We’re still waiting on a few finishing touches in our kitchen, so if something looks unfinished, don’t worry. While I finalize paint colors with the painters, I couldn’t resist unpacking a few items I’ve been saving for the new kitchen. Today I’ll share some of those finds and how I plan to use them once the space is fully ready.
The good news is we’ll likely be able to move into the kitchen this week, even though several projects will continue around the house — the deck, living room, mudroom, entry and stairwell painting, new wood stair treads and upstairs flooring, plus work on the Tiny Cottage. We’re inching toward the finish line and it’s already thrilling to see everything come together.
If you missed my last remodel update, you can find it on my previous post.
I expect the contractors will be fully finished in a few weeks, and after that the fun part begins: decorating, adding plants, and styling the kitchen with vintage dishes I’ve been collecting. I’ve already bought a few plants for the backyard and can’t wait to bring more vintage pieces into the kitchen once it’s ready.
Below are some of the items I unpacked last week. I’ll show the vintage pieces in a follow-up post when they’re in place.
1. Hobnail Drinking Glasses
We needed new drinking glasses and I couldn’t resist these hobnail designs. The colors remind me of seaglass, so I chose a mix of blue and sage. They feel coastal and cheerful and will be perfect for everyday use and for entertaining.
2. Over-the-Sink Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack
This clever drying rack fits over our farmhouse sink and is handy for hand-washed dishes, towels, plants, or anything that needs to drip dry. It rolls up for compact storage when not in use, which makes it both functional and space-saving.
3. Wood Dish Brushes
I love the look and feel of wood dish brushes, so I picked up both a natural and a dark brown version. They’re practical, durable, and add a warm, natural touch to the sink area.
4. Marble Tray
Small trays are indispensable in the kitchen. I selected a natural marble tray for organizing countertop essentials or displaying items like soap, oil, and small plants. Its weight and finish make it both functional and decorative.
5. Resin Footed Tray (Marble Look)
For a lighter-weight option, I chose a resin footed tray that mimics marble. It’s great for elevating bottles or grouping frequently used items while keeping them off the counter surface.
6. Woven Rattan Trays
We bought woven rattan trays to carry plates and food between levels during the remodel. They’re sturdy, perfectly sized for serving, and will become a regular part of our table service for casual gatherings and everyday use.
7. Plate Holder Easel Display Stands
I picked up easel-style plate stands to display plates, platters, or cookbooks. At first the finish seemed brighter than I expected, but once a plate is displayed the overall effect is lovely. I bought several sizes to accommodate different pieces.
8. Sailboat Appetizer Plates
My husband surprised me with sweet sailboat appetizer plates that we found locally. They’re charming for serving small bites and will also look lovely as decor. I’m excited to mix and match them with other dishes when styling the kitchen.
9. Bamboo Drawer Organizers
Drawer organizers in bamboo come in multiple sizes, so you can mix and match to fit different drawers. I chose a set of five varied shapes plus a couple of long, stackable dividers. I’m looking forward to a well-organized utensil drawer and pantry spaces.
10. Tray Organizer
A tray organizer is handy for storing baking sheets, cutting boards, and pans upright, making them easier to access and keeping cabinet space tidy.
11. Patterned Animal Bowls
I recently shared these small patterned bowls in a post about spring kitchen accessories. They’re useful for snacks, sauces, or small prep tasks and come as a set featuring a bunny, frog, bee, and squirrel. The mix of colors and motifs adds a playful touch to the cabinet and table.
More on The Inspired Room:
A Sense of Place: Designing Our Forever Family Home by the Sea (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