Last week I showed you our dining room reveal; this week it’s all about the kitchen. The space that had the biggest transformation was the kitchen. When we moved into our house, we knew we wanted and really needed to work on the kitchen as soon as possible. It was dark, dingy, and frankly really gross. Plus it was cut off from the dining room and I wanted to be able to see the dining room, deck and patio from the kitchen.
We originally considered refinishing the original cabinets since they were custom made and a beautiful walnut; however, a visit from a carpenter we were told to rip it all out and start fresh. Although IKEA gets a bad rep sometimes in the home design and decor space, their kitchen cabinets are top notch and come with a great warranty. However, they don’t offer enough customizations so we decided to work with Semihandmade for custom cabinet fronts. Semihandmade specializes in creating fronts that fit with IKEA products. They offer an amazing selection of fronts and customizations so you can get exactly what you want. We selected the Walnut horizontal grain fronts from Semihandmade to keep the aesthetic similar to the original kitchen, although updated. We kept the original pulls from the kitchen since they match the doorknobs and pulls in the rest of the house (the original owner of this house really paid attention to details).
If you want the 411 on buying a Semihandmade x IKEA kitchen, definitely read my post where I break down the process and cost.
Pictures by Bethany Nauert
Sources + more below!
I saw this Fireclay backsplash on Pinterest a year before we started our renovation, but I didn’t know the source. We started the renovation and I was still searching for this perfect backsplash and then Alan found it in the final hour. It’s called the Escher tile pattern and I’m in love with it. The folks at Fireclay were so amazing and they sent us samples and our beautiful tile as quickly as possible. The backsplash was installed after the kitchen was completely done but it was well worth the wait!
The flooring and countertop are from Choice Granite & Kitchen Cabinet Company in Pasadena. We wanted to keep the finishes modern but still stay true to the architecture of the house. I love Terrazzo flooring but we couldn’t swing $100/SF for the entryway and kitchen, so we found quartzstone tile that looks like terrazzo and it was only $4/SF. Please note that this pricing is from 2015!
Alan demolished the entire kitchen himself with a bit of help from me. Side note: I was 8 months pregnant and seeing him go to town with a sledgehammer looked soothing amidst all the chaos. So I took a few swings and it seriously was therapeutic. Alan also put together the entire kitchen, from the IKEA boxes to Semihandmade fronts. He literally finished our kitchen the day before I went into labor with Harlee – talk about timing! I’ll be writing up a separate post about the process of buying an IKEA and Semihandmade kitchen (spoiler – it’s easy and fun!).
Kitchen Finishes: Fireclay Tile Backsplash, Semihandmade Cabinet Fronts, Quartzstone counter and terrazzo-like quartzstone floor tile, Ikea cabinet box, Delta Trinsic Faucet, West Elm Pendant Light
Other Sources: Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, West Elm Canisters, Vintage Print, Tea Towels, Hand Soap, Marble Cutting Board, French Press, Cup & Saucer, Wood Cheese Board, Vintage Runner
Check out our Dining Room Reveal and more renovation posts!
I am obsessing over this kitchen! You did such an amazing job and I love how everything came together. Also your pink dining chairs… LOVE 🙂
Xx,
Lauren // http://www.mylifeaslaurr.com
your kitchen is amazing! I’m loving how it ties in with the dining room so perfectly!
xo!
Shelby
http://www.glitterandgingham.com
WOW just wow, that is a gorgeous kitchen! And swinging the sledgehammer MUST be fun! I love the look the backsplash is my fav!
I have seen it in real life. It’s beautiful!
Oh my gosh, I’m in love!!! That backsplash is amazing!
I got here via semihandmade’s instagram. First of all, this is beautiful!!! You did such a great job! Do you have any pics of the Before? I’m having trouble visualizing the layout before based on your description. Thank you!
Author
Hi Susannah! Thanks for visiting! I’m so glad you like our kitchen. You can see some images of the before via this link: https://www.avintagesplendor.com/home-update-kitchen-before-inspiration/ Essentially, where the stove and hood were, there was a wall/backsplash so when I was cooking, I couldn’t see into the dining room. There was a small doorway next to the stove but the kitchen still felt closed off so that’s the wall we knocked down and then extended the counter a bit.
When I’m cooking now, I can interact with the dining room and see into our patio/deck area (we have sliding glass doors all along the other wall). I hope that helps!
So in love with your kitchen! The cabinets are so different!
Your kitchen is FAB! Absolutely love the decor– great job!
Your backsplash is everything!!!! So chic!
This kitchen is STUNNING! You guys did the most amazing job on the reno. Love all your finishes and accents.
xo, Amanda
http://www.aglamlifestyle.com
OBSESSED!!!!!! The kitchen looks gorgeous!!!
xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
I am completely obsessed with your kitchen!! It’s so chic and your decor is gorgeous
Oh my goodness, this is BEAUTIFUL! Now I am in the mood to redo my kitchen!
-Tristan
Would you mind sharing a link or name for your faucet? It is gorgeous!
Author
Thank you, Lisa. This is our faucet: http://bit.ly/2xVkAH2 We love it!
Hi! I’d love to know more details about your floor tiles! We live in OC and could certainly look at the place where you got yours. Could you let me know the name, style, etc? Looks great!
Author
Hi Rachel! We got our floor tiles and countertop from Choice Granite in Pasadena. The style is GT101 which is a quartz tile similar to a terrazzo. I believe it is $9.00 per sqft. This type of tile comes in a lot of finishes. A lot of vendors should carry it, but if they don’t in the OC, then Greg at Choice definitely has it. We decided to do the grout white to keep it looking super clean and modern; however, it requires regular cleaning to keep it clean. I recommend sealing the tile and grout as soon as it’s installed to keep it looking crisp white! I hope this helps!
Such lovely counter tops 😉
– Greg from Choice Granite
Author
Thanks Greg – for everything!
Hi- wondering about that cabinet hardware?
Beautiful modern kitchen. Came together really well.
Author
Thank you Leslie! The hardware (cabinet pulls) are from the original kitchen. They match all of the pulls and handles in the house so we kept them.
Oh great! My house (1962) had similar original hardware- chrome in the bathrooms and copper-plated in the kitchen, dining and hall. Sadly, the kitchen’s hardware is pretty corroded. Not sure if I can get them replated, or what.
Author
I think you should try to get them replated. Our kitchen hardware was covered in a layer of lacquer that my husband cleaned one at a time with a solution and scrubber. Lots of work, but well worth it!
I will let you know if I do!
What color grout did you use with the Escher tiles? It looks amazing.
Author
Thank you Janet! I don’t remember the exact color but we selected a darker grey. I believe the color is readily available since we picked it from a box of grout colors from our installer. I hope that helps!
Love this!
Thank you for sharing… love how your kitchen turned out and I’m still trying to convince my family to with ikea cabinets.
Can you share what kind of kitchen sink you installed?
I’ve been looking at these cabinet doors by semihandmade. I’m curious how they’ve held up?
Author
Hi Angel. It’s been 3 years and the cabinets still look great! We’re so happy with our kitchen and everything is still working and looking like new. I hope that helps! xx
Where is your kitchen light fixture from?
Author
It’s from West Elm! It’s an older style, but it looks like they have a similar style now: http://bit.ly/2DuBdhh
I love you countertops. Do you recall what color they are? We are looking to do a similar theme in our reno and debating between a couple of whites by MSI quartz. Your kitchen came together beautifully. Love your style!
Author
Thanks Jenilee. The color is “Snow White”. I hope that helps!
Came across your kitchen on Pinterest! What did you do for flooring? We’re looking to do a white floor!
Author
Welcome! 🙂 We went with a terrazzo looking white quartz stone. It’s perfect for a mid century modern aesthetic. I hope that helps.
Hi! Do you have an exhaust system in the kitchen? I notice there isn’t a hood over your stove. I’m wondering what you did instead. I have a similar problem where our stove has to go on the kitchen island and I would rather not have a big range hood in the middle of the ceiling. Thanks!
Author
Hi Kat. Our exhaust is called a downdraft and is located behind the cooktop. We push a button and it pops up and runs and then we push the button for it to go down behind the cooktop. It’s the BEST thing ever. I hate hoods that hang down so we are very happy with our decision. Here is a link to a similar exhaust duo. https://www.bosch-home.com/us/productslist/cooking-baking/ventilation/downdrafts/HDD80050UC?breadcrumb=dominoventilationmodule
Hi there,
I am rehabbing my mid century home and have been on the hunt for floor tile that looks like terrazzo (and doesn’t break the bank). I came across your blog and kitchen reveal, which is positively gorgeous, and reached out to Greg at Choice Granite. Unfortunately , he quoted that tile at $17/sq foot. Are you sure that was the vendor you ended up using? I only ask because you mention a lower price. Really appreciate any additional info you might have.
Thanks so very much!
Author
Hello! Thanks for reaching out. Yes, the pricing is accurate. Did he quote you $17/sf with install or just the product? Our install was and the subfloor was extra. Also, we redid our kitchen 4 years ago, so not sure if prices have gone way up! I’d definitely recommend reaching out to several other companies for pricing. I think you should be able to find that flooring for cheaper for sure. LMK if you have any other questions!
Hi, I just happened across your gorgeous kitchen redo pics and love the backsplash, do you recall what color it was?
Thank you very much,
Jennifer
Author
Hi Jennifer
Thank you! We got the white Escher pattern for our backsplash. I hope that helps!
I really love your kitchen! We were also thinking of doing walnut cabinets with escher backsplash. I was wondering if you could tell me the type of counter top that you used for your kitchen?
Author
Hello. Thank you so much. We got a white quartzstone for the counter. It’s super durable although it requires regular cleaning to keep it white 🙂
Thank you! One led question: how did you get the built in look with matching open shelving/cabinet in the upper cabinets? Ikea cabinets are all white?
Author
The open shelving is also from SemiHandmade 🙂 They offer such great and seamless options for open shelving and fronts.
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your remodel with everyone. It’s absolutely beautiful. Do you remember the color of grout you used for your tile backsplash? Thanks so much xo
Author
You’re welcome. I don’t remember the color. It’s a medium grey if it helps!
Hi – I love your floor! I noticed in your previous post that the style was GT101. Do you recall the manufacturer of that floor tile? We’re in Texas and wanted to try to order a sample if still available. Many thanks!
Author
Hi Mary! Thanks so much. I don’t recall the manufacturer. Have you tried searching for quartz stone fabricators and cross checking the style or color? I’ll dig through out old paperwork again and see if I can find the info.
We have searched the manufacturers listed on the Choice Granite website and have not had luck identifying. We also left a voice mail and emailed Choice Granite but have yet to receive a response. Any help is much appreciated!
Good morning! I have been in all of your kitchen for many months as I have planned my own remodel. This is hopefully a simple question, but what color paint did you use? I will keep my cherry cabinets and use a light Terrazzo floor plus the same backsplash, but paint is so hard to pick out! I like your clean white. Thank you so much.
Author
We used Silent White by Clark & Kensington for the kitchen. It’s the perfect white paint – not too cool or warm. I hope this helps. Good luck with your renovation!
Beautiful kitchen and sunny love it all!! What color stain is the floor?? Exactly the color I want.