12.14.2010

Distraction Decorating in the Kitchen

OK, I think I would like to officially coin a new phrase: Distraction Decorating. As in, parts of my new house are a bit dated, and I'd like to distract you from noticing. Make a big fuss over here, and maybe you won't notice stuff over there.

Here is a photo (taken on my phone) of the kitchen and breakfast area, the day we moved in:

And here is the same vantage point, today:

Of course the lighting and the camera are better in the second photo. But mainly I have added paint and fabric and rugs to distract you. Now, instead of staring at the linoleum floor and older carpet and dated wood paneling, maybe you will stare at my cute stuff instead. See? Distraction Decorating.

Here's another angle of the same kitchen, on the day we toured with the owners.

Same angle, after some paint and other little tricks.
I am loving this combo of plates on the wall:

I replaced all the light switch covers with brass ones. I think it makes it feel more glitzy or something. And the wall color is Sherwin Williams "Comfort Gray."

Below is one of my favorite shots, because you see my wall of plates AND my most favorite curtains. There are birds on that fabric, maybe partridges or quails, I really have no idea. But the red pattern on the butter-colored background is so pretty! I bought the fabric on clearance at Denver Fabrics in (you guessed it!) Denver before we moved. I think it was $3 a yard.

My chalkboard looks great on the other wall, and it's fun to have the table coming out from the wall at that angle, instead of floating in the middle of the room and blocking the traffic flow. Plus it gives me a good spot for my favorite lamp, which I use at night instead of the fluorescent lights in the ceiling. Another Distraction Decorating trick!

Renting a house is a new world for us. I am used to being able to rip up carpet, paint anything I want, and generally wreck it all up as I see fit. As a renter, I have to tread carefully, and it's a new challenge. Hence, Distraction Decorating. Wait till I show you what else I've done! The family room is up next. See you soon!


20 comments:

Jodee said...

You go girl! Your kitchen looks fabulous! I had no idea you were renting. That would be a challenge in itself!

Every Day Blessings said...

I can't believe all that you have done in such a short time. It looks like home and is darling!

Heather L. said...

What an amazing transformation! You did a great job - love it!

The Starr Family said...

I love it... paneling and all :) It really is amazing what you can do with a few key pieces and placement! Can't wait to see what you have up next!

Andrea said...

Yup, you're brilliant. You could decorate anything and make it cute! Wonder if the owners would let you paint the kitchen cab's =)

Windy said...

What a transformation! I LOVE the fabric with the birds :) It doesn't look like the same house!

Bette said...

I love what you have done! It looks sooo much better! I didn't even notice any of the things you were trying to distract us from.

Jboo said...

You are so good! It looks fabulous!!

Janet

Heidi @ Everyday Families said...

Looks so great, I was so distracted! :)

Lori Allberry said...

Wow, wow, wow!
It looks AMAAAAAAAAAZING!!!!

You are good girl!

♥Lori

Amber said...

It looks beautiful Carrie! I LOVE those curtains. You really know how to pull a room together with pretty details. The Comfort Grey looks fab too. I definitely don't notice the dated cabinets or wood paneling. I think with your decor, the wood tones actually create a nice warmth to your kitchen.

Angie said...

Wow! You did a beautiful job as usual! I really love your plates and curtains! Great job Carrie I can't wait to see your other rooms!

Lana said...

I love what you have done! Everything looks great!

Jo said...

You have always had such a talent for turning a house into a home. It looks fabulous!

Jo

Amber said...

You are so right that all of your charming decorating attracts your eye instead of the bones of the house. It looks cozy and homey! Great work! I would not have identified your after as the same room as "before."

AUDREY {LIL' BOOGER BLOG} said...

Very nice! You have done a great job! Can't believe you have got so much done in such lil' amount of time! :) Please visit me is you have time www.lilboogerbows.com

Anonymous said...

Is that carpet in the kitchen area? Whoa! owners should atleast let you rip out the carpet in the kitchen eating area. I remembering my first apt. and it had carpet in the "dining area" it was such a hassle to vacuum each bread crumb! How do you manage it somewhat clean with kids in the mix? I see your microwave on top of the fridge..never seen that before. Is hubby the only one who can reach it? You sure are making it a home sweet home ;o)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for showing those of us that rent a few tips on making our rentals cuter. Can't wait to see what else you come up. I wish my husband would let me paint. He doesn't want to "spend" our money on making our landlords property better. UGH

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