DH hates it, but I love it anyway

We recently made some changes to the kitchen.  One of the things that really bugged me was this corner.

 I need my calendar, but I had to get it off the wall to write on it, and I just felt the whole area was a little too cluttery.  I wanted something that would hold the calendar, papers, pencils, appointment reminder cards and all the other stuff that I needed in that corner. 

Enter this beauty, $2 from a garage sale.

My husband hated it, but I loved it.  It was just the right size. After 4 months of it sitting on my counter as is, I finally decided it was time to paint it.  It only took two naptimes and one bedtime to finish.  I love the way it turned out.

I didn't do as many coats, because I kind of like the way the dark wood comes through and makes it a little vintage-y!

When we did the kitchen, my hubby decided that the router needed to be moved from it's hidden spot in the closet to a prominent place in the kitchen. (?)  Thankfully, my magazine holder (that the hubby still hates!) is just tall enough to help cover the most artistic router.

The corner as is:

(notice my garbage disposal switch, 10 miles from my sink...)

And now

Full view - before

And After

Basically, I love it! The little ceramic box on the counter was given to me by my uber-talented sister.  It is still looking for a permanent home. And now that I look at this picture, I think the little iron circle (a goodwill $3 treasure) needs to be moved down a bit.  Still, I think it's a huge improvement!

I'm linking to
 Thrifty Decor Chick's Before and After party
Between Naps on the Porch's Met Monday
Funky Junk Interior's Saturday Nite Special