Oct 16, 2017

{lake cottage kitchen} Part 1

We just spent the weekend at the lake and while it was cold and rainy, we had fun together as a family.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars for that little place and after years of planning and saving, we were able to make it all come true. 

Our little cottage was not pretty on the inside.  It had a wood paneling overload, but I tried to look past the wood paneling and imagine the possibilities!  Justin kept saying it was extra insulation!   With his help, I looked past the wood paneling, and realized that we would slowly make changes, because waking up to this is not a bad thing...



Our little lake is connected to six other lakes so the cruising and water activities are limitless. It's a kid and adult paradise, and we've already made memories with our friends and families.

While remodeling our little kitchen, I tried to save at every turn: buying things at the goodwill (more on that later), using Facebook Marketplace, Craig's List, and of course DIYing, sewing, and fixing anything and everything ourselves. 

I am excited to share with you our little cottage kitchen!  This is Part 1 of the reveal as we still have a few projects on our TO DO list, but I thought I would share with you our progress. 

Lets start with the BEFORE:


I knew that the brass lighting had to go. The oven was not working and was rusted completely through. The fridge was in working order, but in bisque, we had plans to change.  While Justin loved that fish, the previous owners ended up taking it with them.  The kitchen table did stay and painting it is on our to do list.  The white cabinets were pretty stark and white against all of the wood, so I knew we had to do something...

We lived with it for a few months and then we started our renovations. 

First we removed the upper cabinets, the counters, and the rusted stove.  I found a GE stove on Facebook Marketplace for about $100 - SCORE!  We then changed the counters to IKEA's butcher block and replaced the upper cabinets with open shelving and brackets.  We also added a wall of open shelves and a white console from IKEA for a bar area and added storage. Then we swapped out the brass light for a wooden criss-cross hanging light from World Market.  Painted the walls Ben Moore's Gray Wisp and PRESTO - it was a cottage kitchen!


  • Shelves are pine 2x12 from Home Depot | Stained a mixture of Special Walnut and Early American.
  • Shelf Brackets are from Home Depot | Everbilt 10x8 inch Oil Rubbed Bronze Shelf Bracket
  • Countertops are from IKEA | Karlby Countertop
  • GE Stove | Facebook Marketplace
  • Wall Baskets | Amazon - Originally from IKEA but discontinued
  • Wall Rods and Hooks | Fintorp
  • Cross Wood Chandelier | World Market Cost Plus Gray and Wood Valencia Chandelier
  • Café Curtain - I sewed myself on my Singer sewing machine
  • Wall paint - Gray Wisp Ben Moore
  • Leaded Glass Window - Found on the side of the road!
  • Lake Sign - letters and arrow was purchased at Target. I had the wood in the garage and stained it (same mixture as shelves) and nailed the letters on!

Our new bar area has a new console and three open shelves above.  It add a huge amount of storage for us and lets us entertain easier as snacks and drinks are assessable for guests.
A little note about the Hemnes line of furniture from IKEA.  If you choose the "white stain" as your color option, it is solid pine furniture, not glued particle board.  I have found it to last longer and hold up better to wear and tear.  Plus, you can paint it Sherwin Williams Extra White if you ever need to touch it up!



Where there you have it!  Our cottage kitchen!  It's Our Happy Place!

  • This is Our Happy Place Sign | Hand Painted by me...using the cut off end of the countertop!  Reuse, reduce, and FREE!
What's next?
  • New Fridge!  Justin is working on that.  He gets rewards for his steps through his employer and Virgin Health Miles.  We're on our way to a free fridge.
  • New sink...This one works, so we'll wait. 
  • New floors...What we have works, so we'll wait for now!
Erin

FIY - IKEA and Home Depot do not pay me for these comments.  I just use what I use, and then share with you!

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