The kitchen has always been more than just a room for cooking. It’s my sanctuary — a blend of peace and chaos, as well as productivity and relaxation. Whether it’s freshly brewed coffee, a simmering roast, or whatever soup of the day I’m making in my trusty instant pot, these scents and sounds make our house feel like home, especially as they pique the appetites and curiosities of my boys.

Let me be clear: I’m not an interior designer by profession. But, thanks to countless hours on Pinterest and years of making the most out of a tiny kitchen, I’ve become quite the home design enthusiast. With my brother’s chic yet practical design sensibilities, he has also been an invaluable guide on this journey.

Let’s go back to 2021, right in the thick of the pandemic.

My family and I bought a unit with a kitchen that had seen better days — think rotting cabinets, a musty odor, and a layout that was anything but functional. Determined to breathe new life into it, I consulted with two contractors, seeking their expertise in measurements and estimates. My visit to Builder’s Choice proved particularly fruitful. They not only provided a free consultation but also helped me visualize my dream with a design mock-up.

From start to finish, the project took about two months, and I couldn’t have been happier with the turnout. 

Project Mood Board

• Glossy white cabinets. I knew I wanted glossy white cabinets because our kitchen has no windows. The white would give the illusion of a bigger, open space. 
• Gray granite countertops. This was my compromise for industrial, minimal, and modern-looking concrete. I originally wanted white marble countertops with the gray veining, but because I intended to eventually flip this home into a rental property, I figured the neutral gray was a safer choice. 
• Butcher block peninsula. A cost-effective way to add warmth and additional seating to the kitchen. 
• Farmhouse sink. I love having a big sink. I can throw all the dirty dishes, pots, and pans in and not have to worry about a split compartment that would limit my amazing hand-washing abilities I acquired from not having a dishwasher all my life. 
• Subway tile. Timeless, minimal, and also very affordable (we like affordable).
• Bakers rack. A gift from my brother that is both sentimental and a way to use vertical wall space effectively. 
• Accent Wall. Rather than place cabinets along this wall, which I thought would close up the space, I used it to get creative with my cooking/baking accessories. By using wall ledges and a peg board, it would serve as a space to keep my beloved cookbooks and kitchen accessories that I often use for baking. 

What I Would Have Done Differently

• Adding a dishwasher. I’ve gone my whole life without the use of one, but it would have been an attractive feature if I were to eventually become a landlord.
• Making more functional use of the wall space by adding a pantry and having a kitchen island parallel to the wall. This would have served as a dining table and a larger prep space.  

Where I Shop for Home Goods

I love Better Day because they carry Ikea furniture that matches the aesthetic and functionality of my lifestyle needs. 

• Pegboard. I’ve found that a pegboard is perfect for adaptable storage. It’s been a space-saver for me, allowing me to hang utensils, small pans, or even herbs. What I love most is its adaptability; as my kitchen needs change, the pegboard layout can easily change with them.
• Photo ledges. These aren’t just for pictures in my kitchen. I’ve creatively used photo ledges to hold my beloved cookbooks, small plant decor, and even spice jars. They offer a sleek, minimalist look while ensuring everything is within easy reach.
• All-purpose rolling shelf. Having mobility in my kitchen has been transformative. This rolling shelf provides me additional counter space when I’m baking or serving up dishes. And when it’s not in use? It tucks neatly into a corner, doubling as a storage unit.

Macy’s

• Instant 8-1 airFryer. This has been a game-changer for me. From crispy fries to the perfect roast, it’s compact yet mighty. I lean on it for healthier cooking options with its minimal oil usage. Plus, its multi-functionality means I’ve cleared out other single-use appliances, giving me more counter space.
• OXO clear containers. My faves for keeping pantry items fresh and organized. I love that I can quickly identify what’s inside and know when it’s time for a grocery run. Plus, they lend a certain polished aesthetic to my shelves.

Amazon 

• Mini counter shelf. Imagine adding an extra tier to your counter – that’s what this does for me. It maximizes my vertical space, allowing me to stack dishes or have a special place for items I reach for daily.
• Cookbooks. For me, cookbooks aren’t just recipe collections. They’re also pieces of kitchen art. I love displaying them on photo ledges or stands, and they add so much personality to my space.
• Tea canisters. These canisters have become a design feature in my kitchen. Beyond just storage, they give a vintage charm and let me quickly see my tea collection, ensuring my favorites are always in stock.
• DēLonghi espresso machine. It’s more than just my daily caffeine fix. This machine, with its sleek design, has become a centerpiece on my counter, embodying my love for aesthetics and a great cup of coffee.

In wrapping up, every item in my kitchen serves a functional and stylistic purpose. I’ve aimed to create a space reflective of my personal style and journey, creating an environment where I’m inspired daily.

Let us know what other renovation tips you want to learn about in the comment below.

That’s a Wrap!

I hope this inspires you to start on your own culinary adventures and heartwarming moments in your own kitchen. For me, it wasn’t just about aesthetics or functionality; it’s about a place at home where memories are made, where laughter echoes, where every meal becomes a cherished moment, and is a reflection of who I am as a mother looking to keep tummies happily fed.

Remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to feel like home.