Before and After: Kitchen

When we bought our house, it was beautifully decorated inside. The previous owner was a decorator, and she did a BEAUTIFUL job. There was just one thing- it wasn’t my style. Have you ever put on an outfit that didn’t feel like you or your style? I have, and I’m uncomfortable the entire time.

When I started our kitchen re-do, I ran into some neighbors on the street who were very familiar with the house before. One of them asked what I could possibly be doing to the already beautiful kitchen?! Hopefully, if this question were asked today, I would try to politely disengage from the conversation and say something like, “oh, minor stuff,” but I didn’t. I engaged. (ruh-roh) I said I was doing a black and white kitchen, to which the neighbor condescendingly responded something like, “oh, like ALL the kitchens on HGTV.” And whether or not it was her intention, her comment hurt my feelings and made me second guess myself. But, first of all, what’s wrong with HGTV?!?! I love HGTV!!! And I certainly don’t turn my nose up at the talent I see on their shows. I find so much inspiration from it!! But let me step back from my knee jerk reaction for a bit and say something- the kitchen before was clearly this neighbor’s style, but it wasn’t mine. I love that she loves her style because that means when she sits in her home, her heart sings! But God makes us all different with different tastes and preferences, and no one style is better than the other.

So here’s what I learned, whether it’s “in” right now or “so HGTV” doesn’t matter because I love it, and it makes my heart sing! I get to raise my kiddos in a home that feels like ME. And when I look around, I think about all the fun I had creating this space with my friend (@ashleygoforth) and sister (@tellittoyourneighbor). I get to remember how I told them my vision and they listened and helped guide me! I’m grateful for a roof over my head to make happy memories in a home that feels like me. Sometimes, I feel like I can get caught up in worrying if this style is “in” or if this style is in the current issues of design magazines, when none of that matters!! Not only does it not matter, but differences in style and decor are the spice of life! So here’s to a black and white “HGTV kitchen” because I LOVE it, and it makes ME happy! Anyway, I’ll get off my soap box and get on to the good stuff!

Here are my before and after photos…

Before:

After:

I’ve always loved black and white kitchens, or what I learned are sometimes referred to as “tuxedo kitchens!” I had pinned so many black and white kitchens on Pinterest through the years that I knew it was exactly how I wanted to paint my kitchen.

Before:

After:

When we decided to purchase a larger oven and refrigerator, we were left with no room for a pantry. Thankfully, we were able to find a hollow wall on the far end of the kitchen to add one. Ashley found these fabulously sleek barstools at CB2!

The breakfast room is what lit a fire in me to finally share the before and after photos of my home. Since we took these pictures, this room already looks very different. I have a new kitchen table and a new sofa for seating, as well as a new coffee bar! A sofa at the kitchen table sure does make a cozy spot to do homework and eat dinner. I’ll try to post it soon!