All About Our Kitchen Update

I think the thing I’m most asked about in this space is the kitchen renovation we did at the end of last summer. Of all of the updates we’ve made to our house over the 16 years we’ve lived here, painting the exterior and renovating the kitchen have made the biggest difference.

To set the stage for the changes we made, we bought our house in 2006. Back then, there were only four houses on the market in Lake Forest that cost less than a $1 million and didn’t need a new kitchen or basement. Both of those spaces had been renovated in the early 2000s in our home and we loved them, most especially the kitchen.

But fast forward almost 20 years and the wear and tear of our big family on our kitchen–not to mention the huge pendulum swing in kitchen design–it was time to make some updates.

Starting last March, we naively thought we could be the general contractor on this project because we weren’t moving any walls or doing any big construction. But after spinning our wheels for months trying to choreograph the different things that need to happen, we hired Frank Werner to be the GC for us. I can’t sing Frank’s praises enough. He is good at so many things, most especially at project management. Everything Frank said would happen, happened when he said it would. For a planner like me who was juggling back-to-school schedules at the time, this was everything. We could never have done the kitchen without him. If you’re a local, Frank should be your first call for any construction projects you’re working on. With Frank’s help, the primary construction and work was completed in less than eight weeks. Frank chose the painters, electricians, floor refinishers, cabinet makers, etc. He was a one-stop shop.

Special note: My sister-in-law Rebecca Hartman, a retired interior designer, helped me choose my paint colors. There is no better in the business at color selection. She is the best!

In a nutshell, we changed out the countertops and backsplash, refinished the floors, replaced the oven, stovetop and fridge, added a farm sink, painted the cabinets (they are very well made and we would have felt awful replacing them), added new lighting, installed a custom-built pantry in place of the built-in desk, switched out the dining table and chairs, and painted all of the walls and trim. Here are all of the details (I hope) with links (if I could find them).

Kitchen wall, trim, and cabinet color: Benjamin Moore White Dove

Island paint color: Sherwin Williams Morning at Sea

Countertops and backsplash: Caesarstone in Empira White Polished

Kitchen sink: Kohler Whitehaven Kitchen Sink with short apron

Faucet: Delta 2390L-DST, Champagne Finish

Pendant lights over island: Darlana Small Lantern

New pantry, new hood, new cabinet hardware: All came through Frank Werner

Dining table: Pottery Barn Owen Round Pedestal Extending Dining Table

Dining chairs: Serena & Lily Riviera Dining Chair

Rug under dining table: Ballard Suzanne Kasler Katerin Sisal

Flooring color: Mixture of 1 part Miniwax Golden Oak and 1 part Provincial

Oven and stovetop: Zline

Refrigerator: GE Monogram

Kitchen area rug near sink: Zuma Imports

Island basket: Homegoods

Island vase: Target

Planters on widow ledge: M on the Square

Placemats: M on the Square

Bowl on dining table: Pasquesi Home & Gardens

Moss balls: Amazon

Bowls in island inserts: Pasquesi Home & Gardens

Cutting boards: Homegoods

Cookie jars: Homegoods

I have one last little project planned for the kitchen and that’s a window treatment for over the kitchen sink. I think a little fabric in this space will help warm it up (without messing with my minimalist vibe). My dear friend Kristi Nevin is helping me with this and the fabric is so fantastic and from Calico Corners.

At long last, I think that’s everything! Please feel free to message me with any questions.

Happy decorating!

xo,

Outfit details: Dress by Madison Mathews, Denim Jacket, Jeans, White Top

Pictures of me by Jenn Marie Creative