As we talk about our new home and decide what we're going to do decor wise and with design features in structural, big items I have myself wondering why in the world am I so set on the fact I need a perfectly manicured kitchen? I mean yes, a woman and her kitchen is a love language in itself and I've always been excited about having one to share memories of baking in with my kids but now that it comes down to designing it, I'm so frustrated I feel I can only have a stark white area with marble counter tops and the best subway tile or herringbone back splash.
I wasn't able to sleep last night so I was up praying about our home journey and where we are now from when we started the process of looking in January. It was just laid on my heart so heavy that I desire all these costly materialistic items because I subject myself to this blog world. All I see are the amazing, beautiful and airy kitchens where cost doesn't matter. I don't get that. We are smart about our money in every aspect and if we can suffice and create the same memories with a formica counter top versus quartz or granite, why the hell not go with something that's more cost effective?
Of course I desire to have a lovely home but I want people to feel welcomed and comfortable when they walk in, where they feel like family and can simply kick back and relax. I don't want something that's too pretty to touch or where people are afraid to get it dirty. Nothing against those who have those bright, beautiful kitchens, but I've come to the realization I can't maintain that while staying sane. I'm coming to grips with a dark cabinet, durable counter tops and a space mapped out perfectly for Sunday brunch.
I'm excited by the prospect of reworking the mentality I had beginning this process and thinking practically for our lifestyle. It's a challenge I'm willing to take on and I can't wait to see the final outcome in a home that's perfect for us.
I love the idea of dark cabinets with light counter tops! :)
ReplyDeleteRight there with you - I have actually stopped following some blogs/instagrammers because their lifestyle is so far from my own. Nothing against these women, I just can't bombard myself with unattainable (at least right now, hopefully) spaces. Also, you need to do what's right for you and your family, not what everyone else is doing!! :) That picture you posted is beautiful; I would be thrilled if that was my kitchen!
ReplyDeleteYes! That's totally my mindset, as well!
DeleteI feel ya! We are at a stand still for our kitchen renovation because we go back and fourth on white cabinets, or dark cabinets. Dirty (future) baby fingerprints on dark cabinets, or white cabinets that I'm paranoid about messing up. At the end of the day, we aren't fancy people and a fancy kitchen would not be us.
ReplyDeleteSeriously! We're so laid back and focused around entertaining, I want to be sure our home reflects that... oh, the decisions!
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Oh Aubrey, I feel for you! All these gorgeous kitchens decked out with all the finishes seem to be the norm these days. We did a full kitchen renovation 2 years ago and I'm still so in love with it. As in, I would do this exact same kitchen in our dream house! And, it only cost us 5k. We went with a laminate counter, but it looks just like marble! I think the color is actually called white carrara. I love the durability of it and we get compliments on it all the time. We also went with Ikea cabinets (which I LOVE and the quality is amazing- they've help up so well. Our extended family members have gorgeous custom cabinets that have help up terrible compared to our cheap Ikea ones!). We also did a subway tile backsplash with gray grout and I splurged on brass hardware to give me kitchen that "high-end" look. I couldn't recommend what we did enough. I think I have a few pics of it on Instagram (@kelseydesign) but maybe I'll post another one and tag you in it! Best of luck to you! I know how stressful this whole process is. xo
ReplyDeleteOh, Kelsey! This is great information. I've always admired IKEA kitchens when browsing but didn't know if the quality would last. Thank you for sharing!
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From someone who works in the cabinetry business.. Dark cabinets show ALL fingerprints!! And streaks when cleaning. Lighter is the way to go unless you have your heart set. We are in the process of planning our kitchen renovation (also with Ikea, as Kelsey recommended above) and are going white with marble-look laminate countertops, cheap subway tile, and inexpensive but high-impact hardware. It will stand up well, but won't cost a pretty penny. Hope that helps :)
ReplyDeleteWhen we were home shopping, I LOVED the look and the idea of an all white kitchen but when we found our perfect new place to call home I ended up with a dark kitchen! Even though I loved the thought and looks of a white kitchen, every house I liked an could see us living in had darker wood cabinets. I totally agree with you, it's got to be whatever you think is going to be practical for your family! Now that we're here and settled, I'm so glad I don't have a white kitchen. It'd make me go insane!! Good luck with all the decisions to be made!! :)
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