Monday, May 11, 2015

A Farmhouse Kitchen ~ Painted Counters {Before & Afters}

Hello! I hope you're doing well.

After painting our dark green, formica-topped, built-in desk, I developed a bit of an addiction. I've since moved on to painting our dining room buffet and over the last couple of weeks, I've painted all of our kitchen countertops.

While I love the look of marble and also the warmth of butcher block, neither option was in our near-term budget. Since I really disliked the dark green formica, I didn't think of this project as very "risky"... just an affordable way to update, until we can do something more lasting.



Here's the before...


And the after...


One more before...


And after...


Different lighting helps to show the arbor with wisteria through the windows...


I used the same painting technique that I used here. So, although the paint is non-toxic, I won't be doing any food prep directly on my counters. I'm used to that, since I used cutting boards with the formica as well. 

At our last house, we had granite counters, and I do miss the ease. But, we're so grateful to be here and can easily work with what we have.



A stepstool for my youngest helper... 



I'm very happy with the change! Here's to hoping it holds up well...for awhile. ;)

Thank you for stopping by!

xo

33 comments:

  1. Your kitchen looks great with the new painted countertops! I love that the stove faces the living room. Can't wait to have a place of our own to spiffy up! Blessings

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    1. Yes, it is nice to have the stove facing the family room! You will do a great job nesting! :)

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  2. This is so pretty and bright...a real transformation!

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  3. Everything looks so pretty. Great job updating the counters without spending a lot!

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  4. Looking good-very light and airy!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you - yes, it really made the kitchen so much lighter and brighter.

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  5. Again I've done this myself, and so has a friend of mine nd the little imperfections don't hurt the look at all.... Your kitchen is amazing and from here on in there is not a thing that won't add to its farmhouse beauty.

    Altered at its best.

    Xoxo
    Dore

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    1. Ah, that's good to hear! It felt a little unconventional (to paint formica), but I'm so glad I did... I don't miss the shiny dark green! :)

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  6. I was wondering why we hadn't heard from you in awhile. Now I can see that you've been very busy.
    Nice to see you back.
    *Smiles*

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    Replies
    1. Oh bless you ~ it's nice to be missed! :) Thank you and hope you're having a great day!

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  7. Your kitchen is so charming! I love the painted countertops. It makes everything look so much lighter and more spacious. I also love the stretch of windows above your sink. what a great view!

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  8. Wow, what a difference! I would not have thought you could do that. This Fall I want to paint the reddish tinted wood in our living room white. Love how your counters turned out!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  9. Hey Julie! Great job! Your home looks beautiful! So fresh and clean! Ha! You would never know you have kids! Ha! Take care! Your farm friend,Cindy

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  10. I love your kitchen! I like clean white kitchens. I know granite is popular, but most of it looks dirty-ish to me.

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  11. Wow! Looks like a totally new kitchen. The lighter counter tops make the kitchen look
    larger.
    I love the lavender topiaries. I know our Costco didn't have them and then found them at our local garden center.

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  12. What a difference a little paint makes. Looks wonderful.

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  13. You've done a wonderful makeover for your kitchen. I love everything you've done and how light and airy your kitchen is.

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  14. LOVE LOVE the way they turned out...your kitchen is so pretty!! Featuring you Wednesday at SYS:-)

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  15. I really like this look. Much lighter and brighter than the green. Painting is such an inexpensive and easy solution to a multitude of problems!

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  16. Hi Julie, just want you to know how much I love your blog, and your kitchen update. Painting the formica has really changed the feel of this space. I'll be featuring this post on my Share Your Style post Wednesday, hope you'll join in again!

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    1. Oh, you are so sweet, thank you for your kind words and also the feature. I will be joining up again, for sure! Xo

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  17. Your kitchen is beautiful. I am wondering if you used a roller or a brush on your counter tops. My daughter has the same green counter tops. Not pretty. I think we should paint them like you did : ) Thanks for sharing. Janita

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    1. Thank you :) I used a brush on the backsplash and around the edges... a roller everywhere else. It took about 4 coats plus sealant. So, you have to try to be patient ;) but it's worth it.

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  18. I painted our counter tops almost twenty years ago , I have only had to touch up around the sink.

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    1. Wow! That is great to hear that they held up so well!

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  19. Amazing transformation! Your kitchen is charming!

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  20. Wow! What an improvement! Love it.

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  21. It looks fabulous. You have a great website btw. Have a nice weekend.


    Sweet,
    http://www.sweetntidy.com/2015/05/6-easy-tips-to-avoid-getting-mad-in.html

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  22. The new counters look great. I've always said that countertops set the tone for the whole kitchen. That was a good choice to have non toxic paint because even though you won't be doing food prep directly on the counter things will happen. Way to go in finding a good budget-friendly alternative. http://countertopsandlaminatedspecialties.com

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