It’s been about two years since we completed our kitchen renovation, and I still get questions daily. I’ve updated this post to include the details and sources people most often ask about. Scroll down for specifics and helpful notes.
I’m preparing additional posts to answer common FAQs—such as whether we still like our marble and soapstone countertops, whether we would choose beadboard for a backsplash again, and how we feel about our range and other appliances. If you have questions not covered here, leave a comment and I’ll try to respond.
A few blog posts about our kitchen:
- Kitchen Reveal / Tour
- Before and after of the dining kitchen swap
- Kitchen layout and cabinet measurements
- The Story of Our English Cottage Inspired Kitchen at Christmas
- My Kitchen Layout and Cabinetry Dimensions
- See more posts on our remodel process in the remodel category
Sources:
Rattan Bar Cart
Range — Ilve Nostalgie 30-inch dual fuel range in Blue Gray/Grey. I shared more about our range and faucet choice in a separate post about adding character in a kitchen remodel.
Bamboo Shades
Brass Range Feet
Similar Pendant Lights (original pendant was from Pottery Barn and is now out of stock)
Scalloped Shade Lamp
Brass Dinner Bells
Polished Nickel Faucet (our original faucet was from deVol)
Farmhouse Sink
Wood Whale Board
Blue and White Bowl on Wall (and a post on how I hang plates)
Bird Art Print
Cafe Curtains — hung on simple rods with clips
Toaster
Salt and Pepper Grinders
Cabbage Dinner Plates
Coffee Maker
Blue Pot used as a crock
Hardware:
Glass Knob with Polished Nickel Finish
Oval Cupboard Latch in Aged Brass (used on glass cabinets, under sink, and coffee station cabinets)
Oval Cabinet Knobs under coffee station cabinets
Drawer Pull in Aged Brass (by stove and coffee station door)
Bin Pull in Aged Brass
Pull on the built-in fridge in Aged Brass
Polished Nickel Faucet (replacement note: ours was from deVol)
Farmhouse Sink
Our Blue Range
We considered many options and chose the Ilve Nostalgie range for its combination of style and value. It has been reliable and meets our daily cooking needs—used once or twice a day for two people and often for larger family meals. We intentionally separated the sink and range for better traffic flow, so guests or helpers can work at the sink without crowding the chef at the stove. We have no regrets; it’s been a great choice for function and aesthetics.
Paint Color
Classic Light Buff by Sherwin-Williams. Cabinets were color-matched in a factory finish; request a sample if you plan to match cabinetry to a paint color since finishes can vary.
Countertop Details
Our layout emphasizes long stretches of uninterrupted counter space to make prep work easy for the cook and any helpers.
Perimeter counters: Honed Carrara marble.
Island: Natural soapstone (we chose not to oil ours).
We decided late in the process to add a marble backsplash behind most counters and the stove. It gives the kitchen a classic, timeless look and reads as if the room has always been that way. The extra marble also looks cleaner than caulking around beadboard.
FAQ: Where is your refrigerator?
Our refrigerator is built in to the right of the cabinets, across from the dining table. It’s a Fisher & Paykel counter-depth model that fits the space well because it’s slightly narrower. Placing the fridge outside the main cooking zone keeps guests from crowding the chef and makes entertaining easier.
The fridge sits next to our mudroom/pantry, which keeps food storage and prep items compact and accessible. This layout helps family members help with prep or put things away without entering the main cooking area.
Sink
This farmhouse sink is the third of the same model I’ve used in different homes. It’s deep yet comfortable to work at—especially for shorter people. The sink’s location is ideal: it benefits from lots of natural light and pleasant views through multiple windows, making chores enjoyable and social. The counter under the far window doubles as a buffet, prep, or baking area—perfect for working together.
Dishwasher
We chose Fisher & Paykel double dishwasher drawers to avoid a full dishwasher door blocking the walkway. The drawers are excellent for space planning and allow flexibility—running smaller loads or staggering cycles. We have had a couple of service issues in the last year; fortunately, we purchased a five-year warranty on our appliances, which covered repairs. If you opt for these drawers, consider adding a warranty for peace of mind.
Wall and Ceiling Details
Walls: Beadboard (tongue-and-groove boards, likely pine or cedar). Ceiling: Tongue-and-groove paneling installed so the reverse side forms a subtle “v” groove. These details add texture and a classic cottage feel.
Cabinet Details
Cabinets are a mix of shaker-style and flat-panel inset doors and drawers, built by a local cabinetmaker. They were color-matched to Sherwin Williams Classic Light Buff in a factory finish—ask for a sample, as factory finishes can alter the final shade.
We mixed aged brass and polished nickel hardware with some glass knobs for a layered, traditional look.
Baseboards were given a classic arched-foot detail for charm; it’s decorative and doesn’t interfere with cleaning.
Hardwood Floors
We installed European white oak engineered hardwoods purchased locally. The wood’s character suits a coastal cottage style while remaining timeless and cheerful year-round.
Marble Drip Ledge
We added a marble drip ledge under the farmhouse sink to protect the cabinets from splashes. It slows down drips and has proven to be a smart, functional detail.
Coffee Station
The coffee cabinet stores supplies and table items in the drawers below and sits across from the dining table. Doors slide fully back into the cabinet sides so they don’t intrude into the room—handy for small spaces.
Island Cabinetry Details
Our house is compact (about 1,900 sq ft), so we maximized built-in storage where possible, including island cabinetry. The island includes a nook for a stool—perfect for quick breakfasts or chatting with the cook—and open shelves for cookbooks and display.
I rotate a blue-and-white toile cafe curtain seasonally; currently I’m using a striped cafe curtain. A small stool fits nicely at the island nook.
I hope these details are helpful. Leave a comment with any other questions and I’ll try to answer.
More questions? Find additional kitchen FAQs—including cabinetry dimensions and further sources—on the kitchen FAQ page.
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