We’re still finishing a few final details in our kitchen, so if something looks unfinished, don’t worry. While I confirm paint colors with the painters, I couldn’t resist unpacking a few favorite pieces I’d been saving for the space. Today I’m sharing some of those finds.
The good news is we’ll likely be able to “move in” to the kitchen this week, even though a handful of projects remain around the house — our deck, living room, mudroom, entry and stairwell paint, new stair treads and upstairs flooring, plus work on the Tiny Cottage. Despite that, it feels great to start bringing things into the kitchen.
If you missed my last remodel update you can see it in an earlier post.
I expect the contractors to wrap up in a few weeks, and after that the more fun parts begin: decorating, arranging plants in the garden, and styling the kitchen. I’ve been collecting vintage dishes to display and have already bought a few plants for the backyard. Below are some of the items I brought in last week; I’ll share the vintage pieces once they’re in place.
1. Hobnail Drinking Glasses
We needed new drinking glasses and I couldn’t resist these hobnail styles. I chose a mix of blue and sage — they have a seaglass look that suits the kitchen’s coastal vibe. They’re both practical and pretty on open shelves.
2. Over the Sink Roll Up Dish Drying Rack
This roll-up drying rack fits over our farmhouse sink and is ideal for hand-washed items, plants, or anything that needs to drip dry. It stores neatly when not in use, which keeps the counter clutter-free.
3. Wood Dish Brushes
I prefer natural materials for everyday tools, so I picked up both a light and a dark wood dish brush. They’re durable, look warm on the counter, and age nicely over time.
4. Marble Tray
Small trays are indispensable for corralling everyday items like soap, oil bottles, or salt and pepper. I chose a real marble tray for weight and timelessness; it feels refined without being fussy.
5. Resin Footed Tray (Marble Look)
I also added a resin footed tray that mimics marble — it’s lighter and easier to move around, perfect for serving or creating a styled vignette on the counter.
6. Woven Rattan Trays
We bought woven rattan trays to carry dishes and snacks while the remodel continues. They’re sturdy, comfortable to hold, and will double as serving trays when the house is finished.
7. Plate Holder Easel Display Stands
I picked up easel-style stands to display plates, platters, and even books. At first the finish seemed bright, but once a plate is placed on the stand, it blends beautifully. I ordered several sizes to accommodate different pieces.
8. Sailboat Appetizer Plates
My husband found these charming sailboat appetizer plates locally. They’re sweet for serving and will also look lovely displayed on open shelving or on a stand. I’m excited to mix and match them with other dishes.
9. Bamboo Drawer Organizers
To keep utensils and kitchen tools tidy, I chose bamboo organizers in various sizes that can be mixed to fit drawers. They’re attractive, practical, and will make daily routines smoother once the drawers are installed.
10. Tray Organizer
A tray organizer will keep cookie sheets, baking pans, and cutting boards neatly stored and easy to access — a simple upgrade that saves time when cooking or baking.
11. Patterned Animal Bowls
I recently shared these little patterned bowls in a “pretty kitchen accessories” post. They come in a set of four with playful designs — bunny, frog, bee and squirrel — and are ideal for snacks, sauces, or small prep ingredients. They’re practical and add a bit of whimsy to the kitchen.
More on The Inspired Room:
A Sense of Place: Designing Our Forever Family Home by the Sea (including a kitchen update)
Charming Kitchen Faucets (four we’ve had and more)
The Beauty of Soapstone Counters (why we chose them for our kitchen)
16 Simple Ways to Decorate Your Home for Summer