Kitchen Inspiration

I've written previously that my husband and I are in the midst of a total remodel. We are finally wrapping it up and I am so anxious to share the final photos with you! But for now, I have lots of "inspiration","construtction zone", & "progress pictures" to share.

Today I wanted to post what the kitchen is eventually going to be. The lights, the cabinets, the backsplash and counters... really the details. I made most of these selections almost 2 years ago 😳 and still am happy and in love with the choices. I think thats a good sign. It means the decisions I made were right for me, my style and my wants. That's what I think we all want in our home. Something that is timeless for us as individuals. It's not about fads and trends... it's about what will make you happy in your space. If the house is a flip, or one you only plan on being in for 1-3 years, then I will recommend to follow the popular options; but otherwise, it's all about making the home a reflection of the owners. 

💜

So, back to my kitchen. I say "my" kitchen on purpose. It is not "our" space. My husband doesn't cook. He grills. Outside. The outside living area is his... with my design input... but his space. The kitchen- she's mine, all mine. 

I love a white kitchen. But I also love color. I think it's my eternal struggle. I want it all. I love the clean white fresh look... but I want fuchsia and magenta and mint to make small appearances. It's probably a reflection of my south Florida art deco roots.

Since we made the home open concept, it was important for me to make the primary wall cohesive and beautiful. I moved the range to the center of the visual wall and built two windows to flank it. On the outer side of the windows are two stacks of cabinets; both have an appliance garage and then glass uppers above with prairie details.

I love appliance garages. I think they're magnificent. Seriously, why would you choose to see your toaster oven if you don't have to? Or how convenient would it be to tuck that crockpot into it's own little nook every other day? My condo on South Beach had a built in corner bread box and I used it to hide my toaster, so I'm pretty sure that's where my obsession began with disguising kitchen appliances. 😆

The kitchen island should be a statement whenever it can be. This one will be just with size alone. It is a 10' x 7' single marble slab island. When drawing it out everyone said we would need to go with a manmade top or have a seam in the island. We looked into book matching marble pieces but both Joel and I were adamant we wanted one piece... with no seams. And we really were not willing to spend the money on book matching.
Thankfully, we found it. Locally! Walker Zanger had a beautiful white and gray marble slab called Breccia Argenta. It is exactly what we were looking for... a white marble but with a lot of movement so when it ultimately has a stain or evidence of human-use, it isn't an eye sore. Seriously, a white marble kitchen island with 3 children ages 4 and younger is not the safe choice. But I love white marble... and I love my kids even though they're messy and hard on things... so we found the perfect slab to suit our family.

To break up the white and play off the charcoal veins in the island counter top, I chose a Mariana Soapstone for the perimeter counters. Soapstone is a soft material and people love it or hate it; I love it. Plus it pairs beautifully with the Caitlin Wilson wallpaper I chose for the picture window wall in the kitchen. Like I said, I like a white kitchen, but I love color!

Caitlin Wilson Wallpaper

This leads to the cabinet pulls. I've vacillated on this part; between a solid black to coordinate with the black hardware throughout the house, or a crystal lucite look. I decided to go with black. The great thing about cabinet pulls is that they are super easy to switch out and don't need to be very expensive. It's something you can find at a local hardware store or get fun ones from Easy and switch out in no time! 

I found this image on Pinterest a couple years ago with no link back to products and finally found a handle match a few months ago. 

I could find some that were very similar but they all had an arch and I was not interested in that. I like 90 degree angles. This comes in a couple different sizes and multiple finishes. 

Cabinet Pulls

Now for the lighting... 

I am going to show what I have selected, but my husband isn't thrilled. He's very stuck on the chains and would prefer a solid rod extension instead. I don't find the need for it. Plus, I believe the chain brings a more casual feel and a rod makes it a bit too formal for a family kitchen. Anyway, I love these lanterns because of the double layer framing of the light. It's simple, yet fresh; classic, and unique. 

Lantern

So, what do you think? I can't wait to share more of the progress pictures and then obviously the final product! I feel like this kitchen will make me a better cook... here's hoping! 😂

-xo