitchen re-do..finally.

Just to refresh the memory this is how the kitchen looked when we bought the condo and the kids lived here. The layout is great and very functional but the wallpaper was a bit loud and the cabinets a little too yellow.

I have hired an artisan painter to come in and transform the cabinets. So far the drawer fronts and doors are off and and the primer is on.

John and I stripped the wallpaper and painted the walls and put a fresh coat of white on the trim. Looks better, eh?

Entry way Light Fixture

This is our newest light fixture that we just put up in the entry way. Very contemporary and makes a great focal point when you walk in the condo.

New Chandeliers

We just purchased two new lights for the condo. There already was electrical running to the living room but it was capped off. We found a great light that creates a nice center point in the room and give soft ambient lighting to the room. The original dining room light had down lights that hit people right in the eye as they are dining so we opted for up lights that give a nice glow to the room.

A Table for the Dining Room

We've been slowly working on the dining room. I wanted an old table that was beat up and rustic. We found a perfect one at Art & Architecture in Minneapolis. It looks hand made and the extensions can fit under the middle part of the table. I picked up 6 chairs from Target on clearance for about $15 each. I love those deals! We still need to pick up a large art piece for the wall, two end chairs and a new light fixture.

Bathroom: Advice Needed!

Ah, the bathroom. Apparently this was an '80's re-do that a previous owner was very proud of. What did they replace? The tiny black and white octangular tile on the floor and bead board on the walls. Sigh.

The tile has to stay for now. Any suggestions on how to make this a bit more attractive keeping the tile? I am willing to replace the sink vanity, lights and paint. Color suggestions?

Kitchen Help: I need Advice!

I want this room to look as cool and contemporary as the rest of the condo without a lot of money spent. I am willing to replace the countertops if material is free or close to it. I do have a source for a black solid surface material that will be enough for the counters and have been searching The Reuse Center for granite or solid surface. Do you think $10 a square foot for unfinished edges on scraps of granite or $15 for finished edge pieces of scrap is a good price? Any other ideas for the countertop? Any suggestions of paint colors? How about using the black from the dining room? Any suggestions accepted!

New Stools for the Kitchen Bar

John and I were searching through a local St Paul antique store and spotted these bar stools. Now we just have to make the rest of the kitchen just as cool!