Evolution of a Cabin Kitchen

We purchased our cabin in the mountains in the fall of 1998. It belonged to a dear friend of ours and we closed on the sale in the fall that year.

Below, are the pictures (and only pictures) I have of the cabin kitchen at the time we purchased it. I had almost forgotten how it originally looked until I found a few snapshots that were in my mother in law's photographs. What memories for me!!

I had forgotten about the red carpet.......I thought about that carpet all winter long....

and knew I'd have to address that in the spring......look at the classic 1950's dinette, I have to say, it was in immaculate shape.

In the spring of 1999, we changed things around a little bit...but not too much. I had a custom dining room table and chairs made from reclaimed fence panels, it fit in the corner perfectly for wonderful morning views from the windows. The carpet was changed, curtains added.....

and at the time, this was the best fix I came up with for hiding the window that was in the wall.....(see first picture again) We did not do too much fancy things, just a little updating!

It worked well......but now, over 10 years later, I was so ready for a change.....say goodbye to the over head cabinets.....the original owners were cabinet crazy....they were in practically every room.

This year, we updated and got rid of the 1970's paneling.....Formica on the walls.....and (almost) all of the brown old appliances.....(you can click photos to make them bigger)

I am loving this new tin back splash.....and can not get over the difference it makes.

The little alcove is sheet rocked with a custom built cabinet and counter by our wonderful handyman....Matt.

And the outdoor window is now a thing of the past....just a Sheetrock wall now...no one would ever know there was a window there at one time.

Next year, I'll replace the sink.....there was just not enough time in this trip this spring to finish all the details.

Here is the cabinet I mentioned above. I'll have a post on this later on......it was really a great addition to the kitchen.

The blue stained pine really lightens up the whole room, gives a rustic warm feel and I am really loving it......later this week, I'll show you how the master bedroom turned out.....one day soon, we will go visit our place in the mountains and hopefully get to enjoy the fruits of our labor....hopefully!

I am glad I found these few snapshots from the way it originally looked, it is fun to look back and see the changes as they take place.....if you forget to take pictures before you start a remodel or changes in a room, that needs to change. Take a minute, grab your camera and start snapping a few shots....you will be glad you did. Because if your like for me, you will enjoy seeing the evolution of change right before you eyes....even if it took several years to be finished.

I am linking in with Blue Monday at Smiling Sally's blog...check out the other blue participants!