Happy Wednesday, dear friends! I trust you all enjoyed a truly wonderful holiday weekend. After weeks packed with softball practices, exhilarating tournaments, all-star games, demanding projects, and countless meetings, our family has officially transitioned into a blissful summer relaxation mode. It was imperative for me to hit the pause button, allowing us to indulge in lazy mornings, cinematic binge-watching sessions, clever strategies to dodge the sweltering heat, and cherished quality time together. This much-needed retreat from the daily grind has been incredibly restorative, and as a result, my blog has also taken a brief hiatus. However, I haven’t completely disconnected from the digital world; you can still catch all the bungalow happenings and my latest shenanigans over on Instagram (@sgardnerstyle) where I share more frequent updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Today, I am absolutely thrilled to pull back the curtain and share a significant update on our kitchen renovation journey. It feels like an eternity since we last delved into the specifics of this space, and truth be told, aside from the full installation of the range hood, progress had been somewhat stagnant. Yet, as with any truly thoughtful design process, periods of contemplation are crucial. We’ve finally made some major strides in the decision-making department, and I am bursting with excitement to unveil the chosen elements that will redefine the heart of our home. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting a space that is both beautiful and profoundly functional, reflecting our unique style and catering to the practical demands of daily life.
A Daring Decision: Choosing the Perfect Backsplash for Our Kitchen
As many of you know, my journey to selecting the perfect backsplash has been quite the saga, marked by delightful deliberation and a touch of design agony. I found myself perpetually torn between two compelling options, each offering its own distinct charm and aesthetic appeal. On one hand, there was the undeniable allure of classic subway tiles—a choice that promised timeless beauty, universal appeal, and a reassuringly cost-efficient installation. Subway tiles are a perennial favorite for a reason; their clean lines and subtle texture can elevate any kitchen, creating a sophisticated yet approachable backdrop.
However, my heart, as it often does in design, gravitated strongly towards something a little more adventurous: patterned cement tiles. These aren’t just tiles; they are works of art, imbued with a rich history and an ability to inject personality and an element of daring into a space. While certainly a bolder and perhaps less conventional choice, they resonated deeply with my personal aesthetic—they are, in essence, “so much more me.” The decision wasn’t merely about visual preference; it was about honoring the creative spirit that guides our home’s design. Ultimately, I listened to my instincts and wholeheartedly embraced the vibrant character of patterned cement tiles, knowing they would infuse our kitchen with a unique narrative.
The next challenge was narrowing down the myriad of stunning patterns available. This task proved to be a delightful challenge in itself, as each design presented its own captivating story. After careful consideration, I finally landed on this particular pattern, a truly striking choice that perfectly balances movement and sophistication. The stars aligned when I discovered I could acquire leftover tiles from Jenna Sue’s One Room Challenge space. This serendipitous find not only offered a sustainable solution but also brought an exciting connection to another designer’s creative journey, making the tiles feel even more special and imbued with a story before they even reached our kitchen.
Crafting Cohesion: Pattern, Color, and Existing Elements in Kitchen Design
Seeing the patterned cement tiles in person has only solidified my adoration for them. They possess a depth and character that photographs simply cannot fully capture. However, the process of selecting the *exact* pattern was far from straightforward, requiring a thoughtful balancing act of several key design considerations. First and foremost, I had to factor in Naomi’s preferences; she, quite emphatically, is not a fan of floral patterns. While I appreciated her clear stance, I still desired a backsplash with a sense of movement and visual interest. This led me to explore geometric patterns, specifically those that offered a soft, organic feel rather than anything too rigid or stark.
Secondly, the existing checkered floors in our kitchen presented a significant design element that needed to be thoughtfully integrated. The goal was to choose a black and white patterned tile that would complement the floors without competing with their graphic statement. It was a delicate dance between creating harmony and introducing an exciting, distinct layer. I sought a pattern that would provide a visual rhythm, a subtle flow that draws the eye without creating a chaotic clash. The selected pattern achieves this beautifully, offering a sophisticated interplay of lines and shapes that feel both dynamic and serene, ensuring the kitchen’s various elements converse elegantly rather than shouting over each other. This attention to detail in how each new element interacts with the existing space is crucial for a cohesive and truly inviting kitchen design.
Embracing Color: A Bold New Look for Our Kitchen Cabinets
The moment I held the patterned cement tiles against our current kitchen cabinets and the checkered floors, a new realization dawned on me: things were leaning a little *too* black and white. While the combination was undeniably chic, it lacked the vibrant personality and joyful energy I envisioned for the heart of our home. It became clear, almost instantly, that I would be repainting the cabinets. I know some might suggest bringing in color through window treatments, artwork, or various accessories, and while those elements certainly have their place in layering a space, I knew deep down they wouldn’t be enough to satisfy my craving for a truly expressive kitchen. My passion for fun, colored kitchen cabinets is profound; I’ve always admired spaces that aren’t afraid to embrace a bold hue, and once these captivating tiles were chosen, I simply knew it was time to commit.
There’s a unique joy that comes from stepping into a kitchen adorned with cabinets in unexpected, delightful shades. It transforms a utilitarian space into something truly magical and deeply personal. Thankfully, our kitchen is quite small, meaning I only have five cabinet doors to paint – a blessing in disguise that makes this ambitious project feel entirely manageable. The thought of this transformation excites me immensely! While I’m still meticulously deliberating over the precise color, I find myself overwhelmingly inspired by the rich, earthy, and vibrant palette of Morocco. The colors of Moroccan landscapes, intricate tilework, and bustling souks evoke a sense of warmth, exoticism, and artistry that I desperately want to infuse into our home. I’m exploring hues that speak to sun-drenched terracottas, deep teal blues, spicy ochres, or even a sophisticated, muted emerald green. This Moroccan inspiration will undoubtedly guide my final selection, promising a cabinet color that feels both grounding and exhilarating, a perfect complement to our bold new backsplash and a true reflection of our evolving style. Choosing the right shade will be a journey in itself, ensuring it not only harmonizes with the new tiles but also brings a fresh, unexpected vitality to our small but mighty kitchen, making it a truly unique and inviting space.
The Functional Hub: Selecting the Ideal Kitchen Island
Beyond the vibrant backsplash and the promise of newly colored cabinets, another pivotal decision revolves around the kitchen island—a central fixture that serves as both a functional workspace and a gathering point. I’m currently weighing my options between this freestanding island from Target and another beautiful piece.
The alternative option is this French kitchen island from Crate and Barrel. I’ve admired the Crate and Barrel island for what feels like an eternity. Its classic design and elegant aesthetic have always captivated me. However, that price tag, while reflecting its quality, certainly gives me pause. Moreover, I’ve heard anecdotal feedback suggesting it might be a bit high-maintenance, requiring more diligent care than I’m prepared to commit to in a bustling family kitchen. As much as I yearn for a truly beautiful, statement-making piece, my primary objective for this kitchen is for it to be utterly utilitarian and incredibly hardworking. It needs to withstand the rigors of daily cooking, homework sessions, spontaneous baking projects, and countless family meals without requiring constant “babysitting.”
Given these priorities, I’m strongly leaning towards the Target option. While perhaps less overtly “designer,” it appears to offer the robust functionality and durability we need. A kitchen island is not just a piece of furniture; it’s the command center of the home, and its ability to perform under pressure is paramount. We’ll continue to weigh the pros and cons, considering how each option integrates with the overall design, but practical longevity and ease of care are currently leading the decision. The island must be a true workhorse, not just a showpiece.
Illuminating Style: Lighting, Shelving, and Professional Touches for Our Kitchen Renovation
Beyond the foundational elements of tiles and cabinets, the smaller, yet equally impactful, details of our kitchen renovation are also falling into place. I’m thrilled to share that I’ve settled on these elegant articulating brass cone sconces, which I’ll be customizing with a sleek matte black finish. These sconces will provide focused task lighting and add a sophisticated, industrial-modern touch above key areas. To replace the outdated ceiling fan, we’ve chosen this stunning copper mid-century modern semi-flush mount light. This fixture will serve as the primary overhead illumination, casting a warm, inviting glow while also acting as a stylish focal point, tying into the vintage modern aesthetic we’re cultivating.
In a significant move to open up the space and enhance its contemporary feel, we will also be removing the upper cabinets. In their place, we envision a series of chic floating shelves. This decision will not only create a more airy and uncluttered aesthetic but also provide opportunities for displaying curated kitchenware, beloved cookbooks, or small pieces of art, adding personality without sacrificing functionality. Of course, such a transformation necessitates careful planning and execution. We have scheduled essential electrical work to accommodate the new lighting and any repositioning of outlets, alongside professional drywall repairs to ensure a flawless finish once the upper cabinets are gone. And, critically, the beautiful new cement tiles will be installed by professionals, guaranteeing precision, durability, and a truly polished result that lives up to our design vision. These crucial steps ensure that every element, from the largest design choice to the smallest detail, contributes to a cohesive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing kitchen that will serve our family for years to come.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Transformed Kitchen
With a comprehensive plan now firmly in place, the anticipation for seeing this space come to life is almost palpable. What began as a mere idea is quickly transforming into a tangible blueprint for our dream kitchen – a space that will blend daring style with unwavering practicality. From the bold patterned tiles and the promise of vibrant, Moroccan-inspired cabinets to the thoughtfully chosen lighting and functional floating shelves, every decision has been made with intention and a deep desire to create a kitchen that is truly reflective of our unique family life and aesthetic preferences. I’m really looking forward to getting this space “knocked out” and witnessing the metamorphosis firsthand. That’s about all the exciting news on the kitchen front for now, my friends. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and be sure to stay tuned for more updates as our kitchen renovation progresses!
Until next time…
Xo-Shavonda