Our Kitchen

The kitchen often sets the tone for a home and that is no different in our house.  It’s the first place we head to in the morning for our daily coffee, where countless meals are made, and the days’ events discussed.  Where bottles are washed and baby food is pureed.
When we began designing our home, the only room I had a clear vision for was the kitchen.  After pouring over decor magazines and design blogs for about a year, the images that kept appealing to me over and over had three things in common {white cabinets, white subway tile, and carrera marble counters}.  After living in a townhouse with dark wood kitchen cabinets, black granite counters, and forest green walls, I knew I wanted a kitchen that was light and bright.  We configured the floor plan so that we could have a kitchen window and ended up with two:)  I’m so happy with how our light and bright kitchen turned out.
Come in, come in!  I can’t wait to show you!

image
In an effort to keep the kitchen from being too blindingly white, we went with dark hardwood floors and island, and stainless steel appliances.  The marble is gorgeous, but we do have to be careful with it.  It scratches and stains easily.  I realized early on that I had to “let it go” or I would go insane noticing every tiny flaw.  To keep my sanity, I typically keep two large cutting boards on the island to prepare food and set things on.
The island was also designed with two shelves to hold my cookbooks, a second small sink for food prep (which is actually really handy), and three deep drawers on the far side.  I love these drawers!  The top one houses plastic bags, foil, plastic wrap and measuring cups/spoons.  Second drawer holds Tupperware and the bottom one keeps paper towels.
image
The far cabinet doors are glass to give the space an open feel.  That is the cabinet I keep our daily dishes like plates and bowls in, so it’s always organized.

image
This little area to the left of the fridge is command central.  It’s where the coffee is made every morning and where I prepare my oatmeal.  Our coffee mugs and glasses are kept in those cabinets.  The microwave was originally intended to sit at the cabinet height, but that is too tall for this shorty, so we moved it to below.  I will have to safeguard it since we have a little one that will be into everything soon.
image
image
On the opposite side, is the double oven and range.  I think our range is similar to this.
It’s nice to have a combination of drawers and doors for storage.
image

image

If you continue past the oven, you’re into the “mudroom” and the pantry is on the right.  Out the door is my garage.
Table, shower, media 012
And we opted for one large farmhouse sink.  Love the natural light that the windows provide.
Table, shower, media 018
We wanted the kitchen to open to the living room, but not completely, so that you still have a little separation.  I like how there is some divide between the rooms.  The pendant lights (one of my absolute faves) are from Lighting Inc. in Houston, Texas.  They really add that bit of drama and are what most people comment on when they come over.  They also look really cool at night.
image

image

If you have any questions about our kitchen, let me know and I’ll do my best to answer them for you.  You can see my inspiration kitchens here.

**********

 

You Might Also Like

Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

121 Comments

  1. I could look at those pictures all day long. The farmhouse sink is wonderful. And I love how the bottom cabinets underneath the cook top make it look more like a piece of furniture. And my all time favorite has to be those lights. BEAUTIFUL.

  2. Gorgeous!!!

    When we save and I get to sledge hammer the cabinets and start fresh, I'm thinking farmhouse sink but not sure how I will feel about not having two bowls so you have to let us know how you like it!

  3. Your kitchen is beautiful! I always love a light and bright kitchen… you nailed it, girlfriend! 🙂

  4. You guys did a beautiful job on pulling all what you wanted. James is going to have fun with that microwave hehe. Do they make locks for microwaves? My daughter is going with white cabinets in her new home (Ikea though…budget) but is going with dark counter tops. She would LOVE your kitchen, but is compromising for her husband who likes dark counter tops.

  5. It is GORGEOUS!! I have kitchen envy! I love the contrast of your dark floors & island with the white of the kitchen, and the sliver of the fixtures. Amazing.

  6. Every time I see your kitchen I fall in love again! My in-laws just put in marble in their kitchen and my mother-in-law was complaining about how dirty and flawed it can seem, until she discovered these marble wipes. I'm sure you have probably heard of them, but if not they come in a container like clorox wipes or anything like that does and she just goes over her counters at night with them and they seem to do a great job of keeping them clean and polished. Regardless, it's a beautiful space!

  7. Your kitchen is my dream kitchen!!! We are going to be building a new home soon and my wants are the same as yours were…white cabinets, subway tile, and those dark hardwood floors. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

  8. your kitchen is unbelievable! i could just stare at this space all day long! what wonderful memories are about to be made in your kitchen!

  9. Your Kitchen looks so relaxing. I love cooking and baking and spend a lot of my time in the Kitchen. I could seriously spend ALL day in yours! 🙂

  10. Your kitchen is one of my favorites of all time — It's everything a kitchen should be and will be going into MY inspiration files. 🙂

  11. The lights over the island are a show stopper! The whole kitchen is! Every thought and detail you put into this is perfect Megan. I would love to cook in that space.
    One of my favorites too!

    Londen

  12. Your kitchen is my dream kitchen! I also love the marble countertops, but I don't think I could keep my sanity so I am thinking of going with soapstone when we redo ours. Do you ever leave that room?

  13. That is one seriously gorgeous kitchen! and great staging and picture taking too! 😉

    xo, cass

  14. I love it. Really love it. My dream kitchen also has white shaker cabinets, white subway tile, darker hardwood floors and a big cast iron farmhouse sink… One day when I get to design my kitchen, yours will be one of my inspirations.

  15. I love your kitchen. It is absolute perfection!

    I am new to your blog and it is fabulous! Adding you to my favs now! And I am a fellow Houstonian! Fun!

  16. Ahhhh gorgeous! I'm so jealous! I love the brightness and the pendant lights are FAB!

  17. It's just beautiful! I love your pendant lights, but your apron front farmhouse sink is my favorite! I loooooove those!!!

  18. Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful! I know you're loving your new house–and you're doing a wonderful job making into a stunningly lovely home. Congratulations!

  19. Not only did you do a fabulous job on your kitchen but your photos are fabulous too. I love everything about it and I love peeking at your gorgeous staircase through the door.

    My friends just got the carrera marble and I warned her about it. I know it is really tough especially in a real home with real people, but if you are careful, it sure makes a statement. Enjoy, enjoy. I just posted our kitchen remodel a month ago and have it on my side bar. It is really fun to cook in a new kitchen isn't it?

  20. I absolutely adore your kitchen! It has all of the elements that my dream kitchen would have in it. I, too love the lights above your island, they are so perfect.
    I love the marble, but I think it would be too much upkeep, it is so gorgeous.
    Hugs, Cindy

  21. You did a fantastic job on your kitchen. I was wondering what color the walls are painted. It looks like a soft grey in the picture.

  22. Gorgeous kitchen!!! Love the marble counters and the dark hardwood floors against the white cabinets! We chose similar colored floors in our vintage kitchen- and we have original painted white cabinets as well! So I think the choice is perfect!! 🙂 I have a decorating inspiration party at my blog on Fridays if you would like to join in sometime! 🙂

  23. Now that is a gorgeous kitchen. I love the white cabinets. So crisp and fresh. After looking around I had to become a follower, Yay! Thanks for sharing.
    Brooke

  24. I want your kitchen!!!! GORGEOUS!!! I also want your stair way. Basically, I would love to have your house!!!!!

  25. Very nice. We have very similar tastes in kitchens. We went with white cabinets & a dark island as well & I'm so glad we did. It's the perfect combo in my opinion. I love your marble countertops, too. I was too chicken to go with that, so I have white granite on the island instead. With 4 kids, I didn't want to worry myself to death!

  26. wow, wow, wow! Absolutely stunning! Your whole house is just gorgeous and looks like it came right out of a magazine! Amazing : )

  27. The kitchen is so pretty and to me, the marble makes it even more elegant. Hope you'll stop by and see our upholstery ideas. Jane F

  28. Your kitchen is stunning. Love all the thoughtful storage and it is still pretty. Beautifully done. Hugs, Marty

  29. Wowza…Your kitchen is gorgeous…truly could be found in a magazine! 🙂 I looove what you've done to make it so very special! Debbie @ Cottage Hann~Me~Downs

  30. sidebar…closet envy. lol We just bought a new home and got the same stair iron banister. Your entire home is lovely and the kitchen is spectacular.

  31. Megan You have done an amazing job designing a dream kitchen. Simply gorgeous! I featured this today. Stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Thanks so much for linking to The Sunday Showcase. I greatly appreciate it. Hope you enjoy your week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

  32. It looks very nice. I'm just wondering why you chose white countertops and backsplash with white cabinets? I think something with a little of the color in your wood floors would have really made your kitchen pop.

  33. Megan your kitchen is absolutely beautiful and I will use it as inspiration. You can come and redesign mine any time.
    BTW, your baby is adorable.

    Denise

  34. I just have to keep telling myself that I love my kitchen, I love my kitchen, I love my kitchen. What that really means is I love your kitchen, I love your kitchen, I love your kitchen…

    :O
    ButterYum

  35. Love the kitchen post too!
    We have the same light fixtures over our island! I ordered them through Lighting Inc in Austin….I noticed you had purchased the wonderful closet pendant from Lighting Inc too….
    also, we have Carrera marble on our island….and supposedly our contractor "honed" it for us….but it's starting to look splotchy after 3 yrs….do you have a secret for keeping the marble looking nice?
    Love your blog!!

  36. Does the marble really stain easily? I remodeled my kitchen about 5 years ago (can't believe it's been that long) and I wanted the marble and they told me it stains so I went with another top instead and always would think "why didn't I get the marble?"

  37. Your home is perfect. Even the coffee maker is sitting on a little placemat (?) with the beans in a glass jar next to it. How cute is that! Think I will copy your idea!

  38. Quick question — what is the size of your kitchen (dimensions) I am just trying to figure out what size room I would need for my "dream Kitchen" and work from there

    thanks

  39. mbw- the microwave was originally going to be mounted above, where the cabinet is, but because I'm so short, it would've been more awkward for me to get hot food out of there. The under-counter microwave is perfect for me, although my husband isn't crazy about it. Also, my son is starting to want to touch it.

  40. I love your kitchen! It is amazingly similar to what we have planned for our new house. I do have a question, how do you like the under-counter microwave? Is it difficult to get things in and out and use the controls?

  41. LOOVE your kitchen! white kitchens are something i'm so drawn to as well – it leaves you more open for decorating (and food looks prettiest in white too!).

  42. Megan- I love your kitchen! I'm about to do some major work in our kitchen & living… put in hardwoods, paint cabinetry white, subway backsplash and change granite out. I've decided on everything but the counters. I LOVE the look of the marble but am wondering if its practical with 3 small children. We are finalizing choices this week and I just got cold feet 🙂 What all do you have to be extra careful with on the marble? What kind did you go with? Does the honed marble do better with scratches? Any thoughts or tips would be very helpful! Thanks so much!

  43. Megan,
    Your home is beautiful and I love your kitchen. It makes me want to come over and have a cup of coffee with you! So warm and inviting! I am a new follower and I would be honored if you visited my blog. I love your blog. Your son is just as adorable as can be.I am the Aunt of 27 so I know a thing or two about adorable! Thanks for sharing.
    Nancy

  44. I love your home so much and am so glad I found your blog. We bought a 50 year old Southern looking Colonial that we are in the process of remodeling. I am doing white subway tile in my kitchen (with black granite countertops). I'm curious … did you go with the artic white or snowy white tile? What color are your cabinets painted? And, last question .. I'm deciding between beveled edged subway tiles are flat? Any thoughts?

    THANK YOU!

  45. Beautiful! I keep coming back to your kitchen as I am going through several blogs for inspiration photos-can you tell me what paint colors you used for the kitchen cabinets, trim work, and walls? I am starting my kitchen/family room update and colors are so daunting!

  46. Gorgeous kitchen! Such an inspiration for the dream kitchen we are going to build in our new home. I have a question with regards to the faucets and drawer pulls. I really want brushed nickel or that satin finish to the handles and pulls, but the faucets I like are polished chrome. Can you suggest how to make this look pulled together and not mis-matched? Thanks!

  47. LOVE your kitchen and that you were not afraid to do white carrera countertops! Do you find they are easy or harder to maintain? I work in a kitchen showroom and have clients asking all the time, but have never had it in my personal home. BEAUTIFUL!

  48. We are currently moving into a new home and the first thing on my to-do list is paint my cabinets white and stain my island a dark walnut. Could you give me the specifics on the color stain you used and what color paint you painted your walls? I love the color!!!
    Thank you so much!

  49. WOW! I can't believe it has taken me this long to find your blog and now this kitchen-oh my!!!!! I'm your newest follower-stop by for a visit!

  50. What color did you use on your walls? My cabinets and trim are going to be the same white as the white subway tiles and my counters are a quartz which looks very similar to White carrera marble. I'd like the walls to be an off white and yours look great. Please share!

  51. Hi Megan! I love your pendant lights, and I am looking for the same for our kitchen. Do you happen to recall the name of the pendants? And, do you know what size you have? Looks like they are maybe 11 or 13 inches???

    Thanks!
    Angie
    angiersullivan@yahoo.com

  52. I've followed along for awhile, but am somehow JUST NOW seeing your kitchen. I DIE. Seriously, it's absolute perfection – exactly what I've wanted for our dream home. Great job!!

    And my brother and sister-in-law just got those exact same pendant lights! Love them. 🙂

  53. Your kitchen is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing all the info. I am looking for pendant lights like yours. You said they are from Lighting Inc. Do you remember the name of which one you got? Love them! Thanks so much.

  54. Hi Megan,
    I just found your site when I was looking for images of white kitchen cabinetry. We are in the process of a remodel and picking the right white paint will probably be my hardest decision in the whole process. It is easier for me to find a picture and go with that than pick an unknown color from a 1 inch swatch. I absolutely love your white kitchen. When I went to SW for a swatch of Divine White, I was quite surprised how tan/beige it was. Your pictures do not seem to show that. Do you think your cabinetry has a beige tone? Would it have been a camera flash that may be changing the color in the pictures? I would love to know what you think. I of course would have the painter do up a couple sample boards, but I am just trying to narrow down to a couple colors. I LOVE carrara marble and would like to use it on the backsplash, but don't want a white that my clash.

    Tracy

  55. Hi Megan,
    I just found your site when I was looking for images of white kitchen cabinetry. We are in the process of a remodel and picking the right white paint will probably be my hardest decision in the whole process. It is easier for me to find a picture and go with that than pick an unknown color from a 1 inch swatch. I absolutely love your white kitchen. When I went to SW for a swatch of Divine White, I was quite surprised how tan/beige it was. Your pictures do not seem to show that. Do you think your cabinetry has a beige tone? Would it have been a camera flash that may be changing the color in the pictures? I would love to know what you think. I of course would have the painter do up a couple sample boards, but I am just trying to narrow down to a couple colors. I LOVE carrara marble and would like to use it on the backsplash, but don't want a white that my clash.

    Tracy

  56. Wow..what a beautiful kitchen, I'm so afraid designing w/white cabinets w/white counter tops, but you did an awesome job. Love Love all the wonder natural light that does say "come on in, grab a cup of coffee and let's catch up"

  57. Hi! Your kitchen is beautiful! I am also wondering what color to choose for my cabinets to tie in with Carrera marble. What color did you use on your cabinets?

  58. I absolutely love your kitchen! It's classic, but still modern. Question, are your cabinets white or ivory? I've been toying with the idea of using ivory cabinets with a granite that has similar coloring to the carerra marble. Not sure how it would look. Any suggestions?

  59. Loving your kitchen too. We have bright white trim in our home (moldings, baseboards). Is your trim white or did you do your trim in the Divine White from SW too?

  60. Love you kitchen. I have been thinking of doing a "white" kitchen. Our trim in our house (baseboards, molding, windows) is bright white. Is your trim white or the same creamy color as your Divine White cabinets?

  61. I read your entire story and it reminds me of me! We now live in a small townhouse with brown granite and dark small square glass tile backsplash that was put in by the previous owners. I painted the cabinets white (previously oak) but since we plan on moving in the next year left the rest. I hate browns and dark colors especially in a kitchen and love a bright white kitchen as well. I cannot wait to do marble and white cabinetry with subway in our next home and your pictures have given me even more inspiration! Thanks for the great pictures and story 🙂

  62. Just found your blog. Love, love your kitchen! We are building next year and the one thing I am sure about is I want, no I need white cabinets! I am so excited to start designing my house. 🙂

  63. I just came across your blog and am in love with your mudroom and kitchen. I am in the process of building a house and have had a hard time finding cabinets that have doors that are inset or flush. Do you mind sharing the cabinet maker or brand of your cabinets? Thank you.

    1. I have a pair of those pendants over my kitchen island. I love them too! They are the Pelham Pendant by Hudson Valley Lighting HUD2212PN in polished nickel.

      I had the Restoration Hardware Harmon pendants in my last home, but I like the shape of these so much more.

  64. Do you remember if you choose a white, off white or ivory for your cabinets? The color looks so pretty. I'm having such a hard time deciding what to do in my own kitchen!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *