We made some progress these past few weeks on our kitchen decisions so I thought I would fill you in today! We still have a few undecided areas so feel free to chime in in the comments if you have thoughts or suggestions. So, let’s get to it!
The Range & Range Hood
I alluded to this in yesterday’s weekend recap, but we’re at a crossroads with our range. We met with our kitchen designer last Wednesday since we need to finalize a few things to get the ball rolling. One of those items is the discussion of appliances. We initially weren’t going to replace any of them. They’re about ten years old, but all seem to be in good working condition. I’ve always wanted an actual range and it was mentioned that if I ever plan to get one, it made no sense to have custom cabinet doors built that may be torn off if I do a range once our cooktop dies. If we did a range, that would eliminate the need for one of our double ovens, which means we could then move the microwave to that area. The microwave was still a major discussion point – pantry or pull-out drawer on the island. We’re already going to be losing a fair amount of cabinet space with the window, so losing drawers too didn’t seem to make the most sense.
Suddenly getting a range seemed like it may be a better alternative. We ran to Nebraska Furniture Mart and scoped out options. The ones we are considering are not cheap, so, we’re definitely back on the fence about it. Ultimately, that’s the route we want to go but we have to decide if we invest now or down the road (which would then also require us to pull cabinets and cut out some of the new countertops). This is a major decision we have to make in the next day or too since it does change fabrication of both the cabinets and the countertop.
The range hood that is being built is 36″ so we’d likely go with a 36″ range if we go that route. That would help break up the long row of base cabinets you see above.
Countertops
We made major progress in our countertop decisions over the past few weeks! If you recall, we were flipping back and forth on marble or quartz or granite. I was thinking I wanted marble, but Kurtis was really worried about the durability and staining/etching aspects. But I think we found a quartz that will look even more beautiful and be significantly more durable!
We narrowed it down to these three selections rather quickly: Frosty Carrina, Statuario Maximum, and Calacatta Nuvo.
It may be a bit hard to see in photos, but we loved how the Calacatta Nuvo had a bit whiter of a background with some gray and warm beiges swirled in. It was exactly what we were looking for! It also definitely helped that Martin’s Countertops had a sample kitchen set up using the product, so we could see the veining in a much larger scale. How cool is this wine holder they added on this one?!
Side note: I didn’t even know Martin’s Countertops existed until our designer recommended swinging in. We’ve been to several other shops on the southern side of Omaha, but this one is up north for you locals. I love that not only do they have a nice show room with tons of samples, but they have tons of slabs you can look at out in their yard. We’re working with Tony Nogg and he is amazing. It was the first time Kurtis had met him, and as we were leaving he said “I really liked that guy!” So, just a little plug for him if you’re local. Especially since we’ve been struggling lately in so many construction/service areas to find dependable people that are timely and follow through when they say they will!
I’m most excited at Tony’s description of the beveled edge. Basically, the quart would come in the stand 3 cm thickness. But, they can fabric a 2″ lip on the perimeter, essentially making it look like the slabs are that much thicker. They showed us samples and we were blown away. Since they match the pattern up, you’d have no idea that this is part of the fabrication process, and not the actual thickness of the counters. So excited for this part!
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Sink Options
I’d love feedback on this one. We know we want to go to a single-bowl sink, but we keep going back and forth on whether or not we want a farmhouse style apron-front sink or just an undermount sink that’s one large bowl. We’d likely go cast iron either way so it will look white. Thoughts on this one? Good or bad experiences with either?
Barstool Options
I’ve continue to think it over, and I’ve ultimately decided to with these barstools. I think they navy blue will add a fun pop of color to an otherwise neutral space.
Pendant Lights
This is another area where I’m completed stuck. If you recall, I originally thought of doing Darlana Pendants to match our dining room chandelier. But I’m not actually sure that’s the look I want in the kitchen (especially since I’d love a lantern in our entryway eventually). I’m just worried it may look a bit matchy-matchy. Here are a few looks I’m considering, but still don’t think I’ve found “the one”.
Backsplash Options
We still have mixed thoughts on our backsplash. With the new setup – lowering the bar and adding a window on the area where the microwave currently sits, we’ll only need backsplash on the wall with the range. In other words, not very much at all! So, this allows us to get something that may otherwise be overbearing. We were originally leaning towards a white beveled subway tile (although Kurtis prefers the non-beveled variety) we’re now wondering if we should go with something with a bit of a pattern. I’m willing to go with something a little more trendy/less classic here, since it would be an easy and rather affordable update down the road if we wanted to change things up. I’m thinking something subtle though, like a grayish-blue and white cement tile or a handmade subway with a bit of color. We need to run to a few custom stores in town to get a better feel for what’s out there. But here are a few options that have the vibe we’re considering. I’ve included direct links under each one if you want more info.
Again, these are just very conceptual at this point until we have a chance to see what’s out there and see some samples in person.
Island Color
Another big decision we have yet to make is the island color. I was originally thinking I wanted navy blue, then I thought about just doing white. Now I’m actually leaning towards a mid-tone grayish blue. Since a portion of ours will have to be replaced, I’m thinking I’m going to just put some samples up on our current one to test them in the natural light. With the island being lowered in most areas, the thought of color doesn’t scare me quite as much. I would prefer it lean a bit more blue and Kurtis would prefer it be a bit more gray. So this one may end up being a last-minute decision!
I’m actually super frustrated with Pinterest lately. 90% of the pins I click on are basically click-bait so I can’t ever find the real information I’m looking for. I have found so many beautiful kitchen islands but can’t ever find the original source to get paint colors and it feels like I keep going in circles. I even try reverse Google images searches and since Pinterest basically out-ranks everything I only get links to every folder the image is on. #sorryfortherant So, I’ll just have to go with a little trial and error. Here’s a quick idea of one I was able to get the source on:
I’ve long been obsessed with these interior doors. The colors has been hotly debated, but the owner/designer insists it’s Benjamin Moore Cape May Cobblestone. If you look at the sample it’s closer to a muddy gray/taupe color but Kate says it turns blue in certain lights. So, it may be another one to consider!
We obviously still have a lot of other decisions to make like hardware, faucet, pot filler vs. no pot-filler, window style, etc. We’re just trying to get the base decisions made before moving on further. I’ll keep you posted in another week or two as we continue to make decisions!
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What you just told me may very well change my entire life. Thank you SO much!!
Life on earth can sometimes be too short…go for the range! Sounds like it may prevent a lot of hassle down the road anyway!? 😊
Hi Sarah!
Are you changing the floor plan at all? Opening the pantry up? The window is a great idea. Wayfair has tons of cement tile options—even amazing wallpapers. Lastly, love the little silver pendants. Have fun with this project.
Jen
We have a single basin farmhouse sink and I love, love, love it. Who knew a single basin would be so much easier?! I like the character the farmhouse sink adds although I wouldn’t describe my home as “farmhouse”. As for back-splash, I like the idea of the blue/gray colored handmade subway tile. I think those bold patterned ones are cute in very small spaces (laundry room?) but personally, I’m already so over that trend. 🙂
Oh and I really like the first pendant light you posted!
Don’t use marble. We had it around our bathroom sinks in a newly-built previous home, and after a short time, it looked so bad my handyman husband had to re-seal the area every month or so. It was frustrating.
I would go and buy whatever you think you will replace in the next few years (range, etc.) because every decision now impacts every decision ($$$) and construction mess in the future.
Also, like Katie above, I am also “so over” the patterned tile trend.
Interesting posts!
Go for the range! But please don’t go with the wine holder, it would take away from your classy new kitchen.
Great post! Thanks for the shopping tips for locals it is very helpful. I agree to do all the updates now & not wait. It’s cost us more money in the long run by taking the easy way out & then having to re-demolish & make the upgrades we wanted to do in the beginning. Plus the mess again.
Have you looked at Houzz? They have made it really easy to shop through their site. https://www.houzz.com/
I do think Pinterest needs to do some updates as the same happens to me.
I like all your lighting choices but I agree that you haven’t found the perfect one yet. Love seeing & hearing about your process.
I would have to agree with the comments of others about the patterned tile, and to be honest, it doesn’t seem to go with the vibe I see in your home overall. So far as the sink issue, whether you go farmhouse or undermount, the biggest plus is the large, one basin sink. I don’t have farmhouse style but I love the large size of my kitchen sink. You will like it regardless of the style. So far as appliances, you seem to be suggesting you want to go with an upscale expensive model. Are you very sure of your reasoning? My purpose in asking is that I have frequently read that those models are not only costly but require frequent repairs and expensive parts that are not easy to get. Have you considering finding a more common brand but going with their most upscale models that give you that same look, have good durability and are easy to repair if need be. I happen to like Bosch and my dishwasher has been amazing. Almost 10 years now with absolutely not one issue. When I replace my appliances again, that brand will definitely be in the running. All just my thoughts but design is always exciting!
Hi Sarah, I agree with most here that you should definitely go with a range now rather than later. How frustrating would it be if your 10-year old stove top went out within the next 1-2 years! It’s been my experience that 10 year old appliances are living on borrowed time. I LOVE your barstool choice but the first thing I thought when I saw them was my cat would use that open weave as a scratching post (we’ve had a cat(s) over our nearly 50 years of marriage and that has always been part of the decision making process when making furniture fabric choices. Of course, if your cats are solely indoor, declawed cats, then you don’t have to worry as much. Your kitchen is going to be so beautiful!!
I’m remodeling and we went with the undermount Koehler Smart sink. It has a smaller separate basin for the garbage disposal and a large side sink. It was also half the price of the farm sinks we looked at.
I agree about not going with the wine holder. Too many cuts in your surface (more $$$!!!), plus the bottle necks would be sticking out, beyond the even/flat surfaces, I think? Also, I’ve had both under-mount and farmhouse sinks. i vote NO on the under-mount bc too many hidden edges and spaces under the rim of your counter surface where the sink meets it, for bacteria to build up…yuck!
Three comments! 1. That wine holder cutout is SOOO cute! 2. I would go with the blue or gray island…we went with a darker stain and love it but a friend has mentioned how dirty her white one is getting. 3. We went with a big bowl undermount (non apron front) and I love it. I prefer the cabinet front. We got the Blanco SilGranit Super Single and it’s amazing. Highly recommend and consider a dark color – it hides EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and pops nicely against the lighter counter.
Agree. We did the large single silgranit sink in dark grey with marble looking quartz countertops. LOVE the sink – never shows watermarks and always looks clean. It is deep and hides dishes too. I will never go back to a double sink again.
I really hate it when my search results return pinterest pages as well, so I did some digging and found that you can add “-pinterest.com” to the end of your search term and it will exclude any pinterest results! Yay! 🙂
Sorry but the wine holder does nothing for me. I have a huge double sink with one side being twice as large as the the disposal side sink, my sink is White inside and it is cast iron. Who knows why the builder chose this sink. It is now 20 years old and still in great condition but so big, ha!
You might want to check out Wirecutter for reviews on ranges, they have some good reviews. I have a slide in range and still love it, will have one again when the time comes. I don’t care for the free standing ones, it seems to take away from the backsplash. Maybe go with something classic on your backsplash, those Blue tiles will maybe go out of style sooner than later.
such pretty pretty options! Just a funny note, we were watching episodes of some reno show I can’t remember, and THREE of the couples on different episodes chose…navy blue island and white cabinets! Don’t get me wrong, I adore navy and white. My dining room is Hale Navy with white wainscoting but I worry that too much in the kitchen will start to look trendy. Even though navy and white is so classic! Tough call.
We put a giant cast iron undermount Kohler sink in the kitchen in our last house and I miss it so much (we have a divided stainless steel now). The basin did have a small (maybe 2-3 in.) divider for keeping debris on the disposal side, but minimal enough to allow for big platters, turkey roasters, etc. It was maybe $250 at Lowe’s, and all the farmhouse sinks were north of $1k. I’m on the fence about the look of an apron front but my bigger concern would be that the front could get chipped, and that would drive me nuts. On some of the other items I vote: get the hood, Hicks pendant, love that Cobblestone paint as shown but could it be photoshopped to get that color? I wouldn’t get a busy tile pattern in the kitchen, but maybe do a herringbone (or other) install pattern with a simpler tile. We had a marble subway tile in a non-standard size that I loved – that way you get the look of marble, but without the maintenance hassle of it as a counter top. Good luck!
We went from an undermount to a farmhouse sink with our recent kitchen remodel. I liked how it broke up the line of cabinetry. I think it is mostly an aesthetic choice so pick whichever one calls to you most. Although if you do an undermount, check out Thrifty Decor Chick – she put in a shallow hinged cabinet where the false panel in front of the sink goes – it hides all the sponges and stuff that usually sits next to the sink. I always thought that was brilliant!
This was a fantastic post! We get only the best granite cuts and were located in Omaha, NE. Granite and Cabinet Nation also has a showroom!
Check us out!
Your kitchen is literally everything I want in a kitchen! interior design goals! I particularly love the sink and the marble worktops!
Incredible kitchen designs. I would’ve never seen these changes, you have quite an eye and creative talent. I love it.
Enjoyed reading your blog. I saw your pin about the countertop choices – so had to read as we are in the middle of the kitchen plan for our little condo. I usually spend Saturday mornings (3:30 AM today) looking through Pinterest for kitchen ideas. When I saw your links to local Omaha vendors for countertops, I jumped out of bed, showered, and told my husband we’re going to Martins Countertops! So glad they have Saturday hours. We were there by 9AM opening and who helped us – Tony N. He was unaware of your post and the link to their website. It was fun to share with him – I told him he was famous. 🙂 He was very helpful and we made a countertop decision then and there – now I just need the plan from our designer. Glad I found your blog – very timely.
So happy to hear that! Thanks for the feedback and I’m glad you were able to meet with Tony. Good luck with your kitchen renovation!
Thanks for sharing your advice in home decor. Do you have a photo of the Caesarstone samples shelves in a higher resolution to show the stone names clearly? I am very interested in the beige and grey colors in the top few rows. The display shelves are organized in such a good way to show the samples all side by side to helps one see the differences in hue and hint. It does the job even better than the official Caesarstone website. I think it would be too much a favor to ask you to list out all their names for my further research. Your help would be much appreciated.
Hi! Unfortunately I do not. I took that picture close to six years ago so I no longer have the original to zoom in on. I’m guessing the rack may be similar for many Caesarstone dealers so one near you may be able to point you in the right direction. I hope that helps!