Hello friends! Can you believe it’s August?! Where has the time gone? I feel like I was just trying to figure out how the family was going to get together for Easter. But I am ready for August. August means it’s practically time for fall decorating (at least for bloggers) which is another reason I love blogging! But during that in-between time and some boredom, I decided to redecorate my kitchen and thought you’d like to know how to redecorate your kitchen for free too!
Redecorate Your Kitchen for Free!
I’ve been home alone this week so I was in an organizing/cleaning mood. I like that mood, it’s therapeutic to me. I especially like it when the Mister is out of town because I don’t hear him commenting on the amount of stuff I donate or throw away. One reason the Lord put us together was so he wouldn’t become a hoarder. Yeah, he likes his stuff and thinks there’s no reason to get rid of something you may use one day. Even if it’s 20 years from now.
One reason the Lord gave the Mister to me was so I would socialize. I tell him all the time I like myself and think I’m dang good company so why do we need to have people over? Laughing but not kidding. Does that surprise you? Most people think I like chatting. My own mother, even after a thousand lectures, thinks I want to talk on the phone. I hate talking on the phone. But whoever came up with texting is a genius in my book. I’m all over that. My kids say I could carry on an entire conversation using only emoji’s. That’s kinda true. 🙂
On the flip side, I’m a people pleaser. When I was younger (about 10 years ago) I would lose sleep if I thought someone didn’t like me. Now, not so much. I guess that’s my ever-growing wisdom with my ever-getting older. Wowza, that was more information than you probably needed to know. Sorry, moving on now.
Begin with a good foundation
Start by clearing everything off the counters and give it a good cleaning. You will be amazed at how good your kitchen looks when you’re finished. I use a mixture of Dawn dish soap and a little bleach and scrub the counters, the stove top, the back splash and even the grime that collects around light switches and plugs. I saw a glob of something on a plug plate behind the mixer that was blue. Must have been there since Christmas when we decorated cookies. Yikes!
Corral the Clutter
Figure out your most important area and deal with it first. For us, it’s the drop zone. As soon as we get home the keys, mail, cell phone, (now masks), etc., all get dropped right on the counter as we enter the kitchen. It can get cluttered so I keep it corralled. Go through what you don’t need and put the rest in a basket or on a tray. I like to switch it out and redecorate what’s in it too. The keys get a pretty bowl and I add greenery. Sometimes there’s a framed photo, fun saying or Bible verse in the corner. Clutter needs cuteness too. 😉
Liven up the must-have’s
Before you assess what’s going back on the counters, get rid of the ugly. If you have something that’s seen better days, pack it away, donate or move it into a cabinet or pantry. After that I start adding back things I’ll use each day. Maybe it’s a set of knives, canisters, a mixer or cook book. I don’t use the mixer all that often but because it’s as heavy as all get out, it stays.
While I’m doing this I like to move those items to a different place. Like my canisters for instance. I don’t have to keep them in the same spot as before. Most of the time our prep work is done on the island anyway. Speaking of canisters, do you decorate them? If not, now is a good time. Try adding ribbon to tie something around them like a cookie cutter, favorite recipe card or measuring spoons. I like to use pretty cups instead of scoops and switch them out occasionally.
Keep it useful
If you want to add something pretty just because, try and make it useful. I always have a cookbook out on my counter. I switch those out seasonally. If the cover isn’t all that great, I’ll grab one with a seasonal menu and flip it to a pretty page. Next to it I have measuring spoons in the blue canister. I’ve found it easier than digging for them in a drawer.
Shop the house
Have you ever thought about keeping a small lamp in your kitchen? I really like it. The ambiance at night is lovely and gives me a new appreciation for the place I’m in the most. I shop the house and choose a different lamp every now and then so my view at the sink is pleasant since I don’t have a window behind the sink.
Redecorate the shelves
Is there one spot in your kitchen you keep things handy? I have a shelf off to the side where I keep my aprons. I change out the top shelf seasonally as well. Right now it’s got a vintage bottle with a flower but soon it will be fall decor. Instead of aprons I’ve used pretty kitchen towels, pot holders and cutting boards too.
Double Duty
Y’all know I like keeping the dishes within easy reach. To redecorate the island, I switch out the tray, the dishes and the vase of flowers. Sometimes the bowls pull double duty by holding seasonal fruit. If you don’t have a large area for all of this, keeping a bowl or plate of fruit will look nice as well. The wreath over the stove top was snatched from the front door. That was the easiest free switch made.
Have you been inspired today to redecorate your kitchen for free? I love mine. It feels like a new summertime kitchen. BTW, if you’d like to see my summer dining room, click here. The only downside to doing all this cleaning and redecorating is I don’t want to cook and mess things up. Guess it’s take out for me until the Mister gets back! Woo hoo!
If you want to see some great kitchens or decorating ideas, follow me on Pinterest. I have boards you’ll love!
Hi Cindy,
We are living parallel lives this week. My husband is driving our son from TN to MN this week. So I am hauling stuff to Goodwill, cleaning corners and getting ready for pumpkins. I may need to reintroduce a lamp to the kitchen. I love lighting. Happy day!
Author
Freedom comes in handy doesn’t it? I hope you enjoy the organizing and cleaning. And go get that lamp friend! I think it’s my favorite look in a kitchen or bathroom.
I have a husband the same as yours, always get things out when he is out. He always says why do you get rid of something and then buy something new! Men don’t understand our thinking.
Author
Oh my golly, those exact same words have come from the Mister’s mouth. What he doesn’t understand (besides our thinking) is that even if we were to need it again in those 20 years, it’s not in style or in good shape. Ayi yi yi. THanks for the visit today Darlene and hope you have a great week!
Oh, your kitchen looks sparkling clean, organized and beautiful! I have some “decorations” that are on the counters that aren’t useful, so you have inspired me to relocate them. Thanks so much for the nudge. I really enjoy reading your posts.
Author
Woo hoo Miche! I love change so that part is easy. I’m very opinionated so giving people a little nudge comes easy too. LOL! I bet you’ll like the new look – Enjoy. 🙂
I loved this blog! Your kitchen has some similarities to mine and I have been mulling over how to change it. Now I see the the different colors you have used and it has inspired me! I loved the vintage cups in the large canisters! I must put a basket out for my spouse to put all his junk in! That way it won’t be so annoying! Excuse all the exclamation points – it just shows excitement!
Author
Hi Moira! I’m super excited that you found a new idea and inspiration from the post! Keeping clutter corralled makes life easier and improves our relationship – LOL! No apology needed for enthusiasm either. I like exclamation points!
Your kitchen always looks beautiful!!! I don’t believe you found a blue glob on the light switch from Christmas!!! No way!!! 😂🤣😂
Author
I did find a blue glob! Sad thing is, I don’t remember what we made and I sure wasn’t going to continue the inspection to find out. LOL. Thanks Pam! Happy Birthday Month!
Your kitchen is beautiful! I adore the ivory metal shelf in the first photo, guessing its vintage? Thanks for sharing!
Author
Thank you Vicki. Nope, that adorable shelf came from Decor Steals. http://www.decorsteals.com Sign up (if you haven’t already). I think they have the cutest reproductions at seriously good prices.
Where do you fiind your blue canning jars?
I’m in Austin
Love your stuff and we share similar social attitudes
Author
I love sharing similar social attitudes – LOL! I find the blue jars at antique stores and estate sales around me but you can get new ones at Walmart in the blue most of the time. Since you are in Austin, Round Top’s Antique Fair coming up in October would be an excellent place to find vintage jars. You’ll find tons of goodies there so you might want to take a truck or trailer! Not kidding! Hope that helps Claudia. 🙂
Cindy, I loved everything about this post. Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful! Sometimes all we really need to is toss and clean! LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Author
Yes – toss and clean! I love that. Thanks for the visit and comment Cindy. Are you a Cynthia? I’m a Cynthia Lynn.
You have a pretty kitchen and thanks for all these ideas, have fun with your take out and sit and admire the prettiness of your kitchen while you eat.
Author
Deal! I am definitely enjoying a clean kitchen! Thanks Marlene.
I love your kitchen great job!!!!!
Author
Thank you Debbie. Glad you could visit today!
My comment is a little bit different. Thank you for being honest about your being an introvert. It came on a day when I am really struggling with that. I always feel so guilty for not having people over more often or being more social in general. I haven’t minded the COVID restraints at all. They fit my personality well…..no large gatherings of people and stay home when possible. I know the Lord made us all different, but I wish He had given me a little more desire to mingle! 🙂
Author
I get you Cheryl! One thing I know, we are perfectly made by the only one who’s opinion matters ! Imagine if the Lord created us all the same. Life would be boring and we’d either all hate each other and think we were right or maybe we’d all stay at home, be hermits and the world would be much more quiet. Introverts rock! You just need to hang with someone not afraid to walk up to a stranger and have a chat. Or you and I could hang together at the table in the back and discuss what’s wrong with the world. I’d be okay with that. 😃. Hope you have a great week and I’m so excited you commented! Big hugs Cheryl.
You just don’t know how relieved I am to read the comments and find something I can relate to. The hubs just don’t understand; mine is constantly throwing things out, and had in the process thrown things out that he shouldn’t have. The day our girls came back from a trip and forgot a brown bag on the living room table. Little that we know the paper bag was holding a satin pouch that contained their jewelry. We are talking about real gold and real sterling silver jewelry. Over the years they accumulated and impressive collection from us, and other family members as well for their birthdays. The darlings thought that it was a good idea to use the brown paper bag as a safety measure. The girls were attending a social event during that trip and it was during the Spring. Now because of the confinement,and since we are all home it has become easier to watch and catch him in the act (LOL). Prior to that, it was a totally different story; you think that he would have learned something. He is a neat freak and that’s that. Thank you Cindy for the inspiration; those colors are awesome. Any combination will do like you said. Great ideas!
Author
Oh wow Edmee. That is quite a terrible story. Not sure I could let him live that one down. LOL! Stay on his heels! 😂. Thanks for the visit today.
Oh Cindy, that chippy white shelf where you have your aprons hanging literally made me gasp when I saw it. It’s so delightful! I need to know, like really NEED to know where you got it! 💕
-Niky @ The House on Silverado
Author
Thank you Niky. I loved it too as soon as it popped up on my screen so I obviously had to snatch it up quickly. It’s from Decor Steals. 😄 Thanks for the visit today. Hope you have a great week!
Thank you for sharing your great ideas Cindy. Your kitchen is so clean, beautiful and organized. Inspiring!
Author
Thank you Kim. I do love a clean and organized kitchen! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week. We are finally getting the entry painted tomorrow! Woo hoo! They might have to pick me up off the floor I’m so giddy!
I love those deep cleanings that lead to redecorating with the “use what you have” technique. Your kitchen looks so pretty and clean and I love the vintage farmhouse touches!
I am happy to feature you at AAH this week. Thanks for sharing with us!
https://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/all-about-home-link-party-52/
Author
Thank you Amber. For me, little else beats the feeling of a deep cleaned and organized kitchen! Always glad to party with y’all! And thank you for the feature! I’m so excited! Have a great weekend.
Hello Fellow Introvert,
I also am loving this stay at home, less people on the road time. I’ve decided not to return to teaching with this craziness going on and am excited to have some time to focus on my health along with some home improvements instead. I’ll be tuning into your posts with my new found free time as you always give me a spark of energy and creativity. Thank you for that ❤️
Author
Thanks so much Carmen, you made my day. I was talking to a friend the other day and mentioned that as much as I’d like things to get back to normal, I’m just fine at home. 🙂 Although, I was bummed a little today because Chapel Hill, a small town near us, canceled the Scarecrow Festival. I wasn’t surprised really and we may not have even gone but I would have liked an option. :/ Hope you enjoy that new found free time! Stay safe.
Cindy, I LOVE the teacups as measuring cups in the glass canisters!! <3 And yes it feels good to have a pretty clean kitchen. I need to pull out a basket and throw all the needed junk in it for this one dumping ground area… Thanks for the good reminder!!
Enjoy your pretty kitchen ~ love the tiles of the backsplash turned into diamonds,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Author
Thanks Barbara. It’s almost time to dig out some fall colored tea cups for the canisters. I love them too. Can we ever have too many cups and saucers? Nope. Thanks for the visit. Hope you have a wonderful week. Stay safe!