Hi Everyone!
Happy Wednesday sweet friends. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. We’ve been in serious Summer relaxation mode recently after previous weeks full of softball practices and tournaments, All star games, projects, and meetings. I made it a point to take a little break so we’ve been sleeping in, binge watching movies, dodging the sweltering heat, and spending quality time together. Its been great, and it was a much needed retreat from the daily grind. As such I haven’t posted anything here on the blog either. I haven’t completely stepped away from social media though, and you can still catch all the bungalow happenings and Shavonda shenanigans on my IG (@sgardnerstyle).
Today I’m here with a little kitchen update. We’ve made some major strides in the decisions department that Im excited to share. Its been a nice long while since we’ve visited the kitchen, and aside from getting the range hood fully installed, nothing at all has happened in there.
As you know, Ive been torn when it comes to the backsplash. The choice came down to a.) simple classic subway tiles, which of course would look timeless and beautiful and are super cost efficient or b.) patterned cement tiles, which I absolutely love and are a bit daring, but are so much more me. In the end I went with my heart and chose the patterned tiles. After narrowing it down to this one (which was a challenge in itself), I was able to get my hands on Jenna Sue’s leftover tile from her One Room Challenge space.
I absolutely LOVE them in person. Deciding on a pattern was a bit difficult because I had to take a couple of things into consideration. Naomi is NOT a fan of florals, but I wanted something with some movement, so I was looking for a geometric pattern that also felt soft. We had to take the checkered floors into consideration, too, so I wanted something black and white but also that wouldn’t compete with them.
Once I got them up against the cabinets and floors I decided things are a little too black and white! Ive decided Ill be repainting the cabinets. Yes, I know I can bring in color with window treatments and accessories, but I already know that’s not gonna be enough for me. I absolutely LOOOVE fun colored cabinets and once I found the tile I knew I just had to do it. Thankfully the kitchen is really small and I only have 5 doors to paint!! Im still trying to decide on a color, but Im extremely inspired by the colors of Morocco so im thinking that will guide my choice.
Im also trying to decide between this freestanding island
and this one
Ive loved the Crate and Barrel one for so long, but that price tag hurts a little. Plus Ive heard its a bit high maintenance. As much as I want a beautiful piece, I also don’t want to have to babysit it. I want this kitchen to be utilitarian and super hardworking first and foremost, so Im thinking the top option might be the better fit. We’ll see.
Ive also decided on these sconces (customized in a matte black finish) and this light to replace the ceiling fan. We will also be removing the upper cabinets and replacing them with floating shelves, having some electrical and drywall work done, as well as having the tiles installed professionally.
Now that we have a plan in place Im really looking forward to getting this space knocked out. That’s about it on the kitchen front friends. Until next time…
Xo-Shavonda
Tyler says
Loooove those tiles! And I love the Target island – I like how open it is.
Shavonda says
Thank you friend;)
Darnetha | ChippaSunshine says
Love that tile! I totally agree with you repainting the cabinets and I hope you pick a great, fun color cause we both know a window treatment isn’t enough color for you my friend! Lol! I really like the target island, it looks really similar to the second one but it has that shelf.
Shavonda says
Thank you sweet friend:)
Kimberly Duran says
I genuinely had to scroll back and forth to notice the difference between the two islands because they are so similar! Go with the Target option, it’s gorgeous and definitely gives the same look for so much less! Also, those tiles? OH YESSSSS!! They are stunning and I can’t wait to see what they look like fully installed 🙂
Oooh what colour are you painting the cupboards?! I’m so keen on painting my own as well but I’m also debating whether to repaint the dining room in a different colour so as one might impact on the other – I of course, frozen with indecision, just do nothing!! lol
xxx
Shavonda says
After getting everyones input Im gonna go with the less expensive model. Theres nothing so different about them for me to justify paying twice the price. Also Im leaning toward either mint, chartreuse, or a coraley orangey pinkish color. Im telling you these decisions totally cause a domino affect.
cassie @ primitive & proper says
haha! you are too funny- but i am in lurve with those tiles.
Megan says
I love that tile!!! I really like the first island. It has an extra shelf which would come in handy, plus if you weren’t comparing them side by side, no one would know the difference after awhile. I can’t wait to see the rest of your updates as you finish them. Good luck! I know you’ll be excited to get things done.
Shavonda says
I do really love the top shelf. I can see that coming in handy for sure!
Jen says
Love the tile. And, frankly, I would go with the Target island. The style is so close to the more expensive option and I think in the long run, that extra shelf will be greatly appreciated, particularly in a kitchen with limited storage. Also, your taste continues to evolve and when you decide to replace it someday, you won’t stress over how much you spent on it. We got a new sofa this year and I got a style I love but on a budget, knowing that I will probably want to change it again 5 years from now and will feel better about it if I didn’t spend a small fortune.
Shavonda says
Hi Jen! You bring up some really great points!! The top shelf will definitely come in handy, and With it being less than half the price of the more expensive option it wont break the bank.