TThis week my kitchen remodel took a major step forward: new countertops were installed and the subway tile backsplash is going in. I’m thrilled — this stage finally brings the vision I’ve had for the space to life.
Thankfully, so far everything is coming together just as I hoped.
I tend to overthink design decisions and worry I made the wrong choice until all the elements are installed and I can see the whole room. This time, seeing the counters and tile together eased those anxieties.
Remodeling a kitchen is a big deal — you want to get it right.
Please excuse my phone photos; it’s easier to capture progress quickly while work is underway.
I decided not to stop with just a tile backsplash. Instead of a small accent, I chose to tile from floor to ceiling around the cabinets, including around the door frame and the window over the sink. It makes a bold, cohesive statement and gives the kitchen a fresh, solid look.
I ended up using subway tile across much of the kitchen — and I love the result.
My previous kitchen remodel featured a lot of subway tile, too, and I still love the timeless look. For this project I selected Daltile subway tile in Arctic White (0190). The finish feels clean and classic without feeling dated.
The rest of the tile is scheduled to go up later this week, with grout to follow and the sink, faucet and dishwasher reconnected soon after. Cabinets still need painting and new hardware, and there are a few updates in the adjoining family room, but the project is progressing well.
One minor setback: the drawer fronts that arrived didn’t match the cabinet style I ordered. They were replaced with the correct shaker-style fronts, which are on their way and will match the rest of the cabinetry.
I’m especially happy with the sink — I’ll share better photos once the faucet is installed — and I love the long stretch of countertop to the right of the sink. It feels functional and beautiful.
Jack the Goldendoodle had to be kept in the family room while the tile work was happening. He wasn’t thrilled but enjoyed supervising from a safe spot.
The countertops are white quartz. I considered marble for its beauty, but decided it wasn’t the best fit for this home. The floors have prominent grain, and I didn’t want competing patterns. Instead I chose Caesarstone Organic White quartz — a mostly white surface with subtle, minimal veining that keeps the look from feeling too stark.
From a distance the counters read as clean, simple white, which is the effect I wanted. I also wanted a slightly more updated, beach-inspired aesthetic rather than a purely traditional or classic look, so quartz felt right for this space.
In my previous home I loved wood counters for the warmth they added, but here the wood floors already provide warmth. Choosing stone countertops and a tiled backsplash creates a pleasing cool contrast with the warm wood floors while keeping the overall palette balanced.
For a streamlined, cohesive look I used the same countertop material across all base cabinets rather than mixing materials. I will, however, have a freestanding island where I can add a contrasting element to keep the design interesting.
If the kitchen were too uniform, I’d miss the chance to add personality — a little variety keeps things lively.
So that’s the latest: countertops and significant tile installed, a few finishing details to complete, and the space already feels more like home. Next up are the remaining wall tiles, final plumbing fixtures, reinstalling the dishwasher, painting cabinets, and hanging new sconces. Many details remain, but the bulk of the work is now behind us.
Thanks for following along with the kitchen updates—more photos and the final reveal will be shared as the project wraps up.