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Monday, 10 January 2011

Modern Country Kitchen Makeover...


I've been (very pleasantly) over-whelmed with the number of emails I've had about our kitchen, after showing its dramatic DIY makeover on my Summary of 2010 at Modern Country Style. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know what you'd love to see more of.

I whizzed through showing our kitchen makeover briefly in July but I think the time has come to unpack the whole makeover process more slowly in response to your requests.


As a kind of enticement of what's to come in future posts, I'd love you to come with me and let me show you around our old kitchen.

Coming? Great!

Here's the first peep, through the old dining room door....



There, in all its orange glory, is our old kitchen. To be kind to the previous owners (the 'before' photos are from house details pre-purchase), I think the wall colour is more of a sunset gold. But to me, it screams ORANGE!

I'm not an orange fan. Oranges, yummy. Highlighters, maybe. But walls? Oh no, siree. Especially orange walls AND orange and blue tiles.

*shiver of horror*

Can you see it? Do you need a closer look? Would I ever deny you?!! Come on through.....


The problem with this orange kitchen and my orange 'allergy' (call me a drama queen if you will but it may as well be an allergy) is that I so dislike the colour that even the things I *did* like were shrouded in orange-rage mist.
  
Because of the strong wall colour, all the other surfaces seemed to reflect the orange tones.

Like being in a giant egg yolk. Food-related so I suppose topical for a kitchen but not the lovely Modern Country Kitchen I yearned for!

Coming soon to a screen near you.....
How To Makeover Your Kitchen: from drab to fab!

 

I'm linking with my favourite parties in my sidebar.
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71 comments:

  1. High Street Cottage10 January 2011 at 14:57

    Sarah, your kitchen makeover post was one of the first I sifted through when I discovered your blog. For me is really represented the title of your blog very well. Modern Country Style. That wine rack tucked into the counter, the bowls and jars neatly displayed on the shelving. The color. The counter tops, the tile. All so pretty and English too, which I love;) You did an incredible job. You had to have a vision of inspiration to choose that color too, I think. It's just so cozy and welcoming. Well done, xoxo tami

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  2. Designing Domesticity10 January 2011 at 15:04

    Oh Good, I've been hoping for more details about the kitchen. We fell in love with the English Coutry kitchen look and really want to replicate it in our upcoming refurb. Definitely need details on the countertops too! liz

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  3. Tricia10 January 2011 at 15:35

    Hi Sarah! Oh, I remember your kitchen makeover...loved it. When, I'm looking at your photos, it looks like you have a mighty pretty and lush backyard. I want to see more of that too :)

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  4. Blondie's Journal10 January 2011 at 15:42

    I agree with you...a little too much orange. I love the sneak preview of the kitchen redo...can't wait to see it all!

    XO,
    Jane

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  5. Custom Comforts10 January 2011 at 15:48

    Looking forward to seeing the whole makeover Sarah. The orange is pretty strong and overpowering. I really like those double doors in the dining room that look outside to a garden. Those are pretty.
    Cindy

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  6. michelle10 January 2011 at 16:17

    You are the cutest!! The orange is pretty wonky and you are right about such a bright color casting it orangey shadow onto everything!! I just love your new kitchen so much, so calm and so pretty!! Can't wait to see more my deary!!

    Monday hugs to you!!

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  7. Anonymous10 January 2011 at 16:21

    Top of the morning to you, Sarah!

    I adore Before & After photos. It's like watching the magic unfold. I can imagine the previous color would be a bit of a shock in the wee hours of the morning. I love all the details you put into the makeover. I especially like the color on the walls and how you played up the architecture by leaving parts w/out color. Adore the open shelving, too. Brilliant!

    I would love to see your garden, also. The French Doors and Transom off the dining room are stunning! Do share!

    xo,
    ~Michelle

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  8. Michelle @ Dream Home DIY10 January 2011 at 16:29

    What a transformation! Beautiful. And the color on the walls is simply devine. Another GREAT project :0)

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  9. Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com10 January 2011 at 16:53

    Yes, do tell all about your makeover. I'm getting ready to make mine over an a zero dollar budget, so please let me know what and how you did yours. And, hello, orange, what were they thinking?
    Valerie

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  10. michele10 January 2011 at 17:10

    um looks like a michelle/michele conspiracy in your comment gallery today, Sarah! i can't deal with orange either. just can't. looking forward to seeing the photos leading up to the beautiful after! have a great week!

    michele
    hellolovleyinc.blogspot.com

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  11. Luciane at HomeBunch.com10 January 2011 at 17:21

    You rock! :-)

    How are you doing? I loved, loved, loved your comment from yesterday and the day before that, and before that... Listen, if I had an award of "Sweetest Person in this World" I'd give it to you! :-)

    Oh, your kitchen is just dreamy and I love it especially because you add so much of your personality to it and that's essential for me. You did a fabulous job, Sarah!


    You asked me about my house. I shared before photos of my garden, but I'll be honest with you. I live in a beautiful home, very comfortable and nice, BUT this isn't ME at all! So, what I am doing is I'm selling this place so I can find a place that's just mine.. a place that I truly feel at home. I like our home and I cherish because that's where we live for now, but I want to share with readers something that's truly "me", do you know? Sometimes I feel like taking pictures and making a post about it, but what am I going to say? Hey, everybody... do you want to buy this house? lol I should wait a little bit more and show to my readers what I am like at home, in the right one. :-)

    Have a very blessed week, my friend! I really like you, u know?! :-)

    xo


    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  12. Erin10 January 2011 at 19:10

    HAHAHAHA! You are too funny! Can't wait to see the full story!
    Eooo

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  13. Unknown10 January 2011 at 19:43

    Must be something about orange, my kitchen is orange! (only because of the previous owners) i have to get rid asap!!
    x

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  14. Courtenay@Signal Hill Interiors10 January 2011 at 19:58

    How is it possible that such a warm color can seem so cold and uninviting? That's quite a feat! (I hope the previous owners of your house don't read your blog, btw! Poor, misled decorators that they were.)

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  15. Unknown10 January 2011 at 20:07

    great job!
    Sarah I found the complite reportage of french industrial chic house you like so much in an italian magazine that I had at home!
    What a strange combination!
    Hugs
    Mari

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  16. Alison Agnew10 January 2011 at 20:54

    I love your made over kitchen. So simple, but functional and pretty too.

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  17. GoldenValley5010 January 2011 at 21:00

    I have a confession to make! Back in the 90's I actually painted my Living/Dining Room AND Kitchen orange! I cringe now - what must have I been thinking? Worst still, I included a wallpaper freize (or is it frieze?) in the most hideous asymetrical pattern in oranage/brown tonings around the middle of the rooms! Luckily I have "seen the light" and moved on. Can't wait to see your reveal! ;)Sharyne

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  18. Vanessa10 January 2011 at 21:46

    Michelle said it best in her comment...that orange color is Wonky! Its almost a peachy toned orange which is just entirely unnatural. :-) I can't wait to read more about the entire transformation as we already know you loved it right back to life!
    Vanessa

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  19. Unknown10 January 2011 at 21:55

    Such a gorgeous makeover and honestly, I wouldn't even know it was the same kitchen! Looking forward to more details ;)

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  20. Marie Söderberg10 January 2011 at 22:28

    oh my god..what a great makeover !!
    I would love to see more of it, so Ill be back and of course Im a follower ;) have a great day

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  21. Catherine10 January 2011 at 22:57

    LOL sweetie, you sure had some vision to be able to see through that orange-rage mist!!

    I adore what you have done....you are my domestic goddess, you know that, right!!

    Now, unless I am blind in all my frothy excitement when I trawl through your blog, you be sure to tell us what the colour is on your walls!! I LOVE it with a deep passion...yes indeedy, you already know what I am like: so yes that is me in your kitchen, cheek pressed gently against your wall, stroking it's beautifulness and purring. Bit sick really, isn't it! Best tell me so I can get my own!!

    Biggest hugs to you!!!!

    Cath
    xxxxxxx

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  22. Sarah11 January 2011 at 00:00

    I love it...love love love love it. And not that it's relevant to the awesome kitchen but we have the same name. Here's to Sarah's with an H at the end!
    Wearing It On My Sleeves

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  23. WobiSobi11 January 2011 at 00:27

    I can't wait to see the rest.

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  24. theexperimentalyogi11 January 2011 at 05:54

    I agree I'm not a fan of yellow either!

    http://australiennechic.blogspot.com/

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  25. Travel With Lulu11 January 2011 at 06:08

    Wow, not only did you have a great vision, but clearly very brave!

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  26. Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms11 January 2011 at 13:14

    I love orange, but sadly not the orange in your previous kitchen, like someone above mentioned, it's more of a peach (ugh). Your made-over kitchen is, of course, stunning. Love the red accents. Our kitchen and, indeed, our entire house, is a in a state of mismatchedness (if that is a word) and is overwhelmed by clutter (Mr and Miss J and P's) and silly collections (mine, all mine).

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  27. Cindy11 January 2011 at 13:40

    I can certainly see why you would want to redo your kitchen, and you guys did an amazing job on it. I love your new kitchen!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  28. Unknown11 January 2011 at 14:16

    I have to admit that the orange wouldn't be my favorite either.

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  29. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life11 January 2011 at 14:33

    Your makeover is just wonderful. Such a beautiful redo and great kitchen. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  30. Anonymous11 January 2011 at 16:14

    What is the paint color or brand that you used in the kitchen? I love it!

    I'll ship you the stool if you paint my kitchen, haha! Not a very fair trade on my part.

    Hope you're having a good day so far! It's -5 degrees here. My toes are so KKKKK cold :)
    xoxo

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  31. An Oasis in the Desert11 January 2011 at 16:21

    Very nice makeover. You did a great job.
    CAS

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  32. Anne11 January 2011 at 16:49

    Gee, not only orange but that charming touch of BLUE to make it even more obvious!! What a wonderful makeover!!

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  33. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage11 January 2011 at 19:46

    Oh boy... orange and blue... sometimes you have to wonder! I love how your kitchen looks now that it is all gorgeous and made over- can't wait to hear more about how you did the remodel! Hugs, Courtney

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  34. Magali11 January 2011 at 20:21

    I remember your kitchen redo: it's what brought me to your blog as I was looking around the Internet for cottage-style kitchens!
    I'm glad I'm not the only "orange-allergic": my house is very orange-y and yellow-y... I'm going to remove some of the orange next summer!
    Your garden looks beaitiful from the windows...

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  35. Donnie11 January 2011 at 21:17

    I loved seeing all your photos. Everything looks great.

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  36. Midwest Cottage and Finds12 January 2011 at 00:31

    sarah,
    I LOVE your kitchen!! And the post right before that one--WOW!!! those photos of the industrial/soft/vintage/country look were to DIE for!!! I'm going back thru your blog when i am done here....thanks for stopping by mine--and being a follower--i am your newest follower!! nice to meet you!
    chris

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  37. Holly Lefevre12 January 2011 at 05:24

    I love what you did with your kitchen. I do admit....I LOVE orange...but not in a kitchen. My tile was almost range in my kitchen...guess what...not there anymore!

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  38. melissa12 January 2011 at 10:11

    Hi Sarah,
    I love the makeover and I remember seeing the photos when you posted them last year. I'm not a big fan of orange, you may have seen in my Christmas post that one of the yet to be painted rooms in my house is in a very 'lovely' shade of ochre/orange. (I hate it and I can totally sympathise)
    I also read you had boiler problems, I hope that didn't take too long to sort out - what a nuisance for you!
    Have a lovely week - Melissa xx

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  39. Doda12 January 2011 at 11:10

    Looks fab. Well done. I like the wall colour, hope you are going to share it's name. :-)

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  40. Brandi12 January 2011 at 23:41

    I really love your kitchen Sarah! I want open shelves like yours in my kitchen! What a difference a can of paint can make! You did an amazing job!

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  41. Gwen @ Gwenny Penny13 January 2011 at 03:44

    Oh, I'm so excited you're doing this! I can't wait to see your kitchen in more detail. I'm still laughing at "Like being in a giant egg yolk"!

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  42. Heaven's Walk13 January 2011 at 03:55

    Sarah ~ what an incredible transformation, girl! Wow! Your kitchen is just beautiful! Happy WW to you, you talented girl, you! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  43. Brandi14 January 2011 at 00:11

    Hey Sarah! I am really considering adding the open shelves to my kitchen. Did you have to attach them to the studs in the wall?

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  44. Unknown14 January 2011 at 13:20

    You certainly had your work cut out for you! What a great transformation though!

    Thanks for linking up!

    Ashley
    www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com

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  45. Nike14 January 2011 at 16:02

    Sarah,

    Saw this on Tidy Mom and recognized your work right away. Turned out AMAZING!

    ~Nike@ChooseToThrive

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  46. fitty's pinky rose cottage14 January 2011 at 16:17

    oh I love your kitchen makeover! turns out great indeed! love the colours that you pick!

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  47. Sheri @ www.careergirlinterrupted.com14 January 2011 at 16:29

    i never get enough of your kitchen. i adore it. simply adore it.

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  48. Unknown14 January 2011 at 20:26

    Holy orange sherbert! That's exactly what the shade was... and that blue? I love blue, don't get me wrong but ??? I enjoy your writing style and decided to be a follower. I hope you'll stop by my blog sometime and maybe follow me too :)

    Michelle
    www.newengland-style.com

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  49. Vanessa14 January 2011 at 23:57

    Hello lovely friend! Just coming back by to say thanks so much for linking up your amazing kitchen transformation to the party this week! Gave me a chance to soak it all in once more! :-)
    Vanessa

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  50. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage15 January 2011 at 16:34

    Hi Miss Sarah~Just stopping back over to say thank you for sharing this at Feathered Nest Friday! :) Hugs, Courtney

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  51. Debra@CommonGround16 January 2011 at 05:21

    Whaaaaat????? you don't like living in a giant egg yolk? tooooo funny! I'm lovin' how your kitchen looks today, so I'm excited to see the transformation. And from the looks of the rest of the house, you have a gorgeous home. I've always wanted to live in the English countryside...oh my, just a dream of mine. Thanks so much for joining in for VIF!!
    xo,
    Debra

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  52. Funky Junk Interiors16 January 2011 at 07:38

    LOL! Yup, I need more too. Hurry up! :) What a beauty of a makeover!

    Donna

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  53. TidyMom16 January 2011 at 18:50

    GORGEOUS!!
    Thanks for linking up!! I featured your post in the wrap up http://tidymom.net/2011/im-lovin-it-wrap-up-1-16-11/

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  54. Unknown19 January 2011 at 16:32

    SARAH, you never mentioned that you are clearly about 21!! ...and I'm not sure we can be friends if you look that gorgeous with no make up on!!!

    Oh, yes, Shaker..just love the simplicity is all. xx

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  55. Unknown19 January 2011 at 16:34

    Oops left above comment on wrong post!!! Why do I ever attempt to leave a comment with 4 hungry kids in my kitchen with me!!! You know where it is supposed to be!!xx

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  56. Roeshel19 January 2011 at 20:29

    Sarah - I don't know what I'm thinking! I HAVE seen your beautiful kitchen before and it is one of inspiration! lol Don't mind my crazy brain - some many blogs, so many mixups once in a while. lol I HOPE my kitchen turns out as beautiful as yours and I am loving all of the inspiration you're providing - yours included!

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  57. Jen's Busy Days16 March 2011 at 05:49

    I abhor orange too. Any hand me downs for my kids to wear are re-shared immediately if they are mostly or only orange. Just can't stand it.

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  58. kitchen taps13 April 2011 at 09:00

    Really you rocked with the kind of work you have displayed in your post..great going!

    kitchen pull out taps

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  59. Mosaic Wall Tiles4 October 2011 at 13:48

    the timber contrasting with the light shaker styled doors looks fantastic, the simplicity of the colours keeps a modern feel, while the accessories bring the character - great :)

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  60. flooring Honolulu28 August 2012 at 07:39

    Thank you for this post. Good thing you changed the color. I am also not into orange hues so when I saw your old kitchen, I was like, “what is up with these people?” I do not know why, but I just do not like orange. Anyway, your kitchen looks so much better. You did an amazing job.

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  61. Unknown18 May 2017 at 08:09

    I am so happy to have found your blog! Your kitchen makeover looks beautiful! The information you have shared is very informative. thanks

    Poulin Design Center
    Kitchen Cabinet Santa Fe
    Kitchen Remodel Albuquerque

    ReplyDelete
  62. Unknown18 May 2017 at 08:11

    Just discovered your site and I love it!and This kitchen makeover is absolutely fabulous!! Love everything about it.

    North East Factory Direct
    Cleveland Kitchen Cabinets
    Modern Furniture Cleveland

    ReplyDelete
  63. Home Stars18 May 2017 at 08:12

    Just found your site and I love it! I absolutely LOVE what you did with your kitchen! you are amazing.

    Furniture Store Denver
    Kitchen Cabinets Parker
    Whole Sale Furniture Parker

    ReplyDelete
  64. Anonymous1 March 2018 at 11:48

    woow nice one thanks for sharing a photos i love the interior which looks bit classic too. its a best combination of modern and classic kitchen interior. read more

    ReplyDelete
  65. London Construct Ltd24 June 2020 at 12:29

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    ReplyDelete
  66. Zalewska30 November 2020 at 09:51

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  67. homednb Dallas9 October 2023 at 05:28

    Okay! first I love your kitchen makeover and thanks for sharing this with us. If you’re planning a Kitchen Remodeling Dallas TX project. Consider adding a touch of natural light that will make all the difference.

    ReplyDelete
  68. klay4 March 2024 at 05:52

    Your kitchen transformation is absolutely incredible! I can't believe the difference between the before and after photos. The orange walls and tiles in the old kitchen were definitely overwhelming, and I can understand why you wanted a change. It's amazing how much a simple color change can completely transform a space. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading more about the makeover process and seeing the final result. Keep up the fantastic work! By the way, if you ever need recommendations for kitchen remodeling in Dallas, I know a few great contractors who could help bring your vision to life even further! Visit https://futuredesignbuildtx.com/

    ReplyDelete
  69. Colorado Springs Basement Finishing8 April 2024 at 06:50

    Wow! The modern country kitchen makeover is stunning! The blend of rustic charm with sleek design elements creates a warm and inviting space. Truly impressive transformation.Colorado Springs Basement Finishing

    ReplyDelete
  70. Colorado Springs Basement Finishing26 April 2024 at 04:25

    Oh, what an impressive modern country kitchen makeover! The fusion of rustic allure and contemporary design elements crafts a welcoming ambiance. A truly remarkable renovationColorado Springs Basement Finishing.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Colorado Springs Basement Finishing9 May 2024 at 04:53

    Absolutely stunning! The blend of rustic charm and modern aesthetics creates such an inviting atmosphere. This kitchen makeover is truly impressive and inspiring.Colorado Springs Basement Finishing.

    ReplyDelete