Every time we move to a new home with a chance to redo the kitchen, I wrestle with the same design question.
How and where can I add character?
(*Comments are open on this post if you want to chat!*)
The very first item I committed to for this kitchen was the faucet. I chose the Rohl Perrin & Rowe Ionian Tap with Rinse in polished nickel. It’s beautiful and felt like the right starting point for the room.
I purchased a special edition through deVOL Kitchens; the same brand, finish, and style can be found elsewhere, though pricing varies. I liked this particular deVOL version for its design and value.
I’ve used Rohl Perrin & Rowe faucets before—in an English Tudor kitchen and in a remodeled bathroom of an English cottage—and I’ve always appreciated the quality and the finish. Even years later I remember how much I liked them.
For transparency, nothing in my kitchen is sponsored right now. I wouldn’t partner with a brand I wouldn’t choose for my home, and even without partnerships I share details about our design decisions because they can be helpful if you’re planning a remodel.
Because of our kitchen layout, the sink sits in the center and the faucet will be visible from other rooms. I treated that visibility as an opportunity: the faucet would set the tone, so I wanted one that added charm and felt true to our home.
This is a kitchen we plan to live in for many years, so choosing a classic finish and a high-quality faucet made sense. Today there are great faucets at many price points; while some are costly, there are stylish options to fit many budgets.
In a previous house we used a brass faucet I found for around $200 and I was thrilled to get that look at that price. People are passionate about faucet style and handle design, and ultimately it’s a personal choice. I wanted a faucet with a vintage feel, and my husband insisted on a sprayer—even though he hasn’t quite mastered keeping the spray inside the sink yet.
The Perrin & Rowe design and cross handles give a classic, vintage air. Polished nickel reads warm in person—distinct from chrome—and feels timeless. Brass is another classic finish that has been popular lately; trend cycles don’t make timeless finishes disappear. If you choose finishes that suit your home and style, they’ll stay appealing long-term.
Although I love brass and will include it in the house, I didn’t feel drawn to brass for the faucet this time. I prefer a collected look with mixed metals rather than everything matching perfectly, so brass will appear elsewhere in the design.
The tale of my new range (and her name!)
Mixing metals leads me to the new range. She’s stunning and has been waiting for her spot in the kitchen. Below I explain why I chose her and what I named her.
I selected the Ilve Nostalgie 30-inch dual fuel range in Blue Gray. I ordered directly from a local appliance store that had the color and size I wanted in stock to avoid supply delays.
I deliberated for a year. The range’s unique color and finish mean it would be a style setter, so I wanted something I could live with for a long time and that other design choices could complement. After researching brands, prices, features, and reviews, I realized there were many solid choices. Reviews can be polarized—loud negative voices online can skew impressions—so I tried to keep perspective during the decision process.
At some point you have to choose and move forward. For our kitchen and the classic elements I envisioned, this pretty range felt like the right way to add personality.
Living on an island, the range gives a gentle nod to the coastal setting: the brass trim feels maritime, and the blue-gray hue recalls the sea. It feels special and, while not inexpensive, it was within our budget compared to some ultra-luxury options.
The range’s nostalgic vibe makes me think of finding a vintage treasure on an adventure and bringing it home. Knowing it’s made in Venice, Italy made it even more personal—one of my favorite family trips was to Venice, and the range feels connected to that memory. I tend to romanticize things, but I love the story it brings to the kitchen.
Once the range arrived I asked for name ideas in my Instagram stories. Many lovely suggestions came in, and one name stood out: Beatrix.
Beatrix, as in Beatrix Potter, the author and illustrator who celebrated the natural world and small delights. The name feels fitting—Beatrix evokes delight, travel, and a sense of being blessed.
It suits her perfectly. Shall we call her Bee for short?
These two pieces—the faucet and the range—will add character to our new kitchen. I’ll share more character-filled choices soon; we just selected kitchen countertop slabs and have them on hold. I’m excited!
If you missed my last post with the kitchen floor plan and elevations, check the previous post for details.
