Thursday, August 9, 2012

The Kitchen Corbel Saga

When this section of the kitchen was torn out to make room for a freestanding oven, I decided to not put the corbels back under the hood.  
They seemed too ornate and and I had a more streamlined look in mind.
Still, I kept my options open should I decide the corbels should go back.

Also, there was a question as to what color they should be after the cabinets were painted green.
Should they also be green?  That would look silly.
I thought they would look great if they were natural wood, like washed pine.

 I gave them to Ian the Master Painter and this is what I got.
He faux finished them to look like a fine piece of furniture, taking his cue from my dining room hutch.

 Although he did a great job, it wasn't the look I had in mind.

 I wanted the corbels to look like I found them in a salvage yard!
I sent them back to be stripped and then finished them myself by rubbing a golden oak stain over them and letting them sit outside for a month.

And this is how they turned out.
Ryan the Contractor came over last week to install them.
We made the decision to not finish them with moulding around the top, just leave them bare and raw.

 I love how they look!

 Before the corbels were added, the stove seemed like it was a little lost on this wall.
Now the corbels box it in and frame it, giving the stove importance.

The light finish echoes the bamboo shade and eventually the raw oak curtain rod that will be installed when I get around to repurposing my dining room drapes for the window.

 I'm really glad I decided to keep the corbels.  
Yes, they are a little ornate, but the rustic finish counters that aspect.

Also, they are copies of the original corbels on the front of the house, circa 1906.
It's only right that they found their way back where they started!

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34 comments:

Debby said...

Your home is so beautiful. Love the corbels.

Unknown said...

I love the bare old world look of them after you took them over. Your kitchen is so beautiful!

The Tuscan Home said...

I L O V E that look! Your kitchen is A M A Z I N G!!! XO ~Liz

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Delores, the corbels look great! I just love your kitchen!

Kathysue said...

Hi D! Love the look of the new/old corbels, I like the way your kitchen is looking as if it has evolved over time. It is looking like a lovely older kitchen in a stately older home. Happy weekend,
Kathysue

PS went shopping yesterday for trip, semi-successful. Still working on it! xo

Unknown said...

I think they are perfect for that area and love the color since you left them outside. Wonderful idea!

Ron said...

Perfect. You had a gorgeous kitchen:)

vicki archer said...

A brilliant resolution... they look wonderful... xv

Pura Vida said...

a girl can never have too many corbels...these are amazing and I'm looking for some to make a shelf. I have looked all over ebay and am bidding on some now...but I want a little bit older. I might need to buy new and distress as you did..thanks for the idea!

Anita Diaz said...

I love that particular finish very much and it is just wonderful in your kitchen, which is gorgeous. I am seriously in love with your countertops. What a beautiful room to cook and gather in.

Stacey said...

Gorgeous! Leaving them outside to weather a little was a brilliant idea. I'm so glad you put them back up. They are too pretty not to be there.

Sarah said...

Delores, the weathered look is just right. Your kitchen is gorgeous. My chef would love to have a kitchen like this with all that counter space and that super fine stove.
Have a great weekend........Sarah

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love the corbels, the pine finish looks amazing. Hugs, Marty

Marlis said...

I loved the corbels now.. They look aged and beautiful. I am glad you kept them. Makes the cabinet look like it's held up properly. Great idea with the stain and outside.. I must try that. You know he did a fabulous job on them when he redid them.. were his feelings hurt when they were stripped? xo marlis

gme said...

I love everything about that kitchen!

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

Gorgeous kitchen. The corbels look great and I totally agree that they are right at home.

carolyn bradford said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I love them and I think they look perfect! I also love the front of your house and the entire kitchen for that matter! So glad you shared these pictures with us! Hope you are doing well!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I love how the corbels look now, they have importance and age without feeling too formal...the room is wonderful!

Rooms by Ann said...

They turned out great

Anonymous said...

Hi Delores! Oh, your corbels look marvelous all stained and weathered. Now I drool every time I see your most gorgeous kitchen! It's so beautiful!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Our French Inspired Home said...

First the new stove range looks great. Second I like what you did with the corbels. They really pop out at you now.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

The perfect finishing touch!

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

The faux paint job was beautiful, but I agree the raw natural look fits your new kitchen much better. Perfect!

Anonymous said...

Seriously, I've got to hire Ian to paint my kitchen when we're ready cuz the guy is fantastic. I do love how the corbels looked after you weathered them, what a great idea! Love how your kitchen is taking such a dramatic change. Gorgeous.

Betty said...

I just love your kitchen. Everything looks so nice. Hope I can do a good job next year when we do ours.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I am so glad you kept the corbels. I think they are perfect in your kitchen and I love the new stain. Great idea to leave them outside;) Have a great weekend. XO, Pinky

Leslie said...

Great job! I like the corbels and your kitchen looks wonderful. My range is similar and I have the white marble island as well!

Enjoy your weekend.

leslie

Becca Bertotti said...

Absolutely beautiful! You chose the perfect finish for the corbels ... what a stunning space. Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Love the weathered corbels! its the perfect detail.

Sensational kitchen.

Kathy Zuercher said...

Beautiful! I enjoy your blog. Would you be so kind as to post a picture of the outside of your awesome home? Thank you.

Lisa Farmer Designs said...

Love your beautiful kitchen. The corbels and what the artist's treatment is perfect for them. I follow you on Pinterest and always enjoy your pins. Sorry it has taken so long for me to visit...I have had alot going on and am behind!!!! Will be back more often. Have a great week, Lisa

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Those corbels look great. I would have never thought of leaving them outside.

Debra@CommonGround said...

the raw look of architectural salvage is just what they needed. perfect!! Also completely love that new lantern in the entry!

Linda said...

The corbels are awesome...and so is your huge stove! It is fantastic!!!!
You have wonderful taste...and a lovely home!

Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

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