While it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific shade for this kitchen, ‘grey blue’ or ‘blue grey’ might be acceptable descriptors. Alternatively, one could simply say ‘bluish grey’, acknowledging the subtle blend of both hues. The end result is a unique and captivating space that perfectly captures my vision for this renovation.
This project marks the third kitchen renovation we’ve undertaken (you can find our previous endeavors here, here, and here), but it’s the first time we’ve ventured into custom-painting cabinets. I must say, I’m thrilled with the outcome!
Gutting the Kitchen and Laying It Out
Our vacation rental’s floorplan shares similarities with our personal home’s layout. While there were some differences to consider, we had a solid foundation for planning the kitchen renovation. The primary goal was to create a functional space that could accommodate many guests comfortably. To achieve this, we approached the design with a focus on the property’s intended use. A key decision was eliminating the soffits to allow cabinets to reach the ceiling.
This design choice not only eliminated unnecessary dips in the ceiling but also contributed to an illusion of increased height and spaciousness. In fact, it’s a technique I always implement in home renovations, as it makes a significant visual impact. To further enhance the sense of openness, we opened up the walkway between the kitchen and formal dining room. By relocating the fridge and widening the passage, we created a seamless connection between the two areas.
This design element has been effective in both our personal and vacation rental properties, as it adds to the overall feeling of airiness and makes the space feel more expansive.
Choosing a Custom Cabinet Color
When designing the cabinets, I was inspired by the blue-grey aesthetic with gold accents, reminiscent of the kitchen from Addison’s Wonderland. To achieve this look, we opted for a custom paint blend, which proved to be a wise decision. Despite feeling like a risk at the time and requiring some extra effort on my part, I’m thrilled with the final result.
If you’re considering custom painting your cabinets, don’t hesitate to take multiple swatches and have them applied to wood to get an accurate sense of the color’s appearance. It’s crucial to let it dry before bringing it into the space, as the lighting can significantly impact the overall effect. In fact, I learned that comparing swatches outside or in another room is a recipe for disappointment.
Laying Out Our Grey Blue Kitchen
The kitchen renovation was a comprehensive overhaul, involving the removal of everything and replacing it with new floors, cabinets, appliances, and more. The extension into the nook space allowed us to install a wine fridge and utilize the L-shaped countertop as a functional eat-in area for guests.
One of the most exciting aspects of the renovation was transforming the previously unused nook space into an inviting eat-in banquette.
Although I wasn’t able to do this in my personal home due to patio constraints, we were able to make it work here by commissioning custom benches and creating a cozy seating area that can accommodate up to eight people with additional chairs.
The remaining awkward corner next to the banquette was repurposed as a charming coffee cart. This small space proved perfect for housing a stylish bar cart from Target, which I embellished with finds from both Target and Home Goods.
ROOM DETAILS
When it comes to designing the perfect kitchen, one often overlooked but crucial element is the bar cart. A well-chosen bar cart can elevate the entire space and provide a convenient spot for socializing or enjoying a quick snack. In our own kitchen design, we opted for a sleek Target floor-to-ceiling unit that seamlessly integrates with our decor. The Wayfair handles add a touch of sophistication, while the sink, faucet, and pot filler from the same retailer blend in harmoniously.
To complete the look, we chose stools from a similar brand and incorporated subway tile from Lowe’s in a beautiful herringbone layout.