Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

For a few years I've been postponing completing the kitchen in my Thornhill. I have struggled with the cabinet colors and the wall colors, and what tile to put in for a back splash. So the last several days I was researching and playing around with back splashes, and then while I thought I was getting close yesterday, I was still wavering. Late last night I had another twist on it, that was one step better.

But today I finally figured out that it was the cabinets that I was not really happy with. Out came paint, color wash, etc, and back to googling. Later today, it hit me. Yep, that aha moment. It came to me as I recalled an armoire and chairs that I bought that were customized by Maribeth Leidinger Inch by Inch), and I was going to put them in the kitchen too. Bingo! Back to pulling out paint, and I found a base paint that is a really nice match. Folkart Teddy Bear Tan 419 is the base paint, and then antiqued it with Burnt Umber color wash.

I really love the results, and can't wait to coordinate with my back splash ideas and get it all put together!

Before, along with the armoire that inspired me.

Here's after the first coat.

And the antiqued version, next to the armoire that was my inspiration.

Here's the room now, with counter tops, wallpaper, and island.

2015 Miniature Finds Placed in House

I finally got all my furniture back out and placed it in the Thornhill, along with my recent finds from the Bishop Show and the Estate sale.

Here's the JBM tapestry chair I purchased at the show.

Here's the 3rd floor bedroom - with the cabinet and needlepoint I purchased from the estate sale

And in the game room, the JBM leather tufted chair and the Bespaq leather chair I got from New England Miniatures.

The dining room has the newly replaced Bespaq chairs (due to disintegrated foam), and the custom built stained brown corner cabinet I snagged at the estate sale.

The bath has a shelf bought at that estate sale, and needlepoint rug I got at the Bishop show. 

In the man's study, the Rocco chair and stool I got from New England Miniatures are tucked in by the fireplace, and a rifle/gun waiting for a rack on order.

This chest is from BB Miniatures - hand painted - she does beautiful work.

I got 2 of these palm trees from the Bishop show - they are Bill Lankford. They are placed in Lawbre urns.

Here's a Jeanetta Kendall  cane, and a waste basket. I've been filling up the bookcases with books etc. 

Exterior Changes

I had burgundy window frames, mulled it for months, ripped them out and put in white painted ones. Yes, it was both costly and time consuming. I may still add some burgundy architectural details. 

Fall 2015 Bishop Show Finds

The fall Bishop show is much smaller, and honestly I liked its location and the layout much better than the April show. But its not international, so you don't get the wider variety and international talent.

First stop JB Miniatures display with Greg (Gonzo) - I introduced myself and we chatted some. Apparently what he had was only about a third of the line there on display. I was thrilled with my purchases - a tufted red leather chair, a tapestry chair, and while not JBM, palm trees by Bill Lankford.

I next found Sophia Twaddle of Small Treasures Miniatures. She had so many well done things from artisans around the world....it was hard to pick just a few!

A new artist I've not seen before was at the show - BB Miniatures. Her hand painted miniatures truly are beautiful and pop in any room! The needlepoint is a work from a friend of hers, and I couldn't pass it up!.

Another artisan I haven't seen before is Tara Thame of Eva Rose Miniatures. She does 1/12 scale miniature lighting pieces, as well as other accessories. What caught my eye are some pieces of artwork she crafted based on her father's real life paintings. I had to get a few of those. She offers the picture, and a couple of uncut mats to go with it. I did some frame shopping too...not all done yet of course.

The Little Dollhouse Company didn't disappoint. Their display was much more spread out than usual, allowing you to really look at their wares.

Spencer's Nook called to me as well - for my indoor Sunroom/Conservatory (which is where I will put the palm trees I purchased into pots and locate there also).

Estate Sale With Mini Finds

I attended an estate sale nearby where the woman who owned the house was a miniaturist after retirement. She did needlework and had a business with another woman - Suzanne and Stephanie was the name of that business. Her name was Suzanne Horgen,

An example of her work that I bought.

In addition, she did build furniture - this box - a very solid and well built piece, nicely finished.

I found 2 pieces of furniture by a Lee G, an artist I don't yet know about. This furniture is very well built - detailed and the finish is remarkable.

Some smaller items include fruit, bird plates and baskets.

Baseboards

My stock of baseboard ran low and I had to order more to complete the 3rd floor. Man, not even online shops have stock - I needed like 10 strips. I ordered them - these are nice Houseworks ones and they got backlogged.

They arrived mid-week so my plan was to get them done this past weekend - sometimes you have made a decision and all you want to do is get it done. To my dismay, 3 pieces were warped badly - on both the horizontal and vertical planes. The graining was much more course than stock I've had. So I was not terribly happy, but managed to eek out enough satisfactory lengths to stain and install.

It feels good to plan it and then actually do what you plan - allowing you a sense of accomplishment.

Changed finish of exterior windows

Funny how time changes your mind on your previous choices. I just kept rethinking the dark red burgundy exterior color on the windows. I bit the bullet and re-painted them white. Yes, from one extreme to another.

Of course I'd already glued them in, and fortunately that wasn't too much of a challenge, with the exception of the 2nd floor arch window. That bit the dust when I attempted to remove it. Repainting white over the dark of course took 2 coats, not to mention that the windows were pretty much painted shut the first time. I kept all the 1st floor ones, and ended up trashing the 4 2nd floor ones and getting new windows. Odd that not all of those 2nd floor windows had the removable wood, allowing you to paint without the acrylic.

I'm still not sure about if I will change the front door. I am thinking maybe a combo of white and burgundy.