At the beginning of this year, we started looking at the possibility of moving. We toured several houses, made a couple offers and with the housing market as crazy as its been – they all got declined. Then, when mortgage interest rates recently skyrocketed, we decided to wait for the market to right itself. In the meantime, we figured we’d turn our efforts towards projects that will help make this home into something we really love. So, whether we’re here for another one, two or several years – I’ve got some exciting projects planned that I think will make a big difference! Starting here with the Kitchen.

We’ve already done several things to this kitchen. Take a look at what it looked like before we moved in vs what it is now:

Oh man, those photos from before always take me back! Notice the upper cabinets, the windows, the lights, the ADDITION OF AN ISLAND lol and the new appliances! So, what are we changing now? Let me tell you!

What I’m Changing in Our Kitchen.

Backsplash, Shelves, Range hood and Upper Cabinets.

These are all DEFINITELY changing. Ever since we removed two of the upper cabinets and replaced them with open shelving (two years ago), I’ve been itching to get rid of the remaining! So we’re going to remove the remaining upper cabinets and replace them with something better!

Before installing the new shelves, though, I’m going to build us a new range hood and install new backsplash which I’ll take up to the ceiling. These changes alone will make a huge difference as I think they’ll help make everything look more centered, more open and.. well.. prettier!

Here are the two backsplash colors I’m deciding between:

And here are some inspiration photos for the new range hood:

And here’s two inspo photos what I’m trying to decide between for the corner of the kitchen: a hutch or corner open shelves!

Which would you choose?!

Flooring.

Our kitchen flooring has bothered us ever since we moved in. Actually, all of our flooring has, to be honest, lol! We hate that there’s two different flooring types breaking up the open concept downstairs and the fact that they laid the kitchen tile matchbox style instead of with variation. But we are finally planning to do something about it.. and I’m so excited!!

Beam?

I have this as a question mark because I’m not 100% positive I’ll be able to pull it off yet. But do you see that sort of boxed enclosement above the existing range hood and cabinets? I thought about trying to remove it, but the hubs says he thinks there’s ductwork back there and that is has to stay. So, I’d love to see if I can make that look like one big, old, beam. I don’t know. I’ll be able to get a better idea of what it would look like/how to do it once we take down the existing upper cabinets!

Doorways.

There are two open doorways leading into the kitchen – one from the entryway and one going into the dining room. I’d like to add some character to these areas by possibly adding archways.

There are also two doors in the kitchen – one for the pantry and one leading out to the backyard. They eventually NEED replacing.. but I’m going to see if I can convince G to do that sooner rather than later 😉

Refrigerator Casing.

This is is another one I’ll have to asses as we go, but I’d love to hide the side of the fridge by building a casing.. and maybe even building a deeper cabinet for above. Something that will make the whole thing look more finished and clean. If we stay here long term, I’d love to replace our fridge with a counter-depth one, but for now the one we have is just fine and I think I can make it a little prettier! This will depend, though, on whether I’ll be able to move the base cabinet which is currently next to the fridge over a couple of inches. As is, there is just no room for any sort of addition… So to be continued on that one!

Base Cabinet Trim.

We have enough room on our base cabinets to add some trim to the outer faces to make them look a little more finished. So that’s what I’m going to do! I think you’ll be surprised at how big of a difference this will make!

Wall Treatments.

I’m looking at doing either a faux stone treatment or possibly a vertical shiplap on the walls with the backyard door and the fridge/pantry. I saw Zenia of @styleitprettyhome create this beautiful accent wall in her own kitchen and I fell in love! If I go for the stone look I’ll use what she used – or I’ll do something more simple like shiplap. But that will probably be the last thing I tackle in this reno!

What’s Staying the Same.

If money were no object I’d swap out our countertops for quartz, get fancier appliances and an apron sink but we’re not made of money over here 😉 That’s okay, though! I think the changes that are coming will still make a HUGE impact!! So, for now, the appliances, sink and countertops are what is staying the same.

Quick Recap.

Alright, so just to recap it all, here’s a quick list of things I’m planning to tackle (in somewhat order):

• Remove upper cabinets and current open shelving
• Build range hood and install new range hood insert
• Install archways
• Redo backsplash, taking it up to the ceiling
• Install new open shelving
• Create fridge casing
• Add trim to base cabinets.
• Create shiplap or faux stone accent walls
• Replace doors
• Replace flooring

And here’s what I’m keeping the same:

• Countertops
• Sink
• Appliances

So there you have it! Have any questions or suggestions? I’m all ears!

When does it all get started? I’ll be ordering what we need for tile this weekend and will also order the insert for the range hood. I believe the range hood will be here within a week, so the prep and demo may start as early as next week! EEK, I can’t wait! Be sure to follow along on Instagram stories for the process and updates!!