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Do You Have Open Shelving?

CasaSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:45:24 -0700

Americans are too attached to their kitchen cupboards. It's as if they'd never considered storage other than upper cabinets. Open shelving can actually make a kitchen feel open, relieving the tight, cramped feeling that many kitchens have, in addition to leaving space to display artwork and other decorative elements. But if you don't have matching dishes or you're not diligent about stacking them neatly, open shelving can look sloppy. And of course, open shelves attract dust more easily.

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DIY: Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

CasaSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:50:01 -0700

Day-lab DIY posted before and after photos of the process of painting her kitchen cabinets, along with simple instructions for her readers to do the same. She went for '40s style inspired green cabinets with a white trim. The photos are so inspiring, especially for those of us burdened with dingy '60s cabinets, and not intimidating in the least. So, I thought I'd pass this project along.

Oil-based paint is the suggested paint of choice because it provides a lasting coat that won't peel off over time. If you're on a budget you can go for acrylic latex paint, but at least get a semi-gloss.

Here are the steps:

Remove the cabinet doors completely.
Remove the hardware.
Sand the cabinets until no glossy sheen is left.
Clean well with tack cloth.
Prime with a latex primer (i.e. Klitz).
Paint three coats of latex paint onto the cabinet surfaces and trims (i.e. green and white), or 2 coats of oil-based paint.
After the final coats dry, apply three clear protective coats of Polycrylic (if you used latex).

For more photos, tips and details on fixing your ugly cabinets, read more

Before:

During:

After:

Don't ever paint when it's raining. The paint will not cure properly, and your cabinets will have to be stripped and repainted.
Latex dries and can be re-coated in about an hour. After 45 minutes, make sure it doesn't feel sticky. If it does, wait until it feels dry and smooth.
Polycrylic water base dries in about 30 minutes to 40 minutes.
Oil base takes 24 to 48 hours to dry for one coat. So, it's faster to to do 6 coats of latex and polycrylic than 2 coats of oil base.
Latex washes up wet with soap and water, and dry with a little spritz of windex.
Oil base paint won't wash up with water, but will with some mineral spirits.
If you're replacing '60s hardware too, look for new hardware with screws spaced similarly, so they will fit the existing hardware.
If you're painting over old paint that is sloppy or drippy, there is no need to strip the old paint off. Just sand down the bumps and roughen up the rest of the surface, prime, paint, and seal.
An angled trim brush will give you more control, and small detail brushes are good for drips and panels.

See day-lab DIY's post.

Steal of the Day: Kitchen Storage Cabinet

CasaSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:00:06 -0700

Do you live in a house that's severely lacking in built-in kitchen space? No worries - you can add some much-needed storage space with this Montgomery Ward Kitchen Cabinet ($99.99, originally $149.99). With a classic shape, four drawers, and a one-door cabinet with adjustable shelving, it will add a welcome cache for additional servingware or table linens. I know I could have used this little unit in my last house. How about you?

Do You Have Colored Cabinetry?

CasaSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:00:35 -0700

These vibrant green cabinets are not something I'd choose for my own home, but seeing this bold color choice has got me to thinking about how rare colored cabinets in general are. White and wood stains are pretty much the standard when it comes to kitchen cabinetry, although there are some common exceptions like the Ikea Akrum Cabinet. But I rarely see even a more subtle color like light blue. Do you have colored cabinets? If so, tell me what color in the comments below!

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Before and After: Julie's Bright and Cheery Kitchen Makeover

CasaSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:00:21 -0700

Julie, who writes the awesome blog Mamaphunk, recently took her kitchen from drab to fab with a total makeover. She writes, "My husband and I did everything except install the cabinets and countertops, we're good but not that good! I wanted to go for an Anthropologie-like vibe and I think I did a decent job. I also love color and really wanted to make a splash."
Here's how the kitchen looked before Julie got started. To see how she infused this dull space with color and life, read more. I love the bright pops of green that have given this kitchen new life and energy. These two shades are ones that I would never have thought of putting together, yet I adore the effect. It's unexpected, lively, and fun. I'm also a huge fan of the tin tiles that Julie has used as a backsplash along the wall. And of course, the new cabinets and countertops are a huge improvement. Take the full tour when you check out the gallery!

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On the Market: Sleep in Edward Cullen's Bedroom

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:37:06 -0800

All right, Twilight fans, here's your chance to get a little closer to Edward Cullen. The Vancouver residence that the Cullens inhabit in the New Moon film is for sale for $3.3 million through Soprovich Realty.

The five-bedroom, four-bath home is a modernist's dream, with extensive use of glass and post and beam style throughout the soaring, open spaces. The fantastic views of the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape only add to this home's considerable charm. According to the realtor's listing,

"The Cullen House" as seen in the recent world-wide hit saga - "Twilight: New moon"!! Arthur Erickson's finest and totally renovated in 2001, this award-winning residence is situated on a private 1/2 acre creekside property nestled amongst a gorgeous greenbelt and towering trees. Tastefully remodeled by Brian Hemingway, this home has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, with the finest detail and quality available.

The home features a private studio with koi pond, concrete, slate, wool carpet, and cherry floors, a chef's kitchen, cherry cabinets, granite countertops, 20-foot-high ceilings, an outdoor pool, and a huge media room overlooking a nearby creek. Absolutely gorgeous, for vampires and humans alike.

Take the complete tour when you read more.

This is not the same house used in Twilight. That house was designed by architect Jeff Kovel of Skylab Architecture. For New Moon, the filming was moved to Vancouver, BC, and the Erickson-designed house, which was also featured in the John Cusack film Martian Child, became the Cullen home for the second film in the Twilight saga.

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Casa Quickie: Warm Up Your Kitchen With Red Appliances

CasaSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:18 -0800

Not ready to take the plunge and invest in an all red kitchen? Then create a big impact with minimal color investment by using a red stove or refrigerator in your kitchen. You can paint the rest of the kitchen with more neutral colors, or, as in this Amsterdam kitchen, you can choose gorgeous natural wooden cabinets.

Wondering where you can find red appliances? Check out Big Chill for gorgeous appliances in red, orange, blue, and a number of other colors.

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Midday Muse: Freestanding Kitchen Cabinets

CasaSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:00:57 -0800

In Europe, it's very common to use freestanding cabinets in the kitchen and armoires in the bedroom, but in the United States, built-in cabinetry and closets are the norm. In fact, a trend of open shelving is only just beginning to happen here. I definitely see the appeal of freestanding units, though. If your style happens to change, or your cabinets aren't in such great shape, it's much easier to replace a single piece of furniture than renovate your entire kitchen. There's also more of a feeling of openness with freestanding unites. Built-ins offer counter space, though, which is a plus.
If you went with an armoire or hutch, you'd naturally also have to purchase a table or island to do your cutting. Does your house have built-in or freestanding cabinets? If you had the opportunity and the funds to renovate, would you opt for freestanding furniture? Tell me by commenting below!
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Link Time!

CasaSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:37 -0800

Danny Seo made a visit to the new Crosby Street Hotel. - Daily Danny

This DIY button lighting has me looking for my sewing kit already. - AT:NY

Learn to make this cute felt circles ornament. - Craftzine

Crow over this farm-chic decorating. - Shelterpop

Find some new tree ornaments to love, and hang. - Poppytalk

I adore these faucet handles used on kitchen cabinets. - Shelterrific

Room Therapy: Help Me Choose Paint Colors!

Casa Community — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:14 -0800

Just in time for Color Theory month, Hvenbnd needs your help in choosing colors for her home! Read on to find out what she's looking for. Hi CasaSugar Readers,

I need your help ASAP! I recently experienced some water damage to my 1942 custom bungalow. As a result the wonderful insurance company has come through and has agreed to re-install new hardwood floors in my dining room and living room, paint the entire kitchen (including cabinets) laundry room, dining room, living room and to install a new kitchen floor.

My problem is choosing paint color for my rooms! I am so overwhelmed with all the options I have been researching. We are eclectic in our tastes, and have mixed antiques and modern midcentury pieces in our home. I collect Shag prints, which are bold and bright with lots of oranges and greens. I also collect tikis but hate the beachy thing. My husband is an airbrush artist and tends toward bold deep color.

For more pictures of this reader's home, and to hear more about what she's looking for,
Now, the house: We have 8 foot ceilings in the living area and dining area with coved ceilings and curved walls. I am installing recessed lighting in all three rooms. The red kitchen island that sits in the dining room in the pictures obviously belongs in the kitchen and will be painted as well. The house has lots of nooks and crannies and built in cabinets and bookcases. Can you help me pick some amazing paint colors? I will post the finished result for your viewing pleasure!

P.S. I am looking for a chesterfield sofa for the living room in what I envision to be olive green leather. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!
Hvenbnd

Do you have advice for Hvenbnd? Leave a comment! Have interesting photos of your home to share? Then post them in the Su Casa group.
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