What Happens When You Jump Into a Pantry Make-Over

It really started off as a whim.

I was home with only my two youngest and really really wanting to paint my bedroom but since I didn’t have paint, that couldn’t happen. But then… oh, but then I stepped into my pantry (not telling why I was going in there) 🙂 when I saw this…

And thought, “I should paint my pantry!”

I’m glad I thought it would be a quick and easy project or I never would have started.

Everything came out of the pantry and on to two tables in my kitchen. Oh yeah, and my counters.  In other words, stuff is everywhere!

Two days spent painting in that pantry and I had to make a run to the paint store for paint after all.

But the worst part is still to come.  After I had finished painting I was so thrilled at the thought of putting all my things back into the pantry and organizing it (the best part) when I found out (after a bit of Googling) that you need to wait 2 weeks to 1 month.  The earliest I read was someone putting their things back in on Day 5 which was much more thinkable to this ol’ girl.

So I’ve been waiting and waiting. Fall decorations are still up. No signs of Winter/Christmas decor around here – yet.

Messes galore.

The day I went to the store to get more paint was the day my two youngest decided to build the largest tent they’ve ever made. You know what that means…sheets and blankets galore. Of course, if you’re going to sleep in there you need padding, so I get back home and look over to see my daughter pulling a mattress through the living room which came from the upstairs bed. Oh my goodness!  My entire living room has been confiscated for the sake of play.  They’ve been sleeping in it every night since.

The tent is still up but its days are numbered because as soon as the pantry is put back together the tent has to go so that order can be restored. The pilgrims and pumpkins, the fall foliage and the little rustic owl will all be packed away till next year when the leaves change their color once again.

So my word of warning to those that might think of doing their pantry…

1. Don’t do it at the holiday season.

2. Go on vacation after painting.

If you live where the humidity is high, it could take a much longer time for your paint to cure than it has here in Arizona. As it is, I’ve been 5 days and the paint was still not ready on day 4. Last night I tested it by putting some dishes on the shelf to see if it would stick.  It looked good this morning, so I’m thinking I can start putting things back in. Yes!!

Here’s half of the empty pantry.  I painted the back of the shelves a different color to add some interest. Once I get everything back in, we will see if you even notice it.

So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can get this little room all back together today and reclaim my kitchen.

Nobody has complained about the mess which I’ve commended them for.  Then my son told me it looked like his room.

{gulp}