Winter is a good time to do those things that require time, and are indoor projects. For years now I have been wanting to change the shelf decor in my kitchen, but only now am I finally getting around to it. When we first moved into our new home in 2006, I put Contac paper on the shelves because I was in a hurry to move. That probably wasn't the best thing to do, I quickly learned, as Contac paper doesn't stay put after a while (it peels and buckles in humidity), and when you try to wash it the design washes off! I probably should have painted the shelves with several coats of paint, not just one of primer, but I hate painting so much!!
Well I used some holiday money that was given to me and bought some really nice heavy, cherry-motif oilcloth from Fabrics.com to use as shelf liner. This stuff is made in the good old USA, and has a washable cotton backing, and the whole thing can actually be put in a washing machine to clean. So I am gradually working on the 5 banks of cabinets in my kitchen and replacing the peeling Contac paper with this nice cherry oilcloth. It took me the better part of an afternoon to remove the old stuff, measure out the piece I needed, wash all the dishes and put them back - and this was just for ONE cabinet! I bought 6 yards of the oilcloth, which comes 47 inches wide. Here are some photos of what I have done. I think it will be really cute. Of course, you can only really see the bottom shelf when you stand in front of the cabinets, but at least things will be washable now!
I have open shelves without doors in my kitchen, and things can get a little dusty after a while. But I like the open style, and it sure is easier to get things in and out without having to deal with doors. In my dream world I wish I could afford cabinet doors with glass inserts top to bottom, but I know that isn't going to happen. Besides, open shelving is sort of early 50-ish country farmhouse look anyway! I strive for the vintage 1950's look in my kitchen, and this cherry motif stuff fits right in! I like things to look "cute".......
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| The cherry motif cloth really matches my dishes! |
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| A better view of a larger piece |
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| All 3 shelves on one side finished |
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| And 3 shelves on the other side of the cabinet finished. Another set of my "good dishes" goes in the space on top, but those dishes were soaking in wash water at the time this photo was taken. |
With four more cabinet banks to go, this project will take me at least a week - but it sure will be pretty, don't you think?
4 comments:
Lookin' good!
Love it!
Very very cute. I've been replacing my contact paper in my drawers and I was so mad because the old contact paper I ripped off tore off the laminate layer inside my cabinet drawers. So what a pretty alternative to contact paper.
Spell check changed the spelling of contac...whoops
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