Kitchen Remodel Inspiration: A Peek into the Curbly House Renovation

We’re making significant progress on the Curbly House project, and the next couple of weeks promise to be pivotal in bringing our dream transformation to life. The past week was largely dedicated to finalizing our selections for kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and fixtures. While the complete room reveal is still a bit away, I wanted to share a glimpse into the design inspiration that’s guiding our choices.

The Inspiration Behind Our Kitchen Remodel

Our goal is to create a kitchen that’s both functional and beautiful, a space where cooking and entertaining become a joy. We’ve gathered inspiration from various sources, focusing on elements that will create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Initially, we were drawn to the idea of incorporating gray base cabinets for the kitchen island, contrasting with the white cabinetry throughout the rest of the space. However, after careful consideration, we decided to maintain a consistent color palette. As you may recall, we’re significantly expanding the kitchen’s footprint by extending it into the dining room. This new layout will transform the kitchen into a cook’s and entertainer’s dream. To ensure a seamless integration with the existing house, we opted for white cabinetry, matching the wood trim found throughout the home. This choice will create a sense of continuity and flow. The white cabinets will also brighten up the expanded space and provide a classic, timeless look.

Choosing the right cabinetry was a crucial step, and we spent a lot of time researching different styles and finishes. We wanted cabinets that were not only beautiful but also durable and functional. Ultimately, we selected high-quality cabinets that will stand the test of time and provide ample storage space.

Bruno and I are excited about the prospect of adding a butcher block countertop to the peninsula. We believe it will introduce warmth and an organic element to the kitchen. The butcher block will help connect the kitchen to the adjacent dining area and guide the eye towards the newly landscaped backyard. We’re partnering with Lumber Liquidators to find the perfect butcher block style, and we’ve narrowed it down to two options: maple and cherry.

Which one do you like best? We’re eager to hear your opinions! The maple offers a lighter, more neutral tone, while the cherry provides a richer, warmer hue. Both options would add character and charm to the kitchen.

If you have butcher block countertops in your own kitchen, we’d love to hear about your experiences! Please share your thoughts and tips in the comments below. We’re particularly interested in learning about the maintenance and durability of butcher block.

Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Paint

Paint is an essential element in any room renovation, and the kitchen is no exception. The right paint color can transform a space, creating a mood and complementing the other design elements.

We’re painting the entire downstairs a warm white color: Sherwin-Williams Simple White. We used this color in our own home and are thrilled with its warmth and how it interacts with natural light.

In addition to the wall color, we also repainted all the trim in the house using Pure White SW 7005. We used a new paint product called Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. It’s suitable for both interiors and exteriors and boasts a smooth, durable finish that’s ideal for doors, trim, and cabinetry. The paint was easy to apply, provided excellent coverage and leveling, and didn’t leave any stickiness after drying. It’s become my new favorite paint for trim and cabinets. The durable finish is crucial in a high-traffic area like the kitchen, ensuring that the trim will withstand daily wear and tear.

Selecting Fixtures and Appliances

The selection of fixtures and appliances plays a significant role in the overall look and functionality of the kitchen. We’ve carefully chosen pieces that will complement the design aesthetic and provide years of reliable service.

We’ve opted for brass and black fixtures for the lighting and hardware, and all of our appliances will be stainless steel. The kitchen will feature a mix of metals, which we believe will create a visually appealing and sophisticated effect. The brass fixtures will add warmth and elegance, while the black hardware will provide a modern contrast.

The stainless steel appliances will provide a sleek and modern touch, while also being easy to clean and maintain. We’ve carefully selected appliances that are both energy-efficient and high-performing.

Staying on Schedule

To our amazement, we’re currently on track to have the house back on the market by October. Staying on schedule was a major concern for Bruno, and while there’s still a good chance we could fall behind, we’re all pleasantly surprised and excited that things are progressing as planned. Our electrical and HVAC work is complete (including new air conditioning!), and our cabinets are scheduled to arrive in just over a week. This will give us plenty of time to close up the walls and tackle other necessary touch-up tasks. Proper planning and organization have been key to keeping the project on track. We’ve also been fortunate to have a reliable and efficient contractor who is committed to meeting our deadlines.

Next week, while our contractor begins sheetrocking the kitchen, we’ll be moving in all the upstairs furniture and preparing those rooms for photography. Another major task for next week is refining the landscaping. I’m excited to share the significant progress we’ve made on the back and front yards. We’ve added new plants, installed a patio, and created a welcoming outdoor space.