Oh hey there hey, One Room Challenge Week 3!!

Our quickie kitchen renovation is running full steam ahead. After a complete decision melt down last week, I resorted to my original choice of wallpaper.  A few strips have gone up and the vibe is exactly what I was hoping for.  Its airy, has subtle movement, and adds interest while remaining neutral. Such a good reminder to listen to the voices in MY head.

We are first time wallpaper installers, so this might take a while. As I am typing this, quite a few F-bombs are being dropped next to me.

In the meantime, this week I am sharing my sources for finishes and hardware.   Links to all the goods to follow (click product image for link to product).

QUARTZITE COUNTERS

I am Quartzite’s #1 fan. Seriously.  I’ll wave hand-made cheering signs.  Quartzite counters are amazing.  Like most, I am drawn to the look of dreamy white marble but fearful of the wear and tear.  When we renovated our last kitchen I did extensive research on the subject that led me to Quartzite.   There are multiple types that look very much like marble.  To name a few; Macaubus, Taj Majal, Sea Pearl, and Zermat.  Quartzite is a naturally occurring stone in nature, is stronger than granite, and, when sealed, it does not scratch or stain.

We tested the limits of that durability in our last kitchen (seen above), and left the counters as perfect as the day they were installed.    Easy decision to choose Quartzite this time around, not so easy picking which TYPE at the slab yard.  Ultimately we fell in love with a Calcutta Macaubus.

Shocker, I chose one of the most expensive slabs available.  Unfortunately this meant I had to let go of one of my favorite design elements, the double thick edge, called a laminate edge (seen below).  If you are budgeting for counters, plug this in your budget from the start.  Such a stunning touch in my opinion.  However, I am feeling so blessed to get the unexpected gift of new counters.  I am not complaining at the beautiful end result.

SHELVING

I fell in love with these brackets at Rejuvenation + paired with black wood shelves.  We only have room for one floating shelf in the main kitchen, but these will be a feature of the adjacent Bar Nook.

HARDWARE

I had the usual suspects lined up in my shopping cart.  Originally I was drawn to streamlined modern brass handles until I came across these darn right sexy pulls from CB2.   The bone handle + aged brass is a unique design and echo the look of the bracket shelves.

Found an inexpensive resource for the knobs, and chose a simple style matching the aged brass finish of the handles.  If I had more time, or more money, I’d find a more modern knob.  Its such a small detail I can quiet this desire for now.

BACKSPLASH

Less of a backsplash, and now more of a feature wall.  We took the subway tile from counter to ceiling.  I chose beveled subway tile, I love the little “extra” its giving to the space.

SCONCE LIGHTING

No words, just look. LOVE.  The “thunder blue” is the perfect hue to connect to our painted island color.  This light installed directly into the subway tile wall will bring home that Cafe vibe I am after.

FAUCET

Modern & functional.

PAINT COLORS

Trim, Built-in Banquette, Cabinets: White Dove // Benjamin Moore

Island & Bar Nook: Newburyport Blue // Benjamin Moore

The foundation is there, now time to sprinkle in those important last layer details.  Sometimes its so visceral for me.  I cannot for the life of me pick a runner or decorative details until I see this wallpaper all the way up.

OK so this has been a source-driven email so one sneaky peak of the couple of strips we have up today.

Thank-you as always to the One Room Challenge for providing this fab platform and to sponsor Better Homes & Gardens.    Love following along with my fellow participants and featured designers.

Photography of our last home: Bryan Miller Photography