So much progress has happened since my last blog update. It’s amazing to see the transformation from the early March demo to the floor, sink and cabinet installations and now to the many recent finishing touches. Each step brings us much closer to the kitchen I pictured.
There are still a few details to be completed in the coming weeks—so excited for the range and faucet to arrive—but every day feels like a big leap forward. Before long we’ll be cooking in our new kitchen.
I wanted to share a current update since the past two weeks have been especially eventful. There have been several fun developments I’ll highlight below.
You may have seen some of these photos if you follow along by newsletter or on Instagram. I share behind-the-scenes bits there, and my email list gets sneak peeks and links to the decor posts and resources as the project moves along.
One of the biggest changes: the French doors are installed and they’re stunning. The sidelights and transom make a strong visual statement on that main kitchen wall and the additional natural light completely transforms the space. Every contractor and visitor has commented on how much the doors elevate the room.
They also installed the marble and soapstone countertops, and they are even more beautiful in person than we imagined. Many people will advise against real stone because of maintenance concerns, and that guidance can be useful. Still, for our forever home and this season of life, we chose natural stone and are so happy with the choice.
Quartz served us well in previous kitchens—my husband preferred the low-maintenance option in past homes—but this time we wanted the warmth and character that real stone brings. Natural stone adds an organic, tactile quality to a room; it feels lived-in, layered, and timeless in a way manufactured materials can’t fully replicate.
Over the past week the crew focused on trimming the doors and adding casing to the openings between rooms. Previously those openings were just drywall; the new casings give each passage a finished, intentional look. We also had the openings raised and widened slightly, which visually opens the plan and allows light to flow while still maintaining distinct spaces.
Trim work around the entry and living areas was completed as well, so those sightlines are beginning to feel cohesive and polished.
Another highlight: the installation of tongue-and-groove beadboard on the walls and v-groove tongue-and-groove on the kitchen and dining room ceilings. Painted wood paneling brings texture, character, and a classic, homey feel. We’ve incorporated wood walls in every house we’ve lived in, and adding more paneling here felt like a natural choice for the look we wanted.
Because there’s limited uninterrupted wall space in the kitchen and dining areas, we decided to treat all exposed walls and the ceilings with the same wood paneling and then paint everything to match the cabinets and trim. This approach softens the space and keeps the rooms feeling unified rather than visually chopped up by different finishes.
Crown molding will be added around the rooms soon to tie the details together and create a cohesive, finished look. There are still a few architectural finishes to come that I know will be lovely, and I can’t wait to share them when they’re in place.
Painting prep begins Monday, which signals we’re truly on the home stretch. After painting, hardware and appliances will follow and the space will feel complete. I’ll share another update with more photos and details soon.
You can catch up on the full remodel series in previous posts on the blog.