We moved into a new house a few months ago, and as we were building, the number one question people asked was, “What’s your kitchen going to look like??” That was a good question, and I never really had an answer. We actually didn’t plan on building a house; we were about to purchase a different house nearby, and due to some random, serendipitous events, we suddenly found ourselves starting a new build. We actually put our house together rather quickly. In a way, it was a good thing; we didn’t stress over decisions- we just sort of picked things we knew we liked and it all came together. In the end, the kitchen is one of my favorite places in our house. It’s definitely the heart of our home; where meals happen, where homework happens, where life happens. So here’s a little peek into our home. This post is crazy long as is, so I’m going to do a part 2 to tell you about the appliances I chose- because that’s the second most common question! (–> Click Here for Part 2 <–)
Picking cabinets was fairly easy; for photography purposes I knew I wanted white so it would be light and bright. I also knew I wanted a gigantic island; this one is about 9 feet long by 5 1/2 feet wide with a granite top.
I also wanted a great spot surrounded by windows to snap pics of all the food we make around here.
We picked a soft gray for the walls (Sherwin Williams ‘Sensible Hue’); it’s actually one shade darker than the gray we painted the rest of the house.
The floors are an engineered hard wood. Yes, the dark wood shows crumbs and dust much more than a lighter wood, but on the flip side, that actually makes me keep my floors clean and sweep more than once a week like at my old house. Seriously. I love the warmth the dark floors bring to the house. They also have a hand-scraped texture that adds character and makes me not care about any dings since it’s blends right in.
The cabinets are painted Sherwin Williams ‘Snow Bound’ and glazed in ‘Van Dyke’ stain for that dark highlight. I went back and forth and back and forth on whether I wanted them glazed and I’m really glad my husband, builder, and cabinet guy talked me into glazing; I love the dimension it adds and the detail it highlights. I also love the white cabinets and haven’t had any issues with them being hard to keep clean (like some people warned me about). Sometimes the cupboards we use the very most get finger prints on them, but all it takes is a quick wipe to clean them right up. I’m glad I went with white.
For contrast, we painted the island black. All of the appliances on the back-side have panel fronts on them so they look like cabinets. Hiding right there in the cabinet next to the pull-out garbage is my most favorite appliance, ever. You’re going to have to wait to see it!
When it comes to home decor I employ the same tactics as my wardrobe. Splurge on some nice expensive things, and balance out with some bargains! For example, we splurged on a granite upgrade that I loved, but found this great glass and marble backsplash tile at Costco for a fraction of what similar styles cost. I love that the clear glass has a blueish tint that goes well with all of the blue/turquoise accents in my kitchen. And the rest of my house. And my wardrobe. I have an obsession.
One thing I knew I wanted from the beginning was some metal tile. I’ve always loved it, but didn’t want to overdo it with an entire backsplash or ceiling. So I used a simple section above my stove and I love how it blends with all of the stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.
I also had the idea to do a recessed panel centered above the island. This is one of my favorite parts- and I feel cool and designer-ish for thinking of it myself, designing it out, and seeing it happen!
Metal tiles can be crazy expensive, but I special ordered these from Home Depot for about $35 per 2’x4′ panel. They have faux plastic ones for almost that much, so I think the metal is quite a steal.
Those mini chandeliers hanging over the island are from the Camilla line at Pottery Barn (which I got at a bargain during their annual lighting event). We have the large version in our entry way, and the globe light (seen later in this post) over our dining table. LOVE them.
This is me saying, “Hi everyone!” Obviously.
A lot of people in the comments have been asking to see better photos of the twig-like things sitting above my cabinets. It’s just something I picked up at Gordman’s. They’re real branches, nailed to a board and white washed. It would probably be pretty easy to make for you crafty peeps out there:
I have a few single ones as well; I just thought they were cool. I honestly stuck them up there temporarily because I wasn’t sure where I was going to put them and wanted them out of the way, and they’ve just stayed!
Back to the kitchen…
I almost did an apron front sink but decided I just wanted a nice big under-mount basin with no dividers. I love having one big, deep spot to pile in dishes and large pots and pans.
The island has chunky legs (resisting so many puns right now…) and those stools are from Ikea. We actually bought the super high ones on accident. We got them on a trip to Utah, so there was no exchanging happening.
However as it turns out they are the perfect height for the little people around here. It turned out to be such a happy accident. And adults can fit comfortably on them too, even though they feel higher than normal. We eat a lot of our meals at the island so it’s perfect.
Another thing I made sure to do was take advantage of every space available. I wanted nothing wasted. So there are big giant cabinets under the island for stowing away things I don’t access very often.
And nice deep shelves for my appliance addiction.
Even little spaces like the molding flanking the stove got put to good use
They’re hidden panels I can grab with my foot and fit about 4792 spice bottles.
Having all of the spices in there frees up tons of space in the upper cabinets.
Speaking of storage, people tend to assume I have a massive pantry, but it’s totally average-sized. I found with a large pantry at my previous house that it just got used up with storage, and I’d much rather have that space used outside the pantry. So I have a huge separate storage room nearby and tons of shelves in the garage where I can store big stuff. One thing I did do however, was make some extra tall shelves with electric outlets to keep the appliances I use regularly (like my toaster and my blender.) I have this thing with cluttered counter tops and I hate having appliances sit out. I also hate pulling things out over and over again. This has seriously been the most convenient thing. This pantry shelf (and the rest of it that you can’t see in this photo) become an extension of the kitchen that we use all the time.
I made sure to do a few cabinets with bubble glass fronts to let some of my pretties peek through- like my wedding china that finally got removed from their boxes after almost 9 years of marriage. Yes!
And my collection of blue glass.
Everything turned out as lovely as I imagined it, and for that I am happy.
Here’s the other Camilla light- the globe version. My favorite thing about this light, is that as the afternoon sun goes down and shines though the window, it casts sparkly little rainbows all over the house.
Watching my little kids chase those around is priceless.
I hope you all enjoyed the little peek into my home; I wish I could have you all sit down for dinner! Here’s a list of specs, if you have other questions, about anything, feel free to ask in the comment section!
Home Builder (In Boise, Idaho): Morgan Creek Homes
Wall Color: Sherwin Williams ‘Sensible Hue’
Cabinet Color: Sherwin Williams ‘Snow Bound’
Cabinet Glaze: Sherwin Williams ‘Van Dyke’
Granite: This same granite was called by different names in different places, but it’s most similar to “White Ice”
Metal Tile: Home Depot
Glass and Marble Backsplash: Costco find!
Flooring: Mohawk Flooring, Engineered Hardwood, Santa Ana Plank (Purchased through RC Willey)
Granite: I totally drew a blank, I’ll be back with the name of the granite!
Mini Chandeliers and Globe light: Pottery Barn, Camilla Line
Kitchen Table: World Market ‘Arcadia’
Appliances (Click Here for Details): Thermador from Orson Gygi
Questions & Reviews
Thank you for kitchen tour. It is adorable. We are doing some remodel work in our house and the kitchen will be then end of the year project. We finally did the lay out last weekend. I love you ideas and how your colors are incorporated. I’m doing white cabinets and dark floors and a table similar to the color that you have. It gets me excited to actually see a picture similar to what I am planning and dreaming. I give up sometimes on sweeping the floors and bust out the shop vac. A few questions do your kids play with your spice rack and what are the cute branch/tree looking things on top of your cabinets?
Nope, my kids have never touched the spice racks. They don’t even have knobs on them, so no one really notices they’re there! I’m going to post a photo of those branch things in the post today because everyone has been asking!
Stunning. Magnificent. Amazing. I now have kitchen envy 🙂
JEALOUS! I love it!
That is so beautiful, I could cry! You are one super lucky girl!
Love it! Yes please. Going in my wish book.
I’m having a hard time finding that particular floor plank on the site you posted- what type of engineered hardwood is it? THANKS
It is gorgeous! I really love that spice storage panel. Someone had a brilliant idea there!
Beautiful! Our kitchens are similar in taste and colors! Your countertop even looks the same, ours is called Eagle White, granite. Beautiful job! Isn’t building fun!?!
You have great taste, but that was already clear! I love your new kitchen.
Love the kitchen! Where did you buy your clock above your pantry door? I’m in the market for one and can’t find one I like.
I seriously looked EVERYWHERE for a clock I liked and had no luck at any of my favorite go-to stores. Then, last week I ran into my local Fred Meyer to grab a gallon of milk and saw that one so I picked it up. It worked perfectly!
What size is the clock you have? Maybe my Fred Meyer only sells the bigger one.
It’s pretty big, maybe 24″ across?
LOVE this!! I have been looking for a cute blue tray like the one on your table! Can I ask where it’s from? I love the colors you chose!
It’s from Hobby Lobby! I love it so much, I bought it in two sizes (I think they have 3 sizes). I bought that one and a ginormous one that I know one day will be fabulous to transport 87 cupcakes or something, lol!
Sara, you are living in a magazine. For real. Your kitchen is amazing and beautiful. It is apparent that you and your hubby have good taste (and have been very blessed). 🙂
Love this kitchen!! Its so my style and similar to what I have right now but WAY nicer!! When we build i am going to do all the awesome extras you have.. so nice!
I would love to see a tour of your house inside and out.. that would be awesome, please do!!
Ha. Maybe I’ll share things room by room as they get “finished”- the kitchen is about the only place that’s actually put together right now! lol
ADORE the kitchen! Wonderful taste you have! I’m in the market for a dining set and LOVE yours. Would you be so kind and tell me where you purchased. Please say a mass retailer (PB, World market etc…) as I am quite far from Boise!
Yes Ma’am- World Market! I LOVE everything about it- but I do wish it was wider across. By the time there’s plates and cups on the table, there’s not much room to set actual food in the middle and I wish there was. That’s my only complaint though 🙂
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/arcadia+dining+collection.do?&from=Search
Wow, it’s absolutely gorgeous. Love it all!
Beautiful! I’ve been waiting to see this post! 🙂 love your style!
I have the exact same floors! And yes you are right about the increased sweeping, but they just add such a warmth and coziness to the room. Have you encountered any scratches yet? My son did a whopper with a hot wheel car that had lost a wheel! Lovely kitchen- congrats on the new home.
Erica, do you have a stain pen? We’ve just had a few little knicks but you honestly can’t see a thing after touching up with the marker.
I’ll be getting one now. 🙂 thanks for the tip. Those cheap bar towels from wal mart and a little pressure from my bare foot is all I need to wipe up little messes and tracks my son occasionally makes. I have had these floors for a year now and still love them.
Absolutely LOVE your kitchen. What a dream kitchen!!!
Hello dream kitchen!!! When can I move in?!?!
I love, love, love your kitchen! We’re getting ready to build (crossing my fingers for this spring) and I just pinned this to show my husband tonight. You have everything I’ve been telling him that I want. I’m so glad that you said you like your white cabinets. I’ve been wanting white for all the light but everyone tells me I’ll hate how dirty they get (not that any of them have white cabinets…). Anyway, thanks so, so much for sharing your beautiful kitchen. I’ll be holding my breath for the next post. I’m dying to see details on that huge fridge! 😉
Lovely! Just lovely!
Beautiful!!! You look so tiny behind that massive island! If it were my choice I would’ve chosen a plate warmer in the secret appliance spot! I hate it when my food gets cold before I can sit and eat it…which, of course as the mom, is usually only after all the kiddos and hubby have everything they need.
oooh, I have one of those too! Lol. It’s in another spot- but yes, it’s fantastic!
I just love, love, love your kitchen. You are very much like me, except you are probably more imaginative. But we are semi doing our kitchen in our carriage home. We are refacing our white cabinets, actually exchanging them out for maple with a terrific color an glazing. Both my husband and I wanted the tin metal squares as a backsplash where we didn’t have granite. We will do that ourselves or should I say my husband will do it. I wish I had done my stainless steel sink like yours. Since mine is an undermount(granite countertops), it can’t be changed. I have the small sink with the larger sink to the right. That was ten yrs ago, so who knew.
Love your appliance idea. I too am an appliance nut. Love gadgets as well. So I have a lot of stuff. Need to extend my kitchen to the other end of the room so I can have more storage space!
Have fun in your new kitchen.
Wow right out of the magazines…Beautiful!
LOVE every single touch of your beautiful kitchen…all the way down to the containers for the cereal!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!! I always look forward to getting your daily emails! Thanks for all you both do for making our lives a little easier!! Happy Friday!!
Beautiful!!! Enjoy your wonderful kitchen.
In my former home, I had an amazing kitchen…not so much anymore. I truly miss that 10′ L-shaped butcher block island!!
Your kitchen is wonderful! I just love that the top of the cabinets is a shelf – to leave empty or to display “stuff” that you like. My cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, but my sister has white cabinets with a space like yours, and she has quite a collection of varied pitchers and teapots up there. It’s like a gallery in her kitchen.
Thank you for sharing your photographs!
Gorgeous!!
1) That pink top is super flattering. 🙂
2) We have the same crockpot/multicooker! I got mine for Christmas, after I saw it in Real Simple. I’d love to see some recipes using the cooker…Ninja has a great one, too.
So gorgeous! What is next to the blender in your pantry? I can’t tell if it’s some kind of grinder or a cereal dispenser or something else.
Cereal dispensers- love them!
http://www.amazon.com/Zevro-Dual-Dispenser-Black-Chrome/dp/B00013K8OO
Just lovely! Love white cabinets, the black island, and your choice in lights…where did they come from?
They’re from Pottery Barn, check the end of the post for a link!
AWESOME!! what is the branch looking stuff on the top of your cabinets, and where did you get it??