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
I could’t see where or if you posted your granite. The thread is quite long:) Do u know if it’s white springs or white ice?
It’s very similar to White Ice.
Hi Sara, I love your tile and glass backsplash and noticed you got it at Costco. I was wondering what the name of it is? Thanks!
I’m really not sure- sorry! It was just a local thing too, so I’m not sure if you could find it, you’d have to check your local store.
Your kitchen is amazing I wishI had the same!
Anyway, where did you get the secret panels? Or if you made them, how? 🙂
This is gorgeous kitchen. I love your flooring and lightning. Paint colors are amazing! Every details of the kitchen complement each other.
I love the black details on the cabinet and also the hardwood floors 🙂
Hi Sara,
I am wondering where you got your dining table? I love the bench and chairs combo!
ha! never mind, i see its from world market! I have a 9 month old scaling my legs right now, so I just quickly scanned the page!
Can you share the specific tile you purchased at Costco? I have looked on their website and can’t seem to find it. Maybe they do not have it anymore, so if you could share the item numbers or name I may be able to track it down somewhere else. It is the perfect backdrop to your amazing kitchen!! Also, how wide is your pantry door and did you order extra crown molding from your cabinets to trim it out? Thanks in advance for your response!!
I’m sorry Heather, I don’t have any info on the tile. It was just something only one of my local stores had for a limited time. Our pantry is just a standard size door and all of our woodwork was custom.
Hello. I am wondering what is the species of your Hardwood Floors? I read on this blog where the “name” of it can be changed, however if I could find out the species, then that would help me find it. Thank you so much. We have RC Willey here, but I can’t find that name. Thank you so much.
Look up the Boise RC Willy store and ask for Troy in Flooring. He’ll be able to tell you exactly what I have and help you locate it at another store!
Hi again. Okay I called Troy at the Meridian, Idaho RC Willey. He said at the RC Willey store it is called Santa Ana Plank 40 Saddle. The order number from RC Willey is WEK5-40. WEK5 is the style and 40 is the Saddle color. On the Mohawk website it is called Santa Barbara, but we could not figure out which color name for sure. There is a Light Amber or Dark Auburn Maple color that look similar to yours. He said the wood species is American Maple (Engineered) at about 1500 on the Janka hardness scale. He was very helpful. And, by the way, Sara, he said you owe him a cookbook:). Thank you for your website and blog!!
What color is Sara’s kitchen floor? IS it oak or Maple? Thank you love the kitchen!!
Your kitchen is amazing! I was wondering how far your island is from your cabinets/appliances? thanks!
Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s fairly wide though; we made sure we could open the dishwasher and still have 2 people walk past it 🙂
Did you customize your floor plans or did your builder offer you some. We are moving to Idaho Falls and are going to build. I have been searching for the perfect floorplans and I love yours!
We customized a plan our builder designed.
peace out
Hi Sara,
I’ve been looking for the metal tile you used from Home Depot. I think I found it except it’s being sold in 2X2 sheets now. It comes in a bunch of finishes – bare steel (for self finishing) white, clear lacquer, brass, copper and chrome – which one did you use? Thanks! My kitchen is getting close to being finished, and then off we move to Utah. I think 13 families are moving from the ward in the near future. : ( You would hardly recognize anyone anymore. So sad.
K, so I know this will probably sound weird, but we are building and I knew that I wanted the walls if my home to grey, I have had paint swatch after paint swatch and the I took your kitchen tour and went to Sherwin Williams and your color is my fav! So my question is, how did you find an attractive carpet that the paint and carpet compliment? We are doing hand scraped walnut hardwoods in the living room, kitchen, office, and hallways, but for the bedrooms and family room, I just can’t come up with a nice carpet option. Any suggestions?
I called Mohawk and just wanted to let you know in case any one else asks you the same question…stores can take the Mohawk product and name it whatever they want and even change the numbers so it can make it impossible to find the same product at a different store or online. I live in AZ so no luck getting it from RC Willey but I appreciate your help!
LOVE your kitchen! I’m in the process of ripping up our tile and putting in wood floors. I have scoured the internet and asked lots of flooring people if they can help my find the Santa Ana floors you have. No luck…no one has heard of them and I can’t even find them online. Any chance you have the name wrong? Maybe it’s unique to RC Willey but I would REALLY love to find your flooring since it’s exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks!
Hmm, that’s weird. I would contact someone directly with Mohawk and start there. They might make it specifically for RC Willey but I’m not sure. I do know that’s the right name though, I called and got all the info!
Thanks Sara! I’ll be giving Mohawk and possibly RC Willey a call…I’m on a mission to find that floor 🙂 And I just have to laugh because even though we’ve never met it seems like we’re friends…does that sound creepy? 🙂
Haha, nope- not creepy at all. A lot of people say that and the feeling is mutual! We’re totally friends! lol Good luck on your flooring search. Really, you should just call the Boise RC Willey store and ask for Troy in flooring. He’s a friend and will totally help you out. Just tell him you want the floor from Sara Wells’s kitchen and he’ll give you the model number and everything- no joke. That might be the fastest solution for ya!
I just saw the sidebar with your kitchen tours and was SO EXCITED! Your kitchen is so gorgeous!!! Love all of your choices! I have the hand-scraped floors as well (mid-tone bamboo) and they are PERFECT for hiding scratches and dings. Love, love, love.
Thank you for inviting us into your kitchen! Who was your builder? Thanks!
I love your kitchen, it’s my dream!! I am getting ready to build and have been looking at your builder and was wondering which house plan you used??. I really like the layout of the kitchen. Thanks so much!
Sorry, our house plan isn’t one listed on his website.
I am in Idaho, too, and was wondering if you could tell me which plan you used from Morgan Creek. I got onto their website. Did might have just done a custom home though. Beautiful kitchen!!
My floor plan isn’t on Morgan’s website, sorry!
This is seriously an incredible kitchen. I am thoroughly jealous to my core. I love to cook and that massive amount of space with great access to everything I could need nothing more. I think you did a great job with this and that ceiling above the island is something special. Congratulations on creating something most could envy.
BEAUTIFUL! What finish did you use on your metal tiles?
My mouth literally dropped open! So gorgeous!
Hi Sara-
I am in the process of building a home. I appreciate all your detailed info for your new beautiful kitchen. I have been frustrated trying to keep all my building info organized. I have pinterest boards, secret boards, houzz boards, loose papers, and all kinds of craziness going on. I have yet to find a way to organize it and be able to make notes and add info as the building process moves along. I would love a digital format, but maybe an old fashioned binder is my only option?? Did you have a great way to keep your files organized? Would love suggestions!
I honestly didn’t have files of any kind. A sticky note here or there, and piles of random papers in my office, haha. The whole building process was pretty quick for us and we made a lot of decisions on-the-spot simply to avoid papers!
Those cabinets are amazing. I am also wondering how the stain/paint was applied to achieve that effect. Must have been incredibly time-consuming, but they look fabulous.
Basically the cabinets are painted and after they’re dried, a glaze is rubbed over them. A special solvent used to then wipe them clean, but the glaze will stick in all of the crevices.
Hello! Love the kitchen, it’s totally my style and I’m sure you are enjoying it! It looks like you don’t have an exhaust fan over your stove. Is it hiding somewhere or did you just not want one?
No I do have one! It’s just hidden under that woodwork above the stove.
Sara,
Never mind on my above question about the ceiling tile color. I was looking at the faux tiles and not the real metal ones. Was the VanDyke Brown on your cabinets, only in the recessed areas? It looks that way, but I know sometimes lighing and flash can be deceiving.
Tracy
Tracy
Yep, the van dyke is what you see just in the crevices where you see that dark line.
Your kitchen, with all the extras and awesome appliances, is amazingly fantastic!!! Love it and love all your recipes. You guys have a great writing style on your blog with humor, sarcasm, and fun nature. It really makes it enjoyable to read. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us 🙂
Sara,
Do you remember the color of your ceiling tiles? I found them online, but they come in about 18 colors. I’m guessing yours are either, Brushed Aluminum, Argent Silver, Cross Hatch Silver or Galvanized Steel. Also, was the VanDyke Brown on your cabinets, only in the recessed areas? It looks that way, but I know sometimes lighing and flash can be deceiving.
We are in the process of remodeling and you and your kitchen have given me lots of inspiration!!!!!
Tracy
Love it! One question, though. Where is the microwave? Maybe I’m just missing it. Is it left of the fridge under that counter?
It’s under the counter, in the island across from the fridge.
Getting ready to do a pretty big kitchen renovation…I love your glass and marble backsplash…are you concerned about the grout getting stained near the cooktop?