Get inspiration for your kitchen renovation. Add function and charm with creative storage ideas and charming touches to make it the heart of your home!

One of our biggest projects planned for 2023 is renovating our tiny builder grade kitchen.

I have been drawing inspiration and sketching out plans, but this week we have our first meetings with a contractor and designer! I have done so many happy dances having these things at least on the books.

We are starting so basic here, even painting the existing cabinets would be an upgrade. Some things on the “must have” list – having microwave out of sight, a pull out garbage can and appliance garage. Hopefully these aren’t to much to ask within our budget.

Today I’m sharing a bunch of images that have been inspiring me for this space. You’ll notice in this inspiration, there is a lot of mixing of metals as well as painted and wooden materials. From cabinets, sink and tiles the final decisions will be tough!

Park and Oak

Park and Oak created a perfect kitchen design maximizing a variety of different textures and elements. While I’m leaning towards a neutral cabinet color, I really don’t want stark white. I love that this blue/grey adds some interest while still acting as a neutral base.

The blue undertone in the cabinets adds a nice coolness to the warm wood tones and brass fixtures. Also note the seamless blend of metals – from the brushed nickel bridge faucet, to the polish brass light fixtures and the more antiqued brass cup pulls. Chef’s kiss! (Cabinet Color: FARROW AND BALL Lamp Room Grey No. 88).

Park and Oak’s website is full of endless kitchen inspiration – definitely worth browsing if you’re looking to add texture and character with your kitchen renovation.

Humphrey Munson

An appliance garage is high on the want list for our kitchen update. I’m digging the countertop cabinet accordion doors (or even pocket doors) with pantry storage on top and hide-a-way appliance storage at the counter level. I’m envisioning this set up as a replacement for our bifold door and wire shelved pantry. Humphrey Munson’s design here is great kitchen inspiration to keep your ugly things all hidden away.

Jean Stoffer

When it comes to kitchen’s Jean knows best. In my opinion, this is the PERFECT mix of metals and contrasting colors. It’s so fluid that you almost don’t even notice that there is both black, brushed nickel and brass all in the same space.

I also love the contrasting use of white and black countertops. A taupe kitchen cabinet color is definitely a consideration for our kitchen, but I love how Jean cooled it down with the gray and white subway tiles (Notice the herringbone pattern in the European style hood… cue all the heart eyes!)

Melissa Kristyne

One tiny detail that I’m pretty married to are cafe curtains! How cute are these DIY curtains by Melissa?

We have a large window in our kitchen that’s both a blessing and a curse. A curse in that it limits our ability to rearrange the kitchen without getting a permit to shorten the window, so might as well make the most of the light it brings in.

Full on curtains block so much natural light in the south facing room. Cafe curtains, however, would give us a little privacy without sacrificing sunlight.

Cabana Rehab Interiors

Another tiny detail that I’d love to incorporate is a brass gallery shelf. Even if it’s just one my heart would be happy!

Melissa with Cabana Rehab Interiors created this beautiful gallery rail shelf set up. I love how the open shelves bring a casual, airy vibe. To keep things feeling less crammed in a small space I think a little bit of open shelving would be perfect!

Maddox in the Middle

Speaking of open shelving ….

With budget in mind I came across this genius kitchen inspiration from Alexis over at Maddox in the Middle. She cut down antique cabinets and used them as countertop cabinets (you know, the upper cabinet that sits on top of the counter?) I loved her creative and savvy approach to this must have design detail in my kitchen plans.

In in kitchen inspirations search I have some across so many beautiful countertop cabinet ideas, but this is my favorite DIY approach.

Now to find a contractor who will see eye to eye with all my crazy, bespoke design dreams. I’m not trying to trap myself in another builder grade kitchen that’s just move with the times. I’m craving some character!

With the right design and timeless touches I’m confident, you too, can create a kitchen that withstands the test of time.

Leave a comment letting me know what your favorite element is in the inspiration photos.

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Girl Behind the Blog

I’m Jess, the creator of Oak & Grain. A mid-west girl at heart who now resides in Raleigh, NC. I love finding old things and giving them new purpose by way of refinishing or incorporating unexpected, overlooked thrift store finds in the modern home. I work full-time in medicine and I love dipping into my creative side and in the process, keeping my sanity. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see more behind the scenes action.

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