how-to-update-kitchen-cabinets

When we started working on the kitchen at the Gatehouse some people wanted new cabinets.

Some people didn’t.

Some people had grand visions of granite counter tops and new white cabinets with extra moldings that reached to the ceiling with glass windows and lights.

Some people wanted to send four children to college….

….and told some people that they were on a budget.

*sigh*

Good thing some people can get really creative. 🙂

before-kitchen-gatehouse

When we started working on the kitchen….the cabinets looked like this.

Fine.

Just fine.

But why settle for fine…..when for under $10 you can transform the cabinets…..

how-to-update-kitchen-cabinets-project

….into something way better than fine ever dreamed of.

We started by taking off the doors.

Then scrubbed and scrubbed and bleached and scrubbed some more.

We filled in the holes where the doors were attached with spackle and then touched up with white paint.

how-to-update-kitchen-cabinets-diy-project

Next I covered the back of the cabinets with painter’s tape.

And then pulled off every other piece for an even stripe.

Finally, I painted the back of the cabinets with the sample paint I bought to test on the walls for $4.95.

how-to-update-kitchen-cabinets

When we finished….I was so happy.

I was so happy that some people talked me out of fancy new cabinets.

A simple update was such a better option and much more send-your-kids-to-college-budget friendly.

Good thing some people around here are totally brilliant. 🙂

table-setting

When you were looking at the cabinets….did you notice the dishes?

Seriously.

I’ve filled the kitchen cabinets to the brim with the Cheers dinnerware from Mikasa.

table-setting-ideas

Each set of four place settings comes in four different patterns.

Horizontal stripes.

Polka dots.

Swirls.

and starburst.

white-plates

So subtle and yet brilliant.

I’m always mixing and matching and striping and polka dotting and star bursting it.

These dishes are perfect for an afternoon snack or a dinner party.

And here’s the best part.

Mikasa is giving away four place settings of Cheers dinnerware to a Thistlewood reader.

Yep.

We can lift our polka-dotted coffee cups together every morning.

Entering is easy.

Just leave me a comment telling me what you like to drink for breakfast. 🙂

If you want a little more decorating inspiration….

…you can also follow along with Mikasa on Facebook and Pinterest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

disclosure:  I was compensated by Mikasa for this post….however…..all opinions on dishes and kitchen cabinets are completely my own.  

For more information…please check out my disclosure policy….here

how-to-update-cabinets

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

    1. Image for Julia Julia

      Great upgrade of sock cabinets! I LOVE cinnamon tea for breakfast and would love to drink it from a cheery white cup.

    2. Image for MollyK. MollyK.

      I make my own mocha espresso before breakfast and have hot tea with my breakfast (unless I decide to have a smoothie instead!) but I never skip my mocha! I love those dishes!

  1. Image for Lisa Lisa

    Very clever idea and thrifty too. It looks lovely. What I really want to know is how you find time to do all these things with 4 kids.

  2. Image for Janice Janice

    I love to drink coffee, coffee, coffee with just a little cream. I found you through pinterest and LOVE your site. Thank you for the great ideas and I hope I win the dishes-sure need some new ones!!! Thank you for being just the inspiration I need for my home!!

  3. Image for Mary Miller Mary Miller

    Karianne, You have out down even your own self. I love the Mikasa setting off the striped, open cabinets. Bravo! In the morning, I start with a 16oz. glass of water with 2 tbsp. of organic apple cider vinegar for a quick detox to improve skin and hair. I read my e-mails and important blogs and then make a cup of coffee and add almond milk and read the rest of my favorite blogs!

  4. Image for Dana Rogets Dana Rogets

    I use my Keurig every morning to make my cup of joe! I then add the creamy goodness of white chocolate creamer.... Yum like drinking white chocolate! That is my morning breakfast drink ritual! Dishes are gorg!!!:)

  5. Image for Deb Barrett Deb Barrett

    BEAUTIFUL! I want to start this project on my kitchen immediately! (and I drink Coke or Dr. Pepper in the morning, if the contest is still on.....)

  6. Image for michele ehmen michele ehmen

    I love your cabinets and your sense of humor in all of your blogs! I drink Hills Brothers French vanilla cappuccino.

  7. Image for Dawn Dawn

    I love green tea with breakfast. I am getting ready to paint my cabinets and am always thrilled to see such impressive, inexpensive, results! Thanks for such an enjoyable, informative blog!

  8. Image for judi judi

    way to go karianne! love the stripes and the designs on the dishes. you are so very creative. my current breakfast drink is peppermint tea with a bit of stevia for sweetness....or a tall chai from a well known coffee house on special occasions. ;)

  9. Image for Lisa Cooper Lisa Cooper

    The dishes are fantastic and the cabinets divine! Its amazing what you can come up with when you don't have extra money to spend. I start my day with a cup of coffee and drink water or iced tea the rest of the day.

  10. Image for Debra Debra

    I love a fruit filled smoothie and flavored coffee for breakfast. I love using pretty plates and these are so subtle so you can really play with the table scape.

  11. Image for Amy Seward Amy Seward

    My closet resembles those dishes - polka dots, stipes, plaids, etc. I love patterns but I also love the monochromatic. I want to visit thistlewood farms and stay in it like a bed and breakfast....

  12. Image for Michelle Michelle

    Love the cabinets! How do you think of these things and where do you find the time? I wish I had a smidge of your energy. I have so much to do but not enough umph to get it done. Love how the gatehouse is turning out. My favorite drink in the morning is coffee. Black and lots of it!

  13. Image for Susan M. Susan M.

    Give me a cup of Folger's Black Silk topped off with a dash of Vanilla creamer and I'm a happy camper. Course, I could be even happier if I won a set of those dishes! Thanks so much for the opportunity!

  14. Image for Betty Betty

    Beautiful dishes. I love to wake up and drink green tea with a touch of raw honey. I just love relaxing for a few minutes before starting my day.

  15. Image for Mrs.T Mrs.T

    My favorite morning drink is coffee and plenty of it. Green Mountain Coffee from Vermont is my absolute favorite. I usually add fat-free half and half and then a small dash of a flavored creamer.

  16. Image for Sarah Sarah

    Oh, those dishes are so cute! I was thinking that I wanted to get them, so was awesomely surprised when I saw they were the giveaway. Every morning my husband makes me a cup of tea - either Irish Breakfast or Early Grey, although occasionally, if he's feeling really wild and crazy, it's a cup of Tazo Awake. Yup, we are really cutting edge here in Palmyra. :-)

  17. Image for Shelley Shelley

    Love the cupboards and the dinnerware. Where did you get the super cute little cut houses that are hinged together? I love them

  18. Image for Brenda A Saball Brenda A Saball

    My morning wake up is chai tea that I make myself -- better than the Dunkin Donuts chai tea because it is a mix of vanilla and spiced chai -- love the ideas you give in your blog

  19. Image for Deb McKathan Deb McKathan

    Beautiful! I have loved white dishes for a long time and good old coffee in my early mornings. Thanks for the opportunity.

  20. Image for Janice Janice

    I'm a black coffee drinker -- how unexciting is that!! LOVE when *Thistlewood Farm* shows up on my email -- get to enjoy another cleverly written post filled with smart, fun ideas! Thanks! Great dishes, too. Could surely put those to good use.

    1. Image for Denise Johnson Denise Johnson

      Oh, and I make an orange juice and grapefruit juice slushy for breakfast every morning with a dab of cherry juice and cherry on top, and drink it out of my crystal cowboy boot. Lol

  21. Image for Vicki Vicki

    My go-to morning beverage? Blueberry used tea and the online morning news sipped and read slowly on the back porch of our 100 yr-old Georgian Revival.

  22. Image for Suzi Suzi

    i don't drink anything with breakfast, just coffee beforehand. then i switch to cold water all morning. i love the dishes, the cabinets and can't wait to see the whole thing put together. you got mad skills!

  23. Image for Mary Mary

    Your gatehouse kitchen is awesome - love your ideas! I drink my mug of coffee every morning in my pale grey and white kitchen (still a work in progress...) The dishes are gorgeous!

  24. Image for Elaine Elaine

    I get up very early and have a brisk sodium-filled Diet Mt. Dew! I'm trying to give them up, but so far it's not happening. I have to leave at seven for school, but I leave time to look at your blog!

  25. Image for Jana Jana

    I LOVE my chocolate Shakeology with almond milk, banana, strawberries and a little ice for the best, full of nutrition way to start the day!

  26. Image for Christine Christine

    Your gatehouse is wonderful....you did a great job in updating the cabinets on a budget....Sometime I think the word "budget" to a woman means challenge as well as a restriction....LOL In the morning I usually drink an iced Mocha coffee made at home. Thanks for having the giveaway :-) Christine G.

  27. Image for Jana Jana

    P.S. KariAnne, you bring a smile to my breakfast with every blog! I absolutely love your sense of humor AND your beautiful home and decorating ideas!

  28. Image for Elizabeth Elizabeth

    Almost every morning I drink my breakfast! I make a smoothie using my Ninja, do you have one they are fantastic! My favorite is frozen banana slices, fresh spinach, vanilla stoney field yogurt and almond coconut milk...if I'm really hungry I'll add a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter! Then I blend it all up with some flax seed and extra ice...its like having healthy coconut banana ice cream for breakfast...delish!

  29. Image for Debbie Debbie

    I love your cabinets and I love a cup of coffee with creamer each morning - actually several cups of coffee with creamer!! My coffee of choice is Highlander Grogg - wonderful stuff.

  30. Image for Babette Babette

    Love the cabinets and this kitchen! In the morning, I gotta have my cup of Joe or I will be a zombie walking around my house muttering unintelligible things!

  31. Image for Kay D Kay D

    During the summer I have a nice tall cup of iced coffee, complete with creamer and almond milk. As the weather cools, I have a rather large cup of hot coffee with whipped creamer (easy little machine available at Target).

  32. Image for GeNell GeNell

    Love the dishes. Dishes are my weakness. I'm moving this week from Georgia to Ohio and yesterday the packers kept commenting on how they had not packed so many in a long time lol. I do think my diet dr pepper would serve up nicely in one of these mugs though!!

  33. Image for bj bj

    OOO, I hope I win these...nothing I would like better than to raise a polka dot cup with you every morning. C.O.F.F.E.E. is my choice....no cream but gotta have sugah..... xo bj

  34. Image for Tammy Tammy

    I always like to see our most valuable resource used...our noggins! So much more fun! Cute kitchen. I am enjoying English breakfast tea while I read, the same thing I drink every morning.

  35. Image for Cheryl Ann Cheryl Ann

    I love to drink coffee w/almond milk and stevia from a china cup...not a big thick mug. That is my absolute favorite! Now my daughters are the same way...no thick rim mugs in this house...we love china cups! Cheryl Ann

  36. Image for Erin Buchanan Erin Buchanan

    Nice updated kitchen, I'd love a gatehouse project. Every morning I drink a huge cup of coffee with french vanilla coffee mate. Every morning.

  37. Image for Marcia Marcia

    I just love your blog and look forward to every post! Thank you for sharing your style and creativity, but mostly for the smile you bring to my mornings.... it goes really well with my hot cup of Donut House coffee from my Keurig with hazelnut creamer.... =)

  38. Image for Martha Martha

    I drink a glass of sweet tea......never have liked coffee....kind of makes me feel like I never grew up, my mother was a coffee junkie and could not understand why I didn't love it like she did. The white dishes are great. I still use the plain white Corelle dishes I got eons ago for everyday. I like the simplicity and the fact I can get a lot of them in my dishwasher. I love the way open shelving looks, but I have a tendency to stash things in my cabinets, so I am afraid it would not keep that clean, organized look for very long.

  39. Image for Dotte Dotte

    Brilliant idea... How great is a little paint! I usually drink hot tea or (Land o Lakes) hot chocolate with whipped cream, yummmmm

  40. Image for Kathleen Grace Kathleen Grace

    I really love white dishes, they are so versatile! But I really REALLY love dishes with a little personality, and these have it! I would l♥ve to win these! Thanks to you and Mikasa for hosting a great giveaway:>)

  41. Image for Cindy Cindy

    I love orange juice with my breakfast:). I love the dishes and they look adorable in your fancy cabinets!:). Thanks!

  42. Image for Michele/Finch Rest Michele/Finch Rest

    Oh, wow- let me first say that it is great some people are frugal and some people are designer brilliant. That project is AWESOME - love it for the Gatehouse!!!! But, you know something? What really makes it work perfectly - those crispy glorious awesome dishes. I thought it the first second I saw the first pic - nothing at all to do with wanting to win this giveaway (like madness!) How awesome to drink my morning absolutely must - a strong cuppa coffee from those delightful cups! Count me in! Thank you for the opportunity! ~Michele

  43. Image for Marlene Larson Marlene Larson

    Being a senior, in my 7th decade, I am recently retired and LOVE reading your blog so much that I have decided to take a course to learn how to do this myself. Cupboards are awesome and your creative spirit is infectious. During a recent trip to Rockford Illinois I stopped at The White Trunk and picked up some chalk paint. Creativity has bitten once again, thanks to you and your blog. My breakfast drink is Green Mountains Breakfast Blend with French Vanilla creamer. We appreciate you and your sharing! Hugs from Minnesota. :-)

  44. Image for Judy Judy

    while i wish i could say i drink some kind of fabulous extra tall skinny latte with whipped creme and a cherry on top, i'm not a coffee drinker at all! so i usually have some kind of juice or my fabulous peach tea!

  45. Image for Lana Lana

    OOLONG TEA!!!!!! It has sooo many health benefits, from strengthening teeth,lowering blood sugars & blood pressure to my favorite - burning fat!!!!! Whoo hoo!

  46. Image for Stacie H Stacie H

    Paint is such a awesome way to totally change the look of the space without going over budget! I love that you display your white dinnerware; it gives your cabinets a crisp & clean look!

  47. Image for Stacie H Stacie H

    And my favorite breakfast drink is coffee...which obviously I haven't had or I wouldn't have hit post comment without finished my thought above lol time to go fill up my coffee cup!

  48. Image for Linda Linda

    Oh how I wish your talent would rub off on me....you rock girl. I must fess up...I crack open a diet coke every morning.

  49. Image for Nancy Roach Nancy Roach

    Love, love, love what you did with your cabinets! A cup of hot tea is my beverage of choice for breakfast.

  50. Image for Lisa Lisa

    LOVE those dishes! Big glass of water first thing in the morning and then fresh squeezed grapefruit juice whenever possible.

  51. Image for jennifer farnes jennifer farnes

    in the summer, when fruit is abundant, i love smoothies....all kinds of smoothies. our house is too cold in the winter to drink a smoothie, so i settle myself down with a satisfying cup of herb tea or hot chocolate with a delicious creamer stirred in (and a squirt of whipped cream on top) and warm up by the fire. i love the plates. putting the designs on a white dish like this? genius. and i'm drooling all over your gate house. i would so play in there every chance i got. if i turned up missing.....that's where someone would find me.

  52. Image for Barbara Moore Barbara Moore

    I say I drink coffee.....my kids say I drink hot brown water. The reality is I drink cream....with some coffee added in. Love the dishes, LOVE THE KITCHEN. But you already know that!! Barb

  53. Image for Christine Christine

    Karianne, I drink Kirklands coffee - the big box you buy at costco. I have the wonderful Keirig coffee maker. Turns out to be only 37 per cup of coffee. The dishes are very pretty and you have no idea how happy I am that you showed them close up. I've been looking to buy new dinnerware. Thank, thank you for adding their website. I too love polka dots, stripes, and swirls!

  54. Image for Dolly B. Dolly B.

    The cabinets came out great! And the dishes are gorgeous! I drink a cup of coffee every morning. Thanks for the chance to win!

  55. Image for Maryellen Maryellen

    I drink organic green tea for breakfast. I used to be a coffee drinker but after a nutritional cleanse I lost my taste for it.

  56. Image for barbra boland barbra boland

    i think i entered cause it said i did but wouldn't let me tell you that i love, love love a cuppa my english breakfast tea every morn!!!

  57. Image for Brenda Rhodes Brenda Rhodes

    Love the cabinets! Love the dishes! And love to have my coffee in the morning! A little cream, a little sugar, awww....heaven in a cup. Love your blog and I always get wonderful ideas from you. Thanks for all you post to keep my husband and me busy. Lol

  58. Image for Melissa Melissa

    I love to have a cup of Hills Brothers English Toffee coffee in the mornings every so often- it is a treat, since my husband HATES coffee. This way he doesn't have to smell a whole pot and I get a cup of yummy sweet goodness.

  59. Image for Anna Anna

    Now that the weather is nice and cool in the mornings I like to get CREATIVE as well because Some People have a problem with me paying for Starbucks! So, I take my very own mug, add some sugar, a vanilla chai tea bag, hot water, some more sugar, MILK, and sugar to taste! Even when the tea cools down its still delicious!!! And non-Starbucks. Some people are happy now :D

  60. Image for Toni Toni

    Apparently, we have the same person advising us on our kitchen decisions! LOL I enjoy anything warm in the morning. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate...you name it. Crossing my fingers...

  61. Image for Jill Jill

    LOVE the striped, open cupboards! LOVE the white dishes! I usually start the day with a Chai or Mocha Latte from my Keurig.

  62. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    Well, it's one and a half cups of pure black coffee every morning...gotta get my engine started! Love what you did with the cabinets...it's inspired! ;)

  63. Image for Christina Thurlow Christina Thurlow

    I LOVE what you did to the cabinets! They are perfect. And those plates are amazing. I love the white on white detail. The giveaway thingy was acting strange and wouldn't let me type anything or cancel but submitted a blank comment for me- so... I LOVE coffee in the morning. It is my absolute favorite.

  64. Image for Lugene Bastian Lugene Bastian

    Love how you painted strips on the inside of your cabinets! Thinking of borrowing the idea for the cabinets I'm installing in my girly office. Will look great with my collection of coffee cups from all the Starbucks location I visit. Plus it will make me smile while drinking my morning spot of tea.

  65. Image for Mary Mary

    I love my coffee first thing in the morning as I go through my emails. I might have to try this as my kitchen cupboards mock me everyday with their outdated selves.

  66. Image for Carolyn Carolyn

    Love, love, love your style...thank you so much for sharing!! I drink Newman's Own Special Blend with a splash of cream.

  67. Image for Victoria Victoria

    I enjoy a cup of coffee (most recently Keurig-made) with flavored creamer. I really like the change in your cabinets, and I am amazed at the hard work you put in. If the cabinets are solid, then the time you put in is really worth it.

  68. Image for Lisa Lisa

    I like to have a cup of coffee in the morning. Sometimes there is nothing like wrapping my hands around a warm cup and taking the morning in.

  69. Image for Martha Martha

    You are the most creative. I love it and also I am so ready for the whole kitchen reveal. Did I miss it Thanks for sharing all your creativity. I drink 2 cups of coffee with lots of cream, while reading your blog

  70. Image for Jenny Jenny

    I have the same cereal every morning with milk. If I am thirsty after my cereal I drink water. Love those white plates!

  71. Image for Polly Polly

    Good morning everyone!! Just a plain black coffee drinker not only for breakfast but thru out the day:) Not much into pop and the flavored coffee, love the polka dots:)

  72. Image for Judy C. Judy C.

    One cup of coffee with sugar and hazelnut cream gets me going in the morning. My daughter has an older home with lots of "fixing-up" areas. You provide so many less expensive ways to make things look lovely and give us new ideas to use. From one Kentucky home to yours...thank you.

  73. Image for Angela Angela

    A wonderful blogger friend of mine asked if I had ever tried chocolate glazed donut coffee! I tried it and now I'm hooked! Thanks, wonderful blogger friend of mine, for all your advice....from coffee to painted stripes! You rock!!~~Angela

  74. Image for Catherine McD Catherine McD

    I love orange juice every morning no matter what I'm having for breakfast! Thank you for all your fantastic and beautiful ideas!!

  75. Image for Haley Haley

    Why, I have children so COFFEE is a must! (What oh what would us mothers do if no one had ever discovered coffee??!! *smiling* And oh.....but how fun it would be to drink my dark roast (dashed with a flavored cream) and then I say I buy the spray "Redi Whip" for my children...but in reality, it's for my coffee..(mother's get enough exercise to justify a dash or a dallop of yummy cream..right?) oh, back to drinking coffee...oh how fun it would be to drink this spectacular coffee in a new beautiful white cup! I can picture myself hugging said cup right now (or for 2 seconds before my children interrupt me..but what cute interruptions they are!) Oh...and can you dance the lawnmower with coffee in your hand because you are so excited you won a new set of dishes? I think you can................

  76. Image for Justine Justine

    Good morning - I'm reading my emails while enjoying a cup of my black tea with milk (thanks to Dunkin Donuts down the street - LOL)

  77. Image for Nicole Nicole

    I would like to say I have a healthy fruit smoothie or green tea but if I'm honest, I usually pop open a Diet Dr. Pepper for the quickest route to caffeine! The gatehouse kitchen looks great!

  78. Image for Brenda Brenda

    I LOVE what you did in your kitchen! Brilliant! I quit drinking coffee, so my drink choice in the morning is water. Boring. But I feel a lot better without the boost and subsequent let down after drinking too much coffee.

  79. Image for Lara Lara

    An occasional Chai Latte in the Keurig is a treat for me! However I usually drink flavored seltzer in the morning! Crisp and refreshing, especially in the summer! I'm not much of a "hot beverage" drinker!

  80. Image for Mizolis Mizolis

    Two must-haves for me first thing every morning...my husband and my coffee. Both hot and strong! We renovated our farmhouse kitchen in the spring and took some ideas from you. It's a dream come true!

  81. Image for Paula Paula

    Love the dishes! I actually have glassware from Mikasa with the same patterns! My favorite breakfast drink is a mimosa (after my morning coffee); but since I don't have those very often, I would have to say that coffee (preferably administered by IV) is my morning drink of necessity. ;0

  82. Image for annel annel

    Hi Karianne, None other than FRESH GRIND DARK ROAST STARBUCKS JOE for me! No coffee no work, HA! Have a Blessed Day with "ALL" that you DO!

  83. Image for Linda Eskeldson Linda Eskeldson

    My cabinets need an update & this is inspiring! I start my day with warm water with lemon juice & cayenne and then have 1 or 2 cups of English Breakfast tea.

  84. Image for Sharlene Sharlene

    A mellow cup of coffee with a big splash of cream as I read Thistlewood Farms stories (because your posts are like mini-stories). I am a huge admirer of your talents!

  85. Image for Kathy Kathy

    Thank you for showing such a great and inexpensive transformation. I needed the inspiration. I must have coffee in the morning before I feel ready to jump into the day.

  86. Image for Lisa Lisa

    My morning go to drink is.... wait for it.... green juice! Yep, I'm THAT girl. The weird chick who drinks the weird juice. And you, my dear....you are the AWESOME girl who is a a wickedly creative genius! LOVE your cabinet update. In my opinion, much better than new cabinets ever could be. They are uniquely YOU! And that is as good as it gets!

  87. Image for Marnita Parry Marnita Parry

    Love the easy and quick update to the cabinets. I want to take ALL my doors off and hang cafe curtain from the bottom and leave the tops open. My man isn't feeling it though..... Sigh, maybe I'll talk him into it at some point. :) I drink coffee every morning, iced coffee that I make myself, during the warm months here in GA.

  88. Image for Hockey Mom 6 Hockey Mom 6

    I love what you've done to the kitchen. You're turning a pig's ear into a silk purse! Coffee is the only way to go in the mornign, and lots of it.

  89. Image for Jeannie Jeannie

    Karianne - your blog is one of my very favorites, and I admire your ability to take something 'horrible' and turn it to something fabulous. I always have to have one cup (only one) of dark roast coffee to help get my day started. With a little cream, of course.

  90. Image for Renae Renae

    I typically drink my breakfast and it's coffee. Isn't that horrible? I need to know about the pillows. If I don't find information on them I will send you a note!! The kitchen is lovely and the floors are awesome!!

  91. Image for Gloria Gloria

    Wow so many comments! I start with a folgers and move to diet coke. Love the white on white mikasa pattern. Thanks for the giveaway Kari.

  92. Image for Debbie Debbie

    Love your style sense! For me the morning begins with a glass of Spark. When it's cold outside, I may follow with tea or hot cocoa too! Thanks!

  93. Image for Shaunna Shaunna

    I love this! I love the simple combination of colors! I am planning on redoing my kitchen cabinets and this is exactly the look I have been wanting! I love the little details of the dishes! Can't wait to pour my cup of juice in one of those mugs!

  94. Image for Tomi Tomi

    I love, love those dishes. I need some porcelain, highly durable dishes. I have a ton of Butler's Pantry but it needs to be babied. I bought some plain, white Corell for now for my kids to use but this set by Mikasa is so much more stylish. I love coffee in the mornings and love different teas from Teavana.

  95. Image for Shannon Shannon

    You are the stripe queen! I love the cabinets, I can't imagine ever getting my stripes to look that good! I'm a no coffee..no talkie kinda girl. Love Dunkin coffee...it's what America runs on..right? I love these dishes and I'm now convinced I have a dish fetish...I can't ever have too many. Wouldn't it be fun to have a dishes swap with your friends?

  96. Image for Michelle Kiel Michelle Kiel

    KariAnne!!! 1984 called & they want their dishes back!! I would love to drink buckets of coffee in a lovely new cup! Have a beautiful Tuesday! Michelle

  97. Image for Diana Taylor Diana Taylor

    Ummmm. I drink a coke or Dr. Pepper for breakfast.....Not healthy I know...trying to break this bad habit! Love the Mikasa dishes!

  98. Image for Cynthia Cynthia

    There's nothing more beautiful then a lovely and delicious meal, showcased on white dinnerware! I drink a comfy cup of decaf tea with skim milk!

  99. Image for Carla S. Carla S.

    Love your cabinets ! I just finished painting my cabinets but hadn't done anything to the insides yet. Now I have a great idea of what to do. Before my hubby goes to work in the morning, he makes me a big cup of coffee with flavored creamer just the way I like it. Then when I get up I pop it in the micro and heat it up. Isn't he a sweety and a keeper? Love the dishes!

  100. Image for Tomi Tomi

    Oh, and I think "some people" are just amazing with their super creativity and wonderful way of writing. Your posts make my day!

  101. Image for Molly Molly

    Karianne, Thank you so much for all the work you do. Your blog and voice in your writing gives me a smile every time. Can you tell me where you bought the cute little fold-able village you have in a couple of your cabinet photos? I love it! PS. I am a lemon zinger tea girl all the way!

  102. Image for Jan G. Jan G.

    what i LOVE to drink is latte w/skim or (sigh) cafe au lait that sometimes my spousal unit will make with chickory coffee; what i GET are swishes of water to wash down the almonds i have for breakfast on my 30 minute drive to work! love, love the Gatehouse karianne... but of course i do, you put it together!

  103. Image for katie katie

    Sometimes the inexpensive improvements are the best. Who wants to go through all that reno drama anyway! I need COFFEE in the morning

  104. Image for Dawna Dawna

    Love your kitchen cabinets! What a great idea to add some interest with painting the back of the cabinet! Brilliant! and I can hardly wait to see this gate house....I really want to do another BnB on the property we are on now, and you just make me restless to do it!! Hmmm,,, my morning drink would be a vanilla cappucinno. :)

  105. Image for Ellen Ellen

    Some of my best ideas are born because of budget restrictions! I think the same can be said of you! I absolutely love the stripes on the cabinet backs! I like to start my day with a protein shake, it gives me the energy I need to make all those runs to various schools (3 kids, 3 different schools)!

  106. Image for Brooke Shepherd Brooke Shepherd

    I'm trying again. Something happened and my comment didn't show up like I had planned. The cabinets look great! Thanks for the ideas. I am so not a coffee drinker, but instead grab a Diet Coke. Still need my caffeine.

  107. Image for Pam W Pam W

    You are OH SO CREATIVE!!! I love the look of the cabinets and the budget friendly, send the kids to college option too. Of course one must have beautiful dishes to display when there are no cabinet doors and I would LOVE some of those. My beverage of choice for breakfast is black coffee and the darker, the better. Besides it would look so pretty next to those stunning white dishes in one of those polka dot cups!

  108. Image for Betsy Derr Betsy Derr

    COFFEE...or a Blueberry Smoothie made with my own homemade Almond Milk w/homemade Vanilla Extract and Cinnamon, Frozen Banana, Frozen Blueberries, Ground Flaxseed, Coconut Oil, and a touch of local honey! Yummy!

  109. Image for Sue Sue

    Great post, Karianne. I would love some white dishes! I start the day with chocolate raspberry coffee with some stevia (natural sweetener) and either 1/2 & 1/2 or almond milk.

  110. Image for Liz Thomas Liz Thomas

    A lovely cuppa Twinings English Breakfast at the end of breakfast. During breakfast I have a glass of Cranberry-grape juice. How smart Mikasa is to mixup the patterns!

  111. Image for Jo Jo

    A big cup of Highlander Grogg coffee (preferably fresh ground!) with a healthy pour of creamer makes me happy in the morning! Love your blog and really love the Mikasa dinnerware!

  112. Image for Heather Collins Heather Collins

    I've been thinking about upgrading my dishes lately and these would be perfect...and fun! I drink at least 2 cups of coffee each morning....and when I have extra time (weekends), 3 :-)

  113. Image for Rory Reding Rory Reding

    I know this is such a bad addiction, but I start my day with a Monster Energy Drink. I don't drink coffee and I start work so early, that I need a bigger caffiene fix than a Diet Pepsi can offer :-) Love the cabinets and plates and would LOVE to win this giveaway ;-)

  114. Image for Tamara Tamara

    I have been thinking about doing this in my kitchen, so it was great to see an an example, since we have similar white, blah cabinets in our kitchen. Thanks for the inspiration!! And those dishes are perfection!!! As for my morning beverage - it is usually coffee or chai green tea, with french vanilla soy creamer. :)

  115. Image for Melissa Melissa

    I start my morning with a latte that my husband makes AND drinking it from Cheers dinnerware from Mikasa would make me very H-A-P-P-Y!! I love your blog, keep up the good work!

  116. Image for Diana Diana

    It depends on the time of year and where I am, but it's usually a Diet Coke. If I'm travelling on business, it might be a Starbucks venti black iced tea (unsweetened).

  117. Image for Kirstin M. Kirstin M.

    I love this idea! I love seeing things remade or repurposed inexpensively, it gives us all inspiration. :) Oh, and I love to drink coffee of course (must. have. caffeine.).

  118. Image for iva iva

    In the fall and winter, I love to drink Russian Tea (mixture of lemon tea, tang, spices). It is especially aromatic and tasty on fall mornings and would taste even better in one of the new mugs that I would love to win in give away by Mikasa!

  119. Image for Michelle Michelle

    Beautiful dish set! I love my morning coffee. Lately in an effort to cut down on the flavored creamer, I've made my own latte of sorts, by adding half as much coffee, and filling the rest of my mug with low fat milk...then a teeny bit of creamer. It's great cold, too! And it would taste very good in those mugs, I'm sure :) Have a great day!

  120. Image for Lorri Lorri

    I've been looking for white dishes and these are so fun! The cabinets are wonderful. Everything you touch turns beautiful!

  121. Image for Linda Linda

    Definitely need some new dishes to perk up my kitchen! Have to have several cups of coffee in the a.m. with Equal and 1/2&1/2. Great job on the cupboards!

  122. Image for colleen from Alabama colleen from Alabama

    You're supposed to eat breakfast, oh my! Coffee is my breakfast girl! and um, whatever my kids leave on their plates. :) Today the scraps left me only some orange slices and a half eaten piece of string cheese. Those biscuits were long gone! HA!

  123. Image for Heidi Heidi

    My morning begins with dark roast coffee with Cinnabon creamer... Pretty sure it kicks my heart rate up a few beats (and I like it!). Really love the dishes. Cheers!

  124. Image for Lorri Lorri

    Oops, I was so busy admiring the work you've done to the kitchen that I forgot to tell you that I like iced tea in the morning....maybe I should switch to coffee. :)

  125. Image for Heidi Heidi

    Wow, Karianne! You have a ton of people that love you! I had to scroll and scroll and scroll and read and scroll and...... do you know some people drink MOUNTAIN DEW when the wake up????......and scroll and scroll and here is a free space--and STOP! I love your little craft cottage! And your white plates are very nice. Tell us some more stories about your darling kids--amidst the "how-to's" of course. I'm the Minnesota gal that comes for the stories and skips over the how-to's, but I know that's part of this "gig," and there are legions of women that pour over each step of the "how-to's" so you've got to keep doing that.:) I do think you are mostly a talented little writer, however--even over the glue gun!!!!! I'm an elementary school music teacher so kids are my personally favorite subject--IN THE WORLD--and yours seems particularly animated--wonder where that comes from? I loved your story about your son helping someone, patiently and with sweetness..."have you met my mother?" This has turned into a novel. Sorry. I drink coffee with half and half. Nice plates. ;)

  126. Image for Stacy Stacy

    I love that kitchen! And of course the dishes. You would be one of my best friends if you lived close! I hope I get to go to the chapel market and meet you! Planning on it! I will have red lipstick on! For breakfast I drink a half a pot of coffee and a whey protein drink with almond milk, half banana and frozen berries!

  127. Image for Becky Becky

    Love everything! I am all for polka dots! Did you make the cut out houses on the counter? Where did they come from?

  128. Image for revi revi

    LOVE the dishes, and your cabinets. :) For breakfast, I'm a coffee with cream (or french-vanilla-sugar-free) lover. :) And water with lemon. -Revi

  129. Image for Sharon H Sharon H

    I usually just have milk with my cereal! But then a little later I have my southern sweet tea! Thanks for the opportunity to win the beautiful Mikasa dishes!

  130. Image for kendra burton kendra burton

    I have big dreams on a little budget. This looks like a solution I can go for! thanks for the idea. Now, can you come and homeschool the kiddos for a day so I will have time? :)

  131. Image for Christine T. Christine T.

    Gorgeous dish set! It is like getting 4 in 1! I am one of those running late for work and trying to get the dishwasher emptied and one more load of laundry kind of girl before headed to work. But I always sit for a few minutes when I am waking up and drink hot chocolate while browsing the internet to read my favorite blogs. It always starts my day off right!! Thanks for all of the inspiration!!!

  132. Image for Krista Krista

    I'm simple. Big glass of water sometimes with lemon. I really need these dishes. Using the same dishes from 16 years ago. With four kiddos we don't have many left!

  133. Image for Jeanette M C Jeanette M C

    I like what you did with the cabinets. I'm thinking of what I can do with my dark, espresso colored cabinets to lighten them up a bit. Usually milk, water or iced tea is what I drink in the mornings.

  134. Image for Theresa K Theresa K

    I am a coffee drinker and would love love to have the beautiful Mikasa set... I can't wait to see the finished gate house :)

  135. Image for Marsha Wyatt Marsha Wyatt

    In all my excitement over the dishes I forgot to mention that I like 2 cups of coffee with a lot of creamer to get me going in the morning!

  136. Image for Sue Sue

    Karianne, Follow your blog daily as well as Facebook postings. You mix style with comfort when designing....and that works well for families. I am so looking forward to the e-courses as well. My week-day mornings start with a glass of ice cold milk followed by water during the rest of the day....weekends are special for my hot steaming cup of coffee with caramel creamer (my treat for being a good girl all week).

  137. Image for Amy Amy

    I typically enjoy breakfast with water and/or juice. Love the cabinet transformation and all the Ikea accessories. So bright and cheery! What an inviting to enjoy breakfast. Also love the white dishes with all the different textures. Beautiful!!

  138. Image for Hilarie Sullivan Hilarie Sullivan

    I love your cabinets, love the dishes, and love my coffee in the morning. If it's a scorcher of a Texas morning, though, I fall back on Diet Coke!

  139. Image for Lisa R Lisa R

    Love your stripes and new dishes. Funny just last week I was looking at my plates and wondering why I liked them so much back when I got them and thought its time to look for new! I drink iced tea after totally giving up the diet Mt Dew that I was addicted to. Pretty proud of that! Thanks so much for the inspiration and for the chance to win those dishes!!!

  140. Image for Melody♪♫ Melody♪♫

    I so ♥ Mikasa! I registered for (& received as wedding gifts...) "French Countryside" 22 years ago. I still use it (nothing's broken yet!) on a regular basis. I would love to win a set of "Cheers" for a gift to a young couple. Thank you for this opportunity! I love coffee with my breakfast. During our long hot summer, the hubs brews it at night then brings it to me iced. In our cooler months, there's nothing like a warm steaming mug of black coffee while sitting on the back patio!

  141. Image for Cindy Cindy

    Yu are so brilliant! And kudos to your hubby for being open minded about having the open cabinets. So clever to put the holders so the dishes can be seen better. I would LOVE these dishes, using the 19 year old ones from the wedding, and trying to be a stay at home mom and keep two boys in travel hockey and save for college. I just love your style, your writing, and the treat of having your post in my inbox each morning.

  142. Image for Regina Regina

    A tall glass of really cold Dark Chocolate Silk Almond Milk really hits the spot for me first thing in the morning. I am absolutely crazy for white dishes with a subtle white pattern!

  143. Image for Mary Stewart Mary Stewart

    Can't start the day without a really BIG cup of coffee! The dishes are really pretty. Thanks for a chance to win a set of them!

  144. Image for Jodi Hendershott Jodi Hendershott

    I love reading your blog each morning while I drink my first cup of coffee. Love everything you do. You are a true inspiration. The cabinets look so refreshing, bright and cheery. I have never won anything except maybe a couple dollars on a lottery ticket. So crossing my fingers for some fun Mikasa plates.

  145. Image for Gloria Luedecke Gloria Luedecke

    We've just newly remodeled our home. It's wonderful to sit on the back patio with a cup of black coffee and listen to the birds and watch the light of day brighten the shadows.

  146. Image for Faith Faith

    The white dishes are really lovely. We are still using the ones my mother-in-law got through grocery store points for us 20+ years ago! In the summer, I have time to make coffee and savor a few cups with caramel creamer n real sugar throughout the morning. Once school starts however, it's nuked green tea.

  147. Image for Tina Matteson Tina Matteson

    Walmart has the most delicious french vanilla cappuccino mix for just 2.97 a box. It lasts me a while and tastes so yummy in the morning with a piece of toast and an egg... I love what you did to the cabinets! Great job.

  148. Image for Michelle Robertson Michelle Robertson

    What a great idea. I am putting in some used uppers right now. I was thinking of painting the insides, but the stripes are so classic and subtle. And my preferred drink is plain Chopped full of Nuts coffee. A little sugar and milk. Just the thing first thing in the morning.

  149. Image for Carol Carol

    My husband and I are on the Virgin Diet by JJ Virgin and so my darling husband makes us a shake every morning. It has been a blessing finding this diet as I have lost 42 pounds since February and just maintained my weight in July and August. My husband has lost 85 pounds since March. We would love to have the dishes and us them for all the wonderful meals we are having now. Oh yes I love the cupboards. Would love to do something like that. Thank you so much for all the wonderful ideas.

  150. Image for Rita Joy Rita Joy

    I tried the healthy option of fresh lemon juice squeezed in hot water for about a week...I discovered quickly I just can't go without my coffee with breakfast!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful, budget friendly transformation of the gatehouse. I love it all!:)

  151. Image for Winnie Winnie

    So simple, but so spectacular in its simplicity!! Beautiful job again, KariAnne. My mornings start with one cup of strong coffee, black! Don't know what my day would be like without it and it makes me happy!

  152. Image for Sasha Price Sasha Price

    What a lovely job you have done! In the mornings I prefer either a cup of coffee or my loose leaf English Breakfast tea.

  153. Image for Nanette Hill Nanette Hill

    Super Cute! and Super creative! Love it! I've cut out everything but water... but a fruit smoothie every once in a while would be perfect in a cute little polka dot cup....

  154. Image for Regina Regina

    I. Love. Those. Dishes. Almost as pretty as the ones I sorted at Tuesday Morning! ;) But seriously . . . I love that each plate is different! How cool is that? And the stripes? Tres Chic. ;) Didn't know I spoke French, did ya? I don't. And I live with "some people," too. Budget is number one in any project. Sigh . . . Just think what we could do with unlimited funds . . . but how much less creativity there would be!

    1. Image for Regina Regina

      ACK! I forgot to tell you what I like to drink for breakfast!!!!! COFFEE. Starbucks, Pike's Place blend, Whole bean, fresh from my Cuisinart Grind-n-brew. :)

  155. Image for Julie W Julie W

    I usually start my day with coffee, unless The Man decided not to brew. Then I'll hit up the quickie-mart for a jumbo Pepsi!

  156. Image for Tanya Tanya

    The kitchen looks FANTASTIC!! I am a coffee girl, two giant mugs every morning with a bit of french vanilla creamer. Not to exciting but it get this girl moving :) xo, Tanya

  157. Image for BethB from Indiana BethB from Indiana

    I drink a glass of orange juice while I take my morning meds, and then I have black coffee with the rest of my breakfast.

  158. Image for Linda in Scottsdale Linda in Scottsdale

    What a wonderful idea! I will be moving in a few months and I will file this away! Thank you for a chance to win the dishes; they would be perfect.

  159. Image for Anna Starner Anna Starner

    Such pretty dishes to display in those cupboards, where somebody was brilliant. I have to have a cup of tea first thing in the morning. I have a big old Lance cracker jar filled with about 25 different flavors of tea. come on over and find your favorite or try something new and maybe I can serve it to you in a pretty new Mikasa mug.

  160. Image for Heidi Heidi

    I'm a coffee drinker in the morning.... and I absolutely love your ideas and humor!!! Your my inspiration in the mornings while enjoying my coffee. Thanks so much for this opportunity!! Have a great day!!!

  161. Image for Judy Clark Judy Clark

    Kariann - Great giveaway. Love your kitchen cabinets - they look great. I drink my Diet Coca Cola out of my regular mug but would love to drink it out of one of those Mikasa cups. Thanks for the chance. Judy

  162. Image for Linda Carroll Linda Carroll

    Karianne - I love your posts, and Thistlewood, while I drink my coffee each morning in my white kitchen. The white Mikasa dishes would go splendidly!

  163. Image for Denise D Denise D

    Love the open airy looking cabinets and the STRIPES!!! I must have my vanilla biscotti coffee each morning with a splash of creamer. Love your Blog! PS-- so cute the cut out hinged house silhouettes. I'd love a set, where can I find them?

  164. Image for Wendy Wendy

    A vended 12 oz. Mt. Dew is my drink of choice each morning. Can't seem to start my day without it! I've tried to kick the habit several times but I seem to always revert back. :)

  165. Image for Michelle D Michelle D

    Brilliant! So clean, bright and happy! Where did you find the plate dividers -makes it look so pretty. The Mikasa plates are simply beautiful as well! My breakfast drink of choice is coffee with a splash of milk and a tablespoon of coconut oil - seriously delicious and gives me a dash of something healthy. Thanks for all your inspiration! ( I bought the chandelier from your curated event - it is stunning!)

  166. Image for Lady Delores LeBoeuf Lady Delores LeBoeuf

    A glass of water first to cleanse my thirst and then truly enjoy a hot cup of coffee with Hazelnut creamer and this gives me a bit of jolt to start my mojo/motor hopping, yummie.......thank you.

  167. Image for Lady Delores LeBoeuf Lady Delores LeBoeuf

    your cabinets look great, I am so happy you took the creative on a budget idea.....I too love decorating the backs of cabinets....

  168. Image for Dee Rasmussen Dee Rasmussen

    Great job, SuperDIYer!! For breakfast (lunch and dinner too, truth be known!), I start my day with a glass of good ole southern sweet tea -- a special concoction I've perfected combining Lipton tea with mint tea and another secret ingredient. :-) Love the Mikasa dishes! Ciao, Dee

  169. Image for lisa bebout lisa bebout

    I love to drink choc carnation instant breakfast with soy milk-yum! yum~ Thank you for your blog...I really love it!

  170. Image for Robin W. Robin W.

    I gotta have my coffee!!! It's the no-brainer for me to start my day!! Love, love, love your cabinets and your thriftiness!!! And, of course, love your blog!!! Those dishes are soooo scootin' cute!! Love. Love. Love.!!!

  171. Image for Leilani W Leilani W

    I love the mixture of subtle patterns on the Mikasa dishes - fun, versatile, and classy! My favorite one of the 4 is the polka dot and it looks nice how you've paired it with the other one. Great job on the kitchen too! Sometimes not getting what we initially want really IS the best. :) My mornings don't officially start until that first 4 or 5 sips of my Tassimo Morning Roast coffee from my awesome coffee brewer that I've fallen in love with. I drink it black - about 2 cups, then later in the day I'll have it brew up a Chai Tea - Yummm-o!

  172. Image for Teresa Teresa

    Love the dishes! I start the day with a McDonald's regular coke and I would pour it in one of the pretty little Mikasa cups and drink to my heart's content. :)

    1. Image for Jennifer Jennifer

      I got so excited that I forgot to mention what I drink for breakfast! I usually have a big cup of coffee in a to-go mug, made with love by my hubby. It's gone before I get to work, and then I promptly buy a Coke to drink the rest of the morning. Caffeine-junky.

  173. Image for Laura Van Scott Laura Van Scott

    I love your inexpensive and beautiful ideas! I drink Sweet Maria's coffee with Peppermint Mocha creamer! :)

  174. Image for Amber E Amber E

    Oh how I would LOVE those white dishes! And sadly I usually drink water for breakfast. Wish it was freshly squeezed orange juice but alas...

  175. Image for jean jean

    Love the kitchen! Is it hard to get the tape straight when you have to lean into the cabinet from a ladder? I too have white dishes but these are way better than Target squares. I often read your blog while having my morning, mid-morning, afternoon, evening, etc. coffee.

  176. Image for Sandy A Sandy A

    Love the idea for the back of the cabinets--when we paint our cabinets I will have to remember this! Love the dishes--and my morning coffee would go great in the cup!

  177. Image for kelly pollard kelly pollard

    Love your blog. You are so darn funny...your stories make me laugh all the time. The dishes are super cute, but I am also wondering where you got those awesome plate stand/rack thingys. I would love some of those in my kitchen. I drink a protein shake every morning...almond milk, whey protein powder, fruit, crushed ice in a blender. Thanks!!

  178. Image for Kelley Kay Kelley Kay

    I would absolutely love to drink my coffee with sweet cream creamer out of these so so cute mugs! Thanks so much for all the fun ideas - lots of great things on this blog of yours:)

  179. Image for Rachel Rachel

    COFFEE!! With flavored creamer. Or, as my husband points out, I prefer my creamer with a little coffee. Whatever. Ps....they have come out with a thin mint creamer. Squeal.

  180. Image for Ann Anderson Ann Anderson

    I am going to stripe my cabinets when I get that far with my kitchen redo! I drink iced tea every morning.

  181. Image for Cheryl B Cheryl B

    I'd like to say that I drink coffee for breakfast, but it's probably more like I drink cream with some coffee!

  182. Image for Sandy Bowers Sandy Bowers

    Hot black coffee! Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring! Every day of the year! Those new white dishes would look mighty pretty on my new thrifted farm table!

  183. Image for Dawn Gahan Dawn Gahan

    I'm much more methodical in my "old" age (52; I know, I know, that's not truly old), and I always start with a glass of cold water, then move onto OJ, and then dive into a hot cup of coffee with fat-free 1/2 and 1/2. Thanks for the giveaway! Dawn

  184. Image for Tina Tina

    I drink Dunkin Donuts Coconut Mocha coffee with a HEARTY splash of Almond Joy Creamer every morning :) YUM! And those dishes, and your kitchen redo, are fantastic.

  185. Image for Anne c Anne c

    I actually don't drink anything with any of my meals :-) but my kids usually have almond milk or grape juice and my husband drinks organic coffee.

  186. Image for Sharon Sharon

    I don't drink coffee , so what I drink is the milk from my cereal bowl . But I love , love , love these dishes ! You cabinets look great !

  187. Image for Linda carter Linda carter

    I start my day with a tall glass of ice water with lemon and fresh mint....love the smells in the morning!

  188. Image for Gwen Gwen

    Each morn I drink my instant coffee the way my friend from Mississippi taught me. Almost all (almond) milk, splash of non-fat Hazlenut creamer and a bit of boiling water just to ward off the ice cold bite. I even have to travel with my cheap local food chain brand instant coffee for it cannot be replicated by fancy Folgers. And I've never ever had white...pure white...dishes so I'm entering along with 100's of others!!!

  189. Image for Amy Amy

    You always make such good choices... Not at all surprised the cabinets looks fabulous and so do the dishes! Love them! Oh... I always wake up with a cup of coffee!

  190. Image for Norma Jean Norma Jean

    COFFEE!! With LOTS of cream. The Gatehouse is coming along. Can't wait to see the rest of it. How do you plan to use it once it is done? Just curious since you stocked the kitchen with 12 place settings of that beautiful Mikasa dinnerware.

  191. Image for Doreen@househoneys Doreen@househoneys

    Love, love, love the stripes! I'm a huge stripe and polka dot fan, so pick me, pick me! I hear tell you're a glazed chocolate donut coffee fan? Sounds intriguing! I'm a simple Tassimo Signature Blend girl. Boring, but works for me ;).

  192. Image for Shelly Shelly

    I drink smoothies for breakfast most days. I like that you really made the effort to bloom where you were planted. The kitchen cabinet remake looks beautiful. I am inspired to do more than just keep it clean.

  193. Image for Pat Pat

    Cheery white dishes are just what my soul needs right now. What a joy to drink my morning coffee from a polka dot cup!

  194. Image for sonny sonny

    you sure made that a mighty purdy kitchen Miss.. way better than new cabs for sure.. These let your creative spirit shine and you can change them anytime ya want to. I am a serious polka dot gal and sure would love some white dishes for my "in the process of being redone" kitchen. I'll have the tile up and cleaned, the floor painted and sealed and be all ready to put the plates on a holder by next week.. Folgers coffee is my morning delight so thats what I'd put in my polka dot cup. Even if I dont win I'll be happy to share my coffee with ya.:) Sonny

  195. Image for Lori Lori

    At first I thought that was wallpaper in the cabinets! Absolutely LOVE the dishes. Would love to win them! The first thing I do every morning when I get up is to make a cup of coffee with my Keurig coffee maker. Add a swig of chocolate soy milk, a swig of 2%, 2 pumps of peppermint syrup, and 1 pump of vanilla syrup. SO YUMMY!!!!! :)

  196. Image for Teresa Teresa

    Oh my yes, you are one brilliant girl! That tape.....ingenious! Would love to polka dot, stripe and starburst with you in the morn drinking a cup of coffee and a glass of OJ.

  197. Image for Christine Sanchez Christine Sanchez

    Love the pops of yellow with the lemons! And my breakfast drink is...........water. So boring, but all I need to get going!

  198. Image for Rosemary Rosemary

    I would like/need a cup of decaf coffee, please. And in the white cup of those dishes, of course. Clever people, with the cabinets and all.

  199. Image for Ann Stillson Ann Stillson

    I drink coffee every morning from my Keurig with french vanilla creamer and Truvia always...moved from an eleven room farmhouse in Quechee, VT to a tiny cape we call "the honeymoon sweet" and in process of yet again redoing kitchen. But my husband is a finish carpenter who had no work for the first time in 35 years and therefore is now working for someone else and has to work away from home for the week.....I would love to show him what I can do with a little creativity, not much moolah and motivation.....I CAN do this and the dishes sure would look lovely...............thanks for giving me hope...love your style....

  200. Image for Missy Missy

    I can't get my morning started without my Oregon Chai Tea. I buy the packets so all I have to do is pour in some hot water. Mmmmm! I think I'll have some now. Thank you for the giveaway.

  201. Image for Cindy Cindy

    Love your kitchen makeover! You showed it doesn't take a lot of money to get a beautiful design. I drink coffee with a touch of cream every morning. Thanks for sharing!

  202. Image for Lori Lori

    Love your blog! I drink unsweetened iced tea every a.m. I need the caffeine and am not a coffee drinker. I love sweetened iced tea, but figure this is better for me first thing in the a.m.

  203. Image for Cheryl Braden Cheryl Braden

    I love how by just taking the doors off and putting a cute design opens up the kitchen and brings character. For breakfast, nothing is better than a glass of cold orange juice!

  204. Image for Cyndy Cyndy

    Our creativity may cost us millions but who says we cant be frugal; at times ;) Breakfast of champions for moi'; Spinach, vegi, berry, mango with flaxseed, emergenC, and banana drink. Yup, every single morning.

  205. Image for Diana Lynn Diana Lynn

    My northern inlaws don't understand it but I drink diet Coke for breakfast...it must be a southern thang. ;-)

  206. Image for Bre Bre

    Love Mikasa and what you've done with the kitchen cabinets! My morning drink with breakfast...a delicious cup of Hazelnut Community Coffee with a dash of Hazelnut creamer.

  207. Image for Lisa Lisa

    "Someone" did an amazing job--as usual--of transforming a kitchen! I prefer white dishes in my kitchen and would love to win these

  208. Image for Danielle @ Blessed Serendipity Danielle @ Blessed Serendipity

    Beautiful kitchen! I prefer coffee in the morning with those beautiful white dishes please.

  209. Image for Linda Linda

    In the summer I drink ice water for breakfast but in the winter I indulge in a nice hot cup of International Coffee: Hazelnut. Love your blog!

  210. Image for Nancy B Nancy B

    I drink ice water and cran-grape juice for breakfast. I love the white dishes and your kitchen remodel! Anything would taste good in that pretty space.

  211. Image for SuzyMcQ SuzyMcQ

    C O F F E E, lots and lots of coffee with milk and that new brown cane sugar stuff that's supposed to be better for you than the white stuff we grew up on. The coffee also has to be pretty hot, like me......just kidding!

  212. Image for Jeni Jeni

    Love the dishes and your "save the college fund" cabinets, you are so talented! I start my day with a glass of water for hydration and later add a can of diet dr pepper for the caffein.

  213. Image for Zolane Zolane

    Much better than new cabinets and love the painted stripes and chevron outlet cover, along with...well...everything else :) Per my dear grandmother's influence from little on, I have to have my Lipton tea with raw sugar and milk :)

  214. Image for Judy Judy

    Hi, great creative idea for saving money while stilling getting a beautiful look. I drink Vitamin Water Zero in a flavor called Rise (it's orange). I drink it instead of juice because it's sugar-free and has vitamins in it! Cheers!

  215. Image for Felicia Felicia

    Love white dishes. They go with everything! I drink a couple of cups of Whole Foods Brand Coffee, Pleasant Morning Buzz.Who wouldn't love that? I eat a bowl of good old fashioned bowl of southern style grits and whole wheat toast.

  216. Image for Cindy Cindy

    Oh my goodness, my finger is sore from scrolling to the bottom of the entries, lol!! Everyone wants to win :-) I have a current love affair with white dishes! I drink coffee with peppermint mocha creamer every.single.morning! YUM. Thanks Karianne, just love seeing your gatehouse taking shape, and on a budget too. thanks for inspiring us!

  217. Image for samantha light samantha light

    Totally awesome! Karianne I really enjoy your website so much and I only wish I could drink coffee with you in your beautiful cups! I know what it means when some people have to get really creative and then some people quietly take pictures of some peoples creative ideas and it makes some people really happy.

  218. Image for Elizabeth@ Blue Clear Sky Elizabeth@ Blue Clear Sky

    So pretty and inspiring! I really really need to tackle our basement guest kitchen. It needs a serious dose of pretty. My favorite breakfast drink is hot tea with milk. Thanks for the chance of winning those gorgeous dishes.

  219. Image for Leslie Westberry Leslie Westberry

    If only I could borrow you for ....a month or two. You always inspire me as I have an old house that needs a total overhaul. I see what you have done and I don't have your eye, but it is the style I like and wish I could mimic. These dishes are so perfect ! They are quite simple from a distance and playful close up. I think my morning chocolate soymilk ( I don't drink coffee) would appreciate the upgrade in style and class. So are you for hire ?? :D

  220. Image for Erin Kaven Erin Kaven

    Coffee, dollop of milk and one sweet n low, only in a glass or china mug...no paper. Ruins the taste. And it is best while reading my favorite blogger. Unless of course she offers one of her humorous insights. In which case I am wearing my coffee. I must start wearing white so I can bleach my clothes (or tea dying everything.)

  221. Image for Tori Tori

    I'm a coffee girl - Flavored coffee creamers are my indulgence. :) Have a college girl in her first place who would sure LOVE these dishes. She wants white and these fit her happy and fun personality!

  222. Image for Cynthia R Cynthia R

    A hot cup of decaf with a splash of cream...unless I am on the road, shuttling children, then it is iced coffee, black.

  223. Image for Billie Jo Vail Billie Jo Vail

    I love, love, love the kitchen remodel. I'm doing my wall in stripes with stencil writing. Where is the white houses on the counter from? My morning preference is coffee with cream. Thanks for sharing your creativity, it's very inspiring.

  224. Image for Jean Reistle Jean Reistle

    Wowser! Great giveaway! Orange juice...no pulp....is my beverage of choice for breakfast! Quite the connoisseur, right? Can't wait to try it in a beautiful white Mikasa mug! Thanks for the generosity Mikasa and Thistlewood Farms! Jean from south jersey...

  225. Image for Airyckah Airyckah

    Love it... seems easier then wallpapering the backs like I want to do lol... What do I like to drink for breakfast? Whatever I can. I usually have water right away, then a cup of coffee (iced lately) w/ lots of creamer in it... yummm

  226. Image for Karen U Karen U

    Karianne, your cabinets look great! I'm totally inspired! Now to convince sweet hubby.... Great dishes too! Excellent for that open shelving I'm looking forward to. Karen U

  227. Image for Ann Jernigan Ann Jernigan

    I love the stripes in the cabinets. Think I'll do that in our laundry room. As far as breakfast drink, my sweet husband makes the best coffee and pours me a cup. One of my favorite times of the day.

  228. Image for Smiliana Smiliana

    I just found your blog and am already quite excited. I'm planning on renovating my kitchen either next summer or in two summers, depending on budget. But you gave me a great idea on how I can give it a temporarily new look and bear with my current cabinets (which I hate with passion!) for a bit longer.:) As for my morning joy, it's a glass of fresh fruit/veggie juice. My family juices a lot and I just can't go without it! It totally replaces any need of drinking coffee and it's so good for you!

  229. Image for Dana Dana

    I drink what my kids used to call "beige milk" chocolate and white milk mixed together - it was their favorite when they were little : ) Love the cabinets and dishes! Just found your blog and I am loving it!

  230. Image for Katy Katy

    You offer such great ideas, thanks! I like a cup of Dandelion Root tea w/cinnamon and vanilla coconut milk...mmmmm.

  231. Image for Debbie T Debbie T

    I MUST have my cuppa coffee with breakfast. Sometimes it IS my breakfast until I can eat something later in the morning! I LOVE your cabinet re-do! It is just so simple and beautiful! It's got my wheels spinning for my drab old kitchen!

  232. Image for Rhonda R. Rhonda R.

    I LOVE the horizontal pattern!! In the mornings I enjoy a big glass of DIY overnight iced coffee!! I add coconut milk and a splash of the girl scout cookies creamer by Coffeemate!! Delish...seriously delish!

  233. Image for Lynn in Florida Lynn in Florida

    One cup of decaf with Stevia and French Vanilla Creamer....then I switch to Crystal Light Peach Tea or Green Tea Mango for the rest of the day! I'm a huge fan of white dishes, and these are especially lovely...sure would love to win them! Karianne, as always, you're like the fairy godmother in Cinderella....everything you "wave your magic wand" at turns out spectacular! You have an extraordinary talent for turning the ordinary and mundane into something truly special. And having that handy, "cute grin" hubby around doesn't hurt, right??? Even when he puts the brakes on the dreams a bit, he sure helps you create that magic on a budget pretty darn well! So does he conduct classes for all the hapless hubbies????

  234. Image for Deidre Deidre

    Can't wait to show this to my sister whose cabinets Really need an update! I'll even volunteer to help her since this looks so 'do-able'. If I can convince her, I'll send you a photo when we finish. I'm a coffee drinker: grind beans, brew one lovely cup, add cream and sugar and do my sudoku puzzle to start the day.

  235. Image for Lois from PA Lois from PA

    Earl Grey Tea! every morning, then again around Ten, and then in the afternoon, and after dinner....oh, my! no wonder I never sleep! Have a great TEA day! L.

  236. Image for Lois from PA Lois from PA

    Completely forgot to tell you how awesome the kitchen looks! Love the cabinets - and please tell us about the adorable little house screen on the counter! did you make it? please share! tooooo cute! Lois

  237. Image for Donna M. Donna M.

    What a terrific decorating solution! And I love that dinnerware. It's really hard to beat white dishes, and the various patterns provide visual interest!

  238. Image for Kari Kari

    Hi Karianne! It's me Kari - without the anne part! First I have to say that I love your website and your sense of humor reminds me of my own daughter's whose name is...KarA! Well, it's spelled Kara with a little "a" at the end, but I wanted to make sure you saw the difference. In fact, your humor is so much like hers I sent a post of yours around to our family members and asked the question, "Who does Karianne remind you of?" All answers came back as, yeah, you guessed it, my Kara. Even Kara thought you sounded like Kara. Am I confusing you? Was there something you wanted to know so you could then send me those dishes I want so very very much besides the fact that my name is the first part of your name? OH! Right. It's coffee. Black coffee. That's what you asked and that's what I always grab before I sit and read your blog. I just know it would taste so much better in a polka dot cup or maybe a striped one. You could even put a little note on your web site that has a place for the cup you are using that day! Okay, maybe not. Honestly, Karianne, all silliness aside (for just a moment), you always make me laugh and that's a good thing. Thank you for being you and doing what you do. You have to know how much joy you add to so many people's days just by reading what you write. :0)

  239. Image for Melaine Melaine

    I'm not sure I've ever had to scroll down so far to leave a comment on anyones blog before! You popular lady you! I drink my coffee with mexican creamer added~yum!

  240. Image for Jen H Jen H

    I love orange juice. Im 34 weeks pregnant (with #4) and coffee is not good right now. When I'm not pregnant I love dark roast coffee with vanilla creamer!

  241. Image for Krist E Krist E

    Love how the new Gate House is coming along! The cabinets look great! Well, w/Autumn coming on I'm sure I would have a nice warm cuppa raspberry dark chocolate. Don't you just love a cup on a cool Autumn evening in front of a nice glowing fire.... :) Great Give-a-way Karianne (btw, I always loved the "anne" addition on a name. I had a college roommate whose name was Marianne and I wanted to name my next daughter Kacianne but alas I never had another.)

  242. Image for Karen Karen

    Coffe, followed by Coffee, followed by Coffee in the AM! I love what you did with the kitchen! So much creativity! The dishes are so unbelievably cool, thanks for having a give-away.

  243. Image for Andrea Andrea

    I drink water... my drink of choice. I think minus an adult beverage on occasion the only thing I drink is water. :)

  244. Image for Lydia Trujillo Lydia Trujillo

    Discovered the beauty of white dishes bought my first set from the dollar store when I was sending kids to catholic school not a a lot of extra money . Love all the different patterns coffee with creamer and a bagel !;)

  245. Image for The Style Sisters The Style Sisters

    For breakfast in the warmer months a glass of O.J. In the cooler months a cup of hot chocolate with a spritz of whipped cream and during December I stir it with a candy cane! I adore white plates they are so versatile! Love your blog!!! Karin Www.thestylesisters.blogspot.com

  246. Image for Kim O'Neill Kim O'Neill

    I love the stripes. We need to update our entire kitchen. I'll drink coffee if someone else makes it, otherwise it's soy milk or juice in the morning.

  247. Image for Janine McCaw Janine McCaw

    There's nothing better than that first cup of Joe in the morning, and it's even better in a cup you love. The look of that beautiful rich coffee color against pure white is as invigorating as a fresh bar of soap...but it tastes a lot better.

  248. Image for Deborah Deborah

    My favorite drink for breakfast is Caramel drizzle coffee with French Vanilla creamer, a packet of Truvia and a shake of nutmeg on top. I just love the kitchen that is posted! It is so clean and sharp. I love the idea of taking the cabinet doors off and striping the back wall of the cabinet!!! What a wonderful idea!! I am thinking of doing something to "freshen up" my kitchen but I am a little hesitant of doing that to my cabinet doors simply because I do not use all white dishes. They are Casa Fina from Portugual and are Madeira Harvest. The colors are all very light and earthy and light in color but I am not sure how that would look. What do you think???

  249. Image for Charlotte Delaire-Meyers Charlotte Delaire-Meyers

    Breakfast drink of choice has to be diet coke with lots of ice. I like my caffeine COLD! Love the kitchen and the dishes. Just recently started collecting a "new" all white set - well, they're new to me. Thanks for the blogs. I look forward to my daily dose of design.

  250. Image for Jody peterson Jody peterson

    I have a tiny bit of coffee with my milk and sugar. And I love white dishes, so clean and they go with everything.

  251. Image for lori brown lori brown

    hmmm. depends on the morning. I always drink half caf with skim and sweet and low. but truthfully most mornings around here would be better suited for a spiced rum and diet! my office tends to frown on that, so coffee it is.

  252. Image for lori brown lori brown

    p.s. you cannot have 4 children within a five mile radius or you would not have the cupboard doors off of anything! I do have matching dishes, buried under the assorted mismatched coffee mugs and all the college beer mugs. but who would know?

  253. Image for Kim Osburn Kim Osburn

    I have about 2 lg. cups of coffee and if I'm still not awake or I'm in the mood for more hot beverage I switch over to English Breakfast Tea. Both with creamer and splenda. Thank You for the chance to win the lovely dishes.

  254. Image for Maura Maura

    Nice mini cabinet makeover! It looks so fresh and open... I love it. :) Favorite morning drink is a nice cup of hot chai. Mmmm...

  255. Image for Mary Gelstin Mary Gelstin

    I have to start my morning with a few glasses of water, otherwise I never seem to squeeze in enough throughout the rest of the day. White dishes have always been my go to because of the versatility-pattern definitely would make them more fun!

  256. Image for Emily Bottie Emily Bottie

    It really depends on the weather...on cool fall days I love tea, cold winter days call for hot coffee, and on summer days some iced coffee is essential!

  257. Image for Mary G Mary G

    I would like breakfast a lot better if it came a couple hours later and someone else was cooking it....but, as it is, I will accept that it is a super important part of the day and pay it its due.

  258. Image for Amber Amber

    I love the stripes I the cabs!! And those Mikasa plates are so cute! It would be great to drink my coffee with a splash of cream each morning and look at those lovelies!

  259. Image for Kelly Kelly

    What I usually drink for breakfast is water. What I would LIKE to drink for breakfast is a Starbucks mocha :) Love the cabinet update! Thanks for the fun giveaway opportunity :)

  260. Image for Jen Jen

    Love the open look of the cabinets. Would really like to see the whole room ... What's the rest look like? I'm a fan of protein smoothies for breakfast. Sweet fruit,whey protein, almond milk and ice all crunched up together in a blender. yum.....

  261. Image for Jen Jen

    Coffee and some peanuts maybe dry cereal. I am so wanting to update my boring builder grade oak kitchen, just terrified! First world problems right. :)

  262. Image for susan susan

    I found your page through Pinterest. I love the patterns on the plates! I've been looking for something different like that for a long time, but not knowing what it was that I was looking for. As to what I drink depends on my whim and what I'm doing that day. Sometimes it's tea (Good Earth Original Blend; lemon, or raspberry herbal; green tea), sometimes it's a Mexican Mocha that I make at home, and sometimes a smoothie if I don't have time for breakfast and am not coming home right after I drop the kids off at school.

  263. Image for Robin Robin

    I drink green tea for breakfast and switch to decaf coffee mid afternoon for a 3:00 pick me up, usually with a little sweet something! I'd love these dishes. Thanks for the opportunity.

  264. Image for Linda Southworth Linda Southworth

    I love the cabinet update ideas and will definitely make the plate racks for a few shelves. Looks grand! I will just sip my morning coffee just like I have every day and enjoy once they are done!

  265. Image for Becky J Becky J

    Oh my favorite breakfast beverage is pumpkin spice cappuccino..yum, yummy, yum!! Ok- topped with a pumpkin muffin..I LOVE that you made do with what you have and it looks gorgeous!! Inspiring!!

  266. Image for BamaCarol BamaCarol

    Diet Dr. Pepper all the way! Breakfast of Champions...well, that and a bowl of regular Cheerios with skim milk.

  267. Image for judy r judy r

    hi love all your beautiful things. im a good old folgers drinker strong and black. I would like to know where you got your standing plate rack, or did you make it? thanks judy

  268. Image for Wendy V Wendy V

    It's Starbucks brewed at hospital I work at with 3 squirts of sugar- free hazelnut & 4 creamers pods. But my favorite for special is a mocha coffe with sugar- free shot of Bananna syrup. Tastes Devine! Love the tape to space stripes - you are amazing!

  269. Image for Teena Mashburn Teena Mashburn

    Love me some Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk...cause its good for me and Diet Coke cause I take my caffeine cold, thank you!

  270. Image for AnaRodriguez AnaRodriguez

    I very much enjoy my morning coffee. Love the stripes & love reading all your posts, thanks for sharing your thoughts & pics.

  271. Image for Valerie Valerie

    Those dishes look smooth and creamy! Coffee is what powers me in the morning. Love your blog. Keep up the good work!

  272. Image for Sherry Buckles Sherry Buckles

    LOL....love the budget conversation. As creative as I am with stuff for the house and the money spent to fuel said creativity- and you know I am - I regularly get reminded about mortgages, car payments, shoes, *SHOES*, like that will defer me one bit. You are an inspiration Kary! LOVE IT! Oh, I drink coffee, but am trying real hard to be a green tea drinker in the morning for health benefits.

  273. Image for froot loop froot loop

    Paint is the easiest way to change your kitchen cabinets and these look fantastic. I LOVE sweet tea for breakfast, lunch & dinner!

  274. Image for Christine Christine

    Where did you get the cute little city silhouette? I love it! This is coming from a non-coffee/cappuccino/frappuccino/latte/tea drinker! YIKES!

  275. Image for Bail Agent Orange County Bail Agent Orange County

    Complete a 12-hour, pre-licensing bail education course that is compliant with the Insurance Code Section 1810. A good criminal defense attorney should know the ins and outs of courtroom tactics and how to get you out of jail and freed of your charges. This service is not available in every country nor is it available for every crime.

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