You know how you’re so excited to finish renovating a room (or a major kitchen/ living space renovation) that you settle with it being DONE and not lived in? It’s still done and awesomely better than it was, but it might be lacking the personality that you know your home deserves. That was our kitchen. I totally LOVE all the work we’ve done to our kitchen and the bright, white and grey space we created but I always knew I wanted to add some fun touches of colour to bring it to life. Today I thought I’d share some of the small touches we’ve added that help give an all white kitchen some personality.
You can see our original kitchen before and afters right over here. It’s pretty shocking how far we’d already come, so this is just the icing on top for me. And I’ll probably make some more changes because I can’t seem to sit still for too long. Can you see the biggest change? Yep, that gorgeous roman shade! Can I tell you about why this makes me so happy? Since we opened up the wall between the kitchen and living room, this window is in direct sightline from the couch when you’re watching TV (trash TV to be exact). And when the sun starts to get low as you’re trying to see who’s winning that competition on your favourite reality TV show- the sun hits you directly in the eyes and you can’t see a thing. You know you can’t possibly live like that. Well- we did. For a whole year (and a bit!). So I’m thrilled that now I can see my TV when I’m needing to do something completely brainless. And it brings a fun punch of pattern and colour into the room as well. It’s really a win/win/win.
Speaking of that roman shade… it’s a DIY (of course!). I’ll be sharing the DIY instructions for that soon because even though there are a bunch of tutorials out there and I like to think I’m pretty handy… this took me way longer than I’d like to admit to get it right. So I’ve got some tips for you (specifically if you want the blind to look nice from the outside!).
Other than the roman shade, we’ve added some colour to our open shelving with a graphic plate and a dutch mints tin (we seem to collect these!). We also swapped the plant on the top shelf for some mugs we use when we have guests because it would seem that I can’t keep plants alive. Instead of growing plants, I’m enjoying glasses full of fresh cut basil by my stove (thanks to neighbours with a much greener thumb than I) and cuts of flowers and greens from our garden collected on our island. We’re pretty lucky to have neighbours and families that never let us run out of herbs and garden flowers. In the winter, I have to settle for grocery store versions and that breaks my heart.
I also have my little moss chalkboard that I love so dearly on the counter. I like to switch up what it says every once in a while and have a pack of clipped photos beside because I feel the need to have photos every single space in my house (and don’t love the look of a cluttered fridge which is currently the case). That leather and bamboo cutting board we have on the counter adds some warmth to the space and the pop of neon edging is just too fun to hide in a cupboard. Last but not least… and this one seems really silly, but we swapped out our all white soap pump for ones that show the colour of the soap. So I can have hand soap and dish soap on the counter and I actually like the bright blue. That’s super lame, but we’ve had more compliments on our four dollar soap dispensers than I ever expected. Oh… and tea towels, always invest in tea towels that make your space better (and toss your stained and worn ones!).
What are the things that make your kitchen feel lived in and full of personality? Is it the sink full of dishes (it’s rare to see our sinks completely emptied, usually we at least have clean dishes drying in one) or the bowl full of fresh fruit? Maybe it’s a giant menu plan or some bold mugs you have near your coffee station… either way, I’d love to hear! But be warned… if you’re going to share your secrets, I might just take them and try them out ;)
DIY Modern Lettered Garland
Love it! The fabric you chose for those curtains is fabulous. Love your kitchen. I wish I wasn’t renting our I would change the cupboard doors and bench tops in my kitchen. I’m in the process of planning what to do with my kitchen also because it’s all white and need character. Definitely starting with blue but that’s as far as my plans have come! haha.
Thanks so much Maria! I went back and forth between that fabric and a lighter one- I’m so glad I chose this one! We didn’t change anything in the kitchen of our last place so it was top priority this time. I don’t know what it is about blue… but it was made for kitchens! If you’re up for it, I’d love for you to fill out my reader room refresh app and maybe we could do an inspiration board for your kitchen!
Its nice to see some personality added to a “finished” room. Adding a roman blind to my kitchen window is on my list of things to do but of course I can’t decide on the fabric. That is always such a hard decision for me. I love your clear soap dispensers especially since they are from the dollar store. Recently I’ve added a bunch of painted wooden bowls to my kitchen to add some personality and colour to an otherwise white and neutral space.
I bought the mini blinds weeeeeks before I finally decided on the fabric. It’s such a tough decision! I’m glad I chose a bold fabric, it really helps brighten the space.
I love the pops of blue in your kitchen. You’ve done a wonderful job of giving the space lots of personality. So glad to have you partying with us at Snickerdoodle Sunday.
Thank you so much Beverly! It definitely needed some personality :)
I love your backsplash tiles!
Thanks so much Casey! They’re actually from the Home Depot and are one of my favourite decisions we made in the space!
Love this! I love me a white kitchen – but it definitely needs some colour to keep it from feeling sterile. Um, Kamloops?!? wha???! I’m from Vancouver Island but spent every summer in Kamloops growing up with tons of family there. So cool! Thanks for sharing this at WIW BTW, I’m sharing on my FB page:)
I love that you not only know where Kamloops is, but have been here! If you’re ever in town… I’m a great coffee date ;)
Love your kitchen and those curtains are fabulous the perfect touch ..thank you for sharing at Share it One More Time
Thanks so much Tammy! I’m so pleased with how it’s all come together.
I love all of the pops of pretty ! Thank you for sharing! You are one of the features at the Make it Pretty party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link to this week’s bash. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-150.html Hope to see you again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Thanks so much for the feature Kathryn! I’ll hop over to check it out now :)
Hi Colleen! Visiting from Make it Pretty. Your little accents are lovely. I particularly like the Dutch windmill. I’m kinda partial to all things Dutch. The Roman Shade adds a beautiful touch. It’s nice that you can roll it up or down to the height that you need it at. Enjoy the rest of your week! Diane
Thanks so much Diane! Our household is a big fan of dutch, so you’re in good company :) The shade has been a life changer for us! I love being able to shut it when the suns directly on that window.
Nice work. My sister would absolutely love this kitchen. She loves blue. I like orange. :) Best wishes and you have a beautiful blog. Linda @Crafts a la mode
Thanks Linda! I didn’t think I was really a blue person, but in my last two homes it’s been our colour of choice… so her and I would get along!
Hi Colleen! The Weekly Feature Series is live! You are one of the 25 Amazing Features from the Week. Here’s the link to check it out. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/09/weekly-feature-series_20.html Have a lovely Sunday! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Thanks so much Kathryn! I appreciate you letting me know :)
I love the floor. I know you said it was San Marco Viva Linen. Where did you get it from? I just love it. :)
At the time it was available from almost any specialty tile store in our area!
This kitchen is so beautiful! I was trying to look at the backsplash close enough to see exactly what all the different shades are that are in this tile, as we have Off-white (Ivory or Cream depending who you ask) colored cabinets and I wondered if this tile would go with that as well. I know the gray countertops would look good with Ivory cabinets as well, just trying to find a backsplash to complete the look. Do you see any colors like off-whites or ivory in this tile?
Yes! you totally do- natural stone is pretty warm for greys :)
Bed bath and beyond has a fun under mount coffee mug holder that you could add under your open shelving to hold some fun mugs!
Ooh that sounds clever! We’ve totally gotten used to having them in the cupboard with the microwave- all of our friends know they are there now too :)