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Pancakes & French Fries

The {Almost} Black Kitchen

House

7 Oct

I thought I would share the project I was working on so diligently while Rembrandt was working on the sofa and chair.  But first, a back story.

When we moved into this house four years ago, we knew we would have to remodel the kitchen.  The turquoise tile was original, as was the buttercup yellow stove.  The oven was a 1970s brown beast, and the cabinets were 1980s refaced country wonders.  I’m not opposed to keeping original fixtures, but the kitchen had become a hodge podge of decades and I wasn’t about to add to it.  Plus, I was practicing as an attorney; we had the money to put into a new kitchen.  That is, until I decided to become a stay at home mom in the middle of the remodel, a decision I’ve talked about before.  We made compromises and downgraded the appliances, the floor, and put off the back splash.  That was four years ago.

Since the Mister was laid off last January (and his new job isn’t anywhere near his previous salary) we still don’t have the money for a proper back plash, but after four years I’ve grown tired of staring at a bare wall and decided that I would have to do something, preferably with items I already possess.  I didn’t have a pallet of subway tiles in my garage, but I did have boxes of pictures from our grandparents dating to around the 1940s.  I’ve been holding on to them, not sure how I would use them, when it occurred to me one day that I was looking at my back splash.

A quart of Ralph Lauren paint in Polo Green (my new favorite color), some IKEA frames, and an afternoon spent looking at pictures of a grandmother I’ve only seen a handful of times because we live (sadly) in two different continents gave me a new-to-me back splash that I love.

The kitchen the month we moved in:

Before

before--Left

Before--Right

Before--Right

The kitchen this morning:

Almost Black Kitchen

Almost Black Kitchen

I hung five pictures dating back to the 1930s of my family on the left.

Almost Black Kitchen

And five picture of The Mister’s family dating back to the 1940s on the right.

Almost Black Kitchen

The paint is a gorgeous, inky color that changes with the light. It’s black, it’s green, it’s blue. Here is a great example of the difference between morning and late afternoon light.

Almost Black Kitchen

Almost Black Kitchen

The only thing left is to hang some vintage post cards of Buenos Aires I found on ebay, order and install a two 3 gang-way switch plates in black, new window treatments, and find something to place over the stove. Any suggestions for the stove or window treatments? You know how I love me some links.

Almost Black Kitchen

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59 Comments

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Comments

  1. ashley says

    October 7, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    this is absolutely gorgeous! I actually had to scroll back up and take a look at the “before” pictures again, just to make sure it was the same kitchen!!
    Bravo!!!

    Reply
  2. Theresa says

    October 7, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    WOW! This is fabulous! Well done you. I did the same thing as Ashley ;P
    I bet you can’t to start cooking some delicious meals in your new kitchen.
    x

    Reply
  3. Jules says

    October 7, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    The kitchen has actually been done for several years–it’s just the back splash that I did a couple of weeks ago. :)

    Reply
  4. Andrea Howe says

    October 7, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    I just love that back splash. Beautiful. And the family pictures is an amazing touch.

    Reply
  5. saucymom says

    October 7, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    i love it. it’s gorgeous. you’re a genius. i love it even more than white subway tiles.

    Reply
  6. Heather says

    October 7, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    O.M.G. I’m in inky green love!

    Reply
  7. ohbrooke says

    October 7, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    Are you kidding me? This is adorable.

    Reply
  8. Jules says

    October 7, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    Oh, I forgot. I also need to work on the little eating area to the right. I just can’t figure out what to put in those little shelves.

    Reply
  9. Jules says

    October 7, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    Thank you, everyone! :) For a cheap fix until we can get a proper back splash, I am happy with it.

    Reply
  10. Nina says

    October 7, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    It looks awesome! Good for you for choosing such a great, bold colour. As for window treatments, what about some simple pole pocket panels? Something similar to Nicole’s kitchen curtains: http://makingitlovely.com/2007/08/28/finished-kitchen/

    Reply
  11. Laura says

    October 7, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    I looooove that dark color! I would not have been bold enough to try it myself, but good for you. I’m sitting here thinking, “where could I use that color???” Maybe the powder room…?

    Reply
  12. Keri says

    October 7, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    I love it, Jules, and it doesn’t look like a cheap fix at all. The “after” pics are very striking. I’m so impressed!!!

    Reply
  13. feefifoto says

    October 7, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    Wow — what a transformation! Although I’d have been tempted to retain the aqua. Knowing me, though, I’d probably have ripped out the perfectly serviceable tile and replaced it with some obscenely costly glass terrazzo in the exact same color.

    Reply
  14. Nichole says

    October 7, 2009 at 9:03 pm

    Love it! Why do you need new window treatments?

    Reply
  15. fat mum slim says

    October 8, 2009 at 2:41 am

    Oh. My. Goodness. AMAZING!

    Your kitchen is delectable, just as it should be. x

    Reply
  16. Christian T says

    October 8, 2009 at 5:43 am

    LOVE it!
    How about a piece of stainless steal screwed to the wall behind your oven? I love the industrial look of it and it’s super cheap. You could maybe even find a thick piece of flashing at Home Depot. I will see if I can find a picture and send another post with a link.
    I love the color!! LOVE it!

    Reply
  17. Christian T says

    October 8, 2009 at 5:50 am

    I found some picture for you:
    http://www.schindlermetalworks.com/images/stainless-backsplash-1.jpg

    http://www.specialtystainless.com/images/backsplashes/ss_750.jpg

    http://cutnailrebuilders.com/images/84BAYSTATEAVE_023.jpg

    Reply
  18. erika says

    October 8, 2009 at 6:04 am

    Gorgeous! Since I am also staying home we are having to manage the budget for the house much differently than before–and this old house needs updating!
    Love the paint–it is great how it changes in the light. Thank you for the inspirational blog.

    Reply
  19. Melissa says

    October 8, 2009 at 7:01 am

    What a great fix! We are beginning our own kitchen remodel–picking out cabinets tonight! Your kitchen is very similar to what we’re looking for. Would you mind sharing what your countertop is?

    Reply
  20. alja says

    October 8, 2009 at 7:11 am

    beautiful! however, i loved the turquoise tile….
    is that marmoleum on the floor? i love the pictures and the old radio.

    Reply
  21. Morgan says

    October 8, 2009 at 7:47 am

    I LOVE everything about it! The contrast of the white cabinets against the dark wall is spectacular, especially with the sleek stainless appliances popping out here and there. And I would kill for your apron front sink! Well done!

    Reply
  22. Jules says

    October 8, 2009 at 8:44 am

    Nichole–I don’t like my window treatments! I just think they look blah, and that maybe I could use some pattern in there? No?

    Nina–I love roman shades, I was thinking of that over the apron sink.

    Laura–I am trying to convince The Mister that this color needs to be in the adjoining pantry/laundry area. With all the white cabinets, white washer/dryer, some fat wood open shelving…I think it would look really cool! He’s not convinced. But, he didn’t think my idea of the black back splash was all that hot, either. So I waited until he was out of town to paint. I knew if I tried to do it with him there, his skepticism would make me lose my nerve.

    Fififoto–It was a beach glass green for a long time. I thought aqua was a color I wanted all over the house (and started decorating that way, too) but I am slowly figuring out what I like, and it’s looking like high contrast, dark colors, etc.

    Christian T– I was thinking about something like that! I was also thinking of a silver platter or regular white plates or platters. But, you may be right. The contrast between the sleek stainless steel and the kind of country look of the kitchen might be really cool. And, it’s cheap!

    Melissa–The countertop is soapstone, and I believe the variety is Green Venata. We wanted it because it is not shiny. You oil it like butcher block, which gives it a soft, pretty glow. It cost a fortune, but I was working at the time.

    Alja–I wish it was marmoleum! I couldn’t get anyone to come out to where we live for such a small job. True linoleum products weren’t popular for residential use 4 years ago in my area. Come to think of it, it’s still not popular. Most people still like the big tiles and hardwoods. Anyway, it ended up not mattering because I quit my job so we couldn’t afford the cork or marmoleum we wanted. It needed to be a very thin flooring because we have a pocket door that isn’t in the picture. What you see is plain ol’ $0.25 VCT floor tiles. The type of flooring you see in Target or your supermarket. It cost about $200 for the entire floor, including materials. It turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the kitchen.

    Reply
  23. esther says

    October 8, 2009 at 8:46 am

    Ok Iam totally loving this ….take a look at http://www.smithandnoble.com for blinds, I think a nice set of wood blinds over the kitchen window would be fabulous, Iam thinking the kind that has the wide ribbon in front where the cord is. Pick a really cool (ribbon) kind of stuff for it. They can do anything for you this it is where I got my plantation shutters for my house, mega quality stuff. And for behind the stove maybe some really cool tile mosaic kind of thing, again it is what you like ?? or how about a cool large old platter kind of thing just leaning against the wall. I don’t like pictures b/c they get really dingy and foggy from the steam when you cook. I find stuff when we travel, so keep looking. Good luck Jules, it looks very nice :)

    Reply
  24. Melissa says

    October 8, 2009 at 9:55 am

    Ah, soapstone! Every time I see a countertop I like–it’s soapstone. I would prefer not-shiny, too. Chances are it won’t be in our budget, but maybe I can cut something else! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  25. Jules says

    October 8, 2009 at 10:08 am

    Melissa–Soapstone was pre-SAHM, and it is very expensive! I heard installation is pretty easy if you are handy. Have you considered walnut, with a tung oil finish? Or even super varnished, like a boat? That was another material I was considering. I also looked into Richlite (paper counter tops) and honed granite. Sometimes I wish I went with the walnut butcher block counters. They are so pretty and warm looking!

    Reply
  26. Christian T says

    October 8, 2009 at 11:43 am

    Jules-
    I like the style of your curtains, but you could do something with a mid century vibe to go with the amazing radio you have… Do you like that style? I get the impression you do because of your couch (the one that your little man colored on). There are soooooo many amazing fabrics out there and I think bringing in some color would be nice! I will see if I can find you some links.

    Reply
  27. Christian T says

    October 8, 2009 at 11:58 am

    Here are some fabric links for you.

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30489283&ref=sr_gallery_15&&ga_search_query=+modern+fabric&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes%5B%5D=tags&includes%5B%5D=title#

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32264753&ref=sr_gallery_8&&ga_search_query=+modern+fabric&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_page=2&order=date_desc&includes%5B%5D=tags&includes%5B%5D=title

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32257107&ref=sr_gallery_21&&ga_search_query=+modern+fabric&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_page=2&order=date_desc&includes%5B%5D=tags&includes%5B%5D=title

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32191110&ref=sr_gallery_12&&ga_search_query=+modern+fabric&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_page=7&order=date_desc&includes%5B%5D=tags&includes%5B%5D=title

    Reply
  28. steph anne says

    October 8, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    It looks awesome and brings more light in! I’m digging the colors….lovely!

    Reply
  29. katie says

    October 8, 2009 at 12:40 pm

    So your paint color was actually a dark green? Because to me it almost looks dark navy.

    I LOVE the way your color looks in your kitchen and I have been toying with the idea of updating my kitchen. Love the idea of a bold color.

    I just want to know if it is throughout the whole thing or just the backsplash?

    Reply
  30. Sherry @ Young House Love says

    October 8, 2009 at 1:32 pm

    Holy bananas that’s awesome. LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR NEW KITCH MAKEOVER! Sorry for the shouting, I just can’t help myself sometimes.

    xo,
    s (& j)

    Reply
  31. 3 Stinky Boys and Me says

    October 8, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    What a great idea for a back splash! And it makes it so much more personal. Love it!

    Reply
  32. Mary @ StyleFyles says

    October 8, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    It was cute before, and it’s fabulous now! What a gorgeous transformation, and I love, love love that paint. How did you find it?? I helped my parents choose colors for their kitchen makeover a couple years ago, and I remember it being painful trying to negotiate between shades just a smidge off from each other. You managed to find the best of both worlds…excellent!!!!

    Reply
  33. Shari says

    October 8, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    breathing fast! I love (underlined) your sink!!! I think the paint is fantastic. What I think is really funny to me though is that you have room in your kitchen cupboards for chatchkes like framed pics and vases where mine are jammed full of kitchen items. Ah the luxury. Enjoy that!!! It looks great!

    Reply
  34. Jules says

    October 8, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    Esther–I love Smith & Noble. Thank you for reminding me of them!

    Christian–You have me convinced that a roman shade or similar is the way to go. Thanks for all the links! I love all those fabrics.

    Katie–It’s a dark green. But, in some lighting (as you can see for yourself) it looks blue-ish. It’s really a dark, inky color. Right now, 4:00 PST, it looks like a dark charcoal color. The color is only on the back splash. I want it everywhere, but my husband isn’t so sure. I want to extend it into the laundry room/pantry, too. He thinks it’s too along the back wall we have, but I think it will look nice, especially if we install beadboard beneath it to break up the green/black.

    Thank you, Sherry! You and John have been inspiring me lately to get off my duff and start working around the house.

    Mary–I got it at Home Depot, and it was easy to find since I knew what I was looking for. What you can’t tell in the pictures is that my counters are also a green so dark it’s almost black. I mean, really, really dark green, but green nonetheless. So, I knew I had to get a similar green/black color. Ralph Lauren is my go-to brand for paints, and this is the first paint chip I saw. I was so confident it would work that I bought it without even going home to compare it with the counter! Maybe not the smartest thing to do, but there you go. I check all the other brands first and even went to Lowes, but I didn’t like any other color as much.

    Shari–ebay! And as for the chatchkes? I’m not so sure I would go that route again. It’s something I always wanted, but it is a phenomenal waste of space. Besides, I’m not even good at displaying chatchkes!

    Reply
  35. jenny says

    October 8, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    just discovered your blog the other day – followed a link on that permanent marker situation, and wow, i was hooked! serious high five for getting the sofa + chair clean!!!!

    i just looooove to see before + after shots of kitchen remodels. someday we will really bite the bullet and do ours– we have 1960s original appliances (burners are starting to flake out) and blah ugly 80s linoleum floors. plus dated (yet solid) wood cabinets… i am curious about your cabinets- did you guys just reface them? or are they brand new cabinets? this is something we want to do (reface, paint, something) but feel intimidated as all get out over the job.

    the kitchen looks GREAT. i love the dark color you chose!

    Reply
  36. Jules says

    October 8, 2009 at 6:55 pm

    Jenny–Thank you! We bought our cabinets online through buycabinets.com. Unfortunately, they went through Chapter 7 bankruptcy this year, so they are no more. Bummer, because I have a problem with the finish on one of the cabinets. I’ll have to go to Kraftmaid directly, I suppose.

    Reply
  37. Michelle says

    October 8, 2009 at 9:32 pm

    Absolutely LOVE it. Love love love, want it in my own house! My jaw dropped when I saw the two, the difference is remarkable!

    Reply
  38. Sarah says

    October 9, 2009 at 4:32 am

    Looks fantastic! I vote for a nice, textured wood/bamboo/or grass shades.

    Reply
  39. Brandi says

    October 15, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    Jules… OMG.. you and I are such on the same wavelength when it comes to style!!! I thought I was the only person who has a white (well, more like cream, but when I ordered it, it was supposed to be white??) couch, yet longs for deep, dark colors to match it (accented by a few lighter shades of blue)!!! Awesome.. I really like it. I love the contrast.. I think I’d probably go with the stainless like Christian said… since there’s already so much white with the cabinets and accents..

    Reply
  40. kelly says

    October 18, 2009 at 11:28 am

    this is gorgeous!!!

    Reply
  41. Victoria Bennett Beyer says

    October 20, 2009 at 9:40 am

    I never would have thought to paint a kitchen black, but it’s really very nice and not at all overwhelming with those gorgeous white cabinets to balance it all out. What a bold move – it totally works and looks very sophisticated.

    Reply
  42. Esther Diehl Turner says

    October 20, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    This is absolutely GORGEOUS!

    Reply
  43. Susan says

    October 21, 2009 at 4:05 am

    I would love to spend every morning and meal making time in that kitchen. WOW! You did a fabulous job!

    Reply
  44. Robin says

    October 23, 2009 at 11:52 am

    Wow, your kitchen is absolutely amazing! I may have to use that color in my house – in fact, I just wrote a post about it.

    Reply
  45. Kathi D says

    November 17, 2009 at 1:26 am

    That is GORGEOUS!!

    Reply
  46. Colleen says

    March 23, 2010 at 10:18 am

    You could do a mosaic tile panel that you hang on the wall behind the stove that you could take down easily if/when you decide to tile the whole backsplash. http://www.mercurymosaics.com has great mosaics and it’s all custom, so you can have them make a panel your exact dimensions using any mosaic or combination of mosaics and field tile. I’m an interior designer and live in a condo that we will outgrow in a couple of years, so that’s what I’m doing for my backsplash (and the rest is painted a dark inky blue/black color (Benjamin Moore AF-565 Mysterious in the Aura collection). I think a 30″ x 18″ panel would be about $500. Feel free to email me with any questions. Great work, by the way, the kitchen looks gorgeous and not at all like you compromised on budget!

    Reply
  47. Vickid says

    May 18, 2010 at 12:37 pm

    I just stumbled across this site and was impressed by the paint job behind the radio that changes w/light….blues and greens are very soothing to me and I was wondering what color/brand it was….

    Reply
  48. Holly says

    November 13, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    I love your kitchen! I’ve been wanting to redo mine since we moved into this place, and have been looking for ideas. I love the colour scheme of yours, it’s so elegant and clean. My husband likes it too, so I’m going to try and incorporate that colour scheme into my kitchen. Not quite sure how I’ll do it so that the black doesn’t overpower it, as mine doesn’t have the top cabinets to balance the black out. I’m sure I’ll work it out by the time I can afford to redo it.

    Reply
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