It’s been roughly two years since our kitchen renovation, and I still receive daily questions about the space. This updated post collects many of the details, sources, and answers I’m most often asked for. Scroll down for specifics.
I’m also preparing individual FAQ posts about topics like whether we still like our marble and soapstone countertops, if we would choose beadboard for a backsplash again, and how we feel about our range and appliances. If you have a question not covered below, 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
- Our English Cottage–Inspired Kitchen at Christmas
- More remodel posts and progress updates
Sources and favorite pieces:
- Rattan bar cart
- Ilve Nostalgie 30″ dual fuel range in Blue Gray/Grey — we love the look and performance
- Bamboo shades
- Brass range feet
- Pendant lighting similar to ours
- Scalloped shade lamp
- Brass dinner bells
- Polished nickel faucet (ours was from deVol)
- Farmhouse sink we’ve used in multiple homes
- Wood whale board and decorative blue-and-white pieces
- Cafe curtains with simple rods and clips
- Small appliances: toaster, coffee maker, salt & pepper grinders
Hardware:
- Glass knobs with polished nickel finish
- Oval cupboard latches in aged brass (used on glass cabinets, under sink, and coffee station)
- Oval cabinet knobs and aged brass drawer pulls
- Bin pulls and built-in fridge pull in aged brass
- Polished nickel faucet and a farmhouse sink
Our blue range:
We considered many options and chose the Ilve range for its style and value. It has performed reliably — we cook daily and use it to serve extended family when they visit. We intentionally separated the sink from the range to improve traffic flow so helpers can work at the sink or drawers without crowding the chef. Overall, no regrets — the range and layout work very well for our family.
Paint color:
Cabinet color was matched to Sherwin-Williams Classic Light Buff in a cabinet finish. If you request factory-matching, ask for a sample since the final finish can shift slightly.
Countertop details:
We prioritized long stretches of uninterrupted counter for prep and helpers. The perimeter counters are honed Carrara marble, and the island is soapstone left natural (we don’t oil ours). We also added a marble backsplash at most counters and behind the stove for a classic, finished look; that extra marble made the space feel cleaner and more timeless than simple caulking around the 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 chosen for its slightly narrower footprint in a tight spot. Positioning the fridge out of the main work zone makes entertaining easier because guests can access food without entering the cooking area.
The fridge sits beside our mudroom/pantry, which helps keep food storage and prep organized and out of the primary cooking flow.
Sink:
This farmhouse sink is one I’ve used in several homes. It’s deep yet comfortable to work at, especially for shorter users. The sink’s placement benefits from abundant natural light and window views, making dishwork pleasant. The long counter under the far window functions as a buffet, prep, or baking station — great for working together and giving the entry a pretty view with glass-front cabinets.
Dishwasher:
We chose Fisher & Paykel double dishwasher drawers to avoid a full dishwasher door blocking the walkway. The dual drawers are convenient for running different loads and keep the area more accessible. While we appreciate their functionality, we experienced a couple of issues in the past year and used our five-year appliance warranty to get service. If you consider these, I recommend adding a warranty for peace of mind.
Wall and ceiling details:
Walls are beadboard (tongue-and-groove), likely pine or cedar. The ceiling uses tongue-and-groove paneling with the V-groove on the reverse side, complementing the walls while adding depth.
Cabinets:
We mixed shaker-style and flat-panel inset drawers and cabinets built by a local cabinetmaker. The factory-finished cabinets were color-matched to Sherwin-Williams Classic Light Buff. Because factory finishes can alter shade slightly, request a sample if you’ll be matching finishes.
Hardware mixes aged brass and polished nickel with some glass knobs for a classic, layered look.
We also added arched feet to the baseboards for a traditional, finished appearance — a charming detail that doesn’t interfere with cleaning.
Hardwood floors:
The floors are European white oak engineered hardwood, purchased locally. They bring warmth and character that suit our beach-house feel while remaining timeless year-round.
Marble drip ledge:
We had a marble drip ledge added beneath the farmhouse sink to protect lower cabinets from splash. It’s a practical detail that slows drips and keeps the area drier.
Coffee station:
We designed a cabinet specifically for coffee supplies and small tableware. The doors slide fully into the cabinet, so they don’t protrude into the room. It sits conveniently across from the dining table and keeps morning routines tidy.
Island cabinetry details:
With a smaller home (about 1,900 sq ft) and limited storage, we prioritized built-in cabinetry to maximize space. The island includes a recessed nook for a stool — a cozy spot for quick meals or conversation — with nearby shelves for cookbooks and display.
We rotate a blue-and-white toile or striped cafe curtain seasonally and chose a comfortable stool for the island nook.
I hope this overview is helpful. If you have more questions, leave a comment and I’ll try to answer.
More questions? Find additional kitchen FAQs, cabinetry dimensions, and sources in the extended kitchen FAQ and source post.
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