February 14, 2009
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I went to the library today to look at magazines, wanting to feed my newfound zeal for decor. The last, few, paint picks have been so successful and have made such a difference in the feel of the room that I want to “take it to the next level” as they say.
I was sorely disappointed. Either the rooms were too busy or they were too plain; all or nothing. As usual, I am forced to find my own way. Fortunately, in my old age I gravitate quickly to what I like; it’s easy to spot.
I am trying to figure out whether I should paint the cabinets. I was shopping with my daughter when we came upon what she described as Tuscan. It looked ancient and was part desk/part cabinet with all these cubbies and drawers. What I liked was the weathered, whitewashed look. It’s what I’m considering trying to do to my kitchen cabinets. The only problem would be how to seal it so I could keep them clean.
I don’t like any of the countertops I see. I’ve picked my floor, the walls are beautiful, but the rest is a mystery. I’ll just have to wait to see what the floor does to the room.
I need a new refrigerator and dishwasher but can’t afford stainless. I think I’m going to go against the crowd and get black. It would be so much cheaper. The problem is it will make the room darker, and I hate dark.
Maybe I can figure something out with a stainless backsplash. That’s the one thing I saw that struck my fancy today. And I could do a zany formica. I don’t like those big slabs of cold, hard granite. Nor do I like cleaning grout, so tile is out. I’m always knocking glasses over so I want a more forgiving surface. Really, there’s no hurry for anything but the floor and the appliances. Thank goodness because the market is ghastly and my commodities broker is an idiot.
Comments (6)
I like the painted, weathered, and white-washed look too. You can seal it with a coat of polyurethane – satin finish – and it wipes clean beautifully. Best of all it’s a forgiving technique that allows for a lot of creativity. Got a good book at home on it – sorry I can’t remember the title…
I always find good inspiration in Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn catalogs… color schemes, furniture, floors, etc. Don’t get on their mailing list though or you’ll be deluged.
Thank you so much for the comment the other day – you really gave me a boost. My blog skills will play a huge part in making my Farm a viable enterprise and so I am intent on perfecting the art of easy, entertaining, informal communication via the internet… nice to know I’m getting there!
I seriously considered going black when I bought appliances–until I noticed how dirty they looked just in the showroom–fingerprints, smudges, dust! But with your flylady routines you can probably keep them looking beautiful.
I saw something recently in Yankee magazine about a milk paint/stain that gives that weathered look, and ployurethane would probably give you the seal you’re looking for. If I find the article I’ll scan it and send it to you later. It was pretty cool, but I think I’ve recycled the mag already.
A whole post with no mention of Derek?
I bet your home looks beautiful! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thank goddess that you did not try to check out any magazines from the library. I ran into one of the Furies when I tried it. I still shudder to think of it. (smile)
Have you ever seen the panels that look like old ceiling tiles?? In Home Depot in the kitchn cabinet section is where I spotted them..I mentioned it to someone that lives in Texas and she found them there too. They are as I recall an odd size, like bigger than 12 inches tall since most backsplashes are taller than that…you use tin snips to cut to fit. They had several different patterns too but I can’t recall enough detail to tell you anything more about it….check it out at any rate, they were cool..marilyn
This gives me the interior decor bug too. I cannot afford it at all though. Only one burner works on my stovetop and I kid myself that I am using that as part of my diet plan.