I am sharing with you my white kitchen inspiration & initial design thoughts on my kitchen transformation.
Now that we’re a bit further into the design process for our kitchen, I thought I would share some progress and initial design thoughts. Along with that, I thought I’d share some of the white kitchen inspiration photos that are helping us narrow down our final look.
I’ve been working with a local designer, Erica Bryant Design, who is then coordinating with local tradesmen on the various design projects that need to be completed. We had pretty specific design plans in mind, but given this is our first kitchen renovation, I knew I wanted to work with an expert to bounce my ideas off of and to ensure we weren’t making any serious mistakes.
If you’re new around here, you can read my last kitchen post that digs a bit more into our specific needs and why we are making updates. At this point, I’ve met with the designer, cabinet maker, trim guy (who would also install the windows), and then today I’ll be meeting with a painter. Here is how our kitchen looks:
This is my last mock-up of a potential design:
We still have a lot of decisions to make, but I feel like we’re making great progress!
White Kitchen Inspiration
Following are some of my favorite polished white kitchen inspiration photos that are helping steer our final design decisions.
We’re talking about doing x-front uppers like the kitchen below from Studio McGee, while the remainder are all simple shaker style cabinets like these. I also love the mix of grain bin pulls and functional knobs on the cabinets.
A wider-angle view of the kitchen above. These are likely the barstools we’ll be using as well (more details below in the design section).
I’m loving the shape of the range hood in Randi Garrett’s new kitchen. The design of her lower cabinets is also very similar to what we’re looking for:
I love the simplicity of the painted white backsplash in this kitchen from Blackband Design:
The timeless look of this island from Ambert Interiors is very similar to what ours will look like when it’s lowered to one level. I’m also really liking the color of this particular one:
I would love to replace our countertop stove with a legit range like this one below from Pure Salt Interiors, but I’m not sure it’s in the budget. I love the serene simplicity of the backsplash below, as well. It adds a touch of glam without being over the top!
I’m envisioning our window wall a bit like the one below from Monika Hibbs, minus the sink. We would just have lower cabinets and a countertop workspace.
This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Initial Kitchen Design Thoughts
Following are some of our initial kitchen design thoughts. They could still be scrapped once bids come in but I thought it would be fun to share what we’re initially thinking versus reality once the budget strikes 🙂
- I’m so happy I reached out to a designer. There are so many things I hadn’t thought thru and it’s great to have a designer that also has a lot of local contacts and one that acts as a contractor/coordinator of sorts. If you’re looking for one in your local area, I think it’s easiest to start by word of mouth or to look on Houzz for top-rated designers in your area that have the look you’re going for.
- The kitchen cabinets will all be white. The island will either be white, a light gray-ish blue, or a warm greige color. I initially was leaning towards navy blue, but I feel like that would be a bit too much contrast in the space.
- We will be lowering our island to one level, and then widening it by about two feet to accommodate a fourth barstool. Since we primarily eat dinner at our island, the extra seat will be so nice when we have other couples or our parents over!
- Our existing thermofoil cabinet doors will all be removed. Several are bubbling and peeling and we have heard mixed thoughts on whether or not they can be painted. For the cost, it’s nearly just as cost effective to have new doors made as it to have ours painted (which may not actually even work)
- We will be going with a basic shaker style cabinet front. As mentioned above, the upper cabinets may have the x-front detail.
- We will be removing our small metal range hood to go with a custom white wood range hood. Because it will require more space, we will also be removing some of the upper cabinets.
- As long as the bid comes back reasonably, we will be removing the wall of upper cabinets where the microwave currently sits and replacing it with a large window. We may also be adding a window to the pantry to allow for some natural light.
- The microwave will be moved regardless. You guys gave us a lot of great ideas in our last kitchen post, so we’re still finalizing exactly where the microwave will go. But for sure, it will not return to the random shelf in the middle of the cabinets.
- We will be adding upper and lower cabinets in our pantry to accommodate a prep space of sorts. This basically means Kurtis will be leaving all of his breakfast prep requirements (waffle maker, protein powders, oatmeal, etc.) in the pantry on that countertop.
- We’ll likely go from three island pendant lights down to two so they have a bit more bulk and don’t block the view of the TV when you’re standing at the sink. I have mixed thoughts on the lighting style though. I’ve contemplated the Darlana Pendants to coordinate with our dining room light, but I’ve also thought of trying something totally different. Following are a few options I’m considering. You can click on any of the images to learn more about each item:
- I’m also fairly certain we will be using these bistro counter stools, since our current barstools will be too tall when we lower the island to one level.
- We want our countertops to look like a warm marble like Calacatta Gold. At this point we’re leaning towards a quartz that will give the same look.
- We still need to really talk about backsplashes. I’m leaning towards a really simple white beveled subway, but because we need so little with the new design, it may be a fun way to add in a pattern or unique tile.
I’ll plan to check back in on the project once we have all the bids back and a more realistic expectation as to what can and can’t be done!
If you would like to follow along on more of my home decor, DIY, lifestyle, travel and other posts, I’d love to have you follow me on any of the following:
Pinterest / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Google+
disclosure: some affiliate links used
Pam says
Just a thought for your kitchen design….We went with a drawer pull out microwave and absolutely love it! Not a lot of extra cost but so functional and keeps the microwave more out of sight. Enjoy your designing!
Sarah says
So many people seem to love those! We’ll definitely be considering that as an option!
Kerry says
Love looking at these pictures as I’m also dreaming of what our changes will be when we are ready to pull the trigger. Ours is current white, but the layout is SO crappy. The one thing I would encourage you to think about (based on our current kitchen) is moving the sink under the window. Here’s why I say that. Our stovetop is in the middle of one side of our island (the other side is a breakfast bar so unusable as chairs and kids and crayons usually cover it). As such, there’s really no true prep space. Having the sink under the window will allow your island to be a true prep space and having it right there by the stove for whatever goes on the stovetop and in the oven would be helpful. Just a thought!!!
Sarah says
Thanks for the thought Kerry! We actually talked about it, but it sounds like we’d then have to move the dishwasher too, and that may be a bit out of our budget since it would require moving the water lines as well. I would LOVE to have a window to look out when doing dishes though!!! We’re hoping that by lowering the island that it will free up some prep space on the island that we don’t otherwise have.
Marty Oravetz says
Oh I can’t wait to follow along.
Sarah says
Thank you Marty! Have a great weekend!
Jessica says
All those decisions to make! I’m excited to follow along, good luck!
Sarah says
Thank you so much!
Wendy says
Randi’s range 😍😍😍
Sarah says
Isn’t it stunning?! I just wish it weren’t so far out of my price range 😉
Diane Sayler says
One thought on the white island…I have always loved them but ended up going with a wood stained island in our new home. A friend did white and it’s so pretty but she hates how beat up it is getting from people sitting at the island. Just a consideration.
Sarah says
That’s great feedback. Thank you Diane!
Melissa says
Would you mind sharing what you plan to budget for your remodel or what each item will be as a percentage of the budget? I ask because I plan to do minor kitchen reno (new countertops, backsplash, painting cabinets) soon and it would be so helpful to have numbers in mind! Thanks for considering!
Sarah says
Once the numbers come in, I can definitely share some of the details! I still feel a bit in the dark on it too since this is our first kitchen reno.
Nancy says
Love the addition of the window!
Sarah says
I love the idea too! Kurtis still isn’t convinced 😉 #shocker
Carrie says
I have never commented before. I love your site but the ads that pop over your pictures are driving me crazy! Please get rid of them.
Sarah says
Thank you for the feedback Carrie! I’ll definitely check with my ad network ASAP as they should be happening very infrequently. Thank you!!
Linda Grubbs says
Oh boy ! This is going to be so fun to follow! I’m loving your choices so far!!
Can’t wait to see how it all comes together. I love it when you start a big project like this!!!
Sarah says
Thank you Linda! It’s a bit stressful to tackle a project of this scale, but I’m definitely excited too 🙂
Kara says
I’m loving all of your ideas! This is going to be beautiful and it makes me want to overhaul our cabinets! We recently installed marble-looking quartz countertops and I couldn’t be more pleased with the look and durability. You can clean them with anything and don’t have to regularly seal them…best part is they don’t get those awful looking water marks! I vote quartz for price and easibility.
Sarah says
Thank you! And I’m so glad to hear you are loving your countertops. I’d love to hear which ones you got if you don’t mind sharing!