I guess it goes without saying that our kitchen is the hub of the home. Between feeding a family of seven, homework and everything else that goes on there, I’m trying to find solutions to maximize our space. We definitely lost some counter workspace with this move (which I’m missing) and a little storage, as well.
From the first time I saw the MLS photos, I knew I would add some shelving to this little wall:
I really liked the open cabinets in our last kitchen and wanted another spot to stack our everyday dishes for easy access. I thought an industrial, open bookcase seemed like a (visually) lighter/better alternative than adding more cabinetry. I read several reviews on different shelving units and decided that the Owenton bookcase from Birch Lane would be the best—and sturdiest—fit.
We gained five shelves (with plenty of depth for plates and large bowls), and I like that it almost reaches the ceiling. I honestly don’t know where we would’ve put everything without it.
This is the view of the other side of the kitchen (then and now).
I mentioned in my previous kitchen post that I want to eventually change out the tile for something whiter. Mostly because I don’t think this ornamental backsplash feels like me—or the now-white kitchen:
Progress is good. A little at a time. . .
 
 
Previous posts about our kitchen:
Knowing Your DIY Limits (Now I Do.)
Thanks to Birch Lane for graciously providing the shelf for our new kitchen.
Have you considered painting the backsplash until you can switch it out? My friend used a product from Sherwin Williams especially for tile several years ago for her kitchen backsplash. It held up beautifully for several years, and maybe longer but she moved from that house so I’m not sure. A pretty vintage tray or something hung over that ornamental piece might look good for now to hide it a little bit. Love how light and bright the new paint looks, you’ve already come such a long way!
or maybe even paint it a dark gray? could look a little tin ceiling with modern twist? I do think it is pretty neutral though considering the horrible decorative tile that is out there…
I haven’t really considered painting it because I’m not sure it will help with the tile design–which is really the part that I’m not a fan of to begin with… I’ll probably just wait it out until I can replace the tile–or until we can save up for a bigger kitchen remodel. I do like the tray idea and have considered something like that, but there is zero space behind the back of the faucet. I’m not sure it would work. Boo :(
Curious, could you use white chalk paint to paint tell tile “picture” over your sink then hang a picture or canvas that you like in the center?
Maybe, but we’re ripping it all out and reconfiguring kitchen instead :) Woohoo!
Love the shelves! And the kitchen is looking so nice and cozy! What a difference you’ve made already! Well done, as usual!
Thanks, Maggie!
beautiful job! i love your dining table… can you tell me where it is from?
thanks
Yes, it was a handmade table I found on Craigslist. It was also my previous desk:
https://emilyaclark.com/2012/02/my-home-office-finally-finished.html
I really like the open shelving in the kitchen, its aesthetically stylish and functional, the best of both worlds! I agree with Jennifer that painting the tile would be a great option since the tile itself is really nice.
Love it! I can’t believe how put together it looks like after just moving in! I’m such a sucker for open shelves in kitchens too.
The rest of the house, unfortunately, does not look very put together… Thanks, though :)
You are absolutely amazing–I love the feel of your kitchen; collected, cozy and functional without being overly designed. Great job!
Did you guys put in the light fixture above your dining room table? I like it, and would love to know where it’s from!
We did. It’s from Overstock (but sold out). I ordered two of them for our last den and never had them installed :( So, I have an extra…. Email me if you’re interested!
What is the paint color on your walls in there?
Useful Gray by SW.
Looks amazing!! Not sure what your long term plans are, but I’ve read about painting tile too – might be a good way to tide you over until you take the plunge on a bigger re-do. :)
Digging that light fixture about the table! I’ve been looking for one that that puts off a lot of light. Does this one? Where did you find it?
Thanks, Krista–see my comment to Lindsay above.
Yes! I second Carole’s question! Love the dining table!
Wow. Love your style. If I were you I would have that tile painted white and the middle thingy painted white with little hints of blue.
I think your idea of painting the “accent” tile blue and white is a brilliant temporary fix. The subway tile looks like it’s already white, so that wouldn’t be too big of a job. If Emily can blue Sharpie a white garden stool and make it work, I bet she could tackle this!
You are making such quick progress! It’s amazing what some paint and styling can do, and that shelf is just perfect. Substantial, but light and airy. You amaze me with the progress!
I promise it’s only the kitchen :)
I love your style Emily. With five kids, how do you manage to keep the dishes safe in the open shelves? Some tips please!!
No magic fix… I really just don’t say much about it, and surprisingly, they really haven’t bothered it. I can’t say that for other things in our house. But, so far, so good!
Love the swimmer artwork! Can you provide the source?
Yes, It’s called Night Swim by Lisa Golightly. I have the larger size shown here: http://bit.ly/1FKX9Db
Love the shelving! Like always your styling is flawless!
Love both light fixtures! I, too , have eight foot ceilings and love schoolhouse fixture. Do you mind sharing where you purchased yours?
Hi Emily. It’s from Home Depot, but I will tell you that I wish it put out a little more light… At $38, it was a quick, inexpensive fix for now, though:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/World-Imports-Luray-1-Light-Oil-Rubbed-Bronze-Semi-Flush-Mount-WI900788/202392058
I think your kitchen looks beautiful! I too have a tile that I am not fond of. It’s very tuscan and yellowy. I loved it several years ago, but it has really dated quickly. I considered painting it as well. Have you seen the adhesive peel and stick tile sheets they sell online; I have seen them at home depot and even in a Hobby Lobby store. That might be a temporary fix for the area above the stove that you aren’t as fond of. I think the subway tile looks nice though. Thanks for sharing your lovely home.
Looks amazing already! Love seeing real life progress!
Hi Emily! Love what you’ve done with your kitchen! The open shelving adds just the right touch! I also love the look of that rug in your kitchen! Do you mind telling where you found it? It seems to be the perfect shade of red!
Thanks!
Thanks, Karen. I found it at an estate sale:
https://emilyaclark.com/2015/07/latest-find-turkish-rug.html
AS I SEE YOUR KITCHEN, THE ONE THING THAT BOTHERS ME IS THE RUG…PRETTY. BUT,
IT LOOKS RATHER RIPPLED ON THE EDGES, AND MAYBE NOT SO SAFE?
A POTENTIAL TRIPPING HAZZARD AROUND A STOVE?
BETWEEN PETS AND LITLE PEOPLE ONE HAS TO BE SO CAREFUL.
OTHERWISE I LOVE YOUR POSTS AND IDEAS.
THANK YOU.
You have made some very pretty changes so far! My kitchen is almost identical to yours – we have the same dark counters and cabinets (before you painted). We even have an identical layout with the peninsula, except my fridge is where your stove is, and vice versa. In the near future we will be painting our cabinets white, and likely changing out the creamy backsplash to white subway tile. It will be fun to follow along see the changes you make as a preview of what I can do to mine:)
Did I miss something? Love the kitchen, but is it really that small?
I love when a dining light fixture relates to the table & chairs under it. And your black fixture does that beautifully. Nicely done, Emily.
A lack of storage brings out creativity. I love your solution. What you’ve done to your kitchen so far has taken 25 years off it’s appearance.
The makeover looks great! So light and fresh :)
You did a great job. That kitchen looks totally different. It was nice before, but it is a light, bright beauty now.
Wow! Your kitchen looks fabulous- and you just moved in! I admire your “let’s get this thing moving” attitude, I’m sure it helps with the transition for your kids too, how the house is already taking on your family style and feeling like home. :)
I’m curious to know if you could adjust the layout to better suite you, what would you do? I too have an oddly formatted kitchen and I’m trying to determine a new layout (remodeling a home and in the demo phase now).
Still trying to figure that one out. I have a few ideas but nothing definite.
Wow, the power of paint! Your kitchen looks amazing and I love that shelf piece. Hope all is well and that you weather the storm well this weekend! xo Nancy
Displaying the pretty blue and white dishes makes it so fresh. I noticed you switched out the fluorescent light, but I read that you wished it put out more light. Regardless, I know I need to switch out my fluorescent light, too. We need to finish painting a few more rooms first; we’ve been painting all the walls and ceilings of our new house at night for the past week. Thankfully, we still love the gray we chose (SW Agreeable Gray). I love connecting with you on your blog.
I have a very similar layout. Where do you keep your trash can? I need more storage but no extra room. Looks great!
Under the sink….
I love it!! Can you tell me where you got your rug?
An estate sale :)
I love a classic white kitchen so I really like your re-do. It’s lighter and looks so fresh and clean. I have not used open shelving because I am afraid things besides the dishes I put there would pop up but it seems to practical. I will have to try the mix of dishes and decorative pieces. Love your style!
Well dang. I love that idea! Maybe I will just rip out some cabinets so I can do it:). Another thought……if you could find an old antique mirror to hang over the backsplash that might look cool…..although keeping that clean could be a nightmare. But hey…..it’s all about the look right!
Hi Emily! I love your style and have followed your blog for a long time! I read how you’re not crazy about the backsplash… (The kitchen looks fab BTW!) I was looking at the pic and wondering – if you change out the rug to a kilim that has more vivid colors like hot pink, red, navy – maybe the backsplash will fade away more? And then incorporate a funky fabric as a simple roman shade on the door and change the faucet to a bridge faucet? Just my two cents but I love what you’ve done so far!
It amazes me sometimes how one change can make such a difference. That shelf looks amazing! But, I think the way you styled it really makes it work. I’m sure everyone who saw it is now looking at their own kitchen to see if it’ll work in their house too ! Great inspiration.
Can you tell me where you got the dark print over the little chest of draws? (the beach scene on black?)
Thank you, Lily! The art is by Lisa Golightly. (I ordered mine from One King’s Lane: http://bit.ly/1k1ADwb )
Hi Emily- Beautiful- love how you mix textures- still trying to master that :)
Do you mind sharing where you got your kitchen table from? It almost looks like you got it made?
Thank you for sharing your home!
Sarah
Thanks, Sarah. I found it on Craigslist, but I believe they had it made.
All I can say is add a drop zone! I know you’ve done this in the garage but the kitchen is – and always will be – a magnet for all random things that need an immediate place when entering the house (phones, keys, purses, bags, etc.).
I was looking at a Birch Lane catalog and came across the shelving I see in your kitchen – I’m curious how sturdy it is. I too have extra things I’d like easier access to but I don’t want to worry about someone bumping into it and having a disaster. Could you comment?
I was worried about that, too, but have found it to be super sturdy, even with all the dancing/jumping/running that happens in our kitchen…
Advice (lessons learned from previous kitchen Reno)
1. Go to the auction in May for cabinets in Charlotte. Peak auction.
2. Figure out a way to create the largest island possible and do it!
3 hide your microwave! Mine is in the island and I love it
4. Being without a kitchen is horrible! Start eating down the food now…..less to move around