First of all, thanks so much to everyone who bore the hardship of going to TJ Maxx to look for pillows for me. I think they will order more of those pillows after all of the phone calls about them! You are all such wonderful ladies and I really wish I could hang out with all of you! Two readers found a total of five pillows. My goal was to find four, so I am totally set and the hunt is officially over. Boy, you girls are fast! However, don’t let me stop you from taking a trip to Home Goods or TJ Maxx. If you must, you must.
Now to what I have been slaving over the last few days.
In case anyone was in doubt at all about the power of paint…this post is for you.
Here are my kitchen cabinets before…
…after…
…before…
…after…
I didn’t get new appliances, counters or flooring. I simply painted and painted and painted…the ceiling, the walls, the trim and the cabinets. I still want to change the big ticket items when it’s in the budget, but I was surprised how the things I dislike so much (like the laminate floor with tromp l’oeil leaves on it) just fade away.
I did drop a pretty penny on hardware, but I have a ton of cabinets and drawers AND it was all courtesy of True Value, so I splurged.
In case you want to paint your cabinets or you just like to hear me babble, you can watch this video tutorial with some tips on getting a smooth finish with a brush and roller.
(I misspoke at one point in this video. I say it took me “three coats”, but I meant “three quarts” of primer. I only applied one coat.)
I was going to share more pictures, including some of my family room, but Blogger was being glitchy and I was about to pull my hair out. I’ll share more tomorrow.
One last thing…it’s been brought to my attention that I have a few deaf readers out there (I already had the pleasure of meeting one of them at Lucketts.) I am going to try to figure out a way to get transcripts of my videos or something for you, but until then, please feel free to send me an e-mail with any questions.
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.
Gorgeous!!! Your home makes me feel HaPpY!
I love how your cabinets turned out. What a difference – your kitchen looks so much bigger and brighter! I really want to paint my kitchen cabinets – your video will come in handy when that day comes! 🙂
LOVE the kitchen … I have a few of those green dragonfly plates in my kitchen too 🙂
Miss Mustard Seed, THAT LOOKS WONDERFUL! I know you want to change you countertops but they look JUST FINE NOW . .I think you could install some beadboard backsplash and the kitchen would be DONE! Oh, and for another little project cause I know you don't have enough to occupy your time, do you have concrete floors under that carpet?? Why not stain them>> :O
What a beautiful transformation! Loved all the tips and tricks you shared.
Just curious why you chose to use a roller and brush over spraying them?
Donna
I think they are GORGEOUS! They look amazing and it's a whole new kitchen! Beautiful! You did an amazing job!
It looks amazing!! Love the transformation!
Your kitchen looks amazing! What a bright and happy place it is! I love the peek at your new handles!
Beautiful!
Don't think I will be able to persuade my husband to paint our oak cupboards…but the change is remarkable!
Thanks for sharing!
Looks great! I swear, a coat of paint works wonders! I love your kitchen. I remember when I painted mine. It was one of the first things I did after moving in…
Glad you finally was able to do yours. YOu really did a great job!
The paint looks great and love what you have on the countertops. And love the new hardware, but it makes me tired just thinking of you doing all of that work by yourself.
The transformation is fabulous! I'm always amazed at how much you can get done in a day! Do you ever sleep 🙂 Thanks for all your tips and tricks!
Absolutely wonderful. I love white/off-white kitchen cabinets. The hardware will really be the frosting on the cake. Seriously gal, did you stay up all night getting it done? You are amazing.
That is a miraculous transformation, Marian! It looks beautiful and I hope you can thoroughly enjoy the drastic change for the good. With so many cabinets, do you store things other than kitchen items in them?
One question…why didn't you use your sprayer?
You are amazing and so are the results! I'm pretty sure you have more talent in one pinky finger than I have in total! Life just isn't fair. LOL! Thanks for sharing your great tips n tricks, too!
xoxo
The cabinets look amazing. What color did you paint your walls?
I kept having to look back and forth between the two kitchens 'cause I didn't believe they were the same! Now that's a miraculous transformation! And I'm now drooling over that gorgeous hardware. Your hard work has paid off beautifully!
What an awesome difference! Your kitchen looks beautiful.
boy oh boy. what a difference! you made it look as if you simply snapped your fingers to change your kitchen. good thing everyone knows how hard you worked to create that effect. well, what do you have planned next? i sure hope it is sitting and panoramically admiring your pretty painted cow (whose legs are peeking from behind and underneath your gorgeous pot-rack. thank you photo #4…). it bodes well that your sofa and settees are full of green pillows after yesterday's nation-wide searches. it is evident how much everyone loves you and your work.
congrats on it all. you really do move mountains and inspire thousands.
xow.
Thank-you so much for sharing! I want to paint my kitchen cabinets white as well, but don't want them to look "painted," ya know?
Wow, you do have a ton of cabinet doors and drawers, don't you! I bet it felt like they multiplied while you were trying to get them all painted (kind of like wire hangers do in the closet). I really liked your before cabinets, but the after is stunning, and the paint color really brings the light in. Love the new hardware. Super job!
Best,
Kimberly
love the bright white kitchen you have now. The countertops look more gray now, it seemed like they looked green with the wooden cabinets. I painted my kitchen cabinets 2 years ago and while it was such a lot of work, it was so worth it! I hope you enjoy your kitchen a lot more now.
Great transformation, love the bright light new painted cabinets it makes the kitchen look much bigger & it still has the warmth of the wood & the copper pans to make it feel homely & cosy
OMG!! Gorgeous!! I love love love the color and the new hardware looks delicious!!
Good for you on getting the painting done. I have still yet to tackle mine. I keep stalling..I know I have much work ahead of me!! Sigh!!
Thanks for the video too
Hugs
SueAnn
What a stunning makeover MMS!
And thanks for the tut video about painting the cabinets with oil based products. You make it appear less scary and that's a "good thing"
Smiles from WHYCUZICAN here at blogspot
(in Illinois)
WOW! First of all, I can't believe how quickly you accomplished this transformation. It looks so fresh and clean, the perfect backdrop for your photography.
Not only do I have the same hardware, but the same Target chairs which I painted black. I'm waiting to see what you do with yours. :@
What a difference you've made with all of your hard work painting – beautiful!
I just painted a GIANT bookshelf with cabinets, so this looks soooooo familiar to me! 🙂 I've never used oil though, so I'll have to try that sometime. Your kitchen looks fantastic. I've always wondered when you would paint your cabinets!
Rie
http://www.homeandharmony.blogspot.com
WOW what a difference, I LOVE it!! I love white cabinets in a kitchen and love how fresh and bright your kitchen looks! Beautiful as always. Martina
Absolutely stunning! I have said it before, but you are the hardest worker I have ever seen. If you could just bottle and sell that energy, you could retire! Love, love your cabinets and all the new paint everywhere. And I am very fond of white appliances. Are you going to keep those?
Linden Townhouse
Mi piace molto il cambiamento della tua cucina, complimenti e grazie per i tuoi insegnamenti.
Fabulous ~ it looks amazing. You always do such a wonderful job. Enjoy! 🙂
Another deaf reader here…. And I love every. Single. Thing. You've made. Keep up the beautiful work!
Wow! What a transformation!
this was SOOOOO helpful!! thanks!
I've been mentally toying with painting my kitchen cabinets… thanks for the inspiration and tutorial… You make it look like a SNAP!
Thank you for another great tutorial! Beautiful transformation on your cabinets. You mentioned chalk paint {and why you chose not to use it} but I am curious if you think it holds up/wears as well as oil for kitchen cabinets. Am wanting to paint out an island and an adjacent built-in butler's pantry in my kitchen just to break up the all cherrywood cabinets.
Woohoo girlie my cabinets are looking awesome & holy cow there's a lot of em. Since I'm the question girl & haven't asked any in a while, why on Earth didn't you spray them? lol Google video has a closed captioning feature that you can use & would probably be beneficial to your hearing impaired followers. Don't know how it works since I avoid cameras like the plague lol but it's an option, maybe.
Thanks so much for sharing that video. I was wondering why you chose not to use chalk paint, but you answered that question. The more I see your white and bright home, the more I want it.
Can't wait to see the kitchen with the hardware. I like the sneak peak already!
The kitchen looks fabulous. 51 cabinets though – plus drawers, – you have stamina! I featured your blog at stylesson.com.
AHHHHHH!!! It is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!
You amaze me with what you do and get done in such a short amount of time ~
Thank you for showing us! It is fun to see the before and after ~
xoxo
Lori
I can't believe you didn't wear a mask. eh, I used oil based paint for my cabinets and got fumed out almost immediately ! ick! Your cabinets look totally fab! I suppose it's the price you have to pay for beauty!
Wow, it looks amazing! That was a lot of hard work. Good for you!
I can't believe the power of paint. What a difference. What is the paint color on the wall? It looks perfect.
You know what I think Marian? If there was a contest between you and the energizer bunny you would definitely win! The kitchen looks AMAZING.
The kitchen looks amazing! It's amazing that just using paint made such a transformation! Great work, it's simply stunning.
Oh my name so pretty!! What did you use to prep the cabinets with? ie: how did you degunk them?
My cabinets are the same color and I hate them . I live in a log cabin, so I'm having a hard time deciding what color to paint them. You're home is so fresh and clean. It's always full of good ideas. Thank you for sharing!
I just began blogging. Please visit and say "hello". I'm so excited to become a part of the blogging community!
I didn't realize that your family room was connected to your kitchen…what a great space. Isn't it amazing how your white appliances seem to be perfect now? Unfortunately that didn't happen to me when I painted my kitchen. I still need new appliances. :o) Love the hardware.
can i come live in your kitchen? it looks amazing!!
Stunning difference Marian!! I can't believe it is the same kitchen. I painted mine with old white and I LOVE being in a white kitchen…curious why you didn't use chalk paint. Mine are standing up well at this point, in case anyone is wondering about the chalk paint!
That is totally gorgeous!!! Cannot wait to see the hardware – like jewelry for your cabinets 🙂
I love everything you do – but must say this makeover makes me so happy for you! Enjoy it, it's beautiful.
Shannon
WOW! I'm tired just looking at those cabinets! You know how to rock that paint gun! Everything looks so tight and crisp! Take a well deserved break…have a cold one on me!
Man, that is a transformation!!! It looks wonderful!!
🙂
shaunna
Beautiful!
Fabulous! I've been wanting to paint my cabinets but I have some other issues I haven't seen addressed anywhere. You can see my hinges and they are (dark) brass, I guess. So, do I paint them or let them be so obvious. (Right now with the wood cabinets you don't notice them.) The other problem is that we remodeled about 8 years ago and added some cabinets on the other side of the kitchen. By then the cabinet shop was using hidden hinges so that side would be easier — but I want them to look the same. Any suggestions?
I love how your lovely wooden antiques stand out now. I have golden oak hardwood floors and cherry cabinets and, after seeing your transformation, I'm painting my cabinets. Thanks for you inspiration!
It looks WONDERFUL!!!! And all of your beautiful things make even bigger statements!!!!!! It's great!!!
*gasp* the before & after pic totally gave me chills!! what a transformation!!!! LOVE it!
Oh my gosh! Love it! Thanks for all the tips!
I really want to paint my cabinets I only have 14 and 4 drawers…tiny kitchen…I'm just not sure if I want to go bright white or a little off white! At the moment we have almond appliances that probably won't be leaving anytime soon unless they die quickly :). Do you think it would look absolutely terrible if I painted the cabinets white-ish with the almond appliances?
What's the paint color on the walls and cabinets?
Oh Miss Mustard Seed! I am swooning over this reveal… and all it took was a little (ok, a lot!) of paint. It looks wonderful! We recently painted our kitchen cabinets, so I can totally relate to what a pain in the rear it is – and we didn't have our sprayer at the time! For anyone who plans on painting cabinets white with a water-based paint, I would advise against using a water-based poly, as it yellows quickly. A big pat on the back to you Marian!
Amazing! I know you don't like the countertops, but they actually look pretty good with the white cabinets.
I can't believe how quickly you finished it all. You make me feel like a slacker! haha!
shut up. omg. i'll watch your vid later, but holy cow (and i think i spied it above the fireplace????).
your cabinets are now living large and feeling fancy.
love em.
michele
I love your new kitchen, it is so fresh and bright. Your accessories are fantastic, it all goes towards making your kitchen a perfect combination of contemporary and vintage.
I look forward to reading your blogs everyday and love your style.
Best regards
Beardog
This is an amazing transformation! It makes me want to start mine. Thanks for the video! They are always great!
Oh my goodness! Job well done! They look fantastic, and I can't wait to see the pics with the hardware on them, as I think that's really going to bring it all together beautifully. The hardware is the "jewelry" in this case, right? I'm also going to check out your video, as this project is one that I have on my list, and it's been a struggle not only from a time perspective, but also a confidence perspective.
Beautiful! Did you also paint the interiors of all the cabinets?
I had white painted maple cab's in our last home, and I tell ya, EVERYONE loved them! Even wood loving men! Our house sold very fast, and I'm convinced it's mostly because of that kitchen. Now, our now home has grainy oak cab's circa 80's (yet house was built in 08). Looks like I'll be painting again =) Beautiful job, and I can see the bottom of your cow painting peeking out!
Looks wonderful! Don't you love the way the light has changed in the room?
Wow!!! Thank you for sharing. That is one of the best kitchen before and afters I have seen. I am going to show potential clients this version of cabinets, along with my own work, to fully illustrate what a difference paint can make. It is a whole new room! I bet you are sooooooo glad it is done now! I however, need to tackle this project again. Changing the color of my island, new hardware (still living with the cheap, builder's special knobs), I have them, just have to install them. I am inspired to get moving on it!
Wasn't it worth it to spend some time on your own home? Job well done! It looks fabulous and I'll bet you are finding cooking more enjoyable, too!
Amy
unless they were in disrepair I have a tough time with painting cabinets. I envision women stripping these when the style changes back.
Were they in really bad shape and it just doesn't show?
GASP! It looks Amazing! Wow… And that was fast too!
Cindy
I love your kitchen, doesn't even look like the same one! So much work and soooooo very worth it!!!
Enjoy your day!
XO
Kristin
Wow…what a difference!! It is beautiful!! I can't wait to see the pictures of the family room!
I HEART this! You give me hope that I can turn this ugly rental into a gorgeous HOME.
Thanks!
The cabinets look GREAT!!! I know you are happy to have them finished. I am so happy for you.
I've recently purchased an old building in historic New Harmony, Indiana. We are in the process of completing an apartment on the second level and are operating an antique store on the first floor. I just set up a website and blog spot. If you have time, please check it out and tell me what you think!! I love your blog and all the great ideas you share. Your opinion is important to me!! Would love any tips!! Thanks, Miss Tiques
http://www.chic-tiques.com/blog.html
http://www.chic-tiques.com/blog.html
Wow, 80 comments already. I think it's pretty brave to decide to take on a job like that but you completed it in record time!!! I thought I wouldn't be seeing the reveal until July. Your kitchen looks amazing and I absolutely love it. I can't wait to see the hardware pictures. I love black hardware on white cabinets. Once again, amazing work.
Great job, of course! I painted our kitchen walls and cabinets a few years ago, so I know just how much work it is. I just love how all of your antiques really stand out now. They've now taken center stage thanks to the neutral background! Thanks for sharing! XO Laura at bandbsnestinteriors.com.
The difference is amazing, so clean and fresh. Love the big basket on your wall above the bench!
That is one seriously stunning transformation! Beautiful work as always. But I do wonder about when, exactly, you sleep (or cook, or grocery shop). I'm one guy, no kids, and I don't/can't accomplish one tenth of what you do. Your work is awesome!
Can I just say that you are even more awesome than I originally thought? I think it is incredibly great that you are willing to try to get transcripts of your video tutorials for those who are deaf. When I was in school, I had several friends who are deaf, they taught me some basics about signing. I loved it. I know that they will be incredibly appreciative of you making this possible!
Oh, and by the way, your kitchen looks awesome!!! You did a great job!!
Found your blog doing a search on the chalk paints…do so wish I knew this BEFORE we painted our kitchen cabinets last fall. We have brush strokes. BUT. We added a little bit of trim to the plain doors then painted them white, new hardware…some glass windows in three of the doors…a little beadboard backsplash…and the brushstrokes aren't too noticeable. Your kitchen turned out gorgeous. And…I need more pots on my pot rack apparently. Love it!!
Marian, it totally looks like a different room! I can just imagine what it must feel like to wake up in the morning and walk into that kitchen! What a totally rewarding project.
wow, u never cease to amaze. The kitchen is gorgeous!
you are killing me with your gorgeous kitchen!! I have to do this- I keep putting it off with other projects in the lineup, but you have just sealed the deal for me. I love those little Purdy brushes – for all the same reasons you said in the video. I never use anything else! Beautiful job staging.
Your kitchen is a.ma.zing!! I so wish that my hubby would allow me to paint my cabinets. He has said, however that I can ditress and stain them, so at least that's something.
GORGEOUS! You're inspiring me to finally tackle my maple cabinets… maybe this summer???? Did you use only 1 coat of primer & 1 coat of paint then? Any sanding before the primer?
As if you need to hear this…but the hard work paid off. They look incredible. I will say this for the millionth time….nothing is better than white cabinets.
This is quite the transformation and just beautiful. Thank you so much for the video, I just love your voice. I already have the Zinsser Primer and I've heard of the Penetrol and even bought some awhile back.
You didn't say anything about the odor of this paint or if you need adequate ventilation (?) I am real sensitive to oil based odors and would probably have to use my respirator thingie. Just a tiny whiff of it makes me nauseous and dizzy. Could you please let me know? Thank you!
Excellent video!
Love the hardware !
Thanks for sharing your hard work. I can't believe how different your kitchen looks. I love the cabinet doors.
Love the power of paint! Looks fabulous as I knew it would!!!
Woohoooo! LOOKS GREAT!
Dear Miss Mustard Seed.. I really enjoy your beautiful work…I am from Western PA, a Pastor's daughter :), a lover of Jesus, mom of three, and I enjoy old stuff :)… I have a question for you..what should I do about lead in old furniture? Thanks so much!! Blessings
Becky at abcjones@comcast.net
Wow! What a difference! Your kitchen was beautiful before, but now…wow! I've just recently finished redoing my dark kitchen cabinets in white. It took me a lot longer than I had anticipated (like 6 months!) and I had about 20 fewer cabinet doors than you. I'm happy with my results, though the white cabinets show drips and fingerprints so easily! 🙁 I have pictures of the after on the camera to upload. I'll email them to you soon.
Will you be sharing with us the "How to" for prepping and how many coats, and did you put a top coat on to protect the paint? Thanks.
Love your kitchen! Redid mine while back in white as well, only had to do 13 cabinets and 5 small drawers. So, I applaud you for doing a tendious work with all of that cabinets!
You did a great job! 🙂
It looks fabulous! I love it!
gorgeous! gorgeous! gorgeous!
What an amazing transformation! You've encouraged me to (someday) try the same thing. We've got an 80's kitchen but it is built so well we probably couldn't afford the same quality in today's world. I'm going to continue to talk to my hubby about this… hint… hint… hint…
Looks great!!!! Just like all of your projects!!!!
I have painted cabinets that need to be repainted. Will watch your latest video to see how to do it.
One question: Why didn't you use the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint?
Did you strip or sand your cabinet doors prior to priming?
I just saw the other question I had; why didn't you use chalk paint?
Wow, wow, wow! This looks amazing! I have always wanted to paint my cabinets but they are not that old and though I love them, it's just not "ME" it was a rushed decision, one of those "went with one thing in mind left with another, it's too late now" things! I think my husband would kill me if I even suggested it haha it drives him crazy that I have already repainted just about every room so far. Great job, I know it was a ton of work!!
Beautiful, thanks for the informative video as well. I am definitely going to be painting my cabinets in the near future BUT, unfortunately, I want to paint them white and I have a white countertop and a white tile floor (UGLY!!!). So, those have to go first, and that involves cash that I don't have. Hmmmmmm…maybe some day. Anyways, one question…did you also paint the inside of the cabinets? I need to know! 🙂
kerryamccaff@gmail.com
Such a difference. It really is amazing what paint can do. I absolutely love how your kitchen came out. I have been wanting to paint my oak cabinets but have been too lazy. I have done this project before and it took me forever. I love painting too. I just worry I will start and have an unfinished project lasting forever. Great job tho!
Fabulous! I've got to try this — and I think I can now thanks to your tutorial. Did you paint the inside of the cabinet doors before the exterior was done?
Superb! I'm itching to do the same thing with my kitchen. The hardwoods match the cabinets and it's all too much of the same color.
As above..did you paint the interiors of the cabinet doors and the interiors of the cabinets? No top coat? No sanding whatsoever? My husband is skeptical but I'm all for charging on!
THANK YOU for sharing! You are a doll!
Nice finish, I have used the flotrol product when spraying in my hvlp gun to get a better finish with water based paints and the outcome was amazing, at first it looked spotted and I was like shoot. after it dried it was very smooth and easy to apply a nice finish.
Thanks
Brent Hollenberg
Restoration Plantation
www(dot)restorationplantation(dot)com
Beautiful ! Are you going to paint the counter chairs? Black or soft blue would look great. Chippy of coarse.
Mary
RENONFL@YAHOO.COM
that is one giant mountain you moved! It look fabulous. I love every inch of your kitchen.
d e n i s e
Your kitchen cabinets are beautiful! I have talked about painting my cabinets for 5 years! I am so inspired by your post, I am setting a date to get started on mine! Can you talk about how you painted the inside? Did you spray the inside? My husband has the tools we need to spray, but I am a little nervous about the fumes, especially when using oil paint. And what about the shelves inside the cabinets? Did you remove them and paint them by hand? Thanks so much! I am always so inspired to get projects done in my own home when I read your blog! Thanks 🙂
They looks great Marian! Makes me want to get started but I have company coming this weekend and I will listen to you and not start now!
Why did you choose not to use your sprayer?
Your kitchen looks just awesome, and the new thing I learned from your video was that Krud Cutter can be used to clean oil-based paint brushes instead of mineral spirits. Great tip! I always felt like I was shaving a few years off my life when I used mineral spirits!
It is amazing what a little (or a lot!) of paint can do! Great job! Beautiful transformation!
This post and video inspired me to get going on my cabinet painting! I was wondering about how easy the cabinets are to clean since they aren't too glossy. I don't really like the super glossy look, but I know it's easier to clean. Thanks.
I absolutely HAVE to have those bar stools… they totally match my dining room set. Where oh where did you get them???
I'm DYING to paint my cabinets. I do have a small kitchen, but for some reason it's taking me forever to get up the will. I bought all the stuff a month ago. I need to just do it. I love your tutorial!
P.S. What did you use to clean the cabinets first? That's the biggest thing that's holding me back.
Thank you so much for this Video tutorial. I am painting my kitchen right now and I need all the help I can get.
I like the stubby brush, and 51 doors, wow, to a UK person, you must live in a palace, for us 35 door kitchens are pretty major 🙂
One tip as an oilman, I would only ever pour off enough oil paint for a few doors at a time. The reason being, oil paint can be a magnet to dust particles, (metaphorically, not literally!) and as kitchen doors have to be flawless, I never pour oil paint that has been exposed to air (and potential dust) back into the can. Many painters do, but then they have to deal with straining paint. After a while you get a 6th sense for pouring out the right quantity of paint, and wastage is minimal.
How did you paint the doors with glass panels? Any helpful hints for keeping the glass clean?
I just saw this post – contemplating various ways to refinish our kitchen cabinets. I know its been a few years but if you are still looking for a way to title your videos for the deaf, you could try dotsub. Its a sight sort of like you tube. It lets you add markers to control when the text portion changes to match the video. You can also generate a password for others to be able to modify the captioning remotely. That could be handy if someone else was doing the captioning for you or if you knew someone that could translate the captions into another language. I haven’t used it in several years so I’m not sure if they let you have the video on your site or if it would redirect to theirs.
Your white cabinets turned out great! How is the paint holding up today? Any touch up needed or things you wish you had done differently?
The transformation is staggering. I can already see there is almost no resemblance except for the structure. You’ve also done a very good job because most people focus on the cabinet only which always seems to limit the fine looks to the cabinets alone. Now, you’ve got an enviable kitchen…and ho much can i rent your service now? lol