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My kitchen has come a VERY long way since we moved in. I have done a lot to update it… paint the cabinets, changed out the hardware, added an island, updated the countertops and the backsplash, updated lighting …. just to name a few.

Lets take a quick look at what my kitchen looked like before we bought our home:

Some of the changes were more permanent fixed, others were only temporary updates until we could save up for replacement. While those temporary items have served us well for almost three years, they are starting to show signs of wear- peeling up and discoloration in some places.

So when my husband and I started talking about updating those items and making some more permanent changes… I of course started brainstorming on giving the kitchen a fresh new look with a timeless, yet updated look.

This is the mood board I created for the kitchen.

One of the updates includes a new cabinet color. I haven’t quite decided if I will paint all the cabinets, just the island or just the lowers and island (leaving the uppers white). I love the warm putty color of the cabinets in my mood board, however, after much searching, I couldn’t find the exact color. So I pulled out my paint decks and started the hunt for a color similar to this. After looking through lots and lots of sample swatches, I then purchased nine small samples to test out. I think I have decided on the color Sculptor Clay by Behr.

I recently used this same color on my half bathroom refresh and love it! You can read more about that update HERE.

I tested it out on my island to get a feel for the color in the kitchen space.

We are also looking to update our countertops. One of the choices we are looking into is a laminate product. Laminate has come a LONG way! They now have options that look like concrete, marble and more! I found this one of the Formica website and love it!

One of the other items we HAVE to update- that was a temporary fix- and is now showing signs of wear is the backsplash. About 2 years ago, I installed this peel and stick product that looked like subway tile. It has been great, but has started to show some discoloration and is peeling up in some areas. I am looking a few different tile options from Alexander James Tile Company

This Handcrafted White tile is at the top of my list! You can use my code: TIFF15 to save 15% off your purchase in the Alexander James Tile Company.

And it comes in a square version too! Isn’t it gorgeous!?!!!

I also need to update my island lights. The ones I have are both cracked from flying toys. Any one else feel me on this? So I figured since I had to replace them, I might as well update them… I came across these and loved the shape of the glass globe and the antique brass accents. I bought three total… two for over the island and one for above the sink.

With the new changes… hardware is also on the list. I want a mix of knobs and pulls. I came across these and love them! They remind me of the ones from Rejuvination… but at a fraction of the cost.

I also have plans to enlarge my island. I want to increase my workspace and have room for a couple of barstools so my kiddos can sit while I cook or climb up and help! I wanted to something in a wood tone that would coordinate with my original oak hardwood floors (not compete with them) but something that didn’t have a large footprint- because my kitchen isn’t huge and I don’t want to block any foot traffic paths with projecting stool legs. I came across these counter stools and immediately knew they would be perfect!

There are many more changes I have in mind too… so stay tuned… and be sure to follow along over on my Instagram page for updates and progress along the way!

Update: April, 2021

After living with the trial island color, Sculptor Clay, I found that it was just too light for my kitchen. I have several large windows in the space and get lots of natural day light- which made the color feel almost white. So, I began the search for a new accent color for the island.

I have used various greens in my home: master bathroom vanity and my master bedroom nightstands and dresser. I tested those out in the kitchen – but those colors took on a different look in the space …I think it because there is a different flooring in the space and the north facing kitchen also affects the overall feel of a color. These are the exact reasons I always say to test out color in your own home, and in the actual space you plan to use them in before painting. Surrounding surfaces (like flooring), lighting and the direction the room faces can all affect the overall final look and feel of the color.

Several of the kitchen rugs/runners I have used in my kitchen (and love) have a beautiful color in them… its a blue-green-gray shade… so I found lots on inspiration on Pinterest… I took those images to my local Benjamin Moore (I love Benjamin Moore paint colors and I have heard amazing things about their cabinet paint!) and had them help me select swatches to bring home. These are a few of my images of inspiration:

The very first swatch that the Benjamin Moore associate picked out ended up being perfect… even though I walked out with at least 15 different swatches!

The color I chose is Intrigue. It isn’t too dark, not too light, not too blue, not too green, not too grey…. just the perfect blend… and it looks amazing with the new hardware (that I already purchased months ago, the new lighting, and my current wood floors.

I updated my mood board with the gorgeous new color.

I hope to make some more kitchen progress soon. I still have to widen the island before I paint it. I need to finalize the countertop, and I also have plans for the uppers. This will not be a quick project… but all good things take time, right?:)

Come back soon for more kitchen progress, home decor, projects and all the in between.