Kitchen

Our kitchen is still one big work-in-progress, but we have had fun personalizing it, little by little, over the past few years. It started out pretty builder basic…

…but with a little bit of shoestring-style dough, and whole lotta elbow grease, we’re slowly but surely making it feel more “ours”…

We change up the “art” on the chalkboard wall whenever we’re feeling artsy-fartsy, but the phrase on the wall in the photo above is part of this quote. Here are some more links to some of the things we’ve worked on/brought into the room…

Project links:

- Bead board backsplash (We painted it with plain old, right-off-the-shelf, semi-gloss while paint from Home Depot and it’s held up wonderfully over the past four years.)
- Mirrors on the inside-backs of the upper cabinets
- We created taller cabinets by adding extra molding on top of upper cabinets
- Corbels underneath the upper cabinets
- Salvaged cabinets on the right side of the room
- Butcherblock countertop
- Stainless steel shelves
- Chalkboard paint
- Cabinet paint: Mourning Dove (Martha Stewart by Sherwin Williams) and Alabaster (Sherwin Williams)
- Ceramic tile removal
- Ceramic tile removal (part 2)
- Hardwood floor installation and staining
- Wall color: November Rain, by Benjamin Moore

Decor links:

- Baskets in open cabinets: Ikea
- Herb crates on wall: FarmhouseWares.com
-Metal picnic basket: Etsy
-Wicker basket on floor: WhiteFlowerFarmhouse.com
-Butcherblock countertop: Ikea
- Rug: Pottery Barn outlet

Here are a couple of links to the posts we wrote about our appliances:

- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Stove

We’ve still got drawer and door hardware to add, tongue-and-groove ceiling boards to put up, crown molding to put up, recessed lighting to install, a wall of windows to put in, upper cabinets to move (to the chalkboard wall), cabinetry to build around our refrigerator, a farmhouse sink to drop in, a more colorful rug to purchase, and we’d eventually like to top our counters with something carrera marbel-esque, too- but we do things one thing at a time around here, so who knows when the room will actually be done- ha!

 

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86 Responses to Kitchen

1. Ruth says:

   Mar 24, 2012 at 11:38 pm

   The transformation is amazing! You are SO talented!!

   

   Reply
2. Cindy says:

   Mar 25, 2012 at 12:00 am

   Wow! I didn’t think it could get any better. I love what you have done and your future plans. Would like to see another pic of the shelves against the black wall. Great styling, as always. Just beautiful.

   

   Reply
3. Ryan says:

   Mar 25, 2012 at 12:54 am

   Looks really fantastic. Congrats.

   

   Reply
4. Sylvia says:

   Mar 25, 2012 at 5:29 am

   I love it all. Great job, as always. But, you failed to mention the adorable KitKat.

   

   Reply
5. Shelley says:

   Mar 25, 2012 at 6:05 am

   So glad you put this up again. I’m a new reader and am absolutely charmed!

   

   Reply
6. Simple Daisy says:

   Mar 25, 2012 at 8:30 am

   I LOVE it all!! Chalkboard walls are the best!!!!

   

   Reply
7. hannah singer says:

   Mar 25, 2012 at 8:40 am

   awesome. such a fresh space. LOVE the butcher block counter and of course the fun chalkboard paint. AND can’t take my eyes off those happy tulips:)

   happy sunday!

   

   Reply
8. kath says:

   Mar 25, 2012 at 9:14 am

   I absolutely LOVE what you have done with the space!!!

   

   Reply
9. Fairfield House says:

   Mar 25, 2012 at 9:23 am

   I could look at your kitchen a million times and still find something new. It’s beautiful.
   Your Friend,
   Deborah

   

   Reply
10. Maria says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 9:27 am

    Beautiful space just like the two of you!!! I am so happy that I stumbled upon your site a year ago. It makes me happy every morning!

    

    Reply
11. Kraesmom says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 9:52 am

    Your kitchen is what drew me to your site in the first place. I saw it by clicking links one day and forgot to bookmark it. I spent 3 hours the next week trying to find you again, and when I did, you became the first blog I ever subscribed to! I love it even more with your recent updates. Kit Cat looks so at home laying on the rug.

    

    Reply
12. Abby says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 10:30 am

    I love your kitchen! It’s bright and user-friendly. You made great use of the available space and it looks like a lovely space to be in. Well done!

    

    Reply
13. Kathleen @ Miss Hannah B. says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 10:52 am

    I adore your kitchen! Quick question. Are your chalkboard painted walls textured? I am interested in painting my pantry door with chalkboard paint but the door is pretty textured. I am not sure when it’s time to write on it, it will actually look good? Thanks for any advice.

    

    Reply
14. Annie says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 11:43 am

    I like the shelves on the right in the photo. Could you comment on those a bit and where you got them or how you made them?

    I am intrigued with the bead board for the backsplash. I’ve been needing a backsplash in my’ little cabin and needed something rustic. I think this might work.

    Thanks.

    

    Reply
15. Betty says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 11:53 am

    Hey Layla!
    I’ve enjoyed your kitchen through several phases … (and LOvED the black cabinets when you had that intermediary look) … here’s my question …
    What is on top of the microwave? Please help in identifying the UDO .. (unidentified decorating object, of course!)
    Hugs and have a super special day!

    

    Reply
16. Kim in MD says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    Your kitchen is beautiful, Layla! There is nothing that you do that I don’t love- your style is awesome!

    

    Reply
17. Marina {YummyMummyKitchen.com} says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    Love it! I enjoyed looking at all our pretty accessories (birdcage, flour canister…)

    

    Reply
18. Marina {YummyMummyKitchen.com} says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    *your

    

    Reply
19. Grace says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    As usual , all that you’ve done so far is fantastic & perfection!
    I was happy to see that future plans involve lighting.
    The lights that are in there now look like Ceiling Bosoms…….

    

    Reply
20. Lisa says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 1:45 pm

    I need more of you in my life.

    I *heart* your kitchen makeover.

    Can we be friends??

    

    Reply
21. Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    I am so glad I saw this post! I had never seen your butcher block counter top one, and I am so going to steal…. I mean use.. your idea! I had been thinking about getting some from Ikea for our kitchen island, and seeing how you used a stain to darken yours has me sold now – thanks so much for so freely sharing your amazing ideas and creativity so your readers can benefit from it! Love you guys –

    

    Reply
22. kelly says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    it is so beautiful. we are renovating a kitchen right now and i am so happy with the way it’s turning out. i know you know your stuff but since we’re in the midst of it i really wanted marble counters but did a lot of research, marble can stain and etch and i didn’t want to worry about that. there’s a company called cambria that sells quartz countertops that resembles marble and is very pretty. we could get a better deal on a granite slab so we went with that but i really loved the cambria!

    

    Reply
23. Laura says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    I love the quote you chose for the blackboard wall. After all everyone has felt like a square peg in a round hole and that is total vindication!

    

    Reply
24. Julie M. ~ The Little Red Shop says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    I hadn’t seen the chalkboard wall yet…sweet!

    : )

    Julie M.

    

    Reply
25. Steph. says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    KitCat looks so regal! Very pretty, Layla. All of your ideas for the future are just spot on, too! It is already amazing and will be even moreso.

    

    Reply
26. Coastal Femme says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    Layla,
    I still love your kitchen after many the changes it has gone through. It just gets better and better. The chalkboard wall is fabulous and I love seeing little Kit Cat in the photo:)

    ,

    

    Reply
27. Felicia says:

    Mar 25, 2012 at 9:42 pm

    That is one risky step you took painting the hole wall black chalk paint…But it looks FANTASTIC! I love how fun it looks. Your kitchen is so off the wall, but so stylish as well. The bathroom cabinet turned out so perfect as well.

    

    Reply
28. Laurel Stephens says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 12:42 am

    Redundancy?! I welcome any excuse to see your beautiful kitchen again. : )

    

    Reply
29. "Carolyn' says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 6:44 am

    What kind of lighting will you be using on the bean board ceiling?
    Pendats or only recess?

    

    Reply
30. Angie says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 9:48 am

    fyi (sorry if it has been mentioned): the link for butcherblock counter top goes goes to Blackboard Paint…

    

    Reply
31. Whitney says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 9:56 am

    I LOVE IT!!! It looks great, it’s a wonderful transformation!!!

    

    Reply
32. andrea says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 11:50 am

    love the whole room, but excited to see that you’ve used the butcher block countertops from ikea … we are finishing our basement and plan to use them there. and doing breadboard backsplash too – thanks for giving me a visual of what our end result will be (hopefully)!!

    

    Reply
33. Felicia says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    Question: Where did you get your bell?

    

    Reply
34. hello haha narf says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    i love white walls and your new kitchen makes me wicked happy. yinz did a fantastic job! congrats!

    

    Reply
35. Erin Canova says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    I love your kitchen! I’m really hoping to re-do my kitchen in the next year. It’s so small and desperately needs storage!

    

    Reply
36. Kelly (Kelly is Inspired) says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    Your kitchen is so dreamy! One of the greatest things about it (besides it’s complete beautiful-ness) is that all of the finishes are attainable and affordable. I love it!

    

    Reply
37. Kelly (Kelly is Inspired) says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    oh and I’m jealous of your $400 craigslist stainless fridge!!!

    

    Reply
38. NataLee Callahan says:

    Mar 26, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    I have always loved your kitchen, but I adore your chalkboard wall with exposed shelving! I am kind of obsessing over full chalkboard walls as of late!

    

    Reply
39. Kim @ Miracle-Round says:

    Mar 27, 2012 at 9:03 am

    Layla,
    I so love what you’ve done to your kitchen! And I can’t wait to see the next part of the transformation. I love that you do one thing at a time.

    

    Reply
40. Stephanie says:

    Mar 27, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    Absolutely love your kitchen. It’s such a bright happy space.

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 27, 2012 at 1:04 pm

      Thanks, Stephanie!
      We’re having fun with it and look forward to sharing future updates here on our blog, too!

      

      Reply
41. Rebecca says:

    Mar 27, 2012 at 1:45 pm

    Love this! Thanks for the ideas!

    

    Reply
42. Crissy Woolever says:

    Mar 27, 2012 at 11:44 pm

    Looks AMAZING. This is one of my favorite blogs I was wondering about your tolix chairs, are they comfy??? I love the look of Tolix chairs, but my hubby says they look uncomfortable. And unfortunately if he don’t like it we cant buy them

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 28, 2012 at 8:47 am

      Hi Crissy!
      They are comfortable, and we’ve enjoyed them very much! Maybe you could get one and give a whirl. If your hubby doesn’t like it you could send it back. Good luck and happy decorating!

      

      Reply
43. Melissa says:

    Mar 28, 2012 at 10:01 am

    Love it now – the chalkboard wall is very fun.

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 28, 2012 at 3:17 pm

      Thanks, Melissa!

      

      Reply
44. Rebekah says:

    Mar 28, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    About the sliding barn door (yes I’m totally off kitchen track, sorry) – I was over on Pinterest today (of course) and found a link to a tutorial for a sliding door that I thought you might be pinterested in since I remember you mentioning it in one of your posts. shabbylisaw at wordpress dot com. The cost for the hardware was about $45. Maybe I’ll get around to this some time this Summer (my bonus room would love this).

    

    Reply
45. Layla Sten says:

    Mar 28, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    Hi Layla, just thought I’d let you know that when you click the Link to the Butcherblock counter, it takes you to the ‘Chalkboard Black’ link instead! BEAUTIFUL kitchen, love it!!

    

    Reply
46. Anna @ agoodhome says:

    Mar 30, 2012 at 9:32 am

    I’ve gotten a bit behind on reading my favorite blogs, so I just got around to this post today. Is it ok if I just straight up steal/copy your entire kitchen when we finally get to buy our own house? I am so in love with everything about your space!! Thanks for compiling all the project links, too. Hooray for your kitchen!

    

    Reply
47. Sylvie says:

    Mar 30, 2012 at 9:54 pm

    Your kitchen is absolutely stunning. It gives me such inspiration to tackle my kitchen, which currently looks like your before pic. I spend so many hours in it everyday, I know it would be worth it!

    

    Reply
48. Amanda says:

    Apr 2, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    WOW!!!! I LOVE your kitchen! I would never have thought of doing a whole wall with chalkboard paint. Definitely going to bookmark this for when we have a kitchen to redo. Thanks for the inspiration!

    

    Reply
49. The Vintique Object says:

    Apr 2, 2012 at 4:17 pm

    I just love your kitchen. It is probably the most awe-inspiring makeover I’ve ever laid eyes on. In fact, I used yours as inspiration for my kitchen painting project. (Same Mourning Dove because I was completely stuck picking out a color and I figured if you picked it, it would be good!) Thanks for showing us a picture of both sides. It’s fun to see them together.

    http://thevintiqueobject.blogspot.com/2011/08/kitchen-is-painted-but-hardware-hasnt.html

    

    Reply
50. Lindsey says:

    Apr 3, 2012 at 5:08 am

    Wow! Your gorgeous kitchen makeover is just the kick in the pants I needed to convince me that I MUST do this cabinet painting project! How long did it take you on the cabinets???

    

    Reply
51. Jennifer says:

    Apr 3, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    This kitchen is beautiful !! I cant wait to start re doing ours . I love your blog !!

    

    Reply
52. Rachel says:

    Apr 6, 2012 at 5:15 pm

    I love this, especially the chalkboard wall. I aspire to do that at some point in my life.

    

    Reply
53. Kathy says:

    Apr 7, 2012 at 5:21 pm

    You are totally charming. Your kitchen is pretty cool too.

    

    Reply
54. Christie says:

    Apr 10, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    What are the dimensions of your kitchen? I’m trying to plan a new kitchen, just 11 x 12 … so am curious especially about the width of your room. Thanks!

    

    Reply
55. sandra says:

    Apr 14, 2012 at 11:59 am

    beautiful! but I had a question about what looks like a cake stand that has a wood/wicker looking basket lid…can I ask what it is? thank you!

    

    Reply
56. Anna says:

    Apr 25, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    Whar color are the cabinets? We are looking to paint our cabinets that color.

    

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57. Anna says:

    Apr 26, 2012 at 11:16 pm

    Got it!

    

    Reply
58. Joni Webb says:

    May 2, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    catching up on your blog. wow. time gets away doesnt’ it?
    the kitchen is beautiful = i’m loving the new wall!!! what a great idea. it’s really so pretty now – you’ve done a great job! (as usual)

    

    Reply
59. Michele S says:

    May 7, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    Layla, I absolutely love your style…your home is beautiful and so inspiring! I would like to know more about the butcher block countertop…how you sealed it and how it holds up. I’m thinking about getting it for my island. The link doesn’t work…it actually took me to the chalkboard wall. Thank you!

    

    Reply
60. Loui♥ says:

    May 18, 2012 at 10:26 am

    Love the open airy-ness of your kitchen,,!
    i could perhaps “love” to cook more if mine were anywhere like this..
    have been a follower from way back..
    have enjoyed watching the evolution of your home..
    the projects on the road..
    was sad your decorating program was not picked up..
    wanted to see you while you guys were here in Denver..
    oh well..another time perhaps..
    am in the middle of moving back to Florida.. Pensacola..
    so plan a getaway with a destination address..!
    warmest hugs..
    Loui♥

    

    Reply
61. Katie says:

    May 28, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Oh my gosh! What a gorgeous kitchen…I absolutely love all of your tutorials! Just curious, but what paint & colors did you use for the top and bottom cabinets?

    

    Reply
62. Monique Dyke says:

    Jun 7, 2012 at 9:47 am

    Layla,
    Can you please tell me where you purchased your aluminum dining chairs? Thank you. Kitchen is so much more inviting and friendly!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Jun 7, 2012 at 10:56 am

      Sure, Monique! Here’s a link: http://theletteredcottage.net/industrial-chairs/

      

      Reply
63. Frances says:

    Jun 25, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    Do you know what color of green paint that is in your old kitchen?

    

    Reply

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65. Jaime Russell says:

    Jun 29, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    I was wondering if you could tell me the color and brand where you got the green paint for the bottom cabinets? I just love it! :0)

    

    Reply
66. Dot says:

    Jun 30, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    Dear Layla and Kev,

    I just have to say you have a beautiful home!
    I live in Holland, and we are about to move from an appartment to a ‘real’ house, with garden and 4 bedrooms. We bought a beautiful house!
    We are going to white wash our table as well, the way you explained on your blog.
    I love what you’re doing here on this website.
    You have done a great job on the kitchen and bedroom as well!
    We are going to do the things around the house by ourself and are very excited about it!
    Keep up the original and beautiful renovations!

    Greetings from the Netherlands,

    Dot

    Greeting

    

    Reply

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68. Michelle says:

    Jul 29, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    Love your kitchen! Its gorgeous! Just wondering if your chalkboard wall is textured? I have an heavy orange peel texture on my walls, so I’m thinking it may not look right?
    xo
    Michelle

    

    Reply
69. Kathryn says:

    Aug 10, 2012 at 9:38 am

    First of all, I LOVE YOUR KITCHEN…it’s what dreams are made of. Hopefully we can start working on ours come fall (when the hubby has more time).
    I was looking at your older pictures and noticed your kitchen was black at one point. Was it hard to paint white over it? I’m thinking of having my new base cabinets painted navy, but I know I won’t love it forever and will want to paint it someday again. How did you find painting it?

    

    Reply

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71. Alexis Davis says:

    Oct 8, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    Is that chalkboard wall high maintenance? How regularly do you have to wipe it down?

    

    Reply
72. Carrie-Anne says:

    Nov 12, 2012 at 6:58 am

    Hello, I found your website by googling ‘how to add character to a new house’ and boy I’m glad I did. What an inspiration you two are … you are so funny as well
    Could you please tell me the colour of the Formica countertop? Do you have to plans to change this down the track? if yes, what material would you use? I live in Australia & everything is so much more expensive down under and my budget is Formica; I think the colour you have really suits the look I hope to achieve … which is very similar to you. Stunwar!! Your hard work and patience has certainly paid off. Thanks so much for sharing all this with me.

    

    Reply
73. stephanie says:

    Nov 27, 2012 at 11:21 am

    i love your entire kitchen & dining room! could you please tell me where you got the window treatments in the dining room? i love the curtain!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Nov 27, 2012 at 11:31 am

      Thanks, Stephanie! I got them on Ebay, but they’re made by Pottery Barn. It’s their Medici pattern, in bran.

      

      Reply
74. Kelly Gray says:

    Dec 23, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    I just found your Blogspot and I must say “I LOVE Your Kichen”. I am about to start a kitchen remodel and I am on a very strict budget. I have looked at cabinets at Lowes and Home Depot, but I have 40 feet of counter space. I have not thought about using unfished stock cabinets and painting them. I look great in the pictures, but can you see the wood grain thru the paint. What are the colors of the cabinets….lower and upper.
    also, what color is the countertops. Everything looks great!!!!
    I look forward to ready ing more of your blog.

    

    Reply
75. niki o says:

    Jan 14, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    Layla–The kitchen is so pretty and i really want to read about your experience staining the butcher block, because I have some in my basement waiting for me! But when I click on the link above, it takes me to your blog on chalkboard paint. Ah! Where do i find it? Thanks!

    Niki

    

    Reply

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78. Shirley says:

    Feb 3, 2013 at 7:40 pm

    Love your home and the numbers you found for the house. Praying for God’s blessing on you and the new little one to be joining your family.

    

    Reply
79. Lucy says:

    Feb 6, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    I have the same cabinets in my kitchen and have been wanting to paint them. Can you give me a brief “how to”.
    Thanks so much,
    Lucy

    

    Reply
80. Kasey says:

    Feb 20, 2013 at 7:44 pm

    In the post picture of the kitchen, are the hinges the same color as the knobs and handles? They look darker but I wasn’t sure. I have dark cabinets and the hinges are not recessed. I feel that nickel hinges and knobs will be too much. Thanks!

    

    Reply

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