Welcome back to another exciting update on our kitchen transformation! It feels like every week brings us closer to realizing the vision for this central hub of our home. Last week, we celebrated a significant milestone as we meticulously primed and painted all the trim, doors, crown molding, and paneling a crisp, clean white. The impact of a fresh coat of white paint is always astounding, instantly brightening and modernizing any space. This initial step laid the perfect foundation for the vibrant color that was soon to follow.
Today, we’re thrilled to unveil the next major step: the walls are now beautifully coated in Nelson Blue! This serene, light blue hue is precisely the color we’ve envisioned for the kitchen from the very beginning, promising to infuse the room with a calm and inviting atmosphere. The contrast between the brilliant white trim and the soft blue walls is already creating a truly inspiring palette, hinting at the warm and welcoming space this kitchen will become. This wasn’t just about applying paint; it was about bringing a long-held design dream to life.
Can we all take a collective, deep breath of relief together? The days of staring at worn-out wallpaper, unsightly spackle holes, and raw drywall peeking from behind removed cabinets are finally behind us! It’s a truly liberating feeling to see these imperfections vanished, replaced by smooth, pristine surfaces. This transformative change signifies not just aesthetic improvement but also the meticulous effort and dedication poured into preparing every inch of these walls. The kitchen already feels significantly cleaner, brighter, and more inviting, marking a pivotal moment in our renovation journey. Ahhhh, what a difference a fresh coat makes!
Update: We’ve received a few questions about the old intercom system and why it hasn’t been removed yet. The truth is, we’re still pondering its future. We’re considering retrofitting it with a modern system, perhaps one that allows us to stream music (like an iPod) to each room. For now, our plan is to cleverly conceal the entire unit by covering that section of the wall with a beautiful, framed pinboard or a piece of artwork. This way, the wiring remains intact for a potential future conversion, keeping our options open while ensuring the aesthetics of the room aren’t compromised by the outdated hardware.
Strategic Appliance Updates: The Microwave Saga
Achieving this level of perfection involved far more than just applying paint. For instance, you might have noticed a significant absence: our large, over-the-range microwave has disappeared from the kitchen scene. This appliance was the sole item we targeted for replacement in Phase 1 of our kitchen makeover. Its prominent placement was quite overwhelming, making the cooking area feel cramped and obscuring the stove. From a performance standpoint, we’ve always found traditional range hoods to be superior in ventilation compared to microwave-vent combos. This decision was a blend of aesthetics, functionality, and our long-term vision for a more open and efficient kitchen layout.
Our solution? A sleek stainless steel countertop microwave. We snagged this beauty for just $78 at Home Depot, a fantastic markdown from its original $139 price! The plan is to eventually “install” it into our pantry, which simply requires adding an outlet for it. This isn’t just a temporary fix for Phase 1; we envision this compact, efficient microwave serving us well into Phase 2 and beyond, proving that smart budget choices can also be long-term solutions for a modern kitchen. It frees up valuable counter space now and will integrate seamlessly into our pantry design later, maintaining a clean and uncluttered main kitchen area.
Removing the old over-the-range microwave wasn’t entirely straightforward, but we persevered. The main challenge involved unscrewing it from above, through the upper cabinet. The screws were recessed a few inches deep, making it tricky for our drill to reach comfortably in the dark cavity. This is where our DIY ingenuity truly shone: we broke out Clara’s thin, battery-powered fairy lights, originally part of her Halloween costume, to provide crucial illumination. It was a classic “MacGyvering” moment that proved indispensable for navigating the tight, dark space and safely detaching the appliance.
Throughout the removal process, I made sure to support the cabinet from below. This was critical because once Sherry successfully loosened the screws from above, I could safely guide the hefty microwave down. That thing was surprisingly heavy! While some might attribute the weight to dried food splatters inside, it was more likely all the intricate wiring and structural components that made it such a beast to handle. This coordinated effort ensured a safe and controlled removal, preventing any damage to the surrounding cabinetry or ourselves.
With the microwave successfully out of the way, we next tackled the old mounting bracket and a dated vinyl backsplash behind it. We were keen on a seamless, painted wall for this phase of the kitchen’s transformation. Our experience in our first house’s fully renovated kitchen taught us that a painted backsplash, when done with durable, wipeable paint, holds up incredibly well—even against frequent spaghetti splatters! This time, we aimed for a consistent aesthetic, allowing the beautiful Nelson Blue to extend uninterrupted across the wall where the microwave once stood.
Fortunately, the pliable sheet of vinyl backsplash came off with surprising ease; Sherry simply used a spackle knife to pry it away. However, it left the wall beneath quite pock-marked and uneven. While initially disheartening, we knew it was nothing a little spackle couldn’t expertly handle. This minor setback was a common occurrence in our renovation projects, and we were well-prepared with our patching supplies to ensure a perfectly smooth canvas for the paint.
The Art of Preparation: Patching and Priming for Perfection
Our spackle was already out and in heavy rotation, as the entire room presented numerous holes and imperfections that needed attention. Many of these were remnants of previous decor, ranging from tiny nail holes to larger anchors. In some areas, the extent of the damage was quite significant; we’re talking about upwards of 20 nail holes within just a three-foot radius! Achieving a truly smooth and flawless finish for our new paint required meticulous filling and sanding of every single one of these blemishes. This preparatory phase, though often tedious, is absolutely crucial for a professional-looking result.
We managed to finish all the patching just before embarking on a whirlwind road trip to New Jersey for Thanksgiving. It wasn’t until our return on Friday afternoon that we could finally roll out the primer for its first essential coat. Many of you might have caught a glimpse of this exciting progress on our Instagram feed that very evening! Seeing the walls transition from patched-up chaos to a uniform, clean slate was incredibly satisfying and a true testament to the power of proper surface preparation.
Even though we were painting a relatively light color over an already bright wall, we made the conscious decision to apply a primer coat first. This wasn’t an arbitrary choice but a strategic move based on two key considerations:
- Addressing Unprimed Surfaces: The areas of the walls that were previously hidden behind the removed cabinets had never been primed or painted. It’s fundamental best practice to always prime raw drywall before applying any paint to ensure proper adhesion, a smooth finish, and to prevent uneven absorption.
- Cost-Effective Paint Absorption: Walls that haven’t been painted for several years, or even those with previous coats, can sometimes be surprisingly thirsty, soaking up more paint than anticipated (a lesson we learned while painting Clara’s room!). By applying a primer first, we allow the walls to absorb the cheaper primer instead of consuming excess amounts of the more expensive topcoat paint. Typically, one coat of primer followed by two coats of paint is more economical than needing three or more coats of paint to achieve full coverage, as it often means buying fewer gallons of finish paint.
We efficiently tackled our primer coat during Clara’s nap that afternoon, employing our tried-and-true system: Sherry handles the meticulous “cutting-in” around edges and trim, while I follow with the roller for the broader wall surfaces. This familiar teamwork allowed us to transform the room from its pre-primer state, characterized by varied wall tones and patching marks…
…to this remarkably clean and uniform canvas. Don’t mind the temporary piles of furniture and supplies shifted to the center of the room, safely away from the walls. The difference is night and day, wouldn’t you agree? The primer alone created a sense of calm and order, already making the kitchen feel significantly more refreshed and ready for its final color. It was a visual confirmation that all our prep work was indeed paying off.
Embracing Color: The Nelson Blue Transformation
This satisfying photograph was captured Saturday morning, precisely when we were gearing up to introduce the much-anticipated Nelson Blue paint to the walls. The anticipation was palpable; we were eager to see how this carefully chosen shade would interact with the newly refreshed white trim and paneling, finally bringing our vision for the kitchen’s ambiance to life. The moment of opening that paint can and stirring the color felt like a true turning point in this phase of our renovation.
To make our painting job a bit smoother – especially for Sherry, who excels at the detailed cutting-in work – we strategically taped off a few particularly tight spots. For instance, the narrow gap between two doors called for precise protection. By carefully applying tape along the edge of the door frame, we ensured that the crisp white molding would remain pristine, shielded from any stray paint. This allowed Sherry to concentrate fully on achieving perfect coverage on the wall, without the added stress of accidentally messing up the adjacent white trim. In less constrained areas, her seven years of experience as the “cutter-inner” in our DIY duo meant she could confidently freehand with impressive precision, a testament to skill developed over countless projects.
In our quest for a truly seamless and updated look, we also decided to paint over a couple of lingering eyesores in the room. This included the yellowed doorbell box and an old phone jack located next to the intercom unit. Integrating these elements into the new wall color instantly minimized their visual impact, allowing them to blend into the background rather than stand out as distractions. This small but impactful detail contributes significantly to the overall refreshed and cohesive aesthetic of the kitchen, demonstrating that attention to minor elements can yield major results.
Initially, after applying the first coat, we had a slight moment of concern that the Nelson Blue might be a tad too faint. However, our worries quickly dissipated as the paint began to dry. As it cured, the color deepened and revealed its true character, showing up much more distinctly on the walls. It’s always fascinating to witness how paint transforms as it dries, revealing the rich undertones and vibrancy that were initially subtle. The soft, welcoming blue gradually emerged, perfectly complementing the white trim and paneling, creating the tranquil atmosphere we had envisioned.
We absolutely adore the final color! The Nelson Blue has truly captivated us. It almost feels like a subtle nod to the wall color from our very first kitchen, yet this shade is distinctly lighter and carries a more pronounced green undertone, giving it a unique freshness. The horizontal paneling around the bottom half of the room adds an extra layer of texture and architectural interest, elevating the overall design. We’ll admit, it’s a bit challenging to fully appreciate the new wall color in isolation when the room is still waiting for its new countertops, cabinets, and flooring. We’re definitely in that classic “middle” stage of renovation, where not everything makes perfect sense until all the pieces start coming together. However, as we tick off more items on our list, the cohesive vision will undoubtedly crystallize, making this blue even more spectacular.
Despite being in the midst of the renovation, we can unequivocally celebrate the immense progress we’ve made. We’ve come such a long way from where we started, and the transformation is truly remarkable. Looking back at the initial state of the kitchen, it’s incredibly gratifying to see how much has changed, bringing us closer to our dream space. Every brushstroke and every tackled task is a step forward, and that in itself is cause for celebration and continued motivation.
What’s truly exciting is how, from certain angles, you can almost trick yourself into believing the room is much closer to completion. For instance, the view looking into the kitchen from the front door is dramatically improved. The fresh paint and clean lines create a welcoming glimpse, offering a tantalizing preview of the finished space. These small victories are crucial for keeping spirits high during a lengthy renovation, reminding us of the ultimate goal.
The little breakfast area, in particular, is already shaping up to be a beautiful combination of white trim, charming horizontal planking, and the calming blue walls, ready for the addition of rustic wood elements. It’s a harmonious blend that speaks to the cozy, inviting atmosphere we’re aiming for. For now, we’ll gently ask you to ignore the prominent intercom on the wall and the decidedly dated fake brick floor – those are challenges for a different day, or perhaps for Phase 2! Focus instead on the emerging potential and the captivating interplay of colors and textures that are beginning to define this lovely corner.
Our Kitchen Renovation Journey: Phase 1 Checklist
With these latest accomplishments, here’s an updated look at our Phase 1 kitchen to-do list. We’re proud to announce that we’ve officially crossed off nine significant items, and we have nine more to go! The good news is that many of the remaining tasks, like switching out light fixtures and hanging shelves, promise to be a welcome relief after the intensive priming and painting marathon we just completed. However, we’re keenly aware that the 15th bullet point – painting the cabinets – is set to be a multi-step, multi-day extravaganza in itself! But with each checkmark, we’re steadily transforming this kitchen into the dream space we’ve always wanted.
Removed wallpaper, a major undertaking that instantly brightened the space.Moved the fridge cabinet forward to improve kitchen flow and usability.Removed upper cabinets on the window wall, prepping for stylish open shelving.Reinstalled crown molding, restoring architectural detail and elegance(you can read about how we tackled these initial four steps here).Primed & painted the pantry and the door to the garage for a fresh, cohesive look.Primed & painted the trim, crown molding, & baseboards a crisp white.Primed & painted the paneling, adding character and depth to the walls(you can read about how we completed these last three tasks here).Primed and painted the walls in our chosen Nelson Blue, dramatically changing the room’s ambiance.Removed the existing microwave (and considered selling it on Craigslist!) and acquired a countertop version for eventual pantry installation.- Install a sleek and functional range hood to visually lighten the cooking area and enhance ventilation.
- Patch and paint the ceiling for a cohesive, finished look that ties the room together.
- Replace the outdated fluorescent light in the cooking area and update the pendant fixture over the sink with modern alternatives.
- Replace and center the light fixture over the dining table, improving both illumination and aesthetics.
- Hang stylish floating shelves on the window wall, providing both storage and an opportunity for decorative display.
- Professionally paint the cabinets to introduce our chosen color palette, a key element in our kitchen’s new identity (you can see the colors we’re currently leaning towards here).
- Update the old cabinet hinges and knobs with modern hardware for a completely refreshed and contemporary feel.
- Consider adding a cozy rug for the eat-in area to define the space and add warmth; possibly explore installing peel-and-stick tiles everywhere for a budget-friendly floor refresh.
- Select and install new curtains for the windows, adding softness, privacy, and another layer of design.
*For a deeper dive into why we’ve chosen these specific steps for Phase 1 (including our rationale for painting the cabinets, why we’re not attempting to paint the linoleum flooring, and a preview of what’s on the agenda for Phase 2), you’ll find extensive background information in this comprehensive post.
Our Favorite Paint Colors
Selecting the perfect paint color can be one of the most daunting, yet rewarding, decisions in any home project. If you find yourself struggling to pick just the right shade to transform your room, don’t worry! We’ve done the legwork and compiled detailed deep-dive posts about some of our absolute favorite and most versatile paint colors. These resources are packed with insights, tips, and real-world examples to help you make an informed choice and achieve a stunning result.
- The 12 Best White Paint Colors
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White