I received a few comments about the farm table in my kitchen. You could see peeks of it in my kitchen accessories post, so here is a full view. (Ugh…excuse the floor!)
I bought it a few months ago at an antique store with every intention of selling it. I even put a tag on it at one point. I set it in my living room. It was totally the wrong size and scale for the space, but I really liked it. I stained and waxed the top and held onto it to use for the farmhouse chic wedding I styled. Afterward, I decided to try it in my kitchen, which is not really an eat-in kitchen, but I thought it might work.
The size worked perfectly and now there’s a place in the kitchen where my family of four can sit together to eat…
…and it gives me a good excuse to keep the table. I just couldn’t part with those wide planks.
So, in case there was any doubt …I truly am crazy. I’ve been eyeing my maple cabinets since the day we first walked through our home. I have threatened to paint them many times, but the quantity of them and scope of the project always made me pause. I have 51…yes FIFTY-ONE cabinet doors and 16 drawers. That means a crap-load of hardware and a monstrous amount of work.
Being a member of the True Value DIY Blog Squad finally gave me the push I needed. I purchased my paint (I’ll share more about that when I get to the actual painting) and took the plunge into the prep work. I had already decided…in my desire to do things the easy way…that I was not going to remove all fifty-one doors. Well, when I thought about it further, I realized there was no way around that and if I was going to paint all fifty-one cabinet doors and sixteen drawers, I was going to do it properly
If you’ve ever studied up on removing cabinet doors, you know the “number the doors” trick.
I’ve always seen the doors numbered and then labled on a chart of the kitchen. I was about ready to draw a sketch of my kitchen and I decided it would be much better to just number the cooresponding cabinets.
No chart required. I used Frog Tape for delicate surfaces and a Sharpie.
I realized as I removed some of the doors that there were two holes drilled, so I circled the one the hinge was screwed into, so I would put it back in the right spot.
I then took the opportunity to clean out each cabinet. Again, I’m going to do this right and, after the craziness that’s been my life and business since last August, my cabinets really needed attention. I vacuumed, scrubbed and organized each one and filled three 30 gallon trash bags.
The next step…cleaning and prepping the cabinets with Gloss-Off.
Here’s a peek at the hardware I bought through True Value.
I’m so excited to see how it all comes together…
…totally tired, but excited.
As a chosen member of the True Value DIY Blog Squad, I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about the experience. I have also been compensated for the materials used in this DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.
56 Responses
where do you get all the energy??? you go girl!!
I can't wait to see them! You'll love your cabinets painted! I did mine in the white with the dark hardware too. You'll love how bright your kitchen is!!!
Love the table! Love love love the table!
Oh I totally want to paint my cabinets as well but keep putting it off because of fear. What is the purpose of Gloss Off, and are you sanding each door and drawer front? I read somewhere that you don't need to sand anymore because the primers are so good now. Is that true? That's another reason I keep putting it off because I don't want the mess and hassle of sanding. I totally value your expertise and any advice that you can give me.
Thanks,
Kelli @
ataleofablonde.blogspot.com
You brave, brave woman. If anyone can survive this project, I know you can. You go Girl!!
The cabinets are going to look lovely! Good idea with the numbering trick. I'll have to remember that in the future!!
Gail
I LOVE painted cabinets. I have now painted 3 kitchens, cabinets included. Done it a little differently each time, can't wait to see how you do yours as well as the finished project!
~Chris
Glad to hear you're removing the doors. You'll be glad you did … eventually. 🙂
I am planing to do this in the fall. Can't wait to see what you do. Would chalk paint work?
I have yet to do this myself, and I appreciate you taking the time to give us all the help we can get.
I just know they are going to look beautiful!
Love the farmhouse table !
p.s. you need to rent a paint sprayer !
Best. thing. I. EVER. Did! I can't believe I was so chicken for so long…congratulations on taking the plunge!
Kathy
Oooh, I can't wait to see! I just recently finished my kitchen cabinet makeover. It's a process but it is so worth it in the end! Good luck!
Jen
Scissors & Spatulas
LOVE the farm table! You are *not* crazy, I don't think any one of us could have passed it up, wide planks and all. It's really awesome!
I actually really like your kitchen cabinets as they are now, but after they've been Mustard-ized, I know they are going to be AMAZING. It's a big job, but you will be glad you did it. The hardware you selected is beautiful.
Best,
Kimberly
Oh the table is scrumptious!!
I have a feeling my kitchen trepidations will all fade away after you reveal your transformation.
Any hints on the color choice?
annnnndddd… when youre done, you can take a "vacation" to California and come paint my cabinets 🙂 Bring the boys. the kids can entertain each other! And on the plus side- I dont have NEARLY as many cabinet and drawers as you do!
I have been wanting to paint my oak kitchen cabinets for years, but haven't because of all the work that is required. So I have decided to use Chalk Paint! Do you think it will work?
Marian you're superwoman!! Amazing project and I love the hardware!! I will enjoy watching the progress!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I have an amazing Giveaway from the Artisans at Novica. You will love it!
I have re-done cabinets THREE times – in two kitchens and cabinets in our family room. The biggest mistake that I have learned from is that I replaced the hinges instead of KEEPING the hinges and just spray painting them! Even when I got the EXACT same size, they never worked right again. The third time I re-did cabinets, I finally kept the same ones with the same doors and spray painted them and they looked like new hinges, worked great, and I didn't have all the rubbing problems since the doors will most definitely swell a bit when painted 🙂
Becky B.
http://www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
The kitchen cabinets frighten me, but it's a chore that will one day be done.
I love the farm table! Today was my first time using wax and I loved it. Some old crates looked amazing after a few rubdowns with the wax and a little time in the warm sun.
http://www.theoldblockhouse.blogspot.com
@oldblockhouse
Can't wait to see your take on painted cabs. Whatever you do, I know they will be fabulous. 🙂
Donna
Oh dear!! I feel your pain. I have to re-do my kitchen cupboards as well and I balk at the idea of all the painting and prep work involved.
Good luck and I can't wait to see yours!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Table looks great in there! I can't wait to see your cabinets finished. I want to paint mine too but omg…it's a big job! Good luck!
Hey Marian,
Looking forward to your kitchen restyle. I'm sure it will be fabulous…that's all you do…right???
I just painted my cabinets and I did a light sanding and used Gripper Primer by Glidden. It is formulated to adhere to slick surfaces and boy does it!
Between the Gripper and the Behr Ultra Premium paint (primer built in) I got a great hard finish that is holding up beautifully.
I tried using a sprayer, but hated the pebbly look. Ended up brushing the whole thing and being very happy with the look. I didn't want a 'from the factory 'finish..if you know what I mean.
I am sure whatever products or techniques you use, the kitchen will be all you and reflect Miss Mustard Seed.
Have fun..ok, just a little sarcasm there.
your friend,
Janet xox
http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/
I love the old farm table ~ those wide boards!!! Awesome. I can't wait to see your kitchen all painted. What a huge job! I opted to rip out the old cabs and am in the middle of the reno now with 'some' of the new coconut white ones installed. There are delays, as with any reno, and I can't wait to get my house back in order! All the best with your makeover! I'm sure it will look fabulous! Pamela
Can't wait to see them when they're all done! Love the hardware you picked out!!
Well you are my kind of crazy! Does it make you feel any better that you have company? 😉 Good luck with that big project. I'm not sure I could tackle it myself.
Sarah
You will be blown away after the hard work…I just painted 25 year old dark oak cabinets here !! Wow, they just look like a whole new set. It is a load of work like you can't imagine, and yes removing the doors, no way around it. I lined mine up on boards set between numerous saw horses and went about it assembly line…So So worth the time, can't wait to see your finished job. Hugs..you will need one at the end of the day !!
What color are the counters going to be? And the back splash? Can't wait to see how it turns out.You made a comment on the floor are you changing it??
I bow to your ambition. No way would I tackle those cupboards!
I have exactly the same hardware on my cream colored cabinets, except I have a fleur-de-lis backplate behind the knobs. I call it my cabinet jewelry and love the French Country feel it gives my kitchen. As they say, great minds think alike! vickie:@
I am looking forward to seeing your kitchen! That table is perfect!
51? I have no excuse anymore…lol I am going to go ahead and do it…I only have 20,21 or 22? well in the twenties for sure…and 15 doors…I plan on using AS Chalk paint to make it easier…:)
Ah!.. I am in the middle of doing cabinets also but have decided to give it a spin using the chalk paint for them!.. doors are off and scrubbed, frames are ready…. here we go!
What paint are you using?
maddie
girl, i would LOVE to paint my yucky kitchen cabinets, but the prep work is so daunting. would chalk paint me a good option for kitchen cabinets?
Hi! I love your blog! Have you ever tried to strip a table that only has varnish on it? I have a table with a blonde pine top and it has varnish on it. I attempted to remove the varnish and I didn't get it all! So I will try again! Thanks so much!
Ashley Spencer
ashredspencer@hotmail.com
Very exciting to do your own kitchen make-over. I know it will be fabulous and you'll love it! I've got a question for you. Do you feel the wax is strong enough for your kitchen table? I have an antique round table I purchased recently and would like to refinish it. Our table gets lots of wear and tear and wondered if a wax was really strong enough to take the abuse. Thanks in advance!
This is the most exciting project! The hardware you chose is just beautiful and will look great. Painting the cabinets will make such a dramatic change in your kitchen!!!
Love the table. My mom used to make baskets and sell them at craft shows. She sold all of them to keep the business going and did not save any for herself. Sadly, she had a heart attack, heart valve replacement and stroke during/following (doctors not sure which) and cannot make the detailed antique look baskets she once could.
Please do yourself a favor and keep your favorite things you find and re-create and enjoy them with your family.
Love the table and can't wait to see the cabinets. Great job. Hugs, Marty
marian, i'm nutty for how you're using the farm table in the kitchen. it's such a european thing to do and i'm sure it's gonna be fabulous functionally.
your blog is so special to me. i am thrilled for your success and love sharing this lovely journey with you.
wish we could have lunch!
michele
BTW….
if you email over your mailing address i'd love to send the monogram canvas as pictured in my post today http://www.hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com. i used an early 1900s vintage monogram sheet from a jeweler, pages from a vintage book, and of course my signature chalky black inked tattoo "M."
michele
Oh girl, I just stumbled upon your blog today and wanted to tell you that I JUST finished painting all of my kitchen cabs last week! I posted a couple of posts about it if you want to see them! … it was such a reward to look around and be done!!
Blessings,
Sasha
http://www.lemonademakinmama.com/2011/06/dreamy-creamy-white-kitchen-makeover.html
http://www.lemonademakinmama.com/2011/06/from-borrring-to-baby-yeah-my.html
I did the same thing to my kitchen in late winter…new paint and new hardware. It was a daunting task and I dreaded starting it but once I got going the job was done in a week. And I LOVE it. I also removed some cabinet doors and left some open shelving for some added character. My husband was dubious about it especially since he had a hard time removing the old cabinet hardware but he loves it too. I can't wait to see your finished kitchen and I love your table too! We are having a wedding celebration here at the farmette in September and I am borrowing your gift banner idea from your May wedding post. Thank you ~ Miles of Smiles ~ Lynn
great tips! I can't wait to see it all in place! I wish I could come over and help weilding a paint brush!
Oh my goodness, Marian! That's one huge project, girl! But if anyone can do it….you can! Looking forward to taking this creative journey with you! Keep us informed on how it's going! 🙂
xoxo laurie
With your energy, 51 doors and 16 drawers should probably be done before the weekend is out! ha ha
I so want to do this too, we have the 80's type cabinets and I know they would look so nice and completly open up the kitchen but I keep putting it off. Actually I'm ashamed because there you are with little ones and there is only me and hubby here! I can't wait to see your done I know it will be fantastic!
Rondell
A n t i c i p a t i o n !!!!!!
They will be beautiful…I'm sure!!
I'll be back!!!
Deborah xoxo
My dear hubby and personal part time handyman says that it takes some experience to work with a paint sprayer. He got the super-duper high volume, low pressure sprayer and the final product is as smooth as a baby's bottom…like butter. I'm sure that ther's more way than one way to get the job done, as I've seen in all the comments. Good luck and take your time!
Barbara,
Transitions Home Design
I love how the pear pics turned out!! I can't wait to see your kitchen re-do when it is finished too! The blue and white looks so fresh and inviting in a kitchen. I just cleaned up an old kitchen cabinet – check it out on my site… http://www.chic-tiques.com. Can't wait to see what else you are working on!!
Miss Tiques
So, so lovely, as always. I can't wait to see the reveal!! While reading this post, I immediatly thought of this AMAZING table by Korrie at Red Hen House. http://redhenhome.blogspot.com/2011/06/little-french-chocolate.html
And I really hope I'm not being so abnoxious and presumptious by saying this {because you are the Interior QUEEN} but I had a vision of a white/grey marble backsplash in your lovely kitchen. Just a thought. ;)I'm dying to see what your plans are for it! See marble {well, mine are concrete} backsplash here:
http://tomseth.blogspot.com/2011/06/kitchen-living-room-entry-way-reveal.html
Lol. Of course I ment marble backsplash AND countertops.
Oooh, I love your choices so far! I'm reading backward, so I saw the paint and I L-O-V-E those knobs! Marian, you are amazing and I can't wait to see the finish.
I'm new to your blog and to the chalk paint but I love both! I would definitely want to try out the old white and Louie blue colors!