I made yet another change to the kitchen this past weekend, so I figured it would be fun to share the changes from the beginning. When we bought this house, we didn’t have a magic wand to wave to make all the projects be done over night. We didn’t find a money tree planted in the back yard. So, it has taken a lot of patience and time to make each space one that we want it to be. Usually I look back on before photos and feel bad, sorry for myself almost, but not anymore. I am beginning to see from today looking back that the small changes, the gross before photos and the in need of help progress photos that it all happened like that because we stuck to our guns to do things as we could. We didn’t get impatient and spend more than we could and forfeit time as a family to get it done faster. I can see just from one project how so many elements that are at the core of frugal living have come through as we’ve progressed on our home. Use it up. Wear it out. Make do. Or do without.
For a while, we had to do without a new kitchen at all. I had to make do with what was here when we bought the place. Plywood cabinets, faux brick linoleum, yellow laminate countertops.
Did I mention I was quite pregnant at the time? I know, you can’t tell. My babies were good hiders. But I was. I can guarantee I got cranky from time to time.
Then, it slowly became this:
Not terrible. More functional than pretty – kind of like me.
Some paint and subway tile, and the addition of a chalkboard made things a little cozier. Doing it as we could a little at a time.
Recently, I really mistreated my windows and tacked up some white canvas valances above the windows.
And now, it’s like my kitchen is growing up before my very eyes. Headed off to college, not letting me give it a hug or say I love you. All mature and stuff. With real window treatments.
3 bamboo roman shades may not seem like a big thing to many people, but to me they are. 
So you see – it’s never perfect and probably not at all finished. There is always something when the time is right and when the money is saved that can make all the difference. It’s fun to see the changes made without a magic wand or a money tree, just lots of patience.
I love seeing how rooms evolve and change. I saw some photos of our home before we decorated and it’s hard to believe its the same place. Thanks for sharing x
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I love it all! Those shades are a perfect addition to your kitchen. It’s awesome to see the changes all in one post.
I have to say, I wish my babies were better at hiding.
-FringeGirl
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What happened to your lovely kitchen island that was in your ‘chalkboard’ picture? I loved that!
I am right there with you on the doing it as you can road…only I’m where you were at the beginning of the road…and very pregnant too! (due in 3 weeks with baby #2) 
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Emily Reply:
May 4th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
I am using it for my computer at the other end of the kitchen until I find something more permanent for the computer and I can have my island back. Just another thing to add to the list of using what I have while patiently waiting for the right thing to come along
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Love how you are being patient, allowing your home to transform one step at a time! Appreciating each detail along the way! That is exactly where I am at, I sometimes feel a twinge of frustration with myself that I cannot go as fast as many bloggers do…then I remember that I am going at the pace that allows me to accomplish DIFFERENT things in life that are more important to me. It may not make for fast paced reading but it is the honest truth of my life!
And I like it that way, it is wonderful to do things as they need doing, as they fit in the budget and in the ‘in between living’ times of life! 
xo
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Hey, Emily, I love all your changes, steps at a time, but still, look at the outcome. I think it’s even better to go slow, that way you can really tweak things exactly the way you want to. Great job, it looks SO inviting.
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I love hearing about the process and appreciate your perspective so much. The outcome is beautiful!
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I love your kitchen. Trying hard not to be jealous, not working very well. You did a wonderful job and you have really great taste.
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I think it is more fun to do things this way – like we appreciate every thing more instead of instant gratification.
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I love the texture the shades add to the room. Good stuff!!!
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I plan on redoing my kitchen in stages too. That way I can do the whole thing with cash and it gives me time to decide exactly what I want instead of going with a snap decision I’m not going to like later.
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I see why you love the shades. Very nice. I love the blue walls and bits of red on the counter, too. What a long way you’ve come!
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I lived in my house for almost 6 years before FINALLY getting window treatments (bamboo shades like yours) in the kitchen last year. It was a big deal for me, too, so I can relate! I move very slowly on these things. Ha.
Your kitchen sure is looking beautiful, Em!
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LOVE the bamboo shades!! I need to find some for our new home on wheels, where did you find them?!
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