With the gutted kitchen a blank slate, it was time to make decisions about fixtures, colors, and materials. The layout of the room had been decided - the wall between the kitchen and living room was opened up and functional plans for the placement of cabinets, appliances, and a new island were set.
The kitchen's hardwood floors would be replaced and stained to match that of the other rooms for continuity and a seamless transition between the first floor spaces. For the walls, I chose Benjamin Moore's Grey Owl - a cool, soothing neutral to compliment the grays, navies, apple greens, and fuschias in the adjoining rooms. For the cabinets, I chose Benjamin Moore's White Wisp.
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| White Wisp |
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| Grey Owl |
Instead of a traditional stone countertop, I chose a beautiful white glass material. Like granite, it is stain-proof and heatproof and is an excellent workspace. And it is more beautiful and unique than many stone options. The backsplash is also glass. It's colors pick up the grey of the walls and cabinets.
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| Backsplash |
The light fixture that used to hang above the kitchen table was moved so that pendant lights could be installed above the new island. For this purpose I chose two delicate Juliska glass pendants.
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| Island Pendant |
The hardware for the cabinets was an important choice. I chose something modern to contrast the more traditional cabinets in a shiny polished nickel finish. The latches are more interesting than a more traditional knob or pull and add further interest in the kitchen.
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| Ice Box Latch |
Finally, having given up my kitchen table and chairs to rely on my formal dining room more regularly for large family dinners, counter stools at the island were a must. I chose a wire net basket stool for this job, with a durable faux leather seat cushion.
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| Basket Stool |
Next up: photos from the finished room!
