Monday, December 08, 2014

Away In The Attic

Adding Warm Wood Tones In A White Kitchen - 4

You know, I read blogs, I'm fully aware that everybody is showing their Christmas decor... But I have none to make you jealous. December is a month packed with late staff meetings in French schools and I'm just happy when I have enough energy left on Friday evenings to go up the stairs to my bedroom. But just to ensure you still love me, what would you say about a little kitchen reveal?


Je lis beaucoup de blogs. Je sais donc que tout le monde est en train de montrer ses décorations de Noël. Mais ici, ce sont conseils de classe qui n'en finissent plus, bulletins à remplir, le tout sur deux collèges que séparent un trentaine de minutes de voiture sur une route en travaux... Bref, le vendredi soir, j'ai juste de la chance s'il me reste assez d'énergie pour monter les escaliers qui mènent à ma chambre. Du coup, pas de déco de Noël. Que diriez-vous si pour me faire pardonner je vous montrais la dernière touche de bois de ma cuisine?


Now, let me tell you the story behind that little wood cabinet which is the latest addition to my kitchen.

Maintenant, laissez-moi vous raconter l'histoire de cette petite vitrine, dernière addition à ma cuisine.


After I bought Cottage, I was suffering from a severe furniture shortage as Cottage, as small as it is, is a lot bigger than any other place I've lived in. I found that little cabinet above that was to sell in the very town where Cottage is. I phoned and drove to the house of the vendor... But he didn't want to sell it without the little top cabinet he also had...


Quand je suis arrivée au Cottage, je manquais sérieusement de meubles. Et oui, Cottage, tout petit qu'il est, se trouve être bien plus spacieux que tous les autres endroits où j'ai vécu. J'avais trouvé un petit meuble pour mon salon à vendre sur Le Bon Coin dans la ville même où j'habite. Mais quand je suis arrivée chez le vendeur, il a refusé que j'achète le petit buffet sans prendre aussi la vitrine.


I brought both pieces home and I stored the glass cabinet I didn't know how to use in what I call the "attic" which is basically a messy cupboard in the second bedroom. It stayed there until I nearly forgot about it.


J'ai rangé la petite vitrine dans ce que j'appelle pompeusement le "grenier" et qui est plutôt un placard venteux et en bazar dans la deuxième chambre. Puis, je l'ai un peu oubliée.


Fast forward to three years later, I get the first quotes for the kitchen remodel and it's obviously too expensive. I decide not to add any upper cabinet on the right side of the kitchen to get the quotes to drop... And I begin actively looking for something cheap to use on the wall next to the window... Something that has cottage style, something not to deep to keep the light from the window in...

Actual state of Cottage, most days!

Passons vite à trois ans plus tard... Je reçois les premiers devis pour ma cuisine. Il est tout de suite évident que je ne pourrai pas payer. Je décide de supprimer les éléments hauts sur la droite de la cuisine pour faire chuter le montant des devis... Et je commence à chercher quelque chose qui apporte du charme et du rangement à la fois pour vraiment pas cher.


Until it dawns on me! I already have that piece. It only needs a little work and hands full of wax...


Jusqu'à ce que cela me revienne! J'ai déjà ce que je cherche. Cela va juste me demander un peu de travail et des mains pleines de cire!


As you can see, I've changed the knobs, sanded it and rewaxed it with a wax that is less shiny. I also changed the bare light bulb above for a vintage sconce that I ordered from someone who lives in South of France - I did keep my fingers crossed for a whole week to make sure it would make it to the Cottage in one piece!


Comme vous le voyez, j'ai changé les poignées, je l'ai poncé et re-ciré avec une cire moins brillante. Pendant que j'y étais, j'ai aussi changé l'ampoule nue au dessus pour une applique commandée sur Le Bon Coin à un monsieur du sud de la France. J'ai vécu une semaine avec les doigts croisés dans l'espoir qu'elle arrive en un seul morceau!

Now, full reveal of what the kitchen looked like last week - it's the same today, only messier!


And a little reminder of what it looked like a year ago...

Et un petit rappel de la cuisine telle qu'elle était il y a un an...


It's barely the same room, is it?

On reconnaît à peine, n'est-ce pas?

I love my little glass cabinet and it adds more charm that upper cabinets likes the ones I have above the sink would have done and for a fraction of  a price! What do you think?

Alors, que pensez-vous de cette dernière addition?

See you soon, maybe for some Christmas decor (keyword: MAYBE),

A bientôt,


I'm sharing with:

Photobucket



FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE                                                                                                             


71 comments:

  1. Wow what a huge difference! Looks wonderful. No worries about the holiday decor...Mine is very minimal this year. I am sharing my kitchen in my next post too...with newly painted grey cabinets. Try to find some holiday cheer even with all your meetings. xxo Joyeux Noel

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  2. Good Morning Magali,
    your small cabinets are so charming! It was worth all your work. Regarding the "Before" and "After" pictures ist such a pleasure: What a difference (a few short years make)! As for the christmas decor - there are some pine cones. That will do. Cottage must be pleased too - I can´t imagine a kitchen more pretty and cottage-ish.
    Have an nice week in spite of the meetings: Holiday straight ahead!
    Yours, Sarah

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  3. Magali, I'm in love with it. xoxo These are the best photos of your kitchen so far! It shows a lot of the kitchen all at once! It is so pretty! I fell in love with a similar top piece, but my spouse was not keen on what I wanted to do even though I pointed out that it was a piece that was built by the same company that made my daughter's desk. Oh well... Most of the time he is!

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  4. I liked this kitchenstory verry much!
    Good luck with all the meetings,...
    :o)

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  5. It's looking great, Magali - you must be very pleased! Somehow, you have made it so many things that often conflict - clean, cosy, modern, yet traditional!

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  6. I think it is perfect, especially with the cat.

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  7. j'en pense que tu as beaucoup de goût et de talent
    et je garde l'idée de l'éclairage d'appoint sur le plan de travail, je trouve qu'en hiver ma cuisine est toujours trop sombre ( d'autant que j'ai choisi une association bois pour les meubles et plan de travail et crédence noirs !!!)

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    1. Merci! L'applique a un bras un poil trop court pour être honnête, mais je l'aime beaucoup, alors je la garde jusqu'à ce que je trouve la même avec un bras plus long ;)

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  8. What a gorgeous kitchen. You have such flair. Thank you for sharing and have a lovely week.

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  9. The new cupboard works so well with the white kitchen. You have such an amazing sense of what looks good together! Definitely a kitchen to be proud of!

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  10. How serendipitous that you had the perfect cabinet tucked away in your own home waiting to be hung. You kitchen is darling! I hope it makes you smile every time you walk in.

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  11. Looks amazing. What will you do with the bottom piece?

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    1. I'm using it in my living-room for now... But truth be told, the living-room isn't "thought" at all as it's also the room all the workers need to cross to go to any other room that needs work done!

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  12. It's the perfect addition Magali! Do you just sit or stand in your kitchen sometimes looking around at everything and soaking in how fabulous it looks? I do that with my new kitchen all the time now. Especially when the sun shines through my new passthrough window and there's actually sunlight on my kitchen counter!!!!!!!!!!!! We did good girl! xox

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  13. Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful Magali! I love the new addition.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Anne... Now, only all the other rooms to redo! I'm lucky it's a small Cottage!

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  14. I adore your wood cabinets. I would add wood to any room, for it's warm and universal style. It's a classic.

    Jocelyn @ http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  15. You have created the most perfectly charming kitchen ever. I love the mix of wood and white, and am definitely changing my white shelves to wood because of how lovely your kitchen looks with this combination. You must smile everyday you walk into your sweet cottage kitchen - be very proud of all that you have accomplished.

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  16. I think it's the perfect cottage kitchen! I've always liked the look of warm wood tones in an all white kitchen and your waxed wall cupboards bring coziness to yours. I can't believe it's the same kitchen! Well done, Magali!
    Vickie

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  17. I love it too and a perfect addition and contrast to your white cabinets. Your kitchen is so charming!

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  18. Sqeal!!!! It's PERFECT! I can't remember if I left a comment on your last post, but I was thinking something like the plate shelf in a little cabinet or shelves would be nice. Can't believe you already had it, smart that you bought them both. Perfect and looks so beautiful in your kitchen! Patty

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  19. Il y a un hangar non loin de chez moi "Cocooning" où ils vendent des meubles comme celui-ci qui ma foi est ravissant. Ça donne juste la note anglaise qu'il faut. J'adore.
    Bonne soirée. Bises.Babette

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  20. The new "old" cabinet is wonderful. I love the way it is similar to you plate rack but not exactly matchy matchy. This was a great choice and you definitely have the collected look in your new kitchen. And the cat has a great new perch from which to survey his kingdom..
    Traci

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    1. Thanks! I have a weird feeling the kitchen has always been there and I can barely remember how it was before! The cats are enjoying it as well, as you can see!

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  21. It's lovely. Why don't you add a rod like in the other one to hang more teacups?AriadnefromGreece!

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  22. Wow, that kitchen looks more cosy and complete with every post !! Marcy

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    1. Thanks! I'll start working on an other room come the new year!

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  23. Well, I'm joining you with the nil Christmas décor so far !
    Can I just say thank you, thank you, thank you for the full kitchen reveal. I love the view from the dining room, it's such a gorgeous kitchen, I might have to make that the next project at my place. The two wooden shelf units are perfect with all the white and sea glass walls and tie in perfectly with the wooden knobs. I love that new light fitting too - great job Magali xx

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  24. Okay, I am floored....that is one helluva before and after Magali....LOVE it. I also love the fact that the wooden knobs on your white cabinets tie in these two gorgeous little wooden additions.

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  25. Oh my Magali! I am in love with it. That cabinet could not have been more perfect for the space and I love this view of your whole kitchen. It is so lovely. Every little part is perfection...really! Now I can;t wait to start on mine...but it will be quite some time before that happens as it is far down the list. Oh well, I can enjoy yours and looking for ideas for mine in the meantime! Have a great week...and hopefully not too many late evenings.

    Blessings, Vicky

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  26. I really like everything in your lovely little kitchen. What a special treat to include a photo of both of Cottage's cats...

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    1. The cats kind of invited themselves on the picture because they thought it was dinner time!

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  27. Tu as vraiment de bonnes idées et le résultat est vraiment chouette... Hélas, je n'ai pas ta patience, alors j'admire...
    Shadow est toujours à la bonne place !

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  28. I knew you would find the perfect piece for that wall. It is just gorgeous Magali! You have definitely come a long way and I have definitely enjoyed the journey! Cheers!

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  29. Wonderful that you already had the cabinet to complete your kitchen. So cottage and cozy. Kathleen

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    Replies
    1. Sometimes the stars align and you hadn't see it coming: that's what happened for that cabinet! Thanks for stopping by!

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  30. I'm so glad that the little cabinet is now away FROM the attic and IN the kitchen, where it fits in perfectly with your decorating scheme and adds such warmth and charm to an already pretty kitchen.

    Poppy

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  31. Oh my goodness, your kitchen has turned out simply gorgeous! I can't believe the transformation from just a year ago. And I love how you redid that little cabinet and put it in your kitchen. It was definitely meant to go there. Great job!

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  32. What's that I hear?? Ahhhhh...it's the cabinet whispering 'I am finally where I need to be'.

    Your kitchen is darling Magali! The little touches, as well as the not so little touches, have all come together to create a lovely, functional kitchen.

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  33. I agree! I love the warmth that wood toned cabinets add and the kitchen looks really more beautiful now! Glad it worked out for you with that piece!

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  34. from one cottage to another, I love it, I really love it. I love the warmer cabinets on top and adds more charm to the cottage kitchen. What a "charming" functional cottage kitchen.You must be so happy!

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  35. Your kitchen is just gorgeous, Magali, and I love the teapot collection. Cool way to display them!

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  36. Magali, I'm grinning ear to ear with your reveal. It's PERFECT! It is an amazing transformation, and that cabinet is just perfect! I'm so happy for you that you now have your beautiful kitchen to enjoy!

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  37. Love, love, love the kitchen! It is just as warm and cozy as I knew it would be. The wood pieces look amazing and add just the right amount of contrast to the white. Just perfect, you must be thrilled. It is fabulous!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  38. Magali! How are you? I've missed visiting with you. Went through so many changes when I moved to WordPress after my blog was hacked that my mind is still spinning.
    Oh how I love your kitchen. What a difference you've made. I love the wood pieces and the warmth they add to all the whites. Beautiful, my friend.
    Off to grab a cup of coffee and continue scrolling through your cottage to catch up.
    xoxo
    Marcia

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    1. I hope you enjoyed the time you spent at the Cottage, Marcia! It's always nice when you stop by.

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  39. I'm with you on the whole Christmas decor, thing...I've got it up, but it's not terribly exciting. :) I do love the warm touch this cabinet brings and love that it was on budget, even more and seriously cannot believe this is the same kitchen as when you moved in. You have worked miracles!

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  40. I love every charming detail of your kitchen! The cabinet looks right at home.

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    1. Thank you! Isn't it funny how I didn't know what to do with that cabinet and now it looks like it belongs there?

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  41. Well, that's it then, isn't it?!!!!!!! I had to scroll through this six times to soak it all in, Magali. I would take your kitchen in a heartbeat. I adore the wood with the white and you brought it together perfectly. It's been so much fun to walk through your kitchen remodel with you, and it's great inspiration for me as we complete the plans for our new cottage. Bravo! Bravo!. (Lights fade to a crescendo of enthusiastic applause.) XO ~ Nancy

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  42. 100% Charming! I am sure there are many lovely people gnashing their teeth wondering why they hadn't thought of that. That cabinet was meant for you and your kitchen. Christmas is in our hearts not our purses or decorations.

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  43. What an amazing transformation in your kitchen. I love all the white and the little cabinets are the perfect contrast to the white!

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  44. I love your cabinet. It was meant to be....

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    1. Thank you, Lady Jane, for visiting my tiny Cottage by the sea!

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  45. What a darling little cupboard! I am so very glad you rescued it.
    I was thinking of you this morning.

    May you find love, joy and peace this Christmas Season and health and happiness in the New Year!

    You are a blessing to many including myself.

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  46. It’s not the same room at all Magali! It is amazing what you’ve done, and how having patience pays off. Your cottage kitchen should have it’s own spread in a magazine. It is gorgeous and you did a fabulous job. I forgive you for showing no Christmas decorations in there but I do understand. The reveal was worth waiting for...................

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  47. Well if that was not the most perfect piece you could have used in that space I don't know what it -
    I LOVE how the wood brings warmth into your gorgeous kitchen ( and it's really gorgeous Magali - you did an incredible job in there )
    Perfection !
    XOXO

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  48. Oh Magali, QUELLE DIFFÉRENCE! OUI! Il faut que je vous suive...maintenant, je vais appuyer le bouton: SUIVRE!

    Merci aussi d'être venue. Que vos fêtes soient joyeuses et remplies d'amour dans votre petite maison blanche. BISES!

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  49. Oh Magali! I have been waiting for this. It is just as beautiful as I imagined! Great job on the remodel! I love it! You will be featured this Friday on HSH! Posting on Friday this week due to a sponsored post.
    See ya then!
    And, Have a very Merry Christmas!
    Sherry

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  50. What a lovely piece, I am so glad the man insisted you took it. It looks perfect in your revamped kitchen - such a huge change to how it was originally (and so refreshing to see something so tidy with all the Christmas decorations now adorning our homes!). Have a wonderful Christmas x

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  51. It's beautiful - I love it and your resourcefulness is an inspiration! Don't work too hard.....A lovely Christmas is wished for you! xo Karen

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  52. Well I think that piece was just waiting to be put in that place! It is just perfect! Good thing that the man would not sell the pieces separately! Never tire of seeing your darling kitchen!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  53. That cupboard is perfect! Can't believe you had it sitting in your attic. You have truly transformed your kitchen, it looks absolutely amazing, well done!

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  54. Your place is a darling dreamy cottage! Great taste!

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  55. une restauration réussie et le mur de cuisine de Cottage n'attendait que cette jolie vitrine - et le détail parfait, elle a une "doucine" comme le vaisselier - trop classe ! monique59

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