{ Trash to Treasure }: Kitchen Sideboard - 2018 Update!

Last week on my SSS FaceBook page I shared one of my favorite furniture flip projects I've done [see it here]. and I mentioned that I've since changed the look of my kitchen, so here it is!

Be warned, that my kitchen is on the small side. I wanted a "sideboard" to add more surface space and additional, much needed, storage. I got rid of my teal dresser because it was too big and I needed a more compact version. I didn't have to look much further than my own living room... this piece went under major renovation and has been used for many different purposes [SEE IT HERE] 

So far, this piece has exceeded my expectations and doesn't take over the entire wall, yay!

Scored the 3-Tier dish at a garage sale for $5. SWEET!

I like to keep a lot of foods that are usually found on the counter in glass food containers. Food packaging tends to be very busy especially when you have a mix of products and brands. When poured into glass containers, it leaves the counters looking really organized but yet serving it's purpose. That's my idea of a win/win.

I spray painted the original hardware with Rust-Oleum: Oil Rubbed Bronze, which I LOVE. It has a matte finish but also leaves a little shimmer behind and it gives it a really beautiful almost authentic finish.

The bottom drawer pulls were from Amazon. 

Nice, right?? L.O.V.E.

A glance at the recent before:

eeeeeek!!!

I used 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Dove White. My go-to shade for white furniture.

The blue crates also got a paint job. I didn't take a before because it was a spontenous decision. I mixed a bit of teal paint I had with the Dove White, it was a very close shade to the original color, just now it's in much nicer condition.

Let's have a peak inside, shall we?

The top-left drawer is reserved for food containers! Storage containers tend to take over cabinets and drawers, we're definitely guilty of it. Having a small drawer however forces us to keep our stash to a limit. Now that the kids are in school, we have their lunch containers in here. (I'll share more about these containers on IG, follow me @SarahSweetandSimple!)

Underneath the food storage containers (bottom-left): kitchen towels, aprons, tea towels etc. 

The top-right drawer holds all of the other essentials: storage baggies and rolls of aluminum and parchment paper. I also leave a couple of Sharpies so I can immediately label baggies when necessary (which is almost always).

 Bottom-right drawer is other miscellaneous but often used kitchen supplies: Lids to our mason jars and straws, as well as lids to our Bullet machine and the kids ice cream bowls. The set-up was created so the kids could independently "help themselves", it's been a game changer.

 And what's on the blue crates, you ask?

My tools. 

Truth is, I access my tools at LEAST once a day. I'm always making or fixing something. I need easy access to them at all times. Having them in the open space of the dresser was ideal, I just didn't like LOOKING at my tools - so I used these blue crates which are pretty and practical. Score.

There you have it! My current kitchen sideboard!

I do have a beautiful white IKEA hutch beside this sideboard... it will be going under a much needed makeover. My poor girl has seen better days! I promise to share a before and after. 

Meanwhile, please share this post and leave me a comment with your thoughts and questions!

T H A N K  YOU!

Cheers,
Sarah

Thrift Store Treasures: Kitchen Sideboard & China Cabinet

When we moved in to our new place last April, I knew exactly what I wanted to do about the lack of counter and storage space in the kitchen. I wanted a practical piece to host the things we need, coffee maker, pots, pans and the things I had tucked away or poorly stored, food containers, my honey's sweets and my obsessive dish towel collection. Not to mention, it had to have some serious style; shape and color to compliment my love for all things farmhouse! That's right, this girl lives in Brooklyn... but I have a thing for country life, rustic and vintage style.

I took my needs and matched it with some visuals... I went to Pinterest (my go-to source for all things creative and home). (And no, I am not paid to endorse). I searched the words "Coffee Bar" since it has been all the rage lately, and with good reason: people with children love coffee. There were a ton of great stuff but the 3 I couldn't stop staring at are as follows:

[Source]
Why I love it: A perfect place for everything.

[Source]
Why I love it: It's true to  Farmhouse style. Wood, metal and porcelain looking good.

[Source]
Why I love it: That color! and it married what I love about #1 and #2

Now I was on the hunt to find THE piece. Until one day, eight months later, a took a stroll through downtown Brooklyn and dropped by a local thrift store where I found amazing houseware items for $1, a beautiful petite China cabinet that had my name all over it AND my kitchen sideboard. I saw it from across the room and I knew it was "the one".  Moreover, the price was right up my alley: $25!!

I spoke to the store clerk and he told me that I can prepay and pick up within 2 days. But I'd have to rent a moving truck and convince the Mister. Guess what was my biggest struggle? The Mister.

I called everyday for 2 weeks to confirm that both of my pieces were still there. I also convinced the Mister to let me have them both!! Score!! When we agreed that Saturday 00/00 we'd be able to pick it up, I went down the Thursday prior to purchase my "girls". When the clerk asked me what i was interested in, I pointed out both pieces and she says "I'll give you both for $50", I jumped and shrieked "Sold!" The China cabinet alone was tagged at $75!! I knew I just made the deal of my life!!

So here they are:

Here they are after I convinced The Mister to help me haul them home :)

Clearly they need some TLC. Yay! A project!! I am saying this with a twist of sarcasm and enthusiasm :)

UPDATE! To see the "After" of the Kitchen sideboard, check out this post!

Sincerely,
Sarah