Designing the Kitchen
Like most families, we spend a lot of time in the kitchen. So when designing this space I gave it a very open, clean and light feel. I wanted the biggest island I could order in a single slab of granite (I didn't want a seam.) I needed plenty of room for making cookies, class projects, and whatever else my four kids and all their friends could throw at me! My other must haves were:
- induction cooktop (love this)
- big drawers for pots/pans
- decorative hood vent
- plenty of walkway space
- functioning (not too big/small)
- lots of light
- large pantry
- not in direct sight of the front door
One thing I battled back and forth with was a double oven or an oven/microwave combo unit. In the end, I chose the combo and I love it. The great thing about building your own home is that you can change little things like that along the way. I love my three long windows and French door to the back yard. It's all private so I opted out on blinds/curtains. With the wrap around porch on the house, they let in just the right amount of light.
This was a regular sight while we were working. The kids loved this space to ride their scooters around.
There's so many details to think of when framing a house. For example, these three windows. First, knowing the building codes. They are there to keep your home safe and that's #1 priority. So to have windows that close to the ground, the glass needed to be tempered. I decided the most economical way would be to have only the bottom 1/3 of the window open. That way I only had to make that bottom piece tempered instead of the whole window. I wanted to be able to open windows on opposite ends of the house to let the summer breeze through and to help keep it cool on summer nights. It will also help us save on energy costs. These windows allow me to do that as well. Another component to think about is the spacing between the window and the ceiling. I like my windows a little higher so that when you look through them you look up and out instead of straight out. It gives the illusion of height. Then there's the spacing between the windows to figure in. It needs to fit the trim for the inside and outside of the windows. The spacing between walls on the inside but needs to look proportioned on the outside too. Don't forget about accounting for drywall if you're wrapping your windows with that. It may look simple on paper, but in reality there is a lot of decisions to consider before you even place one window.
*My little guy loves this spot*
Now for the fun part! Getting all the details just right while using little 4" samples!🤣 Seriously, how can you go wrong? Lol! In the beginning, I thought I had it all figured out with the flooring and color scheme... well that all changed. I'm not sure how many times I changed my mind, but I think it all came together nicely!
I decided on luxury vinyl plank flooring mostly because I have so many kids! It's easy clean up, waterproof and super durable. I chose hickory wood for the cabinets. The rustic knots go really well with the flooring style I picked. For the island and hood vent, I went with a grey stain and white for the rest. I designed the island and vent hood with shiplap and farmhouse detail.
I chose a simple subway tile back splash. I like the nice clean lines it creates and makes it easy to decorate around.
I went with a chipped edge on the granite and upgraded the island with a thickened edge. It's such a large piece it made it look more proportioned. Stainless steel appliances complimented the color scheme and the galvanized metal pendant lights pull it all together.
All finished up
Follow me on Instagram as I continue to post about our projects!
Microwave/oven combo
Induction cook top
Dishwasher
Refrigerator
Stools
Pendant lights
Sink
Faucet
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Handles
Wreath
Metal Tray
Glass Jug and Cotton Stems
Your home turned out beautiful!! Good job❤️
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