Alright, my friends who have been waiting to see more of the kitchen renovation, we’re going to take a little tour of the kitchen eating area as well as a look at how the space has changed over the past few weeks. Even as I was pulling up the before pictures, I had a hard time believing what the kitchen looked like before our renovation started. We’ll definitely have to do a full before & after comparison post, but I thought I would share a few today.
As a frame of reference here is a before and after of the floor plan. I think some of the before pictures aren’t going to make sense since we removed some walls and have views we didn’t have before.
This is the before view looking into the eating area standing just to the left of the sink…
And this is the same view now…
| floating shelves |
You can read about the inexpensive floating shelves we installed on the wall in the eating area HERE. A few people asked why I didn’t use an antique hutch instead of the floating shelves and I think this wider shot answers that question. There is an antique hutch behind the table! This is the one I purchased at the Lucketts Spring Market and I am so happy with how it fits in the space. It provides great closed storage in the lower cabinets and drawers and then, of course, offers some display space. I would like to add one more shelf so the shelves aren’t so far apart, but I’ll have to find just the perfect pine board and the perfect stain to match.
As far as the functionality of this corner, I cannot tell you how amazing it is to have the table pulled out from the wall and accessible from all four sides. In the “before” kitchen eating area, the table had to be wedged into the corner in order to keep the traffic path open. If we left the staircase where it was, we would’ve had to build a banquette bench or something to make it work, but, even with a small table, it was tight. When four people sat around the table, it felt really crunched, especially if you were the lucky person in the seat against the back wall.
And here is the same view and, I will say, I do not miss that peninsula counter one little bit. The junction box where the swag fixture was installed actually had to stay, so there is a plastic cover over it right now (I edited it out with LightRoom.) Apparently, there are a lot of other fixtures and wiring that run through that junction box, so it needed to stay accessible. I am planning on putting another swag fixture to hang over the table. I think that will add a nice ambient lighting option and is better than having a plastic cover in the middle of the wall.
This new, more open eating area makes the kitchen feel welcoming and like the hub of the house. Instead of “wedge in where you can”, there is the invitation to “pull up a chair!” We’re keeping the small pine table for now, but we could get a larger table now that we have more space and, if we have a ton of people over (for a youth progressive dinner or something), we could set up two folding 8′ tables in the kitchen pretty easily.
Next to the hutch, I hung the vintage French kitchen clock (that my grandparents bought in France) and antique . I know not everyone loves the antlers, but as I’ve said before, they are nostalgic for me and I like them. My mom was helping me arrange and hang them and she was laughing at my antler collection given the fact that I was terrified of the deer head hanging in my Opa’s den when I was little. But, they hit that European vibe I’m going for. In fact, when I was looking around at all of the things I had collected for the kitchen I noticed they are almost all from Europe and England. Most of the ironstone is English, the antlers are from Eastern Europe, the clock is from France, the glass pitcher and many of the tea towels are from Germany, and the list goes on.
I don’t know if I ever properly introduced this pretty pine table here on the blog, but I found it this summer shortly after we made an offer on the house. I knew we needed a small table for the kitchen and I fell in love with this one at an antique shop. The top is pitted, stained, and has cut marks on it, but I think it is charming. I am pretty sure it’s the legs that got me. And, like our antique baker’s table island, there is not much we could do to hurt it! It was a little low, so I added some 1″ brass casters.
While I love these, chairs, they are old and not the best for everyday use, so I’m hoping to move them to the dining room when I find some good, sturdy chairs to use here. (I’m just noticing I need to trim some threads on those slipcovers!)
I’ve had the antique step ladder that is under the clock for years and I’ve never really had the perfect spot for it. Despite that fact, I haven’t wanted to part with it. It’s just such a pretty little piece, although it’s wildly impractical. I can’t even imagine climbing up and standing on it, but this is a nice corner to tuck it in and it’s looked like it could be functional! Just the placement suggests I use it to reach the top shelves.
I painted the trim to match the range hood and upper cabinets, but I’m not sure I like the cream-on-white trim combo. It might be that the cream just isn’t quite right, but I am likely going to change that or at least tweak the color. And, I still need to finish painting the foyer and hall trim. I installed a chair rail and picture frame molding during the early days of the kitchen renovation, but I put it to a halt when we had to completely move out of the kitchen and the foyer became extra storage. It’s nearing the top of my list to finish painting, so I hope to get to that soon. I love that I now have views into the other rooms from the kitchen. It felt so closed off before.
It makes me so happy to see all of my stuff nicely displayed again.
In other kitchen news, our window was delivered yesterday! Hallelujah! I ordered it back in February and it was supposed to be delivered in early May, so it’s so nice to finally have it here. While there are all sorts of little things on the to-do list to call the kitchen “done”, this is the last big project of the renovation. I don’t know when my contractor is going to install it yet, but I’m guessing it’ll go in next week…
Everything looks just beautiful, Marian. I have to ask, do you ever eat off of ironstone or is it only for display? If not, do you ever use it, and are your everyday dishes also white? I have to say that I like the appearance of food on white dishes!
We use ironstone for our everyday dishes, but it is newer ironstone that is dishwasher safe. I do use the older pieces, but some of the very old pieces are just decorative. I’m not sure if the glaze contains lead and it’s not worth testing it out to see! If I do want to use the really old pieces, I’ll use a piece of parchment paper or a tea towel so food isn’t in direct contact with it.
This room is just so pretty. I have to ask, do you ever use the old ironstone and what do you use for everyday dishes, are they also white? I like how food looks on white dishes!
Beautiful! I love your personal touches this is your house not just a magazine shot so put up what you like! I love the cow picture you did, so talented!
Do you ever get nervous with your collections on open shelves with rambunctious teenage boys and their friends? Have you had breakage?
I’m more worried about the curious cats. hahaha
I as thinking the same . We are pretty clumsy and anything vulnerable was sure to get broken !
It must be so exciting to walk into your kitchen now, and have it feel like you!. I love the different displays, and the new antique hutch. It all looks so warm and inviting. I love the rug but cannot have one. One of my cats refuses to use the scratching pole, and would delight in sinking his claws into that rug!
You know, my cats leave those jute rugs alone. I thought it might be a problem, but they are uninterested!
Do you have a pad under the jute rug?
Yes, I use felt pads under all of my rugs. It adds some cushion and extends the life of the rug.
With all of our pets and two boys, I have been the one who has broken most of the ironstone over the years! They have all lived with it for years and I think are just used to it. The things that are most valuable are in the glass-front cabinet in the dining room. I don’t want anything to break, but if something does, it’s just a thing and we enjoyed it. I try to be a good steward but hold onto things loosely.
What a special “kitchen eating area”! Everything is so beautiful. Love your entire new kitchen. So nice to also have a place to showcase the lovely ironstone pieces.
Wow, everything has come a long way! I know how wonderful it is to have your beautiful treasures on display again after them being packed away. Enjoy the spaciousness and beauty of your new, fully-functioning kitchen!
It’s beautiful! I am in love with the table. Love the size! It all goes together so well. And so useful. Great design!
Love the table. I have the one my mother ate on as a child and she would have turned 90 this year.
Everything has come together so well as I knew it would! Your treasures look so beautiful in their new space!
I look forward to reading your blog every day!
Please center that step stool under the clock! The way it’s off-center is making my eyes itch. LOL!
Beautiful!
It is all looking so lovely! Your “new” Hutch fits in beautifully! Looking forward to seeing the new window!
The hutch matches the table so perfectly in color and style! The legs on that table speak to me too! Congratulations, everything is so beautiful and looks so welcoming and comfortable for your happy family 🙂
Beautiful room. Well done. The folks at Rockler have been really helpful at helping me match stain color for old wood projects.
OH Marian!! Be still my heart!! This is so charming, and that corner beckoned for a hutch and table such as this! I’m enjoying all the reveals… I love-love-love your kitchen!! What was your first meal cooked on/in that gorgeous oven?
I’m so happy for you, Jeff, and the boys…and yes! the kitties too! 🙂
I love my new range and have done some cooking and baking with it to test it out. I will share a full review soon!
Love it all! Where did you find that scalloped jute rug? It’s perfect! And how does that type of rug hold up to your pets?
I linked it in the post and will do a post about the rugs in the kitchen to share more about them. I have had braided jute rugs in my house for years and they are my favorite. They wear well, a easy to clean, and forgiving with stains. They are also inexpensive, so when they do start to look tired, I can replace them without feeling too precious about it.
That hutch reminds me of your butler pantry at your Minnesota house! It’s lovely! It kind of threw me for a loop when I saw the first picture. Thought to myself” Wasn’t that…green?” No, I’m just crazy! Looks great!
It is all so beautiful! You certainly have a gift. Woods, ironstone, blue, family favorites, and natural light, all the things for a perfect kitchen! Can’t wait to see the window in.
Nothing like good anchor pieces to bring out a room!! It really looks lovely Marian!! You know that bottom shelf just needs to be raised a little if you can but I love it, esp the Ironstone! I enjoy the European flair you mentioned, I’m in to that too when I can! The main thing is to now enjoy it!! I really am impressed that you both jumped in and made it your own!
What a beautiful transformation-amazing! I love your table and the chairs look so nice with it. Did you make the chair cushions (I bet that’s a silly question for you, you are so talented…)? The rug is perfect, could you please share where you purchased it-just adorable! Thank you for sharing-I always look forward to your channel.
I did make the slipcovers for the chairs and I linked the source for the rug in the post. 🙂
Just love your sitting area everything fits in really well. And you don’t have 1to change anything with your hutch (no additional shelf needed) JUST slide in some big platters 1either in wood or ironstone behind some pitchers. It’s all done move on ! !
I really really adore your choice of kitchen table. That is a perfect choice.
Love your pine table and your cabinet behind! Everything displayed on the hutch is beautiful. So happy to see everything so organized, Marian! I know you have had a fun time just adding all your personal touches to your gorgeous kitchen. You have done a wonderful job with everything. Now you can enjoy your kitchen.
Can I just say the antique pine hutch just makes the room! It was made for that space and moving the stairs to open up the kitchen was the best decision in your kitchen renovation process. Really beautiful and you mastered the European feel you were going for in this room.
Hooray for the window! I’m glad you didn’t end up having to wait until July 😁.
I must have missed it — what did you do with the hutch that was in the kitchen before you found your recent one? I love that it has the drawers and I hope you found a great place for it elsewhere in your house!
Your kitchen looks great!
I moved it into our dining room and I’ll share about that soon!
Love love love your kitchen!!! So cozy, so…..come sit and have a cup of tea!!!!! Love to see all of your collections displayed. So pretty, can’t wait to see the finished room with your new window….
I’m not a fan of modern day hunting or trophy head mounts, but the antique antlers don’t bother me at all. I think that’s because I realize that people used to “subsistance hunt” for survival. So, they add a bit of historical interest and antique character to a room. (Still would not put a trophy head mount, no matter the age, in my house – that’s just gross to me!)
* subsistence
I really love that hutch with the shelves placed just as they are. It makes it look a bit different and gives the eye a rest. It is truly all spectacular. Can’t wait to see that window!!
Looking at the floor plan again, I just realized that you have FIVE doors to deal with in that whole room! That’s a lot of traffic areas for one already busy room! Looks like the lines of travel have opened up.
Yes! There are a lot of different traffic paths to deal with in this kitchen, so a lot of thought had to go into that.
Lovely, timeless, cottage kitchen. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
The kitchen is just lovely! I would love to be in your head as you plan out a space. Did you have a mood board or do you just see this in your head? I’m going back to the early blogs about your kitchen to see if I missed the design process for the kitchen. I can tell what I like but the leap to planning is sometimes missing. I admire your talent and the way you made this feel so homey and yet with the sophisticated European flair.
I had it in my head, but I made sketches and later put samples together and received a mock-up from the kitchen design store I ordered my cabinets from. All of those things were helpful when it came to envisioning the finished space.
I love everything but especially the antiques. The before and after pictures are amazing but still confused visualizing the flow. Would you show a high level of the floor plan?
Your kitchen is precious, very cozy even with all the space. I have a small step stool like yours, and it is sitting right by an antique china cabinet in the kitchen! I have a small lamp raised on books on the top step (Hubby is an electrical contractor and I have outlets out the wazoo). That small lamp is a good night light in my large kitchen if I need it. Right now my large kitchen is full of stuff from the old bathroom, the coat closet/storage room, and a broom closet. All three rooms had crazy plumbing for that one bathroom installed by the previous homeowner. Seeing your kitchen makes me eager to get it all put back where it belongs and get my kitchen back in order!
;//
What I love about this is that it looks like everything has been collected and curated over time. The warmth of the wood of hutch and table (swoon) are a beautiful contrast to the ironstone and copper. It’s all just so lovely and inviting!
I love it all. I immediately imagined a plant in an ironstone pot sitting on your ladder and the new mint green or a white Kitchen Aid with a brass bowl. I’m sure Kitchen Aid would want to sponsor your blog. 👍👏 It’s a really lovely space. You must be soo pleased with how it’s turned out. 😍
Love your new kitchen and how you feature your collections etc. Just a couple of thoughts/ideas based on your comments as follows:
as a professional painter I agree there are probably better choices for the trim colour (the trim seems to have yellow undertones compared to the grey undertones in the wall colour). I have seen people use a glass shelf in an antique china cabinet to provide additional shelving/storage and they made it work by using lighting to highlight their collections through the glass shelf.
Yep, a glass shelf would be a good option…
Your kitchen is not only beautiful but appears to have the best storage options for a kitchen. I love it!
Karen B.
I love your kitchen! I especially love your antiques and special heirloom pieces that you decorate with. It’s so fun to live with antiques and collected pieces! Thanks for sharing.
Hang on to that cute step ladder. Someday you’ll have little grandchildren and they’ll need a “lift” in the bathroom to brush their teeth or to help you in the kitchen. It will be perfect!
Late entry I know but just wanted to say how very glad I am to see your beautiful collections displayed again as well! And for what it’s worth, give me all the European mounts too. Love them! Can’t wait for the window!
Marion, WOW your kitchen is awesome!!!! It is a lot to take in. Just love it. I have been following the progress on your 1970s Reno. I have a request however, I have your Feels Like Home book and love it. As you go forward would you point out the Focal Points and Statement Pieces. I get confused on that sometimes. Thank you. So happy for you. Blessings