If you’ve ever visited our old 18th century Cape, you already know that space is at a premium. So when our old wooden countertops started to look like they needed replacing, we sought to make as few layout changes to our already optimized kitchen as possible. (See before photos here and here.) The open kitchen and dining room also serve as a focal point in the floor plan, where we entertain guests and spend a good deal of our own time, so we wanted to give the room a consistent, put-together feeling. Not having the budget for a complete overhaul, we decided that updating our existing Ikea cabinetry with a fresh coat of paint would allow us to find a nice Carrara marble for our counters and backsplash. Thanks to a very generous wedding/Christmas gift from our family, we were also able to update our old, mismatched refrigerator in the process.
The new, cool blue/grey color palette gives the kitchen a classic, minimal feel, and when combined with replacing the microwave with an over-the-range hood, opens the room up a great deal. (Yes – we’ve actually lived without a microwave for over six months now, and surprisingly haven’t missed it yet.) I love the way the cabinet’s deep blue color changes with the day’s light, while providing a strong contrast with the walls and counters. All in all, we’re very pleased that just a few changes (countertops, paint, and updated refrigerator/faucet) went such a long way toward improving a room where we love to spend so much time.
Sources:
Wall paint: Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White
Upper cabinet paint: Benjamin Moore Super White
Lower cabinet paint: Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray
Marble: Midcoast Marble & Granite (adored them!)
Faucet: Delta
Refrigerator: Fisher Paykel
Art: Calligraphy “ABC’s of Cocktails” print by Li Ward & Popham Beach photograph from the print shop
All photos by Meredith Perdue for Map & Menu.
*jaw drop* This is STUNNING! Like, major magazine worthy. You should submit it! Supremely impressed!
So beautiful! Having just seen this in person, I can say I love these photos but especially love the warmth guests feel when visiting your kitchen!
Your kitchen is gorgeous! I love it!
Stop!!! I cannot! I’m in love! We are having major kitchen envy! So well done and very you two! :) Beautiful!!!
Yay! I’ve been waiting for this post and it looks even more beautiful than I was expecting! The lower cabinet color is so unexpected and elegant!
Beautiful :)
And I’m sure it’s even better in person!
LOVE.
I love how you styled the kitchen. The Farmhouse Pottery pieces are a nice touch, and I’m crazy about the paint colors you chose. This makes me curious to see the rest of your house. :)
beautiful!
This looks awesome!! Absolutely love it!
Meredith and Michael, this is absolutely gorgeous. What a change! I am in love with the two tone cabinet color. And those counters!!
Send this kitchen to a blog!!! Wait until they see your bookshelf in the living room with color categorized books. Holy Moly!! Puts us all to shame!
Where did you get the shelf? Thanks.