Some projects we get to choose to begin in our homes, and some we are simply thrust into without any choice whatsoever. This project started out as the latter for these clients when a pipe burst under the sink in their kitchen and ruined their main level flooring and almost all of their kitchen cabinetry (their basement ceiling below the kitchen actually FELL DOWN…like…the whole ceiling. Boom. What?!) The positive side of this mess was that we got to make the most fabulous proverbial lemonade with a truly STUNNING kitchen remodel. Get your eyeballs ready for this, lovingly dubbed, “Little House on the Fab Farm” kitchen transformation! Here we go…
About the Project
An extra special cherry on top of said lemonade is that I’ve actually had the pleasure of working with this wonderful couple before! When they moved into this home a few years ago they hired me to help them choose furnishings and decor for their new space. (Click here for the blog post from their first decor project with me!) I absolutely love embarking on brand new projects, but working with repeat clients in a space I already know so well also feels like coming home a bit. I cherish these client relationships turned friendships SO so much.
So, without further adieu, let’s start with some before shots of this space (pre-pipe burst & new furnishings – thanks, Zillow!). Buckle up, friends!
Before…
After…
About the Island
As you can see, the biggest structural change we made here was to remove part of the wall dividing the kitchen from the living room, which enabled us to create a HUGE ten-foot island. These clients love to entertain friends and family, so this gives them plenty of space to connect with their guests! I wanted to be sure that with an island this large, things didn’t end up looking too heavy, and instead stayed clean, sleek, and uncluttered in appearance (especially from the living room side). The waterfall countertop along that edge works perfectly to conceal the many bar stools that tuck perfectly underneath the overhang along the island. Also, who can resist the drama of a gorgeous waterfall countertop?!
The Cabinetry
We decided to make the island and dry bar the focal points of the space by selecting a gorgeous medium-toned Pecan wood for the inset cabinetry. I’m obsessed with the warmth it brings. The white cabinetry along the perimeter of the space helped to define the proper focal points and also kept things feeling bright and cheery. In my book, clean white cabinetry will never be out of style.
Dry Bar, Anyone?
We also eliminated the eat-in-kitchen space since it was no longer needed now that we have all of that beautiful counter seating. This gave us the opportunity to design a really beautiful little dry bar and add some extra storage for other things as well. I LOVE how these beautiful cabinets turned out. Can you even handle those cute little wine cubbies?!
Countertops & Backsplash
The countertops are a beautiful Cambria Britannica Quartz. I think the dramatic grey and charcoal veining adds the perfect modern edge to an otherwise traditional space. A glazed and textured ceramic tile backsplash in a classic herringbone pattern brings a little bit of shine and movement too! I swoon over this combo of materials every time.
On the Floor
For the flooring, we ended up putting a natural oak hardwood flooring down (similar to what they’d had before the water damage, but finished without stain). I love how this makes all of the spaces in this home feel connected and cohesive, and still fresh and clean with the natural finish.
The ultimate aesthetic goal was to create a timeless feel that is true to the cottage-y farmhouse feel of the architecture of the home (hence the “Little House on the Fab Farm” title ;), but to also keep it updated and a bit transitional in style. This was achieved with the wonderful combination of finishes, cabinetry styles, and classically neutral color pallet. A kitchen that can stand the test of time?! Yes, please!
Thanks for reading, my friends! As always, feel free to comment below! I love hearing from you all.
Xoxo,
Alyssa
P.S. If you would like to chat about a project in your own home, you can
*Photography by Ian Warren Photo & Alyssa Hill. Design by Alyssa Hill & Hill Interiors LLC.