kitchen inspiration

When this sweet family wrote in for a little help with their kitchen, we were more than happy to oblige.

She was struggling with the odd shape, complicated cabinets, and wanted a little more character than what the space had to offer. She mentioned that she was interested in an oven hood, along with butchers block counter tops. So after taking a look at their style and what appealed to them, we were more than happy to dig in and come up with some ideas for their space!

So here’s what we cooked up for a little kitchen inspiration:

{PS, we’re obsessed with their dog.}

We drew up a few more quick little mockups than usual, to give them a clear visual of what we’re seeing in the potential that lies beyond that {kinda limiting} hexagon.

If you’ve been reading for a while, you know our favorite spaces are a combo of DIY, flea market finds, store bought and investment pieces… it’s all about a little give and take, and the very best pieces can be found in a treasure hunt of sorts, so we hope this gives them a great launching point! They were all in for DIY so we gave them plenty of options, and it should save them some major moolah in the long run. ;} We hope this gives them lots of character to work with!

First things first, the inspiration board. {I always go out of order, addressing the greatest needs first because I’m a nerd like that}.

Cabinets + Countertops + Shelving 

13. She stated that the lines were a bit much with their cabinets now, and so we thought they may enjoy more of a shaker style of cabinet. Their lines are so classic, they’ll never “go out” so there are a few options when it comes to those. Each option has it’s own pros and cons between cost, value and convenience, but we thought listing out a few ideas may help them in their area where they live. Cabinets are probably going to be their biggest cost suck. So we hope that by mixing in some high with the low will help in that area.

 

Countertops – They mentioned butcher’s block from a local company and we think it’s a great affordable option that would really warm up the space. If they have room, we recommend extending out the space opposite their sink for a bar area to utilize the eating space in their kitchen.

3. Shelving – We think some shelves in an old reclaimed barn wood {or even just some stained pieces, mounted to the wall} would be a great asset to their space and offset a bit of the intensity those cabinets give off with the space. It would feel a lot less crowded and bring in that charm they’re looking for.

A lot of people are usually worried about storage options when it comes to getting rid of the upper cabinets, so we have another option for them in the storage arena {see shelving below} and we always recommend getting rid of the {fill-in-the-blank-here} they haven’t used, anyway. I personally haven’t really broken out my christmas tree shaped spatula, or that fiftieth casserole dish, so it’s probably time to purge again. ;}

9. Stools – While we’re at it, we love these barstools as a great option for that space, without taking up too much room.

6. Sink – We absolutely love this farmhouse sink. And it’s definitely worth the journey if they can think of another excuse to go. We have owned ours for four years now, and it’s one of our favorite purchases, ever. We’d also love to see it paired with a copper faucet like this to really tie in some of that great character for the space.

8. Hood –  We love the idea of losing the microwave and adding a great antiqued piece like this copper hood. This would probably be the biggest splurge for your kitchen, with the potential to be a big investment. But searching can pay off for a great price on this. We recommend shopping around with that general feel in mind for their space. It would take their kitchen to an entirely different level. Local salvage places/flea market can be an unexpected source, as well. – this is a great example of waiting for that key piece, until you find exactly what you want.

Rug + accessories – 

5. We love bringing in some great character with fun patterns under foot. A little rug for around the sink area to help bring in some more of that character from here and more accessories : kitchen towel, mixing bowl, bowls, storage basket

Tile + Paint – 

7. This great color would be a great way to bring in some depth above the countertops, and a touch of color to tie it all together. However, we always recommend playing with various shades of that within your own space {since we’re not there in real life} to see how it works with the daylight OR the really super fun amazing wallpaper we’ve picked for them as an option {more on that below}.

Tile – Carrara Venato Polished Arabesque Marble Tile from The Builder Depot is a great option for some major backsplash wow. It goes a little beyond the expected subway tile, but still keeps it classic with a gorgeous, authentic finish. We’ve personally worked with The Builder Depot and they offer excellent, trustworthy service.

The eat in area

11. Bench –  They mentioned that they were interested in a bench, but weren’t sure how to make it worth with the windows. The angles in our mockup are awkward, but this quick little illustration should give a good idea of how to work it with those windows. An open benched seating is a great compromise. They still have the same feel of the idea, without taking up the entire nook, or totally blocking the windows.

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Table – This table has awesome lines, and it all depends on what they want to invest in – they could also find someone who welds to make a version with their own spin off like our media center. There are a ton of options out there for tables, and some great rounded ones will work well, too.

Chairs – we love the idea of finding a couple at a local flea market, even in different shapes, and refinishing them in a fun aqua. {Try Benjamin Moore’s Opal essence for the same look}

 

10. Rug – We love this rug as a great option for some more character and fun under that table. However, we know how tricky that can be with a toddler + giant dog. {We’re still personally torn by the whole rug-under-the-table thing, so it may be a good idea to put in their back pocket} Natural woven / no rug may be a more realistic option, but this looks like it spot cleans {and hides spots} pretty well. In a perfect world, that yellow would be killer with those walls and fabrics. There’s always that balance of great ideas vs. real life ;}

4. The walls: 

We love shiplap for under that chair rail, {Chantilly Lace is our go to white, but it all depends on the finish of their cabinets – they may want to try to get close to that color in your finished look} + this wallpaper for the top half. We don’t always go for wallpaper, but when we do, we’re obsessed. We would love to see this combined with the shiplap in their space… and may be hiding it away for our own home later ;} Seriously, we are smitten.

12. Art – We adore the tutorial for this DIY art, here A fun gallery wall would bring in some more of those punches of color and character they’re looking for.

The pantry

1. It wouldn’t be hard to replicate this look, with either a salvaged door, or how to build your own here The distressed look with the nice grey/blue on top would be perfect for their space. And adding more of that Green Wave on the inside, would make those white shelves they already have pop from behind. If they want to go dark with the door, and decide to go with the wallpaper, be sure to see how all the paint colors work with their space – but give Benjamin Moore’s Slate Blue or Polaris Blue a whirl. And if it’s too much, try Puritan Gray. They may love the combo – it’s a great unexpected addition.

Shelving

3. They may be tight on room, and this is why a custom build/bench would be ideal for that eat in space. A shallow shelf to store more things in baskets, along with a place for essentials and that microwave {since we theoretically removed it to make room for a hood} would be a great option. A built in look without the back legs may save on more space, and help them achieve that shallow feel with the needed stability. Utility shelves are just about everywhere these days, but a custom build would be just the ticket to get the right size and depth.

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** Please note: out of respect for our clients, we no longer share all of our sources here. Thank you for your understanding!**

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We hope these ideas are a great springboard for them, and that they feel like it’s a great place to get started! We seriously can’t wait to see what this sweet couple will do with it!

We know it’s a process, and processes will evolve, but please send us pics when you’re all done. Thank you again + happy creating!

Read more about our design services, here! Have an inspired day!