DIY

Kitchen Makeover Phase Three: Tiling Over Laminate & Adding Cabinet Brackets

July 28, 2011

Countertops done - check! Cabinets complete - check! Now I'm on to the details... I'm always attracted to a custom tiled backsplash versus the typical plain 4" high backsplash that matches the countertop surface. Before embarking on the countertop transformation, my husband and I tried to remove the existing solid backsplash, but were unsuccessful. We moved forward with our makeover, but I still had it in my head to do something. hmmm... Once the countertop was complete, I thought, 'how about tiling right over the laminate to create a custom look on the backsplash?'...why … [Read more...]

Kitchen Makeover Phase Two: Painting the Cabinets

July 20, 2011

The Kitchen Makeover is moving along.... It's been quite the undertaking, especially since the space has had to remain in working order throughout the entire process. To be honest though, it really hasn't been too bad, but I am very thankful that it's almost done. After the completion of the countertops last week, this week's task was to paint the cabinets. What do you think?? After much thought (and a few sleepless nights), I decided on a color that is primarily taupe, but has undertones of blue, green, and gray. The actual color is Benjamin Moore - Berkshire Beige. I have used … [Read more...]

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Written by by Jenna | Filed Under: DIY | Kitchen | Tagged With:

Kitchen Countertop Reveal Using the Rust-Oluem Countertop Transformations Kit

July 14, 2011

I have been quite excited all week to share this…. As you know from my recent posts, my kitchen is in the midst of a minor makeover. No new cabinets. No new countertops. But the existing is all being TRANSFORMED. When the friendly folks at Rust-Oleum heard about my kitchen revamp, they kindly sent me their Countertop Transformations Kit in the Oynx finish to try out on my existing hunter green laminate surface. From the many posts I’ve written on my kitchen, I have been quite indecisive on what to do with the countertops, and I thought the Rust-Oleum kit would be a great … [Read more...]

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Written by by Jenna | Filed Under: DIY | Kitchen | Tour My Home | Tagged With:

Kitchen Revamp is Underway

July 13, 2011

It's been a long time waiting, but I've FINALLY made my decisions on what to do with my kitchen. A few months ago...7 months to be exact (back in late December), I mentioned that on my to-do list for 2011 was to makeover my kitchen. I'd love to do a complete overhaul with new cabinets and beautiful new countertops, but it's not in the cards right now. If you remember, I had decided to use stain on the cabinets to achieve a darker look, but was stuck on what to do with the countertops. Well I changed my mind entirely...a girl can do that, right?! No more stain, but instead ~ … [Read more...]

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Written by by Jenna | Filed Under: DIY | Kitchen | Tour My Home | Tagged With: kitchen

DIY: Cabinet Makeover with Glaze Overlay

June 19, 2011

Last week I shared my latest DIY: How-to Stencil project where I transformed one of the walls in my foyer. Did you happen to notice the cabinet in the pictures? It's new. Well not really "new" in the sense of just bought, but new to the place it now sits. AND it just got a huge makeover! This cabinet is about 40 years old. My mom had it for about the first 35 years and I've had it for the last 5 (it's had quite the life so far). On a random day, a few weeks ago, the cabinet was looking quite sad, so I said, "let's give you a makeover"! And I did!! To step back in … [Read more...]

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Written by by Jenna | Filed Under: DIY | Paint | Paint Techniques | Tagged With: Blogger Block Party, Cabinet Makeover, Cabinet Transformation, DIY, Glaze, Glaze Overlay

DIY: How to Stencil & Review of Cutting Edge Stencils

June 17, 2011

Sometimes (actually most of the time) going into a project, I never know what the result will be. Because most of my projects are real experiments - - that's why I call my home, My Experimental Playground - - I'm always a little scared "in the moment" anticipating a complete fail (which there have been many). WELL... the result of my latest project was surprisingly amazing. I LOVE IT (now)! Yet, during the process, was a complete different story.... A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about my love for stenciling and how it's the new "wallpaper". In that post I made mention of a … [Read more...]

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Written by by Jenna | Filed Under: DIY | Paint | Tagged With: Cutting Edge Stencils, Stencil, Stenciling, Stenciling a Wall

DIY: Faux Roman Shade

June 15, 2011

You might think I've gone drop cloth crazy (which I have), but this material is truly simple, affordable, and stylish! Plus it's also durable, chic, and a great neutral palette for any accent color. Lately I've been transforming my interiors to look a little more casual. With updated fabrics on the pillows and windows, and some stylish new accessories and repurposed pieces, my interior is changing into my desired style (of the moment...next week it could change again)..haha). My latest drop cloth project was to make faux roman shades for my dining room windows. Before, the window … [Read more...]

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Written by by Jenna | Filed Under: DIY | Tagged With: DIY, Drop Cloth, Faux Roman Shade

{Tutorial} Personalized Envelope Pillow

May 30, 2011

I hope you had a wonderful long weekend! Mine was filled with BBQs, relaxation, spending time with family, and remembering those who have fought and are fighting for our country! How did you spend this holiday weekend? Now let me share with you, what I've been up to..... Using my favorite new material - - drop cloth - - I created this stylish, yet simple envelope-style pillow, then stenciled the initial of our last name on the front. To be honest with you, I’m usually not a monogram-type person, but I have to say, I truly enjoy seeing this cute pillow showcasing our family … [Read more...]

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Written by by Jenna | Filed Under: Decorating | DIY | Tagged With: DIY, DIY pillow, Envelope Pillow, Fabric Paint, Personalize Pillow, Pocket Pillow

DIY: Drop Cloth Table Runner

May 17, 2011

Lately I’ve been a wee-bit obsessed with drop cloths…not the ugly blue kind, but the pretty and fabulous heavy beige version. I’ve basically gone drop cloth MAD - - everything in my house is being transformed with drop cloths. (I may need drop cloth therapy in a few weeks, but for now, I’m okay…ha!) After making a few pillows (which I’ll share soon), I ventured into making a runner for my dining room table using, non-other than, a drop cloth and a fun chevron accent fabric (you know I love chevron). I’ve never quite found a table runner that is the ‘perfect’ size, … [Read more...]

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Written by by Jenna | Filed Under: DIY | Sewing | Tagged With: Drop Cloth, Drop Cloth material, SAS Interiors, Table Runner

Paint Tips & Techniques: Estimating How Much Paint is Needed for a Room

May 9, 2011

Painting your home opens up a wonder of possibilities to express who you are and bring life to your space. With the ability to add color, and even possibly be daring with the color that you choose, paint can bring life to your decorating vision. After you've chosen your new hue, whether it be cranberry in the living room or caramel in the kitchen, you want to make sure you have all the supplies and tools before starting. This is key to a successful paint job! And to start off you need to know how much paint you'll need, right?! So.... How much paint will I need for my space? To … [Read more...]