Therapeutic Project

I think of ways each day how not to be sad. I want to be alive, happy and well. There is always a deep part of me that is sad and I don't want sadness to rule my life. So, a couple of months ago I decided I was going to re-do my kitchen. I didn't have a lot of money for the project, but I did have my talented friend, Tiffany. I was excited to do my kitchen--and with Tiffany's help I knew it would be good.

It took a good while (a few weeks, and to be honest I still haven't grouted the backsplash. I haven't felt up to it yet.) Tiffany coached me through painting the cabinets and even helped me find the cream I wanted (Benjamin Moore OC-92). I liked my cabinets just when they were primed. Parker actually woke up the morning after the priming and said, "Wow! The cupboards look great.!" I told him I wasn't done painting them, but he was pretty sure we should leave them. That's what you get when you go from the 80's oak. Tiffany gave me step-by-step instructions as what order to do things. Each night she left, she gave me homework. My job was to just get it done before she came back. (Tiffany is a wonderful friend to come every day for a week to make sure it was done). I picked out my hardware and purchased on ebay pretty cheaply. AGain, happy :) I had another friend's husband (Richard) and my husband help me put up the crown molding on top of my cupboards. Tiffany helped pick out the turquoise paint (can't remember the name), but she did a great job helping me choose what would look best. I was happy to get rid of the red! I didn't think I would be because I loved the red.

I did the backsplash with the help of my husband--or that was the original plan. It turned out I really helped him. I didn't enjoy the cutting of glass like I thought I would so he took over that part of it. We put our adhesive on the wall, figured out our puzzle of backsplash and I will grout it soon! (I figure if I write that it may actually happen.)
Marcus put all the hardware on the cabinets too!

We got a new faucet and had a random guy from craigslist (I am happy to inform he was not the craigslist killer as I sometimes worry about) build the breakfast bar. I shopped around for the granite countertops to stay within my budget. The kitchen could look just as great without spending the money on granite, at least in my opinion.

Tiffany also painted my door to my garage as a chalkboard. My kids, especially Madilyn, love this add-on.

Lastly, Tiffany decorated the top of my cabinets. I like to tell people "I" re-did my kitchen, but really it was other people and I helped or finished my "homework". I am so grateful for Tiffany and her eye for decorating. I am also thankful to friends, like Carolyn and Richard, who will jump in when asked :) And, most of all, thankful to my husband who allows me to do whatever project I want, when I want and how I want. It helps in the illusion he allows me to have of always being in control. I love him.

After thinking this project would make me happy on a daily basis, it didn't. I love my kitchen and actually enjoy spending time in there now, but, sadly, I am sill sad. Duh. Did I really think that would help? Either way, it was very therapeutic for me and has inspired me to continue to do projects because I LOVE The before and after!!

Oh! I shouldn't leave my parents off of the thanking list--without their assistance none of it would have been started! Thanks for the lighting install. Thank you mom and dad. Don't worry the 1980s can lights will be recessed soon!
1 – 1 of 1