It’s been a few weeks since I updated you on our kitchen progress. The space is essentially finished, but I’m still waiting on a few final touches. I expect those small items will be completed in the next couple of weeks, and then I’ll be able to share a full reveal.
The renovation hasn’t paused—work has continued throughout the house, and we’re very close to being done. I’ll post photos and updates on the latest changes soon.
We’ve been cooking in the new kitchen for about three weeks and we love it. The appliances, layout, and overall function feel right for our family. Designing this kitchen to fit the existing space was challenging; there were many conversations about what would work best for how we use our home. In the end I’m glad with our choices. It’s a comfortable, efficient space to work in. Over the coming weeks I’ll share more about each decision and the features we included.
One of the first tasks, after getting comfortable cooking in the new space (and yes, we adore our blue Ilve range), was organizing drawers, cabinets, and pantry items. Our dedicated pantry in the mudroom still needs painting, so I haven’t been able to organize it yet, but I’m looking forward to that. For now we’re figuring out where everything should go in the kitchen and adding a few organizers and tools to make day-to-day use easier.
Cutting boards bring warmth and function to the countertop, so I picked up a couple of heavy, grooved boards for everyday use. I also like smaller boards with handles for quick tasks like slicing an apple—easy to grab and store. Having a few sizes keeps meal prep simple and efficient.
For spices, I debated whether any special organizer was necessary since laying jars flat in a drawer has always worked for me. I tried risers that tilt jars slightly, and I love the result. They’re clear, tidy, and make it easier to read labels at a glance. They fit well in a shallow drawer and give the drawer a neat, organized look.
If you prefer uniform containers, there are kits with clear jars and labels, but I’m comfortable using the jars the spices originally come in. The risers alone made a noticeable difference in accessibility and appearance.
I finally added an electric kettle—something I’d never owned before. It will be handy for guests and for creating a dedicated coffee and tea station away from the main cooking area. Considering how people move through a space and what they need is an important part of organizing, and a kettle makes it easy for guests to help themselves. We might keep a kettle in a guest room, too, for convenience.
Our old toaster stopped working, so I looked for a replacement that would be attractive enough to leave on the counter. I found a model and color I love—stylish and functional, and it received great recommendations from followers. A nice-looking toaster can contribute to a tidy, welcoming countertop when left out in plain sight.
New kitchen, new towels. I chose a simple set for everyday use and reserved prettier towels for occasions when I want them to stay pristine. Having a set of everyday towels that match the decor makes the kitchen feel organized and hospitable. Rag towels or older cloths are perfect for messy jobs and no longer have to be kept front-and-center.
I replaced my old countertop knife block with a drawer-mounted knife block so knives can be tucked away out of sight. The drawer solution fits our knives perfectly and keeps the counter clear while keeping tools accessible when needed.
I’m organizing baggies and wraps using purpose-built containers and organizers. A wrap organizer that includes labels for wax and parchment helps keep supplies neat and easy to find. These simple systems reduce countertop clutter and make food storage quick and straightforward.
Instead of investing in custom built-in dividers, I chose adjustable bamboo drawer dividers. They’re affordable, flexible, and can be mixed and matched to fit changing needs. I like that the system adapts as our storage requirements evolve, so we’re not locked into a layout forever.
There are a few more items and built-in cabinet features I’m still organizing. Once everything is in place I’ll do a full tour and share more details about the choices that worked best for our kitchen.
On a related note, I have a new book coming out this month called Simply Home, which combines two earlier paperback titles into one hardback. I’m excited to share it and will provide more details soon.
I’ll continue sharing updates and photos as we finish the final touches and complete the pantry organization. Thanks for following along—I can’t wait to show you the finished kitchen soon.