Kitchen: Before & After

I have so many pictures to show you, but for now we'll start with the kitchen.

We're in the process of cleaning, doing minor repairs and improvements, and painting in an effort to make this very old house like home before we move all the big stuff in. We're trying to be careful to balance what we do and how much money we spend because this really isn't our house. Although the owner is not picky about what we do to the house, it's hard to be a renter after all this time--we're used to just doing what we want knowing we would be the ones to benefit from any improvements we made in the long run. Even still, we are painting nearly everything that will stand still except the woodwork. I'm struggling with solutions to the windows. I'd really like to leave them untreated. There is really not much of a privacy issue because there is no one around. However, how will it feel at night to us city kids that are used to being locked up tight at night with all the drapes and shades pulled? Also, these are some BIG windows. Even the 96" curtains won't make it from floor to the top of the window for these babies, and most "cost effective" retail outlets (Walmart, etc.) don't even sell 96" lengths and blinds and rollers shades don't come ready made in such long lengths. So for now they stay as is until I figure something out. If I had an unlimited budget I would know exactly what I wanted to do. But we're thinking as inexpensive as possible. Any ideas?

Kitchen, before: Check out that big bird yellow! I'm dying to paint the cabinets, but that is a project for another time (maybe another house?). After: Ahhh, so much better. Can't wait to move in our stuff.










Before: There are two built in pantries in the kitchen. Very cool! Nearly everything is covered in paneling. Now I just can't stand looking at all of it so my dear husband is painting as much as possible before moving day, but there is much to do so it's possible not all of it will get done before then.

After: I think they just look gorgeous with the cream colored paint. Now that the paneling is neutralized you can actually see them! You can see in the picture on the right even more paneling on the other side of the kitchen doorway.