Welcome to Our Home - Kitchen

Our journey to build a new home began over six years ago. Our oldest daughter informed us she'd had enough of dorm life (after one year) and was moving back home. We decided it was time to look for a house that had a better layout for our older kids.

Never, in a million years did I dream this would lead to us being able to build a home! NEVER! I believe it was a God ordained blessing and opportunity from day one! Even though we began with an existing floor plan, my builder Richard Russell, allowed me to change, tweak and design as we went along. The kitchen is just one example.

By reconfiguring the layout and eliminating 6' of wall space we were able to completely open the kitchen to the living room. (To accommodate the loss of a load bearing wall, the beam above the barstools was installed as support for the second floor.) Even though I lost upper cabinet storage, I have never regretted this decision. I love the openness!

I also chose to keep the peninsula counter one height instead of installing a higher eating counter. Again, NEVER regretted this decision. (Even when my dirty dishes are there for ALL the world to see!)

Here you can see how the living room flows into the kitchen. I knew from the house plan stage I wanted a two sided clock. It's the perfect space for one.

We've had the kitchen table and chairs for close to fifteen years.  About 2 years ago I refinished the table to a dark stain. I'm still waiting for inspiration on what to do with the chairs. And the chandelier lampshades, too, for that matter!

The oak cabinets are painted a creamy white and glazed with VanDyke Brown. I thoroughly enjoyed designing this kitchen. I was able to talk the painters into letting me glaze the cabinets to save a little money.  It took me two, whole, exhausting days but I did it!   

The island is stained and glazed black. I wish space had allowed for a bigger island because I use it ALL the time! It's usually covered with supplies while I'm cooking! 

When the time came to build the kitchen cabinets I took a drawing I had done to my builder and trim carpenter and said this is what I'd like. And being the talented craftsmen that they are, that's what I got!

The mantle and spice racks are exactly what I'd hoped for.

Moving on around the kitchen is the microwave and fridge.  The storage above the microwave is only accessible by ladder or chair, good balance and maybe even some counter aerobics! Good thing I don't use those items everyday!
We even squeezed in a sliver of space for my cookbooks.

Just to the right of the fridge is a hallway that leads to the laundry room, powder bath and pantry. I LOVE the door to my pantry.  This hallway has no natural light. The glass door helps to make the space feel more open.  (You are seeing the reflection of a table lamp and bulletin board in the glass.)

My pantry is rarely "glass door" presentable. But you know, I'm ok with that. We live here.

Thank you so much for joining me in this tour of our kitchen.  To see the living room and dining room click HERE.

My biggest hope is you will be inspired or see an idea

to incorporate in your own home! 

And if you do...I'd LOVE to hear about it!

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