Friday 22 May 2015

With knobs on




We have been back in Caunes for just over a week. I am still contemplating how I want my blog to develop, without just repeating the annual pattern of what happens in our lives, shared between Yorkshire and the Minervois. 

However, I haven't got very far with my contemplation . I have been too busy.

When we first saw our house in Caunes, back in May 2011, our agent, Paoula, warned us we would hate the decor inside, and she was showing us the house because she thought we needed a good view.....and there is no doubt that we have a wonderful view over Caunes and onwards to the mountains.

We actually liked the decor, with a few minor exceptions.... the pink bathroom had to go !

I distinctly recall Paoula warning us about the kitchen.....awful dark wood, nasty tiles and....the "urine coloured sink".....those were her exact words. I thought at the time it was a strange approach for someone trying to sell us the house.

Anyway...we loved the house, and really were not offended by the urine coloured sink. 

For 3 years I have enjoyed my French kitchen, but gradually, some of its charm began to wear thin. Last summer I decided to steam clean the work surfaces.....which were made of small tiles.....with grouting between them. For 3 years I had cleaned the tiles meticulously, or so I thought. The steam cleaning process showed up an incredible amount of grime. I wondered how we had all not died of poisoning when I thought of all the food that had been prepared on those surfaces.

So, that was it. While we were back in Yorkshire this winter, we had a new granite work surface installed, the grotty wall tiles replaced, and, while we were at it, we had a new sink put in, replacing Paoula's unrine coloured one. 

We talked about getting a whole new kitchen put in, but basically, I liked the layout, and the units were decent quality, and solid wood, albeit a bit dark and dated. So, the plan was that we would paint all the cupboards.......which we have now done.



Using the amazing Annie Sloan paint was great. No preparation required, just slap it on, it's dry within an hour, get a second coat on, and then apply the wax to give it a sheen and to make it more durable as it was in a kitchen. The kitchen is quite large, and has a dozen double cupboards, and a large dresser, so it was quite a big task to take on.



 I managed all the painting myself, over 2 days, but needed Mark's help with the waxing. That was exhausting !

It was a moment of great satisfaction, when we finally screwed in the final new door knob.



I am delighted with the finished kitchen and really would recommend Annie Sloan paint. It goes a long way. I bought 5 litres for the kitchen, and have only used 2, so now, anything that is standing still is likely to be Annie Sloaned.




14 comments:

  1. WOW, the transformation is amazing. Well done. I love the look and the finish.

    I'm looking forward to hearing more about your summer in Caunes. I think you deserve a glass or two of something cold and sparkly to celebrate your achievement xx

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    1. Thanks Gaynor. I'm really pleased with it. Now we can get round to getting the rest of the house into some sort of state acceptable to the various visitors who are due this summer. I need to catch up on a few of your posts, I've not been keeping up with blog reading recently...so I'm looking forward to catching up. Jx

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  2. I had been watching the progress on Facebook and immediately went to Google Annie Sloan paint to see if it's available here in Spain. And there are a couple of outlets in Andalucia. What really interests me is that you say it was so easy to apply...there are some different opinions out there ...but there's no denying you have made a fantastic job of it!! Looks really very good and as my kitchen cupboards are very similar to your original ones, I am tempted. Very tempted. I'd been put off by the idea of taking all the doors off, cleaning and sanding them before painting. Perhaps I don't need to. A visit to Cordoba is all I need. (As each of the pictures gives a slightly different colour, could you tell me the name of the colour you used?) Axxx

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    1. If you have looked at some u tube videos of people using Annie Sloan paint you will have discovered that it is incredibly popular with women. The lack of preparation required seems to suit those of us that like to decorate "now" and see immediate results. There are other brands of chalk paint, but people seem to agree this is the best....I paid £18 a litre, which seems very expensive when compared to other brands, or dulux emulsion, or something like that....but, it goes on forever. You can dilute it, dry it out to thicken it, mix colours,and, most importantly, cover anything ! Easily !!!! I do warn you, that the waxing, which gives it its lovely sheen finish, and makes it hard wearing...is hard though. Buffing it to make it shine takes an awful lot of elbow grease.
      I used "country grey".... it changed colour from a pale grey on coat #1 to a mushroomy sort of grey on coat #'2, and then it deepened with the wax finish.
      A friend is using "paris grey", which is nice, and I have used cream, and will be using a pale blue on some bedroom furniture. I'm also now looking around for things to use the 3 litres of country grey that I bought, thinking I'd need it for the kitchen ! Hope that all helps. Jxxxxx

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  3. I am a great fan of Annie Sloan paint, it is a joy to use and covers up a multitude of sins. Really like your new tiles too - well done it all looks great.

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    1. Thanks Rosemary. I feel bad that I haven't been following your exploits recently. I have much blog post catching up to do. I notice that you seem to have been on some exciting travels recently, so I am really looking forward to a catch up session. I hope you are well, and enjoying things. Jx

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  4. I do like that soft colour...and the idea of a paint that you can just slap on sounds pretty good too.

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    1. Its perfect paint for those of us that think decorating should involve slapping paint on.... its perfect for me. Jx

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  5. Love it all - and especially the cupboard (and all the pottery on it :) ) I admire your determination, Janice, and proving that a kitchen can have a re-do without tearing everything out. I love my kitchen, but, it needs some updating, like a new sink. You've inspired me.
    Have a good weekend.

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    1. It really does feel like a new kitchen Penny, I am so pleased I saved the units ( and the money new ones would have cost ! )

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  6. I love it Janice! Well done with the Annie Sloan paint. I have had a tin of the white for ages, and have not had the courage to attack my wood pieces, including a dresser a bit like yours. I think you have encouraged me to have a go too. All the best, and great to see you posting again. Enjoy France! xx

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    1. Thanks Patricia, I'm having a great time catching up with missed blog postings, and am loving your current trip !

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  7. I loved seeing the before and after photographs.This blog sparked my interest Janice and I goggled ' French Country Kitchen'. One website allowed me to create a mood board with handprinted units with wooden worktops for a rustic feel.Then I could add all the finishing touches to it. So if I ever need it I have my mood board all at the ready!

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    1. Pinterest has alot to answer for doesn't it.... we are all going around making mood board type things...just in case ! I have food one, a gardening one, a hairstyles one and even a wedding one....just in case Jess ever decides to get married !

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