It's been fun to share the details of my Kitchen Remodel because I'm not able to do that with client projects. And, THIS post gets into not only the functional details – but "all the pretty things" that add my personal style to the room.
I'm talking lighting, tile, color, countertops, furniture and fabrics. The special sauce that took it from a typical white kitchen to my happy place!
If you haven't read "My Kitchen Remodel – Part 1", hop over to that blog post for all the details about my custom cabinetry design, how I selected the hardwood flooring, and paint color details.
TILE BACKSPLASH:
As I searched for my kitchen backsplash, I just knew I didn't want to go with white subway tile or a slab running up the wall. While I love the look of a slab, I've just seen it in too many homes, Instagram posts and builder magazine ads. I also knew this was my opportunity to bring in color and pattern.
The world of tile sourcing has really opened up and there are SO MANY OPTIONS available today including laser-cut mosaics, hand painted marble tiles and artisan made ceramics.
The backsplash I chose is a 6"x6" painted Carrara Blanco marble by Stone Impressions called "Jax" in Blueberry. It is made-to-order, so plan on 6-8 weeks production time. I ordered this special tile from Virginia Tile in Plymouth, MN. I couldn't be happier with it because it brings a green and blue floral pattern to the kitchen which has a lot of white and needed some oomph.
It really is the design element that your eye travels to first when you walk in the room. It is a wow moment!
Note: Always seal your marble tile and grout regularly (I will do it once/year) and wipe down any splatters right away to preserve the materials.
COUNTERTOPS:
The next decision is a controversial one – real marble, a family-friendly quartz or meet in the middle with a natural quartzite. I have advised clients on the pros and cons of each choice in countertop materials for nearly 20 years. The key here is – there truly are pros and cons to each option.
In the end, I did what 95% of my clients choose which is to go with a quartz material that looks like marble. The MSI product I selected is the most realistic marble-looking quartz which uses new technology to create beautiful veining. I was looking for a statement countertop which had both grays and warm tones in the distinct veins. I really love it in the room and it looks amazing.
Q™ Premium Natural Quartz by MSI is a quartz countertop surface made by combining quartz and resin materials. It requires no sealing, polishing, or reconditioning and is resistant to stains and scratches.
That is what swayed me – I just didn't want to be that person standing over my kitchen island worried about red wine stains or etching from a lemon. This kitchen is the hub of our home, and I want everyone (including me) to feel welcome and relaxed in a kitchen designed for family, fun and time together.
The MSI Quartz I selected is Calacatta Castana. It has a 2cm thickness, so my wonderful fabricator did a mitered edge to give it the thickness I wanted and allowed for the pattern to run down the side edge of the countertop.
LIGHTING:
Lighting is always one of my favorite design elements, and in a Kitchen – it really needs a well thought out plan. Just like other rooms in your home, layers of lighting is necessary to provide both function and ambience.
When working in your kitchen, bright light and visibility is key. Overhead lighting should include cans that are well placed for a consistent overall light source, as well as task lighting like pendants over an island. A great fixture over your dining table defines the eat-in space, and actually is known to create a sense of gathering. I put dimmers on all of these light sources to create that special ambience.
This Visual Comfort Talia Large Chandelier in Brass is the perfect light and airy, yet really impactful chandelier for over our dining table. With 2 large pendants hanging near by, this clear swirled glass fixture feels like a cloud over the table.
Secondary lighting includes under-cabinet lights, in-cabinet puck or strip lights, and wall sconces. A great way to improve the ambience in your home is to have a "warm glow" in rooms that are not in use, but are lightly lit to allow you to walk through or grab a snack, a drink later in the evenings.
Instead of turning on the overhead lights, I "close down" my kitchen after dinner but always leave the sconces and under cabinet lights on – plus the chandelier dimly glowing to provide that feeling of "while the kitchen may not be all lit up, you are welcome to come in and help yourself to anything you need". It gives that feeling of home.
When I designed my cabinet layout, I wanted to give the wood hood over the cooktop some breathing room so I added sconces instead of upper cabinets. It's a design element that makes the Kitchen feel less utilitarian and more like other cozy rooms in the house. The Visual Comfort Avery 20" Sconce in brass has a playful floral design, so it was the perfect choice.
While good wattage is important in choosing light fixtures, scale is the #1 thing that can be done poorly and it can throw off the whole room. I have tall 9' cabinets and a large wood hood, so I needed large lanterns over the island to balance it all. In fact, large lighting can make a room look bigger and more grand. My island is 9-feet wide, so I chose two Visual Comfort's Caddo Medium Lanterns.
PLUMBING:
My Kitchen sink is centered between two corner windows overlooking a beautiful view. The windows are large, so I needed to select a tall faucet that felt in scale. I absolutely love my gooseneck faucet from Waterstone – the Traditional 5500 Extended Reach Pulldown Faucet in Polished Nickel. The sprayer is amazing and the reach makes doing the dishes a breeze! It is one of my favorite design choices – don't underestimate the decisions that can seem boring, but can be a highlight in the room.
I always mix metals in a Kitchen and every room, so I went with polished nickel on the faucets because they have a warmer shine that mixes well with my aged brass lighting and cabinet hardware.
APPLIANCES:
Every Kitchen design starts with the appliance selections. It's often the first purchase when building a home or starting a remodel. And, it's essential to have them locked in and to know the exact appliance specs when designing cabinetry.
I definitely wanted to upgrade my appliances when I planned the remodel, and it's something that I appreciate every single day. The professional grade appliances from Subzero-Wolf are a game changer in my home.
I purchased the appliances from the Ferguson Showroom in Golden Valley, MN. I worked with Jodi Quinehan and her team at Ferguson to learn the benefits and features of various professional appliance brands. Her knowledge and expertise made it easy to decide on which products I should purchase and why it was worth the investment in high quality appliances.
My Wolf 48" Dual Fuel Range provides professional-grade heat distribution which allows you to control the temperature so easily. It features 6 burners and a griddle for indoor grilling and hibachi. The double ovens offer precise temperature control for perfect baking and roasting. It really makes me a better cook, and I enjoy making dinners again. Subzero-Wolf also provides ongoing support and cooking advice to teach you all the benefits and features of their appliances – they literally have a dedicated chef on call!
The Subzero 48" Refrigerator + Freezer unit came panel-ready, allowing it to blend into my Kitchen design with custom cabinetry doors. The 30" fridge is side-by-side with an 18" freezer. The divided drawers keep me so organized with places designed for fruits and vegetables, or meats and cheeses. The upgraded appliance is only 1-foot wider than my tired old refrigerator, but it seems like my food storage space has nearly doubled. And, it's dual refrigeration system and advanced air purification keeps food fresh longer and prevents spoilage – which means fewer trips to the grocery store!
Moving the microwave to the island allowed me to hide it a bit more than an eye-level appliance. The automatic drawer pops out smoothly and the automatic reheating controls are great on this Wolf 24"microwave drawer.
The Cove dishwasher is also made by Subzero-Wolf, and came panel-ready. It is extremely quiet and efficient. I love how the paneled front made by Engstrom Wood Products has a faux drawer + door look so it seamlessly fits the run of cabinetry while matching the other drawer/door stacks.
All of the Subzero-Wolf appliances are connected to wifi, and can be managed from a phone app. I can preheat the oven from my office, or turn on the dishwasher when I'm away from home.
FURNITURE, WINDOW TREATMENTS + RUG:
Although a bit of a splurge, my belief is that investing in quality, comfortable and stylish counter stools is one of the more important design decisions in your Kitchen. In a room with a lot of hard surfaces, adding a well-made counter stool in a pretty performance fabric can give your room a softer, fresh look. This is something you sit in every day, from breakfast through dinner and homework time.
I selected the Darien Counter Stool from Thibaut Fine Furniture. They are lovely, and comfortable, and so high quality. I have had them for years and they still look brand new – I didn't have to reinvest in new furniture when I did the remodel because it has all held up very well which makes the initial investment totally worth it. Buy good quality classic furniture once, and you don't have to replace and repurchase over and over again.
To add texture and warmth to the Kitchen, I chose a rattan Palecek Capitola Arm Chair with a windowpane plaid seat to pair with our old whitewashed 54" round trestle table. I can't tell you how many dinners, games and family nights with grandparents and cousins when we've sat in these chairs for hours! They are comfortable enough to hang out long after dinner, which is truly my "mom dream".
Another misconception in a Kitchen is that rugs under a dining table show more dirt than a bare floor. I love a rug under a table to add pattern and softness to the Kitchen, and to hide those endless crumbs. This 100% wool rug is super durable – and, we vacuum it once a week. It's a great plaid pattern from Stark Carpet – Brigata/Navy.
Design Tip – I like an 8' square rug under a round dining table, versus a round table on a round rug.
Another area to layer personality in the space was the window treatments which were custom made by our trade workroom. The curtain panels were designed with Thibaut Songyue Embroidery fabric in Blue for the sliding door leading to the Screen Porch. And, the roman shades over the windows are made from Pindler's Ghent Lapis Blue linen with a Schumacher Tape called Salton in Blue at the base and sides.
KITCHEN ACCESSORIES:
I hope you have enjoyed the "tour" of my Kitchen – I've loved sharing the design details with you. As you can see, A LOT of details and decisions are made in a Kitchen design. But, those selections are what make it personal and built for your family's lifestyle.
I had fun shopping the store for accessories to style my Kitchen. We have a link to our Kitchen decor on our e-commerce shop, so if you are just looking for a little refresh – accessories and entertaining pieces are a great place to start.
And, if you are thinking of building or remodeling a Kitchen – feel free to reach out to learn about our Design Services. We meet with you and your contractor, listen to your wish list, and help make that dream kitchen come to life – in a fun, stress free process. The list of decisions is long, and making the right choices will make your Kitchen functional, timeless and stunning. It can be a room with personality and style, not just a place to cook dinner and do the dishes!
Please drop me a comment with any thoughts or questions. And, let me know what's on your Pinterest app when you're creating a Kitchen Remodel Inspiration Board – I'd love to hear what you're dreaming of building!
All the best,
Kristi
MY FANTASTIC CONTRACTORS AND CABINETRY COMPANIES:
Keith Menzel at Engstrom Wood Products – KMenzel@EngstromWoodProducts.com
Mark Beltrand, contractor – westfarmcreations@yahoo.com
Ferguson.com for appliances – Jodi.Quinehan@ferguson.com
C&D Countertop Fabricators – cdgranite.com
Jon Norris at Oxbow Hardwoods – Jon@OxbowHardwoods.com
Alpine Hardwood, flooring installer – office@alpinehardwoodmn.com