Kitchen Remodel Design Update: New Ideas and Inspiration

Kitchen Remodel Update: Design Board

HHello! Today there’s an exciting development in our kitchen: the cabinets are being delivered and installed. I don’t have progress photos yet because the work hadn’t started when I prepared this post, but I’m over the moon about it and can hardly wait to share updates.

The kitchen currently shows dark blue walls and a natural wood ceiling. The blue is only primer, and while the tongue-and-groove wood ceiling looks nice, it will be painted white. Those two unfinished elements have been throwing off the look I’m aiming for, so I’m eager to see everything painted. The crew has projected completion by December 21, so I’m counting down the days.

Although our kitchen is small, we put a lot of thought into every detail. With a compact galley layout, each choice carries more visual weight, so we considered how every piece would work together. In a few square feet, everything you introduce becomes very noticeable, so careful selection was key.

We wanted the space to feel fresh and clean without playing it safe. Rather than using bold, dramatic patterns that might overwhelm or visually close in the room, we focused on subtlety and personality through thoughtful contrasts, shapes, and textures.

Our design approach started with creating a quiet backdrop and layering interest through architectural details and fixtures. Updated elements like the archways, the round window and the wall lights provide character to the room’s shell. Because those features carry personality, we can keep the rest of the palette simple and refined. If we want to change the look seasonally, it’s easy to do so with accessories such as plants, rugs, dishes, cutting boards, and towels.

I enjoy changing a room’s feel, so the flexibility of this kitchen is important to me. The design board shows many of the planned elements together, though it doesn’t capture every small detail. More will be revealed as the project proceeds and I’ll answer questions along the way.

I’ll share the layout and explain the reasons behind each choice in future updates. I’ve included initial source notes below for those who are curious, and I’ll publish a full, detailed source list once the kitchen is finished. It’s been years since we had new appliances—our previous remodel kept the same stove and fridge—so installing new KitchenAid appliances will be a treat. I’ll include model numbers in the final source post.

We already sense this kitchen will transform the feel of our home in the ways we hoped.

Kitchen Elements Sources:

Wall color: Simply White by Benjamin Moore / Dutch door color: Blue Note by Benjamin Moore / Cobalt and brass wall lights / Farmhouse sink / Brass faucet / Hardware: crystal knobs, small knobs, drawer pull, round knobs / Plaid kitchen towels (set of two) / Appliances: KitchenAid refrigerator and range / Quartz countertops: Daltile / Tile floors: Daltile (Haze color)

A more detailed source list will be provided when the kitchen is complete.

Happy Tuesday!