Remember that Rosemary Gallery paint I mixed up in my last post about the kitchen?
Wellllllll, some exciting things have happened since I published that post, and in a nutshell,Β it looks like we’ll be able to start swapping some things out in the kitchen this Spring! We hadn’t really planned to do any more big projects in there untilΒ afterΒ our little guy was home, but thanks to some newly-formed design-related partnerships, and the folks at The Design Network, we’re going to be able to do it sooner than expected. #ILoveMyJob
I’ll be blogging about every step of the redo here, as well as creating an episode about the whole makeover for TDN, too! π
It’s probably just as well that we get it done while we’re waiting for Sweet P anyway. I’m sure the last thing I’ll want (or have time) to do next year is paint kitchen cabinets! #TheYearOfTheToddler π
We’re partnering with a countertop company on the tops, and a tile company on the backsplash, and after that, Kevin and I will get to work painting the cabinets and island. The folks at our local Benjamin Moore introduced me to an AWESOME new cabinet paint the other day and I’m SO excited to use it! We’re going for “farmhouse fresh”, so we’ll be bringing in a new color palette and a mix of old & new cottage-style elements, in hopes to create a kitchen that feels just like home. π
***
So, I guess we should start with a “before” photo, right? Ok- here’s how it looked the day we moved in (October of 2012):
And here’s how it looks right now:
We put shelves inside our cabinets, painted the walls (Gray Owl lightened by 50%) and replaced the existing pendants lights (thanks to Barnlight Electric) last year, but that’s about all the personalizing we’ve done so far.
We’ll start “Mission: Personalization” by replacing our current countertop with something that more in keeping with our style.
I don’t have much experience with Craigslist, but I’m going to give it a whirl and try to sell that existing granite on there. #WishMeLuck #CraigslistFreaksMeOutALittle
The countertop material we chose to bring in is Caesarstone’s Frosty Carrina.Β It’s white with light gray veining and I just love it.Β Here’s a photo of a sample chunk of it that countertop peeps let us borrow:
It’s a little hard to see the gray bits, but maybe it’ll photograph better when we’ve got a larger span of it in place next week.
As for the backsplash- these were the three tile selections Kevin and I got to choose from:
1) Honed ming green subway tile
2) Ming green and thassos white Flower tile:
3) Ming green and thassos white Sunflower tile-
Can you guess which one we chose? π
The cabinets around and above the stove will be painted Benjamin Moore’s Simply White, and the island will be painted my custom-mixed Rosemary Gallery. I’m also excited to finally be able to use the corbels my friend Lucy found for us on the “new” island, too:
Demo on the existing backsplash starts today, so I look forward to sharing some updated photos again sometime within the next couple of weeks! π
PS- ForΒ kitchen pics between posts, join me over on Twitter, Facebook and/orΒ Instagram!
Mary | Lemon Grove Blog
SO SO excited to see this transformation! Your style is totally my jam so I’m drooling over here with the backsplash options!
Sherri Wilson
Hi Layla- love your site, I live in a rural town called Reeltown!- right around Lake Martin Area, we are about 25 minutes from your neighborhood- Actually, Twyla, Josh’s mom is one of my best friends for about 35 years- Our home was built in 1879, we have been here 16 years- we have been working on this house for 16 years, we love it, but still so much we would love to do, I own a catering and event planning business, just wanted to let you know there are great old homes and barns in this area, I have the coolest story of this barn right up the road in an area called Walnut Hill- that I would love to share if you ever get a chance to head this way! I will send you ome pics if you would ever like to look at our home, and surrounding areas!!! Thanks and love love your blog!!!
Jana
Oh I can’t wait! We will soon be replacing our counter and backsplash and I have been waiting to see your choices! To help me make mine! Seeing your transformations have helped me decide to lighten up some paint colors and fully embrace the cottage style I love! Exciting!
Bernie
We did our backsplash in a combo of ming green,thasso’s white, and golden onyx. If I can figure out a way to send you a picture, I will! Love your color scheme!
Crystal Myers
I’m in love with the flower tile!!! Can you tell me the name and maker and where to purchase?
Layla
That one is from Glass Tile Oasis, Crystal! π
KC
I’m currently trying to revamp my kitchen as well, and I’m covering my oak so any advice would be apprciated. I was debating Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – have you heard about that at all? I love Sherwin Williams.
Layla
Hi KC! Yes, I love Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! Here’s a link to a post I did about it a few years ago: https://theletteredcottage.net/annie-sloan-and-shaunna-west/
Amber
From the outside looking in, it seems like you have THE PERFECT JOB! I think it’s a good thing to be re doing a kitchen before the little guy arrives. It is tough to do a space that you can’t just close off when he is awake. Enjoy the remodel process.
Angela-Rose
Beautiful! What is this new cabinet paint from BM called? Please share! We tried the Advance which everyone raved about but didn’t have much success with it in our sprayer so are looking for other options.
heather
I have Caesarstone and I absolutely love it!
Jenny B.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sunflower tile! I hope you picked that one. π The white flower is nice, too. The subway is OK, but seems a little uninteresting when compared to the other two. I can’t wait to see how you put it all together! So FUN! π I’m also super excited to find out about this mystery cabinet paint! I am planning to paint our cabinets with BM Advance, but if they have something even better, I might have to change my mind. π
lesley
LOVE LOVE the tile!
Tina Catoe
Just a note. Ask for cash if you do Craigslist and make sure Kevin is there with you when you meet with the person interested in the granite. I have had success selling a few things on Craigslist. Your blog is wonderful by the way, I really enjoy reading it.
Tina
Cari Skuse
Layla — I love your choices! They remind me so much of my favorite kitchen of Sarah Richardson’s! Here is a link:
http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/portfolio/sarahs-cottage/kitchen
I also wanted to ask you about your exterior doors. Could you tell me who makes them? I have been trying to find one in that style!
Can’t wait to see how it turns out! I am in the middle of redoing my kitchen floor and it is totally torn up.
Layla
Thank you, Cari! That kitchen at Sarah’s is one of my all-time FAVORITE kitchens, and I am definitely using it for inspiration as I pull together our own cottage-y kitchen! π I’m not sure who made our exterior doors- we bought this house when it went into foreclosure at the end of 2012. I’ll ask around for you though, our neighbors have them too! π
Pam
I have been waiting for another form y’all more than you know– I just love all your projects!! I am also curious if will keeping your island that height or will you be dropping it to create one large flat island to become more utilitarian? When we built I hearted your style island but the designer talked me out of it and I’m so glad because that big area has been so useful( where the raised wouldn’t have allowed). I’d love to hear your thoughts–OR are your new/old corbels swaying your decision to keep it that height? Keep up the gorgeous work we just love you 2!!
Tania Russell
Hi! I know someone already asked, but can you share what type of paint from Sherwin Williams you’re using for the cabinets? I’m about to embark on the same project and would love to use the best possible product out there for a flawless finish! π
Layla
Hi Tania!
It’s actually a Benjamin Moore product, and I can’t remember the name right now, but I’ll definitely blog about it when we get to that step! XO
Ashley
I adore your choices- absolutely beautiful and so fresh. We had a bilevel countertop (counter height and bar height) in our kitchen and lowered it all down to counter height. It has made all of the difference in the way out kitchen functions. Plus our stools are just a little bit lower to the ground for our little climbers.
Nicole
I think you chose number three! It’s going to look amazing, I can’t wait.
I saw this post and thought of you today:
http://www.lindsaylettersblogs.com/2014/03/28/love-is-waiting-adoption-shop/
Hope you have a great weekend!
ooox
Nicole
Penny
Love what you have planned for your kitchen. Please tell me what is the cabinet paint called from Benjamin Moore. I’m painting the cabinets of my log home next week and after reading your post I asked at my local Benjamin Moore store and they did not know of a new cabinet paint. I only use Benjamin Moore and I loved the color I picked for the cabinets (Valley Forge Tan) but the paint is chipping off. It was painted on raw wood that I primed but still chipping. I can’t wait to try the new paint. Thank you for your help and your great BLOG.
Layla
Hi Penny! I can’t remember what the name of the paint is, but I’ll definitely blog about it when we get to that step! π
angela
i like 1 and 2. it will be good to get it done before the little guy comes home and you can just enjoy having him home.
Carrie
I’m so excited to watch your kitchen transformation! I just love all of those tile option & the hint of green is such a great cottage touch. I’m guessing you are going with #2. Good luck & I look forward to seeing more:). I’ve been wondering about your exterior doors too!
Cindy
I just love the Rosemary Gallery color you came up with. Any choice you make will be beautiful! A few years ago we reconfigured our island that included the kitchen sink and changed the counter top. We used that as a perfect time to take away the little upper counter like you have. I didn’t like always having to wipe up behind the faucet and I wanted more counter top room. My husband removed the counter top and cut the wall down so that when we added the new counter top, instead of having that ‘wall’ there, it extended the work space. We extended the counter top so we could still use bar stools and sit up to the counter but it looked so much more open. I just loved it. Just a suggestion that you might want to consider.
sharon
Please post how you do it if you are successful in removing the granite in one piece. I keep hearing about people having to ruin the cupboards in order to get the countertop off and that the granite usually cracks. With so many people inheriting granite they dislike it would do everyone a favour if you can share the secret!
Thanks !!!
Bev
Can’t waitβ¦.we are starting our kitchen soon. It looks so pretty !!!!!!
Seng
I am so excited to see the outcome!! You have an amazing eye for color. I love what you have so far for the kitchen π
Seng
Heather K
I’m so happy for you guys that you are getting the opportunity to redo your kitchen now!! What a blessing!! The material choices you have made so far are beautiful!! I can’t wait to see it all come together.
As someone who is renovating a kitchen now, just after getting home with a new little one, I am SUPER excited for you that you are getting this big project out of the way now. It will definitely be the last thing on your “want to do” list when he gets home! π
xoxo
Sarah W.
Layla – all of your choices are beautiful. I can’t wait to see the finished result and The Design Network show! For the backsplash, my favorite is tile #2 (flower), but the other options are also great and you really can’t go wrong.
As others have commented, I am also curious about the bi-level island counter. I have a strong preference for a single level counter with a larger continuous top. I feel it is much more in keeping with a cottage or farmhouse style. In my mind, bi-level counter tops are quite modern (they remind me of the 80’s). In any event, I am sure your finished project will be awesome. You have a great eye and great taste and really know how to achieve the best results with a modest budget π
Lastly, I am predicting perhaps a different exhaust hood/chimney over the stove (microwave over stove is also very modern).
Can’t wait to be surprised!
Victoria
Layla, you should check out Sarah Richardson’s cottage kitchen. She uses the same backsplash and beautiful corbels in her design too. I think its right up your alley. Enjoy!
Jennifer
How exciting! It is going to beautiful. I can’t wait to see all of your posts!
Kathy d
Yay! I am so excited to see what you do, your decorating style is gorgeous and inspiring.
Lindsay/Country Girl Home
I can’t wait to see how it all turns out! You guys make everything awesome. Really TLC is one of my all time favorite blogs. I am so excited for you to get a little one. He is going to love being part of your wonderful family. Good luck in all your adventures!
Michelle
I didn’t know Caesarstone had tile like this. Can you get it in Montgomery?
Layla
Oh, no, Caesarstone is the countertop we’re going with, Michelle. Not the backsplash tile. π
Lynn
I will be following closely. I’m excited for you as you update the kitchen to your style. I want to change up our tiny galley kitchen soon.
Julie B. [Holland]
I like, 2, 1, 3 …. Good luck with your project!
Kristin S
OH, what a gift!
Tania Russell
Hi Layla!
Ok, so I called Sherwin Williams, and they said that the special cabinet paint is called “Pro-Classic” π
Layla
Cool! π The paint we’re using for this makeover is actually from Benjamin Moore though. I found out it’s a Muralo product called Ultra Waterborne. Looking forward to firing up our brushes in the next couple of weeks! π
Tania Russell
Ah! ok! I will check that one out too! I love the Benjamin Moore colors! π Have fun, can’t wait to see your posts. I’m loving the backsplash you chose!
Sharon
Love all the tiles and the direction you are going with your kitchen!
I also love your canister set! Do you remember where you got them?
Layla
Thank you, Sharon! I got them at TJ Maxx several years ago.