We've saved our two most daring makeovers for the last week of The Color Cure. Both projects include bold color, painted cabinets and new skills. That's the best type of home project, right? One where you dive in, head first, and learn as you dramatically make over your space. Go on, Color Curists, take a peek at these inspiring changes!
The Color Cure: How long have you lived in your home?
Dan: 1 Year
The Color Cure: When did you overhaul the space?
Dan: After living here for 3 months (9 months ago)
The Color Cure: How long did it take?
Dan: 1 week working nights and one weekend
The Color Cure: Where did you find your color and design inspiration?
Dan: I had three main sources of color and design inspiration: a wooden dining tray I have that is stained black on the top and bottom with the natural wood exposed around the edges; the green you see when looking at a glass table-top from the side; a modern matte black kitchen I saw in an issue of Dwell. I also wanted something that I thought would work better with the appliances than the white, and figured it was easier to change the paint than to change the appliances.
The Color Cure: How much planning did you put into the project?
Dan: The countertop was a simple decision that I knew I wanted to do both for aesthetics and economics. However, since I was making such a drastic change with the color, I definitely did some planning and wanted to be sure I wasn't going to hate the result (especially since black is a bit hard to undo). I started simple and when I convinced myself at one stage I moved on to the next going from: searching online for black-walled rooms, to covering the cabinets with 2 old black shower curtains I had, to very rough photo editing in Microsoft Paint, to a 3D model in Google Sketch-Up. This whole process took place over a few weeks before I put brush to cabinet.
The Color Cure: What was the most challenging part of the project?
Dan: The toughest part of the project was convincing myself to do it. Though it didn't look how I wanted it to, everything in the kitchen was fine and functional as it was before the project, and there was a reasonable chance it still wouldn't look how I wanted it to and it might not be functional after I finished. So, the two points of no return—ripping out the old counter tops and painting the first "test" cabinet black—were big tests of my nerve. Once I started, I had to finish, so although not everything went smoothly, it all got done.
The Color Cure: Did you learn a new skill during your home improvement project?
Dan: Before this project I had never done any work with counters or cabinets, so I learned a lot along the way, including: how to remove and install a countertop, how to cut out the counter for the sink, how to remove and install a sink, how NOT to remove a garbage disposal—and eventually, how to remove a garbage disposal.
The Color Cure: Are you happy with the outcome?
Dan: I am very happy with how it turned out, I think the kitchen now has a much different feel. I wanted to get away from the country home look I thought was there at the beginning, and I think I have definitely done so. I also wanted to do this without spending tons of money, and I was able to get the whole thing done for approximately $300 ($200 for the counter and jigsaw rental and $100 for paint and supplies).
The Color Cure: What, if anything, would you do differently next time around?
Dan: Next time around I think I might try designing a tile pattern and tiling the backsplash instead of painting. I haven't done any tiling before, so it would be another good opportunity to learn something.
The Color Cure: If you had one piece of advice for Apartment Therapy readers, what would it be?
Dan: Try something new, whether it is the design or the techniques, don't always settle for safe. As they say, fortune favors the bold.
The Color Cure: How long have you lived in your home?
Sophie: I've lived here for about 9 months.
The Color Cure: When did you overhaul the space?
Sophie: I've been doing a little here and a little there throughout my time here but I finished the cabinets and completed it about 2 months ago.
The Color Cure: How long did it take?
Sophie: I spent a little bit of time while living here working on it but the wallpaper and painting of the cabinets I completed in 1 day.
The Color Cure: Where did you find your color and design inspiration?
Sophie:I was looking at modern kitchens on blogs and Google and stumbled across a really nice one with deep pink lacquered cabinets.
The Color Cure: How much planning did you put into the project?
Sophie: I knew as soon as I moved in I was changing the kitchen as it was horrendous and my landlord never painted the cabinets white as agreed before I moved in. It took me about 2 months to decide what I wanted to do and I originally painted my cabinets steel gray. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. So about 2 months later I tiled the backsplash. I was walking down Spring Street and saw my lovely wall paper hanging in the window of the Janovic store and took a photo of it. At the time I didn't know where I would use it so I just kept it on my radar. When I decided to paint my cabinets pink, I immediately thought of it because it was so feminine and I knew it would look great with a pop of color. The whole idea for pink cabinets was really spur of the moment, I saw that inspiring kitchen on Google and 2 days later thought, hey, why not?
The Color Cure: What was the most challenging part of the project?
Sophie: There wasn't anything really challenging about the project, it was fairly simple.
The Color Cure: Did you learn a new skill during your home improvement project?
Sophie: I learned how to apply wall paper. It was my first time doing it and it turned out really well.
The Color Cure: Are you happy with the outcome?
Sophie: I'm very happy with the outcome. And when people come over they are always surprised by the hot pink kitchen.
The Color Cure: What, if anything, would you do differently next time around?
Sophie: Nothing I would do differently.
The Color Cure: If you had one piece of advice for Apartment Therapy readers, what would it be?
Sophie: Don't be afraid of color, it just might brighten up your every day :)
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I love everything about this kitchen! EXCEPT for the painted over outlet covers. Why oh why do people continue to do this?!
The first kitchen with the green backsplash and black cabinets looks like a brand new kitchen. Not normally a fan of dark cabinets but wow it looks great!
I love both of them! Though if I weren't married, I would love to have a hot pink kitchen. So fun!
I second the comment about painted outlet covers. I've lived in too many rental apartments that had did this and it just looks dirty after awhile. They chip really bad and are hard to clean (especially on a backsplash wall). Otherwise, i love the black cabinets, Dan!!! And painting the wall above them a matching black actually makes the ceiling taller! nice work!
@jenkies- I recently painted my front door deep coral pink and my husband actually loves it. Maybe hot pink isn't you're guy's thing but there are lots of other fun options!!!
Great kitchens! I know we're talking color here, but any tips on how to do a backsplash a la Sophie's silvery tiles in a rental (ie not permanent)?
The second kitchen could definitely do without the lime green accents. I think it kind of cheapens the look, to be honest.
love the first one sooo much!!
i know this sounds totally crazy, but would it be too much to ask that AT stick with ONE typeface for the "before" and "after" type on photos? it really gets to me. preferably something sans serif.
Dan (of the black kitchen), any chance that you can get a black panel for the dishwasher? It would look seamless with that one change.
I honestly don't mind the painted outlets - I find the high contrast of white ones against the bold walls to be worse.
Love the wall paper in the pink kitchen - hot pink, apple green, black and white = very cute.
@ ck8g0:
Thanks for pointing out the black above the upper cabinets; I hadn't noticed it. I agree that it really does make the ceiling look higher. What a great idea! Good job, Dan!
But I don't understand why you didn't fill in the holes from the old drawer pulls? Do you plan on getting new ones? I feel like this kitchen is still in progress and would like to see the "real" after when it's all done.
@Threadbndr - the white panel on the dishwasher might be reversible with black on the other side. Dan should check it out!
Is it really an "after" if the handles on the drawers and cabinets are missing? It kind of seems like an "in progress" photo.
both kitchens look great and most of all- these two owners are happy and have chosen what fits them best.
i am also amazed how negative and demanding people are. it takes more energy to comment something negative but yet it doesn't do anything for anyone (except make you feel good for what- 30 seconds?). wow.
a vote FOR the painted outlet and switches!
the thing that bothers me the most about the outlets is not that the covers are painted -- that's easily and cheaply replaced -- but the fact that the outlets themselves (as well as the switches) are painted. That is going to chip and stain so quickly. It takes 5 seconds to unscrew a switch cover.
They both look great! Good job.
You don't have to go w/ bright white outlet covers... nice stainless steel ones would have matched the appliances nicely. I guess I'm so against them b/c I live in a house that has them all over... and whenever you want to repaint, they are virtually impossible to remove... especially with multiple coats of paint over them. They also make plugging things in difficult w/ multiple coats of paint. And the paint starts chipping off... ugh, it's just a headache for the next person.
(I may seem like I'm being negative, but it's a personal pet peeve. The comments section is for all comments, not just praise.)
I would go with black outlets, switches and covers. They would match the cabinets and wouldn't detract from the rest of the room.
Sometimes there is a fine line between critique and snarkiness. Critique is useful.
LOVE the black and green kitchen, can I come cook for you???
I like the overall idea and look of the black and green kitchen.
But is it possibly still a work in progress?
I couldn't help but notice blue painters tape on the countertop right next to the wall.
And when the old countertop and integral splash was removed it left a VERY noticeable mark on the wall, yet Dan painted right over it without repairing the wall first, which IMO cheapens the end result. I'm also in the group against painted switch and outlet covers.
A little more prep and forethought could have resulted in a kitchen that not only looked great at a first glance, but also upon closer inspection. As it is, it unfortunately falls a little short.
I really wish that AWESOME Gibson Girl wallpaper wrapped around the corner there. But that is an excellent example of what you can do with just a few surface changes... the same accessories appear in before and after and they look so much more purposeful 'after'!
Daily Nuance- you may note that the photo with the blue painters tape does, in fact, say "in progress" ON it. :)
Both are nice. I really love the pink kitchen and it looks amazing with the black and white wallpaper. I am not a big fan of the colored containers you have on top of the microwave in the pink kitchen.
I haven't figured out yet what is wrong with painting light switch covers. I used silver contact paper to cover mine in the bedroom and it looks nice.
about the outlets- Waaaa. Big deal! As mentioned, faceplates are easy to switch, but the outlets and switches aren't a big deal, either. Just be sure to flip the breaker, first! :-)
I think both are fantastic improvements! It certainly has me rethinking the neutral putty color of my kitchen walls
I like both of them very much.
I love them both!!!
Great job on both of these makeovers. I just want to get my 2 cents in here about the painted outlet/switchplate covers. As a professional decorative painter, I always paint these because if you don't, your eye immediately goes to them, as they are too great of a contrast against most painted walls. The key is to remove them from the wall before painting, be sure to prime before painting and once dry, seal with a clear waterbased sealer. I usually spray on the sealer, a few thin coats, drying between coats. Now they are easy to clean and remove if needed.
@ladykatey: I did see the "In Progress" label when I first looked through the images, but somehow put it out of my mind when I saw the painters tape upon more closely looking at the photos!
Glad the painter's tape isn't in the "After" image. But the "After" photo does unfortunately still include that really rough area on the wall where the countertop backsplash once was. Painted/unpainted outlet covers maybe a preference/matter of opinion, but leaving poorly finished walls as-is before painting over them is definitely not the best choice.
The only complaint I have is the wallpaper in the second one. Too many different patterns too close together - counter, paint, cupboards - all different. I would have extended the backsplash tile upwards to line up with the top of the cupboards and painted the rest white like the other wall. I love the pink cabinets and the painted switches. Both kitchens are lovely, though.
I LOVE the green and black kitchen!
Thanks all for the feedback. I always like hearing what people think, and also seeing what things really get people divided, much more interesting to have a love it or hate it argument than an overall meh.
In terms of the painted outlet covers, I'm (obviously) with @paintergirl on this one. At first I didn't paint them, and they just stood out too much, I tried a couple of different covers and didn't like those either, so I decided to paint them. They probably will chip easily, but as @rb233541 pointed out, it only takes 5 seconds to change them if ever I don't like them or they get chipped and I need to replace them with newly painted ones.
As for the roughness behind the counter, I agree, I would like to have gotten rid of that, but try as I might I was unable to. It was the result of the old counter's wrap-up edge, which left binding material on the plaster walls and I wasn't able to get rid of it or smooth it out, I file that one as a next step.
Then there's the cabinet hardware, which is shown as removed even in the 'after' photo. I had originally decided to find new hardware, but wasn't able to find what I liked for a while and got used to not having any there, so I will probably add some back in later (or at least before I sell) but for now I've left it that way.
@rimesq I also agree that the different fonts are ugly, but I imagine that was the intent, ugly cursive before font and improved streamlined font for the after just like the project itself.
Dan, it's good to hear your thought process on how you arrived at the end result, or at least the end result for now. I can better understand and appreciate your choices.
I hope I didn't come across as too negative there in pointing out the rough patch on the wall. I totally understand how a home project can be a progressive one, where you tackle elements at a time, with with successive, and progressive, "end results". For many of us doing the work ourselves, the final result is often not achieved via a single project.
That said, I do think the overall concept of your black, green, and wood kitchen is a great one and it looks amazingly better than it did before.
They both look amazing! Great job!
Oooh, love the little hot pink kitchen!! It would be just that extra little bit of awesomeness I need along with my morning coffee.
this is awesome inspiration. i really want to paint our cabinets a deep orange color. that is my next project!
The pink one is so cute... but my husband would never go for it. :(
Both look great!
merkervil-
someone just posted a temporary diy version of the silver tiles using contact paper on AT. I just did it in my rental and it was a piece of cake.
heres the link:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/before-after/before-after-28-kitchen-backsplash-makeover-a-lease-to-decorate-153647
What's the outrage over painting outlet covers? Semi-gloss should solve the chipping problem. If you're already painting over cabinets, what's different about covers provided it's painted carefully to match (especially for a rare color of accent wall that's hard to match)? When it's gunked in many layers, just start over with a new plate. That 'soulless', stainless look doesn't work for all tastes.
I really like the black and green kitchen; I do agree adding hardware (or puttying/painting the holes) would kick it up another notch. I don't mind the contrast of the dishwasher, but given the inspiration, I think the seamless black might better fit the owners aesthetic.
The pink kitchen is fun. One thing caught my attention, though - the comment about the landlord not painting the cabinets white as agreed. Is this a rental? If so, wow! Stripping wallpaper and painting cabinets seems like a lot of work before moving...
oops owner'S aesthetic
Love them....both. That wallpaper on the second one, I am in love with!
Love the pink kitchen, but would love to see the wallpaper extended to the adjoining walls.
You know what I'd really love to see? Someone who has transformed their apartment kitchen *without* painting their wood cabinets. Not because I prefer the look (I do not), but because there are those of us who do not have this luxury. I would love to see how someone else has dealt with this design obstacle.
Days later and I am still thinking about that pink kitchen makeover.
@merkervil, you could have a piece of paneling, or Masonite, sometimes called "hardboard" cut to fit your backsplash and adhere that to the wall with a few screws and then tile the board. When you move, just take off the tiles that are over your screws and unscrew the panel from the wall, patch holes if that's what your landlord expects, and you're on your way. Regarding the painted outlets, I too, can understand painting the outlet COVERS. But not the actual recepticals. The poster is right--the recepticals look really awful after awhile. That's what chips--not so much the covers, but the actual fixture where the prongs go. And that's not such an easy fix as buying an inexpensive outlet cover. And if I could just vent for a minute: Decorators, pros or amateurs--Please, can we start phasing out "pop of color" (and its several variations). What a cliche' that has gotten to be. Let's all get reacquainted with our thesauruses!
WOW I'm impressed!
Rorshack inkblots as artwork: Love them before and after!
Love the second kitchen (why aren't these two posts instead of one?). Would have loved to see both the backsplash and the wall paper wrap around the corner and extend to the end of the wall. Right now seems a tad disjointed.
I also wish the counter top, and the island top were white, and that the bottom of the island were pink. But, I know I'm asking a lot, it's a rental. My kitchen looks no where near this good. I have a long wish list I'd love to do with my very ugly rental kitchen.
Still a huge improvement and kudos for taking a chance. Would love to see the rest of your apartment. Do you have a lot of hot pink?
love dan's kitchen the only con i have is that he didn't fill the holes where the old handles were, though i see his reasoning. I adore the makeover though not a usually big fan of the dark cabinets or that shade of green usually but it looks stunning! I also love the counter top, i love the butchers block look. I dont really see the roughness, or rather it doesnt bother me. well done dan color me impressed.
my sister would DIE for that pink kitchen, it makes me think of Marylin Monroe for some reason and it is beyond 1,000 times better than the before!
Wow, the second kitchen really blows me away, to think those are the same cabinets, it looks much more inviting instead of dated.
Both look fantastic! Well done, guys. I'm partial to the 2nd (since I love pink and am not a big green fan), but both transformations are fantastic!
Second kitchen - I LOVE the wallpaper. Since they only did one partial wall it doesn't overwhelm or seem as intimidating of a project. I have a whole new perspective on wallpaper now - I might actually have a use for it.
Much better in each case! I love the wallpaper and cabinets in the second, but I feel like there's a little too much going on with that stainless steel backsplash as well.
Or maybe the wallpaper just needs to continue around the corner, because something is a bit distracting and it may be the white wall, as opposed to the backsplash.
Fiona, I agree on their being too much going on in the pink kitchen. Overall, I liked the daring choices with the pink, but it seems like there is too much happening between the pink, wallpaper, and backsplash.
Dan, I think your kitchen is wonderful. After reading a little more on your comments, your choices (hardware and outlets) make a little more sense. I'm not usually in the camp for painting outlet covers, but your reasoning is sound. I have not been turned on the outlets themselves, as they are harder to replace, and if chips get into the outlet, can cause intermittent problems.
I would be interested to see what your hardware choice would be. Overall, I thought your kitchen was absolutely fabulous!
the first kitchen is great! not a fan of the painted outlets either, but read your comment and understand. wish i was more bold with color! i'm normally a green hater, but i like that kitchen!
I can't believe that hot pink kitchen! This is the exact color we had in our small suburban kitchen in the late '50s. It added such panache to an otherwise blah space. (Dad did not have a problem with the color; he was the one who painted the cabinets.)
When they remodeled the kitchen in the 60s, the hot pink cabinets and laminate countertops went to the cellar to create my Dad's workshop. He never changed the cabinet color. That pink enamel still looked good 35 years later when the house was sold.
Regarding the painted switches and outlets. If you paint the plates, not the "electrical parts" (switches and receptacles), you should have enough harmony with the wall, assuming the electrical parts are a normal neutral color. Take the plates off, then treat them and their screws like the commenter above recommends, then put them back on, it's a matter of a moment to do.
In a natural living situation, there will be something plugged into those anyway, like a coffee pot or a little fan, and they become extremely invisible.
I think painting switches and outlets is against code. Eventually they become un-usable. I've lived in places like that.
Margaret
Big deal on the painted outlets! The thing that bothers me is that nobody thought to mention how unsafe it is to have NON-GFI outlets near water fixtures ie sink/faucet and dishwasher. That is a code violation breaker 1 - 9er.
I want to paint my kitchen green, but I am having trouble finding a good shade of green. Does anyone know what color was used on the green and black kitchen?
Is there any way I can have both of these kitchens?
Those are bright kitchens but I love how there is a unique personal touch in them.
Dan - You mentioned wanting to try a tile backsplash, that would also be a way to help hide the ugliness left on the wall! As long as the wall is level enough so that the tiles will lay flat, you won't see the issues. I also think it would really improve the look of the kitchen, and it's not too hard to do. I say go for it!
The individual components in kitchen #2 seem ridiculous, yet all together they make that room incredible! I like my home to look super calm, but seeing that picture makes me think my kitchen is the one spot where I need a dose of visual caffeine. Thanks for this insight.
And for the record, I love kitchen #1 too.
...But in kitchen #1 I totally would slap some silver plates over the outlet and light switch.