![kitchen renovation](https://inhonorofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/219A8665-2-scaled.jpg)
Today is the day we are starting our next big home project! We knew right going into purchasing this home, that the first big renovation project would be the kitchen!
![](https://inhonorofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/219A8674-2-scaled.jpg)
We are in the rendering phase, weighing all options with the space we are working with. We had wanted to tackle a kitchen reno in our last home, but didn’t expect to move as soon as we did. So even though this home has a different style, it is a similar layout to our last kitchen, and I have had ideas that have been brewing for years now! I can’t wait to get started. The reality with kitchens is that it takes multiple contractors, lots of time, and plenty of important measurements to consider.
I will be sharing this renovation process in phases so today, I am sharing first thoughts and design direction…
![pastel kitchen cabinets](https://inhonorofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/green-kitchen.jpg)
Let’s talk color first! I have it narrowed down to a few color options. Unfortunately there is only one small window in the kitchen area. While there are several windows in the eating area, direct light is slim. I love dark and moody kitchens, but am going with a light color due to the fact that I need to feel motivated to cook 178 meals a week. (You know I love to dramatize numbers.) A greige green is what I would choose if we did color. It goes well with our design direction of the new house, and is light and airy.
![](https://inhonorofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ivory-cabinets.jpg)
The second option is a light ivory color similar to Studio McGee’s above (Creamy White by Benjamin Moore). I love these colors with natural wood tones and antique brass finishes. Since this most likely won’t be our forever home I also think of re-sale. White and Ivory are timeless and popular colors for kitchen cabinets. I also think it would pair beautifully with a dark smokey charcoal island.Which of the two above color examples would you go for?
![tall kitchen cabinets](https://inhonorofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/tall-cabinets.jpg)
Cabinet options – We will be working with a local cabinet company on the cabinets, and currently are getting quotes on options. I love the look of open shelves, but practically speaking I would love to have more cabinet storage as well as avoid all of the dusting open shelves entail. These tall cabinets above are a great example of what I would like to do for uppers!
![glass front doors kitchen cabinets](https://inhonorofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/glass-front-cabinets.jpg)
Another cabinet option I considered was glass front doors on some of the cabinets. It’s visually appealing, but only if you can keep it styled;) Soooo, I think I would rather hide all my mismatched plates and chocolate stash in solid front cabinets.
![kitchen pantry](https://inhonorofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pantry-cabinet-storage.jpg)
Pantry – We will be taking out the built in units to make some space for pantry cabinets like pictured above. These will be the same color and style as the kitchen cabinets!
![](https://inhonorofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-Gristmill-Magnolia.jpg)
Backsplash – If I could I would just design a whole home around a French or Spanish kitchen, but even though that isn’t a reality, I can take an element or two to work with our overall goal right? The textured stone background in The Gristmill is the closest thing I can find to what I would love to achieve in the kitchen if we were going with creamy white cabinets. If we go with a lighter green I would keep it simpler.
![](https://inhonorofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/kitchen-cabinet-paint-color.jpg)
Appliances – I don’t want to spend all of our budget on appliances, but I admit I can’t stop dreaming about the one above! However, functional and cohesive with the design is all I am really hoping for! Our current fridge is too deep for the space and since we will be taking out that pantry to move food storage to the other side, I would love to consider a custom front wider fridge. The corner stove we will be moving to where the stovetop currently is in our kitchen, and cornering out the diagonal space.
![](https://inhonorofdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/the-gristmill.jpg)
A wider view of The Gristmill kitchen. I just can’t get over that stone. I will be sure to share the kitchen renderings, budget, plans, and all of the rest as we go! Progress videos we will continue to share on instagram.
Alright, I want to hear your vote on kitchen color below!