I promise I’m not intentionally holding out on you with pictures of the new kitchen, for those of you who have been following along with the renovation process. I’m hoping to have some professional photos made of the entire finished room soon. But, for now, I wanted to go ahead and share some (not-so-professional) pictures with you of my favorite part of the space. We were able to work in the “keeping room” (aka sitting area) that I wanted, and I’m so glad we did. Now that I have a TV and a couple of good chairs, there’s little reason for me to leave our kitchen. This spot has become my morning hangout, my sometimes workspace and the space the kids migrate to as soon as they walk in the door from school.
Cabinet paint color: Deep Jungle by Benjamin Moore
I’ll give you a better walk-through of the entire layout later, but the green cabinets house two pull-out pantries, drawer storage and a drink fridge. I also wanted a little bit of countertop here as a place to set up drinks/appetizers/etc., when we have guests.
And, I’ve loved the idea of spool chairs for years and finally found the perfect spot for them. I’m sharing more details about the chairs and fabric over on the Ballard Designs blog, How to Decorate.
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oh my heavens, it’s stunning! those chairs are PERFECTION!!!
Just fabulous! Green with envy!
Absolutely wonderful! Love everything you’ve put together here, Emily!
I love spool chairs and I love this fabric! What a perfect, cozy little room. It’s been raining here in VA for days on end and I’d love to be curled up in that room with coffee and a book!
Love! The colors are wonderful. :)
This is gorgeous! I have been following along on your reno process and feel just slightly satiated from this sneak peak. Looking forward to the walk through. Thank you so much for sharing this!
I love the blue and white in every one else’s home, but can’t seem to make it work in my own. Kudos on a beautiful and clearly functional space for you and your fam.
Keeping room has always sounded so romantic to me. Just love it, Emily. I would find myself hanging there with coffee and planning my day each morning. You’ve done a beautiful job with this kitchen.
That’s the new Ann Patchett book! I can’t wait to read it! What do you think so far??
I don’t know–I’m starting it next. I just thought the cover fit in perfectly with the kitchen :) I’ve read two of her others and loved them.
Fantastic! I absolutely love it! A sitting area in a kitchen is so wonderful to have. Especially when it becomes a family hang out AND adds some wonderful color!
Are the pillows on the back of chairs in constant need of straightening and fluffing? I love these but wondering if they would be high maintenance with little kids and parents who love to curl up in a comfy chair :)
They’re pretty firm–haven’t worried about fluffing much :)
Those chairs are perfection. Your love of black and blue together, a traditional yet young fabric and those spools…swoon!!!!
Beautiful space! Please do share how this fabric holds up with the kids.
Love everything!!! Can’t wait to see more
I love everything about this space. The green cabinets wuth the gold hardware, the chairs and what a great fabric. You must be thrilled, I know I would be.
What a cheerful area to hang out in. I think your color combo is a classic.
I bought a spool chair about 5 years ago for my living room. The dark navy fabric is already faded from sitting in front of a window. Fortunately it won’t be too expensive to get it reupholstered. Nothing stays new looking forever. 😟
Ain’t that the truth?! One thing I love about these chairs is that the cushions are both removable so it won’t be as hard to have them cleaned. And, of course, I try my best to have the kids eat at the island but you know, life happens! :)
It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! I can see why there’s no need for you to leave your kitchen! Such a cozy spot and I love those chairs!! You can do no wrong 😍
Very sweet– thank you :)
♥♥♥ it, great job!!
This space turned out just amazing, and I’m sure your kids love being close to Mom when you’re in the kitchen. Great colors, chairs, and fabric!
Looks GREAT! Love the green… I hear it’s the new thing in kitchens. We are currently in the midst of a major reno as well– down to the studs and am also planning a sitting area…. I think I’ll call it a keeping room now…as well.
It just sounds better :)
Absolutely LOVE the green cabinets. Would you be so kind to name the paint brand/color? It’s just beautiful.
I love the c hairs! Great choice.
Ooooo stunner of a space- it is bold and unique yet seems classic as well! Kindly can you share the white wall color name, company and finish please?
Enjoy this lovely room!
So beautiful! We also just finished a reno of our kitchen and now have a keeping kitchen as well. We LOVE it! Removing the dining room wall has made all the difference in the function and enjoyment of our colonial home. Your space looks great!!
Love it Emily! I’m so into that green color right now. Especially paired with royal or navy blue, as you have done. I was just scouting out a green blazer earlier today to wear with dark blue jeans this fall season. I scored at Winners;) Can’t wait to see the kitchen!
Ah-Ma-Zing!!!!! Love it!
Emily, I love it! The green is beautiful! We are building a home with a keeping room in it….do you know if there is a limit as to how many a true keeping room can sit? We have room there for whatever furniture, but I usually see it with just a couple of chairs as yours is. Is there a decorating rule for a keeping room (with a fireplace in it)? Thank you!
Can you tell us the stain/color of your wood floors, please?
Hi Linda–they matched them up to what was already in the rest of the downstairs so I’m not sure…
I am swooning–what a beautiful space! Can you add a few chairs so your readers can join you for coffee? :-) Love every detail, including the expanded view showing the bamboo shades and table/mirror!! I just might have to shop for new cabinet hardware today!
Hi Emily,
This is a beautiful space! I sure I would spend a lot of time there.
Can you source the cabinet pulls?
Thank you!
Cindy
I’d have to check but I think Lew’s Hardware.
What a great place to gather! The green is absolutely stunning! Can’t wait to see the kitchen!
Love those cabinets! Can’t wait to see the final photos of your reno.
Absolutely LOVE it!! Can you share your source for the bamboo shades on your french doors? I remember once upon a time you saying you bought some from jc penney but the ones in the photo look like exactly what I’m wanting!
Yes–same ones: http://bit.ly/2cRKeYq
I love this so much Emily. My ever-loving Kelly Green heart is wanting some of this for my own home. I also had a beautiful grandmother-friend (she died last year at 102) who had a keeping room. The idea of keeping family close by is wonderful really.
Do you ever use calico?? Not only do they have great fabrics and trims but they also have fantastic furniture!
Damn how did I miss this….I love how brave you are cause this is exceptional and I would be scared because I would be afraid I would get tired of it but…..then again how can you get tired of perfection?????
Meanwhile, I’m looking at all of your recent changes thinking how much I love neutral…
THAT KITCHEN…now,, THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN ABOUT!!! franki
I love the freshness of the green with your whites and blues! It is so hard to do your own home but you did a Fab job!!!
I love the green cabinets. I keep looking for the wall color. Could u share again if I’ve missed it. Thank you ☺️
Beautiful and bold – live it! What kind of built in bar fridge did you buy? Have you been pleased?
Also do you give the ballard chairs a 5 star?
Thanks!
What is the color of your cabinets?