Kitchen Remodel + Dining Room Plans

Several of you asked to see pictures of our kitchen since we did some updates.  I realized I never showed all the full after pics.  I am so pleased with how it turned out.  I went into the updates thinking I wanted to replace our black granite counter tops as well.  I thought I wanted all white everything,  but once we painted the cabinets white, I really came to love the black counters.   I love dark/light contrast.  I still have plans to eventually replace the tile with hardwoods in the kitchen at some point. 

BEFORE

As I was writing this post, I realized I have no real before pictures of our kitchen. Why did I not photograph everything before all the work started???   Here is one picture I found to give you an idea.  This was after a row of cabinets was taken down that separated our kitchen from our dining room.  Removing the cabinets really opened everything up. 

 The cabinets were a funky dated wood color and the fridge was just floating.  

We had placed a random cabinet beside it for extra storage and a wine rack on top.  The space clearly needed some built-ins!  

Not pictured also is that we had recess lighting installed.  There was a square florescent light fixture before.

That is my little batman breaking it down.  We like to have kitchen dance parties.

AFTER

I love how bright and open the kitchen feels now. It is great for entertaining since it opens right into our dining room.  After knocking down the cabinet in the middle I was able to buy bar stools and use the counter tops as an island.

I love having one glass cabinet for some of my nicer glasses. The glass door and cabinet was re-purposed from the middle cabinets we ripped out.

 I always knew I wanted white subway tile with dark grout.  At the last minute I decided to have it laid in this herringbone pattern and love it.

In addition to painting the cabinets we also switched out the knobs for more modern pulls.

We had no pantry before, so the built-in has been amazing for storage purposes.  The other side houses a pull out trashcan and brooms.  Of course I needed a place to store all our wine too:)

The fridge was also a new purchase.  I can't tell you how much I love having more fridge space and the snack drawer!

The view from our kitchen into our dining room that we are getting ready to re-do.  Next week we are taking down the bead board and putting up sheet rock and repainting.  Also the bar and cabinet in the far right corner will be ripped out.  The bar is so close to the kitchen and serves no real purpose.  I think it will really open up the room and make it seem larger.

KITCHEN INFO

Wall Color- Aloof Gray halved

Cabinet Color- Decorators White

Lucite Stools- One Kings Lane

Desk Chair- Lulu and Georgia

As I mentioned before I am working with Alex Kaehler on the design for the dining room.  She is a design genius and amazing to work with.  I am just thrilled with what she came up with for the space.  Below are two mood boards she created for me.

I measured the space and took photographs of everything and let her know pieces I wanted to work with and pieces I wanted to get rid.  I also sent her several inspiration pictures of dining rooms I loved.  Then she compiled two boards for me.  I could choose one or mix and match or say I dodn't love either.  Honestly I liked both designs alot.  She nailed my taste and what I was looking for in the space. I changed a few things and came up with a final design plan below.

Here is the final board we came up.  I am so excited to start implimenting the design.  Once I finalized the design Alex sent a full source list with links for shopping to make things easier.  This way you can shop and update at your pace

Stay tuned because I will document everything as we go.

Thru the end of September Alex is offering 15% off her design services- just mention my blog if you contact her | molly@alexandrakaehler.com

I am so excited to see it all come together!

Life Lately.

My S'well water bottle arrived and I love it!!  I ended up going with the medium size.  I like that it fits in my car cup holder and my purse.  It really does keep beverages ice cold for hours.  I was surprised how cold my water stayed.  I went with this blue pattern but there are so many great options. 

I finally tried grilled lettuce!  It was full of so much flavor.  I made Heather Cristo's recipe with corn and pickled cherries, it was amazing.  Crazy flavor combination but they went together so well.

I am loving the new Justin Beiber song, Where are you Now.  Favorite song to run to these days.

I am now convinced we need a small dog.  Sterling and Frances love my parent's Maltese.  I secretly would love a small dog too but not sure I can handle two kids and two dogs- haha.

Jungle Dress (on sale + extra 35% off) + Mocs

 and speaking of Frances we just tried out pig tails.  I mean how adorable right??  The belly and the pig tails make my heart sing.

I finally tried out 492 King with some girlfriends.  Loved the inside, the decor was so cool.  The food was really good too just small portions or tasting size as they call it.  I had the pasta and watermelon salad and really liked both.

We spent time with my parents last week and last weekend.  Our favorite thing is happy hour on their deck because the view is so gorgeous.

Vince Camuto Off Shoulder Top + Rag and Bone Shorts (on sale)

Been loving rompers.  Found this one at Loft.  Also comes in black online.

Lou and Grey Romper

We celebrated Matt's Birthday with what else??  A spongebob cake!  He was thrilled:)

I never get tired of where we live.  The sunrises and sunsets have been so amazing lately.

In complete and total denial Sterling starts kindergarten in 10 days.  I have been an emotional mess. He is growing up so fast. 

Still loving my roses but this Pinot Grigio is so good.  Locals I bought mine at the wine store near the Ashley Marina.

Lots of time spent outside.

and yes Sterling is Minion obsessed.

Happy Thursday!

Swim On Major Sale

 I was randomly browsing Lord and Taylor and there are some amazing deals on swim wear right now.  Most of the prices are basically 70% off.  Sizes seem to be going fast, so get it while you can!

and you can use code SAVE to save an additional 25% off!

Nanette Leopore Caftan Cover-Up 

was $144 now $29.

Nanette Leopore Tribal Cover-up

was $144 now $29

Shoshanna Embroidered Dress

was $250 now $29

Nanette Leopore Bathing Suit

was $144 now$39

Nanette Leopore Havana Cover-up

was $140 now $29

Nanette Leopore Romper

was $148 now $29

Ella Moss Cover-up 

was $148 now $29

Trina Turk One Piece

was $140 now $39

Trina Turk Cross Back

was $144 now $39

 

Roasted Veggie Rice Bowls + Avocado Dressing

Matt and I have been trying to be more conscious about what we eat and in turn eat less meat.  This is easy for me because I love a vegetarian meal.  I have been really proud of Matt though because he has stuck with it and he says he feels better from what he is eating.  

This dish came about as a way to clean out my fridge.  Sometimes I over do it at the Farmers Market- real shocker.  All the produce always looks so gorgeous and I end up buying more than we need for the week.  I pulled all our week old veggies out and roasted them last night.  Then I had the idea to make sort of a rice veggie bowl, that of course needed dressing.  As you know I prefer not to use store bought dressing.  Homemade just tastes so much better.  This avocado green goddess dressing is delicious.  It pairs perfectly with the roasted veggies and rice.  This is a meat free dinner that is full of so much flavor.  Feel free to use any combo of veggies or even use quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice.

Enjoy!

I also wanted to mention two kitchen items I love and use every time I roast veggies.  Silpat mats + gold baking sheets.  The silpat mats are silicone mats you put on your baking sheet before you bake.  I am obsessed with mine.  They make it so your pan doesn't get ruined from spills and clean up is easier.  I have the small and large size and use them practically everyday.  You can wash them by hand and they are also dishwasher safe.  As far as baking sheets I swear by the Williams Sonoma Gold baking sheets.  

|| R O A S T E D  V E G G I E  R I C E  B O W L S   +  A V O C A D O   D R E S S I N G ||

- 1 head of broccoli chopped

- 3 squash sliced

- 1 pint cherry tomatoes

- 1/2 head purple cabbage

- 1 can cannellini beans or really any type of bean

- 1 cup cooked rice

GREEN GODDESS AVOCADO DRESSING

Via 

-  1 ripe avocado

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- 1 teaspoon dried parsley

- juice of one lemon

- 1 garlic clove minced

- 1/3 cup olive oil

- 2/3 cup water

- salt and pepper

Puree all in blender or food processor.

Toss veggies with olive and salt and pepper.  Roast at 375 degrees about 30 minutes or until cooked.

Assemble veggies and rice in a bowl and serve with dressing,

Two Favorites on Sale!

I wanted to share two of my favorite items just reduced!

ONE | Equipment Lewis Snakeskin Shorts

I bought these last year in the leopard print and loved them so much I bought the snakeskin version this year. What I love is there are no pockets and they zip up the back.  It makes for a seamless, slim fit.

I am wearing a size small.  

Pictured with Tassel Top in second photo

The matching camisole is also on sale too.  Would make a cute twin set.

Alice and Olivia Twist Back Dress

I can't say enough great things about this dress.  It is cotton and so soft. Several of you asked last time about what bra to wear and you can wear a regular strapless bra.  I am in a size small. The orange color is also on sale HERE