I have a fresh kitchen renovation update! Over the past two weeks the interior work has moved quickly and the addition is beginning to take shape. Most of the recent focus has been on interior details, but the next couple of weeks should be exciting as the addition progresses — I’ll share more on that soon.
This project has felt satisfying because so much progress has already happened, even though there are still many design details to finish (trim pieces, crown molding, glass doors, bookcases, lighting, and ceiling details). We’re delighted with how beautifully it’s coming together and feel confident about our choices so far.
I’ll go into more detail about our decision process in later posts, but for now here’s a look at where we are and a few hints about what’s next.
WOOD FLOORS:
After gutting the kitchen, dining room, and entry, we installed European white oak flooring. It’s gorgeous — a casual, beachy look that brings warmth and an indoor-outdoor connection to the home. The natural wood tones feel right with our surroundings and create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
DINING ROOM WINDOWS AND WINDOW SEAT:
We relocated the windows from the back of the house to the new dining room, which brought in a lot more light and, unexpectedly, a small water view. I had thought the windows would only bring light, but they also reveal a glimpse of the water and islands beyond. It’s not a wide-open panorama, but seeing any water from inside makes me happy. As you move through the kitchen and dining area the view can be seen from several spots, which was a pleasant surprise.
A large bush currently blocks part of the view and will need trimming, but once that’s done the water glimpse will be clearer. Simple moments like catching a glimpse of water as I walk through the house bring me a lot of joy.
Below the windows we installed a built-in dining bench with drawers for storage. Two bookcases will flank the bench to provide open display and storage for books and seasonal decor. I’m looking forward to adding a cushion and pillows to make the bench comfy and to play with color and pattern. The arrangement helps each area feel connected to the others while still having its own distinct character.
WHITE APRON FRONT SINK AND POLISHED NICKEL FAUCET:
The new white apron-front sink is in place so the countertop team could measure, and I love how it looks. I find myself circling the room after the crew leaves, arranging little vignettes and enjoying how things look together. The polished nickel faucet complements the sink nicely and adds to the classic, collected look we want.
INSET CABINETS AND ISLAND:
The cabinets turned out exactly as I envisioned. They feel homey, light, and cheerful, with lovely details that will be even more apparent as additional trim, feet, brackets, glass doors, and a dish display area are added. We chose a mix of traditional styles — beadboard, inset drawers and doors, slab and beaded shaker profiles — to create a layered, timeless look.
The finish is smooth and beautiful. Although the house is modest in size and we had limited wall space due to doors and windows, the layout makes efficient use of storage and counter space while still feeling cozy and inviting. With floors currently covered, I laid out a few scraps and samples to visualize the final look — it’s fun to imagine each element coming together.
I’m glad we placed the sink where we did — the surrounding windows bring lovely light and allow sightlines into the dining area. Widening the openings between the rooms was a dramatic change that improved flow and connection. I previously shared our kitchen floor plans and design thoughts in earlier posts.
The Queen Bee Range Wall:
Our range, nicknamed Beatrix, hasn’t been installed yet, but the color palette is represented and I’m excited for the pop of color it will bring. A cabinet and the hood are still to be installed, but I can already picture how pretty it will be and how it will fit into the overall kitchen design.
More on our stove choice and the story behind its name was shared in an earlier post.
Another cabinet wall is coming together in a special way; you can see part of it here along with the space reserved for the refrigerator.
HARDWARE AND LIGHTING:
Our hardware and lighting arrived and we love the selections. I wanted a timeless, classic look, so we chose traditional pieces in a warm aged brass finish, balanced with glass knobs and touches of nickel. The combination feels elegant and familiar, complementing the cabinetry and overall style.
We haven’t photographed the lights in place yet, but they are chosen to enhance the kitchen’s classic coastal feel and will be installed soon.
We also ordered charming coastal solar lights for the exterior and I’m excited to choose fixtures for the new back porch. There’s more to come in the weeks ahead, and I can’t wait to share updates about the addition and the finishing touches.
If you like daily updates, I often post progress photos and stories on Instagram.
More Posts about Our Kitchen Remodel:
My New Kitchen Floor Plan + Parents’ Addition and Exterior Elevation
Our New Kitchen Design Mood Board (and five questions that helped me make decisions)
Adding Character in a Kitchen Remodel: The Tale of Our New Range and Faucet
Kitchen and Dining Room Renovation Update! Projects Have Begun!