My son’s first home is a three-bedroom, one bath rental home. As in most rentals, there is typically not much that can be done but if there’s a will, there’s a way!
The kitchen is the heart of our home, so this is where I started. I wanted a kitchen that will be clean and functional so that they can always prepare healthy food that will nurture their minds, bodies and souls. It needs space for fun and learning activities for the boys, also serving as the homework area while they cook.
So, armed with a shopping list and a Pinterest board, I darted off to the local thrift shops and Walmart as soon we arrived in San Antonio. With all our home moves, I have always relied on the following basic supplies:
Natural Cleaners - white vinegar, baking soda and Dawn
Cleaning Supplies - Towels, Brushes and bleach
Cupboard liner and wood print contact paper
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Pinterest board ideas
The kitchen was a priority. Since we flew with the grandkids, we had to make sure that it was clean and ready for food preparation. First, we emptied out all cabinets and drawers, thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and lined the interiors. All the counters and walls were also disinfected with bleach overnight.
(This is the kitchen before)
Then we organized all its contents back into separate colored baskets for the cupboards, the drawers and the pantry. From the Texas Thrift, we found a bunch of signs and picture frames as well as red glass vase shaped like a candelabra and from the Dollar Tree, we bought:
White square dishes and salad bowls, and utensils
Sponge holder and cupboard dish organizers
Various shapes and sizes of plastic baskets
A battery operated candle
After washing and detailing all the items from the thrift store, we decided not to repaint nor repurpose anything. It turns out my daughter-in-law liked the items that my son and I bought before she arrived. So to make the kitchen a place to lounge and enjoy, we removed the curtains that were blocking the natural light.
The appliances were arranged on the counter next to the stove so that by the sink, they could have a clutter free breakfast bar. As for the cabinet faces, I decided to use contact paper to cover the chipped edges and to give the kitchen a cleaner and more balanced look.
Before and After photos
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Counter by the stove
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The cupboard
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Spice cabinet
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The Pantry
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The old and the DIY rehabbed undersink cabinet
Now in the breakfast nook, a KITCHEN sign above the window was hung to soften the look of the odd protruding ceiling. We arranged three frames vertically on the left angled wall to give the illusion of height in this very small space.
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On the center wall, we used a Memory/Gathered sign (see photo below) and planned to buy a large EAT sign. But when Andi walked in with a large blanket-wrapped item from her many trips unloading her car, my jaw dropped and my heart skipped and fluttered, she just brought in the two pieces that would make their home elegant! It was my thrifted large wall mirrors from a Las Vegas hotel liquidator.
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So here's how I left what hopefully would be the heart of their new home. The memory/gather sign was moved to the top of the fridge and Andi will hang EAT very soon.
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For the next blog, I will show you what I did with the other large mirror in what’s fast becoming the new heart of the home, the bathroom!
Links to other "The Art of: Creating a Home" series!
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