Don’t overthink it.
Easier said than done, but that is my goal as we get started on this mini kitchen remodel.
This is about sprucing up. It’s about making things feel clean and fresh again. It’s about improving functionality without spending a fortune. It’s about making the most of what that kitchen is already giving us to work with.
We got this. 😀
No matter if it’s a big, shiny kitchen or a cute, quaint kitchen – I love the same basic elements either way: white cabinets, butcher block, hardwood floors, farmhouse sinks, subway tile, vintage inspired lighting. Timeless and classic and always in style.
I also love marble…and pot fillers…and built in appliances…and fancy range hoods – but that ain’t happening this time around.
So nothing shocking or amazing in the plan here. We’re going to let the charm of the original details do the talking and keep the rest simple and quiet.
The farmhouse sink and original faucet will stay.
The contact paper countertops (buh-bye!) will be replaced with Ikea butcher block.
The cabinets will be getting a fresh coat of white paint and new hardware. I’m really loving the warmth of distressed antique brass at the moment so I think I will be going that route with the hardware. We talked about removing the upper cabinets and doing open shelving (which I love), but then we’re dealing with plaster repair and who knows what else. The less we tear apart, the less trouble we cause in here. And yes – we have considered removing the cabinet doors. I’m still making a pro/con list on that one – right now I want the doors to stay, but that could change.
The ceiling will get a little texture from some planks (painted white, of course).
The walls will get a fresh coat of paint too (something light), and I’m tossing around the idea of adding some sort of beadboard to the portion of wall below the original existing trim. If we go the beadboard route, I will likely use that in place of backsplash on the cabinet wall (I think). If we don’t, we’ll do subway tile.
We will have one big expense – and that’s in appliances. Right now we have a standard size dishwasher that we installed in a really awkward location just to be able to have one to use, and a giant refrigerator and range that came with the house. A smaller dishwasher would make a world of difference in layout/useable space, and the refrigerator and range are so oversized for the wall they are on that our refrigerator door hits the wall before it can even open all the way. Long story short – we’ll be getting something more appropriately sized.
We have our fingers crossed the entire kitchen is covered in beautiful hardwood like we found by the back door, so that will be refinished and stained to match the rest of the house.
A pretty vintage inspired light to replace our lovely bare lightbulb, some woven shades to add a little texture over the windows, and a couple of minor (very minor) tweaks to the layout and that should just about do it.
Super easy, right?
That’s what we think too.
We should be done by the year 2025. Kidding! I hope.
😀
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What stain did you use on your wood floors and stairs?
We used Dark Walnut by Minwax.
Can’t wait to see your reveal! The kitchen has such good bones and with your design style I know it will look warm, cozy and charming!
Thanks so much Linda! I’m really looking forward to getting to work in here. 🙂
I can’t wait to see it, if it turns out half as well as your previous home, it will be beautiful.
I have my fingers crossed we can work a little magic in here. 🙂
Sounds great! I think it will flow so much better with your house. I can’t wait to see what you do. Small and charming is great. Sometimes huge and expensive is over-rated!
I’m hoping it will add some warmth and character to that part of the house – I figure anything we do will be an improvement. I can’t wait to start digging in and get it done! 🙂
Hi Tonya, sounds like a plan! I have a 1950’s kitchen with a small work zone. There was a small dishwasher already installed when we bought the house. It comes in handy for glasses/mugs/dishes/silverware/small pans. ( I hand wash larger items.) I wasn’t sure I would like having a small dishwasher, but it is fine. Just an FYI for you. I can’t wait to see what you do!
Thanks Judy! I have been wondering if we would be miserable with a smaller dishwasher – but it’s just the two of us, so I have my fingers crossed we will adjust. Nice to hear someone’s perspective who actually lives with one and likes it. Thanks again! 🙂
I also had a small apartment size dishwasher for about 6 years. I was so glad to have a dishwasher that I didn’t care. It was better than nothing. I never put pots and pans in there so I had more room for dishes, glasses and silverware. I definitely think it will be fine for the 2 of you.
Thanks so much for the insight Julie! I almost always wash pots and pans by hand anyway – so I’m hoping we get along fine with it. We looked at one in the store last week and I’m not going to lie – I was really doubting the switch because it looked so tiny, but I think (hope) we’ll adjust!
I think what you are doing sounds amazing, may not be all you dreamed of, but pretty special. Look forward to seeing the progress and pictures.
Thanks Wendy! It probably won’t be perfect, but I have high hopes it will be pretty great. 🙂
Sounds like a good plan. I like your kitchen, yes I understand it needs a few changes, but with your insight and eye for design it’s going to look great! I just know it! Good luck. I can’t wait to follow along.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Sally! I can’t wait to get going in there. 🙂
Soooo excited to see this all happen for you….and for us! LOL You have such a good head on your shoulders and such a good design eye….WIN WIN!
Thanks Patty! I’m excited to get started! 😀