The country life editor selects each characteristic product. If you buy from the link, we may earn a commission. More about us.
Country Living worked with DIYers Victoria and Marcus Ford in North Carolina to update their Dutch colonial-style houses in the 1970s, full of DIY efforts one after another. This issue: Turn their cooking space from a bit boring to very beautiful.
"I think we started tearing down the cabinets above the peninsula three hours after we moved in," said Marcsford (@marcsford), referring to the renovation of his North Carolina kitchen and his wife Victoria Ford (@prepfordwife) Creatively solved this problem together and the peninsula is gone, because the first task of the couple is to open the small layout. Next up: add a comfortable character. Although the previous kitchen was very good, it was not very "them". Enter the bead boards, stacks, functional collectibles, and stylish smart appliances ("You can preheat the oven with your phone!" Victoria said. Now that the space is complete, the Fords have embarked on a slightly less daunting construction project . Hint: It involves gingerbread.
The humble cabinets, standard white goods and ordinary floors equal a basic space that is not so attractive.
"Initially we wanted to create a moody kitchen, but the bright white kitchen is really great," Victoria said. The two-wall Shaker-front custom cabinetry of StarMark Cabinetry is both modern and classic. Their clean white finish is offset by the cream-colored beaded backsplash, while the dark wood floor balances the white surround. Instead of a traditional island, an independent butcher block-top table (Facebook market score!) fits the space and brings a lot of functions. Above the head, the sky-colored overlap is interesting. Take a look: Wall paint: Sherwin-Williams' "Antique White" satin emerald polyurethane paint Ceiling paint: Sherwin-Williams's "Dutch Tile Blue" satin emerald interior paint: Maple white "Bridgeport" and StarMark cabinetry Country Alder Cappuccino Hardware: "Rodino" Knob and "Klein" Pull Out Iconic Hardware Floor: "Woodmore" in Oak Autumn by Mohawk Appliances: Matte White Café Series and Refrigerator by Café Appliances with Café Brushed bronze hardware lights from Appliances: Nautical Chandeliers and Recessed Lights from the Boat Light Painting: "Victoria" from Shop Vintage Supply
The peninsula with a row of cabinets above makes the kitchen feel dark and claustrophobic.
Antique hardware adorns the white cabinets, brushed bronze handles highlight the white appliances, and an unpainted bridge faucet sits on top of the sink in front of the fluted apron. "If there is a choice, I always choose brass," Victoria said. "I like the way it ages." At the top, the brass embedded boat lights provide nautical charm. Take a look: Wall paint: Sherwin-Williams' "Antique White" satin emerald polyurethane paint Ceiling paint: Sherwin-Williams's "Dutch Tile Blue" satin emerald interior paint: Maple white "Bridgeport" and StarMark cabinetry Country Alder Cappuccino Hardware: "Rodino" knob and "Klein" pulled out of the iconic hardware sink: Iconic hardware "Oldham" faucet: Watermark Fixtures bridge faucet series: Café Appliances Ceiling Flush-Mount Light Cafe series and matte white refrigerator with brushed bronze hardware: Nautical light from Shiplights striped bowl: Red and white striped striped carpet by Cornishware: "Birmingham" by Dash & Albert
In order to make the room feel more like a "patchwork" English kitchen, Victoria and Marcus added a stained wood furniture style cabinet to the kitchen layout. The cabinet has feet, glass panels and brass wire inserts. "It feels like a special piece of furniture," Victoria said. "And we can show all our beauty." Take a look: Cabinet: "Bridgeport" in StarMark's rustic Alder Cappucino Cabinet hardware: "Rodino" knob and "Klein" pulled from the iconic hardware countertop: Striped Mark from Mogastone Cup of "Jurassic Black" Granite: Cornishware's Red and White Stripes
A room wrapped in muddy brown (and popcorn ceiling!) felt dark and tired.
Victoria and Marcus (and the dog, Remus) now spend most of their time on the benches that maximize the space in the kitchen, the benches are made of extra cabinets from StarMark. ("They all have deeper drawers to store more things," Victoria said.) Cushions and pillows in striped and block printed fabric make it more comfortable. Victoria's handcrafted leather shoulder straps accentuate the suspended backrest. Check it out: Wall paint: Sherwin-Williams' "Antique White" satin emerald polyurethane paint Ceiling paint: Sherwin-Williams' "Dutch Tile Blue" satin emerald interior paint Bench: Maple white "Bridgeport" for StarMark cabinet pendant lights ": Nautical pendant of Shiplights cushion fabric: Red "Morrison" from Schumacher prints Pillow fabric: Rose from Schumacher and "Poppy" in the sky Belt (on the cushion): American Layers Table: "Jozy" from World Market (painted as Pure) White by Sherwin-Williams) Chair: Threshold Windsor from Target Sweater-Wrapped Mugs Chair: The sweater cup with our name is a clay artwork of the Country Life Holiday Series: Vintage photos from LMC Vintage Goods