December 26, 2011

Kitchen Remodel: Creating A Nook Look

When we first sat down and wrote up our "must have" list for the kitchen remodel, one of the things on that list was a dining nook. The place to put it? In this alcove .....

Kitchen entrance & future dining nook

.... which also serves as the entryway into the kitchen. This was not part of the original kitchen. When the house was built, this area contained a small pantry on the right, with the original back door on the left. It was connected to the 11.5 by 11.5 foot kitchen by a short hallway. Earlier occupants tore out the pantry to enlarge the kitchen, and we moved the back door to create a place for a small dining table and two chairs.

Wallpapers for my dining nook.

Another thing we wanted to do, was to give this part of the kitchen a separate but coordinating look. I knew I could do that with a different treatment of the walls, and use the flooring and color scheme to tie the two parts of the room together.

As I got to work I was really happy with this selection

My main wallpaper was expensive, so I tried to squeeze every square inch out if it that I could. I've actually never spent this much on wallpaper before, but my sweet husband encouraged me all along to create the kitchen I want. I reckon he feels safe doing that because he knows what a tightwad how frugal I am. I did find it deeply discounted online, but also planned to use the second paper, which I found at a thrift store. The border was from WalMart.

The bottom paper went quickly.

This was one of the few times I've been able to put up the wallpaper before the trims and mouldings. That means there are no precise measurements and exact cuts to worry about, which made it the easiest wallpapering job I've ever done. The hardest was probably that teeny tiny bathroom just off the kitchen.

And finished.

There's enough "waste" and scraps for part of the other wall we drywalled, between the countertop's molded-in backsplash and wall cabinets, plus have enough in reserve for possible future repairs.

What was left over.

Next step, the ceiling and crown moulding. That one was Dan's pick. More on that here - Kitchen Remodel: Dining Alcove Ceiling

24 comments:

Theresa said...

Oh it looks wonderful, cozy and certainly nookish!!

Mama Pea said...

So nice! Love your "viney" upper paper. (That would be gorgeous in a bedroom, too.) Glad your hubby pushed you to buy the pricey stuff. You didn't have a large space to do and you will enjoy it for YEARS!

Tami said...

So very nice, Leigh! This is where things get fun. You can actually start to "see" the finished product.

Anonymous said...

Leigh, it looks FABULOUS!!! I love the colors you chose:) And to be able to sit so close to the stove and sip coffee, and be able to have all the light from the window and the door...just perfect! Great job to you and hubby!

Nina said...

Gosh, you are making good progress! It's coming along beautifully. It's going to be a cozy little area before you know it.

Tonya Gunn said...

Just beautiful - I love your cookstove.
Wishing you a peaceful New Year.
Warm wishes,
Tonya

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

It is simply adorable! I love the colors and the homey feeling it gives off! Makes me see the table with a pot of tea and shortcakes waiting for someone to enjoy! :o)

Anonymous said...

Very charming! I love the colors and also a space to call your own....to put your trademark on it...he he! Hugs!

Tombstone Livestock said...

Looks fantastic, love the sheep border paper. Your making good progress.

Renee Nefe said...

Love it! Can't wait to see the rest of the kitchen. You are doing such a great job! :D

Florida Farm Girl said...

Leigh, so glad you're making progress with the "pretty" stuff now, not just the structural. Will be looking forward to seeing your new kitchen all done!!

Michelle said...

I'm so glad you got what you loved; you will enjoy that little space for years to come!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I love the wallpaper and can't wait to see the finished product!

Happy New Year!

Sue said...

It looks fantastic, and now I'm going to have to see if I can find that border paper just for the sheep. Too cute!

CaliforniaGrammy said...

Nice job, and I love the pattern and the colors. It'll look fabulous once the moulding and dining set is in place.

Anonymous said...

I love seeing other people's remodels! I'm just a random person on the internet, but please know how delightful it is to "watch" you be a true "home MAKER"... It's wonderful!

Trixi said...

I love your little dining nook and that wallpaper and border are precious!!! It's really coming along.

Ngo Family Farm said...

Very cozy and beautifully coordinated! The (beadboard?) ceiling looks great, too. It's so fun when a project really starts coming together!
-Jaime

Lynda said...

You are just too busy for words! I am really falling in love with your kitchen! I just rearranged the dining room and thought that was a major undertaking! You are amazing!

Leigh said...

Theresa, thanks! It's always nice to seem something materialize the same way it's been visualized.

Mama Pea, I'm glad too, and you're right, it will be something we'll enjoy for years. I think it would be excellent in the bedroom as well, though they had it in a kitchen and bath book, with an outhouse/laundry matching border!

Tami, yes, this visual progress is really encouraging. :)

Stephanie, thank you! Dan says once it's done, he's not leaving it~

Nina, this is the first progress that really makes a visual difference.

Tonya, thanks! And a peaceful New Year to you too.

Ginny, mmmm, sounds good to me!

Thanks Pam!

TL, it was the sheep that got me. And the colors, and the stars, and the little berries. :)

Renee, me too! Thanks. :)

FFG, this is where it starts to get exciting. :)

Michelle, this is where patience pays off! I have to time to look around and get the things I want.

Mary, thank you. :) And Happy New Year to you too!

Sue, I think all the WalMarts have them. And, it was about $30 cheaper per roll than similar borders from the manufacturer.

Janice, thanks!

Notmolly, oh yes, that is so true, making a home by creating an environment and ambiance that are truly calm and welcoming. That's right up my alley. :)

Mrs. Trixi, thanks! I am so pleased we could get this worked in to our floor plan. :)

Jaime, we're trying to keep as much of the original walls and ceiling as possible. The walls that had to be rebuilt were the perfect opportunity to do something like this. Unfortunately, the ceiling in the alcove will have to be covered because of hole from previous lighting fixtures. I think it will turn out well however!

Lynda, when Dan is home, he's about a project. Of course we don't have TV, so there's no sitting around to watch the game. :)

Benita said...

That looks so warm and inviting! Things are coming into place. I can hardly wait to see it all done.

♥ my diary♥ said...

Nice post thanks for sharing..blessings from our home to yours...soraya

Jenna Gayle said...

Very nice! But my main draw was with that last picture... I LOVE your stove!!!!!!!!!!

Leigh said...

Benita, I'm really happy with it. It has a balance of color (warm and cool) and I like that.

Soraya, thank you! Blessings on yours as well.

Jenna Gayle, thanks! It was a real find, it's true. :)