For two years running I've happily joined in celebrating Sherwin-Williams National Painting Week, and I was honored when the company asked me to participate again. In the past I've taken on small projects like photo frames or a furniture refresh. However this year I wanted to think big and tackle a whole room. And not just any room, but my kitchen, which desperately needed a makeover as you can see! Part of the deal was that I share 'before' photos—a requirement that I had to think long and hard about before committing.
The truth is, I'm embarrassed by these photos. I've only ever posted shots of my home that depict the areas that are stylish and thoughtful—or at the very worst, endearingly rumpled. My hideous kitchen is so much more than grungy counters and a banged up stove; it's proof to my inner critic that I'm a fraud. How dare I hand out decor advice when my own space looks like an 80's back issue of Country Living? My perfectionist nature has me convinced that if I show you anything other than a pristine facade, you'll judge me as harshly as I judge myself.
Yet at the end of the day, I know that we all have aspects of our homes (and our lives!) that aren't pretty to look at. What's more, sharing our 'befores' as well as our 'afters' is critical to inspiring each other's growth! Once I started viewing the project in that light, I got really excited about demonstrating the potential for a kitchen transformation without a full-scale renovation. Even on a tight budget and a short timeline we can all effect a big change!
So please stay tuned for next week when I'll be sharing the after photos as well as the makeover process. I'm happy to say that the kitchen now looks more like the above inspiration photos than a relic of the past. Not only am I so grateful for help from Sherwin-Williams in creating a kitchen I absolutely love, I've also really enjoyed this opportunity to think about how our homes both reflect and impact our inner lives—and how we can empower ourselves just by picking up a paintbrush. Because we all deserve a space that helps us grow and thrive, warts and all!
Inspiration Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. P.S. More kitchen ideas on my Pinterest!
From your inspiration photos, I’m guessing you painted the cabinets as part of the makeover. I’m excited to see how they turned out! I also think it’s unbelievably cool that you have a landlord who’d allow you to do that.
First of all, loving the Lichtenstein! and I’m an interior decorator by trade and have many parts of my house that need a good tweak. It’s like the cobbler whose kids have no shoes. Can’t wait to see the new kitchen, looks like we’ll be seeing some open shelving, Whoot!
You’ve got a long way to change it so radically. Inspirational photos look great so I can only wish you to get the kitchen of your dreams!
Anne, I know you won’t approve this, and that’s fine. I’m a long time reader, but man, I can’t help but feel that everything you do these days is shilling a brand. The HP series? Bizarre. Zappos? Forced. I’ll no longer be following. Good luck to you.
Hi Stop,
Thanks so much for your honest and frank comment (though I do wish you’d left your name and contact information so I could address your concerns personally!) First of all thanks for being a longtime reader and for sticking with me as long as you did. I definitely hear you on the difficulty I’ve been having in balancing sponsored with unsponsored content. It’s quite a challenge to maintain that balance, as on the one hand I’d love to do this blog without the constraints of financial realities, but on the other hand I have a living to earn and this is how I am choosing to do it. While I’m sorry to hear that the quantity of sponsored content has put you off, I can say that I honestly do my best to work only with brands that align with my values, and I strive always to present their products in creative, original ways that I stand behind both personally and professionally. Again, thank you for your feedback. I welcome it as an opportunity always to grow and improve! Best, Anne