Our kitchen renovation was the first major project we did after purchasing our home in 2015. The listing picture (below) shows it was stuck a few decades behind. We knew immediately that we wanted to remove the soffit (space above the cabinets) and wanted to go lighter overall. Unfortunately, we made a lot of decisions with resale involved and not what we truly loved.
- ADDING CHARACTER: When first purchasing our home we thought we’d be here for a few years, five maybe. Now we’ve been here four and want to stay forever. Because our initial mindset was to renovate for resale, we made a lot of safe, generic choices. I wish I would have added more details that brought character into the space.
- COLOR: I had my heart set on white cabinets because I loved how fresh and clean it felt. We also went with SW Eider White on the walls. The appliances are stainless and the floor slate. Countertops are a white granite and white subway backsplash. You’re probably realizing a trend here huh? Let me say, I love a neutral space but this space lacks WARMTH and texture. I plan to update the space with touches of warm wood tones. Think, new island and additional cabinets on opposite wall.
- HARDWARE: Initially I went with polished nickel handles, again cool toned. I loved the cup pulls and bought the other handles because they matched (lesson learned – don’t be afraid to mix and match. After switching to the same handles but in a honey bronze, I’m still not fully satisfied. I may eventually make another switch but for now they work.
- OUTLETS (PLACEMENT AND QUANTITY): We have two outlets in our backsplash, one on either side of the sink. Both great for small kitchen appliances when they’re in use but the placement limits where we can place the coffee maker. Ultimately it would have been nice to have four total. Because our tile is also white, they do blend in but I wish we would have placed them lower and horizontally.
- MICROWAVE PLACEMENT: We stuck with the original placement of the microwave and didn’t give it much thought. Although functional above the range, we will likely be moving it to a new location with the addition of new cabinets. It will be replaced with a range hood – design still TBD.
Have you renovated a kitchen before? or plan to? Let me know in the comments if you’d change anything about your kitchen!
