Kitchen Renovation Progress

I know you guys have been waiting for weeks to see some shots of this in-progress kitchen renovation and I finally got it photographed for you!  Welcome to what feels like the longest post ever.

As I said in my “When Design Plans Change” post, some things have changed in here, but I am LOVING what we’ve gotten so far.  The kitchen is still very unfinished when it comes to design and details, but it’s functional.

This is the current view when you come in our front door.

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This is the other main wall in the kitchen.  You can see one little lone beam still in need of finishing.

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Obviously, the island isn’t finished yet.  If you remember from when I shared our kitchen plans, we decided to go with custom cabinets for several different reasons.  We had our cabinet guy make the island cabinets, but Chris wanted to finish the surround.  Hence the half-sprayed green paint on the side and the opening. 

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When the island is finished, the sides will be solid and won’t have the opening you currently see.  We had to get the structure built quickly to support the countertops.

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I do love that big slab on top of it, though!  The island is 3.5 x 7 and feels huge.  It’s not even that much bigger than our last one, but it sure feels like it for some reason.

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For the countertops, we ended up going with River White Granite instead of the Pretoria White we had in our last house (and that I mentioned in our plans).  Pretoria White now has a lot more gray in it from what I’m told and this one had the more white base I wanted.  Y’all know I have a love/hate relationship with granite.  I love granite for its’ extreme durability, but I hate the speckly look for me.  I want marble.

I almost went with marble in this house.  Well, my husband will tell you that isn’t true because he was never on board with that idea.  But I strongly considered it just because I love the look so much.  That long gray veining makes me so happy.  I know so many friends who have marble in the kitchen and love it, but we have heard one too many times, “Do not do marble in the kitchen, it scratches, stains, etc. so bad.”  It’s not that we’re particularly unclean people, but we do work super hard in our kitchen.  We have a dog who occasionally props up on them trying to reach food.  Things get spilled, a lot.  I think for us, it still just seems like such a risk…and an expensive one.  But I’ll always love that look.  And who knows, maybe if another kitchen renovation is in our future, I’ll take the marble plunge.

For now, this granite does have more gray veining that makes me think of marble, which is good.

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I do love these.  Especially with how they pop against those green cabinets. 

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Can we talk about that green for a minute??

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In a few of these pictures, the green looks a bit lighter than it is in person.  It’s the most beautiful dark, rich, huntery green.  We went with Benjamin Moore’s Hidden Falls.  We tested so many different green paints and this was exactly the color I was picturing.

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I love the polished copper pulls against the green.  I considered going with a long bar-like hardware, but I really wanted copper and long copper bar handles are super expensive.  I found these and loved them.  I also loved the $1.00 a piece price tag!  Thank you eBay.  They’re small, but still make a statement.

And I love how the rug goes with the cabinet color.

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This rug and the green cabinet color were the first two things I picked for the house.  I actually had those picked out and the rug purchased before we even knew this house would be the next house, I loved it that much.  The rug is from eBay.  I posted about it and my advice for finding vintage rugs here.  That pairing is what inspired my whole house design plan.  I think when I shared that, a lot of you might’ve thought I was crazy and there’s be insane splashes of color everywhere!

I meant it in a subtle way though as you see here…dark green cabinets, light gray/slightly minty green doors, and red and peach in the rug.

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Speaking of the door, I am in love with this pairing!  All of the doors in the house are this same color and I’m going to talk about them next week.

You may have seen our sweet little farmhouse sink peeking from back behind the island above.

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We went with the same IKEA farmhouse sink as we had in our last kitchen.  I love this thing so much, I didn’t even consider anything else! 

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It’s so huge at 37″ wide and I love the double bowls.  I did search around a little just to compare and I couldn’t find another one that was near this size for near this price. 

The faucet is another thing I picked out for our next kitchen long ago.  One major mistake we made in our last house was not having a sprayer with this huge sink.  Crazy people, I tell you.  I love the professional-grade look this faucet has and I love the sprayer function.  It might be one of my very favorite things in this kitchen.  We got ours in the Home Depot store, and they don’t have the exact one online, but here’s a very similar one.

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Okay, now let’s talk design plans and finishes.  What’s changed? What’s happening?

Let’s check out the original design plan again to jog our memories.

Kitchen Design Plan copy

So you’ll see a lot of the above elements already in the kitchen.  The main thing that has changed is my beloved brick wall.

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That was supposed to go on this wall so that the entire wall was brick and looked like an old exposed brick wall.  There are several reasons we’ve let that go, sadly.  First of all, actually getting in the kitchen and seeing where the cabinets hit in regards to the beams and office doorway shows me that a whole wall look really doesn’t make sense.  It may be hard to see from this picture, but the fridge cabinet doesn’t go all the way to the ceiling so somewhere, you’d have the brick wall just stop, which you would be able to see out in the house.  The fridge cabinet was supposed to “meet” the beams, which ended up not quite happening.  It’s not a big deal other than that it messes with my brick wall concept.

Another reason we’ve decided to change is that I had a vision after we moved in for a copper statement hood.  I am so darn excited about this, I can’t stand it!  I’m still nailing down the design for it.  But a big copper hood paired with the wood beams above meant that a red brick wall was out.  I was planning to sort of lightly white wash it, but you’d still see a lot of the red brick.  We considered just painting it white.  I do love white painted brick.  But do y’all know how expensive brick tile is???  Crazy.  We cannot justify the cost and then painting it solid white.

Sooo……I first made peace with the fact that the tile is going to be more of a backsplash, not a full wall.  In one way that made me sad, but now, that’ll allow us to mirror it on the side with the sink, which we’ve realized we desperately need.  Sheetrock and a sink are a bad, bad mix.  The tile will go all the way up to almost the top of the fridge cabinet and that’ll hit near the top of the window trim on the other side.

I’ve considered so many different options for the tile.  I’ve looked at every patterned tile I can find.  I love that stuff!  But what I keep coming back to is that the tile needs to be white.  Seeing what’s already here and picturing what is to come, hood, shelving, etc. I realize it just needs a white tile backdrop.  Something to provide a little texture and slight pattern with the grout lines, but that really let’s everything else shine.  I’m still nailing down exactly what that is, but I’m thinking it’ll probably be subway of some sort.  I’ve held some marble options up, which I love, but they really just accentuate that our countertop isn’t marble.  They make it feel like a poser.

I had a design heart-to-heart with my mom about why I was struggling so much with this kitchen design.  What she helped me realize is that I was literally trying to make every little thing a statement!  Some things need to be beautiful, but subtle and sort of disappear into the background. I need to focus on the whole complete picture, not just individual statements.  Plus, remember that this kitchen is open to the dining room and living room, so I don’t need anything that’s going to really compete with patterns in those two rooms either.

I really want each of the kitchen walls to be a focal point in their own way. 

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This main wall will have a big, statement hood centered in between the beams and triple shelving on each side.  Picture it with a pretty tile backdrop.

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Also a part of that view will be the island, pendant lights, and bar stools.  I’m still deciding what all of that will look like, but it will be a part of this picture.

While this wall has taken some real brainstorming to get it where I want, there are so many elements going on, I know it’s going to be a statement.  Ofcourse, I need to choose the right ones, so they don’t compete.

The other wall is a little more of a challenge to me.

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It’s what you see from the front door, so I want it to be beautiful.  But it is very plain and simple.

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As I said above, there will be tile going up to the top of the window trim, but it’ll be subtle.  There will be sconces on either side of the window, which I’m really excited about having.  But I’m having trouble picking them out.  I think I just need to let a little more of the kitchen come together first.  Hindsight is 20/20, but I’m wishing we’d wired them higher.  This wall definitely needs something else to me, and a pair of pretty artwork would be perfect underneath each sconce.  And that would bring some color into this side.  It might work over each sconce depending on what I end up choosing.  That’s just one of those things you realize once you’re living here and staring at it around the clock.

Overall, I want this kitchen to feel homey.  I want it to be beautiful, but I want it to be somewhere that my kids (no there isn’t another yet), pull up a bar stool and eat there breakfast.  I want it to be somewhere we spend time crowded around this island putting sprinkles on sugar cookies and living this beautiful life together. 

It’s funny.  My main inspiration for this room is a dear friend’s kitchen that doesn’t currently look anything like where this one is headed.

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Obviously the colors are totally different, but I want my kitchen to have this exact feel.  Homey, collected, a place where a beautiful family lives life together.  Check out the rest of Nesting with Grace’s amazing blog if you haven’t yet.  Her home is gorgeous and best of all, beautifully lived in.

Wow, I know that was a lot.  Lots of updates, still a lot undecided, but we’re making progress and I am dying to see it all start coming together!  Thanks for following along with our reno journey friends! And as always, I’m open to suggestions!  I love hearing others ideas.  So often it sparks something I hadn’t even thought of!

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35 Comments

I love the progress you’re making and so excited to see how everything evolves! For your sink wall you could consider something like either of the sconces linked below (something more reasonably priced!) that would help “cheat” the fixtures up a bit. I love the idea of adding some art under each.
http://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/products/momo-single-sconce
https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2460589&categoryId=cat3900077

Cassie, I’ve considered something like that second one for sure! I think it would hang too far down towards the counters though. I’m considering adding matching art above them, because there’s ample room up there. I’ll have to play around with options and see πŸ™‚

You’ll figure it out! Don’t stress too much. It looks beautiful so far and I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished. Plus, why are moms always right? I agree less is more, when you have it done it will come together wonderfully. You’re definitely going in the right direction!!

Oh I’m not stressed, Malorie πŸ™‚ I’m enjoying this process now that things have calmed down! So excited to start putting finishing touches on it!

wowsers…it is coming together beautifully! i can’t wait to see the full reveal. we have the same counter tops–i chose them for the same reason…they are granite but have a marble look to them. so much prettier than “regular” granite!

Everything looks SO wonderful!!! I can’t help thinking that a white subway tile in a herringbone pattern might give you the mix of statement and subtlety you’re looking for. I just kept envisioning it with each picture!

I love that you’re taking the time to live in the space and decide what it needs over time. Is it possible to move the wiring for the lights next the sink up and put some colorful art on each side? Small, but impactful? Just a thought… πŸ™‚

I’ve really thought about that pattern, Kristi! I’m definitely considering it πŸ™‚ And though we’ve talked about it, we definitely aren’t going to move the sconces now. It’ll be really hard to make the sheetrock look right again and we just aren’t up for it haha. But the sconces are actually exactly where I pictured them for my original vision. I’ve seen a ton of over window lights and really wanted sconces on either side of the window πŸ™‚ I think I can still make some art work if I choose the right sconces.

Another quick thought… What if you scrapped the sconces completely and wired for a light above the window?? Art on either side and a quirky/brass light over the sink?

So lovely! Thank you for sharing THIS part of the process with us; I love it even more than the “big reveals”! I love EVERYTHING you’ve got going on so far, and the copper hood is going to be show-stopping. Have you seen the one with the scalloped edge they did on Fixer Upper? It might be a little too whimsical for your style, though!

I’m wondering whether you should avoid putting tile on the sink wall. That’s going to be an even more difficult area in terms of finding a stopping point for the tile, and I worry that all that segmentation will look weird from the front door. I know sinks are wet and messy, but I have never had a problem with mine being up against drywall. To me, the cabinets/sink on that wall are begging to be treated like a furniture piece rather than a workhorse kitchen area, especially since it’s so visible from the front door. My mind keeps coming back to wood beadboard as a backsplash. Is that too crazy? Something like this, but you could trim out the edges? http://www.kompareit.com/images/content-beadboard-backsplash-gray-cabinets.jpg

I don’t think you can really go wrong, though. The bones are SO GOOD that anything you do will be lovely! Congrats on a GORGEOUS home, and thanks again for sharing it with us!

I did see that one from Fixer Upper, Kelly! It’s beautiful! It’s not really what I’m picturing in here, but did love it. That’s a good point on the sink wall that I need to consider. I definitely want tile behind the sink, though. This faucet sprayer is crazy and we are SOAKING the wall. Not good. It’s keeping me up at night picturing little mold growing back behind the sink hahahaha! I love beadboard in kitchens! That’s actually what we had in the last kitchen so I think I want something different here, but I do love that look!

I love it! We have the same sink and IKEA better never discontinue them, they are just perfect!

I agree the sconces flanking the sink window should be higher, it really might be worth the drywall patch to move them up b/c if they stick out at all that counter space is no good for work. We made a similar decision and the light was never hitting the area right either.

It’s been super fun following along, thanks for writing!

I know, Amanda. When we went to get it for this house, it was out of stock at all of my remotely close IKEA’s. We ended up ordering it and paying $200 in shipping because we love it that much! I definitely think they should be higher, but it’s really too late at this point. We’re not going to re-do all the drywall, but I’ve got a vision I think to make it work. They’re in the perfect spot for my initial vision: flanking each side of the sink window and all of the ones I’m considering won’t stick out too much over the counters, so they won’t affect that. And I think matching artwork will still work if I choose the right ones πŸ™‚

Those green cabinets paired with the thick white moldings everywhere. I just can’t! I know it’s not close to finished, but I’m already in love. Can’t wait to see that copper hood in place!

I’m in LOVE with this so far! Absolutely gorgeous! I agree with the subway tile. It’s a great classic statement…and it almost acts as a foundation piece. Something that you can add colorful bowls/artwork against and it won’t compete with it. Also, about your wall across from the front door. I think what you really need to make it interesting is a large sculpture (or a whole bunch of small ones!) to take up that big white space above your sink window. I know that that wall flows into the living room as well….maybe it can be something that connects those two rooms together? I just feel like you need something weird in there to really give it life! You know? Either way, I’m sure you’ll figure it out! You always design a fantastic room in the end!

It’s looking wonderful! I’ve been rethinking my kitchen, and the color of your cabinets is exactly the color I’ve been looking for. Would you mind sharing the shade you picked? Thanks!

Carolyn, I can’t believe I forgot to put in the cabinet color! Thank you for reminding me πŸ™‚ It’s Benjamin Moore Hidden Falls. I LOVE this color πŸ™‚ So much so that it’s also making an appearance as our house exterior and the fireplace!

I’m so with you on granite! After failed cement counters we went with absolute black granite. I wasn’t in love with granite when shopping because of the speckles, but I have to say it’s won me over now that it’s in my space. Our new faucet is almost identical to yours:). I too went with dark green cabinets (in our main bath). Still loving the warmth they bring to a space. Looking forward to seeing how your room comes together!

I love following along and love your unique style. I had to start following you when I saw a redo was underway. πŸ™‚ I strongly suggest that you have the lights heightened. It is a small fix that you will be so glad you did! I look back to when we moved into our home. We almost left the unfinished wood floors with nail holes around the edge (from under the carpet) and didn’t finish them. I thought I could live with it and we shouldn’t spend the money. Yes, it was a big thing compared to the outlets for your lights, however, I am SO GLAD we did all the floors!! I would have been so mad at myself–we would have never gotten around to it, and it would have looked ridiculous. I think the lights higher will make more of a statement. As you said, you see these lights every time you walk into the home. It will drive you bonkers to have them so low. And with what you have described so far for the walls–it will look great. I saw a gorgeous kitchen on instagram yesterday–only thing was–it had everything! One thing took over another and it looked way too busy–nothing shined. It sounds like you are heading in the perfect direction! Love your cabinets and pulls! (They look deep/teal blue on my screen.)

For the sink wall (we’ll most likely go with the Ikea sink again in this house too! It’s too fab not to, and you can’t beat the price. And we were thinking industrial faucet sprayer too! Hah!) what about a balance in a really great fabric? But obviously something that won’t compete with anything else.
Looks great so far! Of course. πŸ™‚ I’m so jealous of you designing your house! My house is full of paint colors I hate, but right now my focus is all on getting this baby out and surviving postpartum. There will be plenty of time to decorate. At least, that’s what I tell myself. πŸ˜€

Absolutely stunning! I love how it’s turning out. Question on the floors – I know y’all had scratches with the last house with your pup … what color did y’all go with for stain this time and what species of wood is it (oak?)

Thanks!

Will do a post soon, Mary, but they’re oak with no stain, just a clear finish. So all natural over here! Already Gracie has scratched them and you can’t hardly even see it! Yay πŸ™‚

It’s looking so beautiful already, I know more layers are just going to knock it out of the park! It doesn’t seem like it would be too hard to re-do your wiring for the sconces, especially before the tiling is done. Maybe more $$ than you wanted but if that will always bug you I’d go for it!

Yes!!! I’ll do a post soon πŸ™‚ My biggest thing is that I like gas stoves way, way better and love our new fridge where the top is the fridge and the bottom is a pull-out freezer. Our old one was opposite and we were constantly leaning down for the fridge.

its looking beautiful! I have the same IKEA sink, I love it so much! Like you, I don’t think I could ever have another kitchen without it!

Oh my gorgeous!! I know it’s not even 100% complete but it’s stunning! I love nesting with grace’s kitchen and even though very different, can see how you pulled inspiration from there. Can’t wait to see that hood, it’s going to be gorgeous. I’m in the same boat as you in regards to picking tile right now. My husband and I just moved into our new build two weeks ago and I can’t figure out what to do or the backsplash. I keep saying I want white subway tile but we’ll see. I need to get some samples and hold them up I guess. Can’t wait to see more πŸ™‚

No, Meggie, it’s actually Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace! I used White Dove in our last house and did love it, but wanted something just a little whiter and less creamy for this one.