For starters, let’s talk flooring. Hardwoods are always my first choice in kitchens, but they are not conducive to all of the pool traffic, so they just don’t work here. Our build was going to have a nice-sized entry and my favorite tile treatment underfoot, why not do that in our new kitchen?
Subway tile will have center stage on the kitchen walkway’s walls to make wiping down dog dirt and handprints a cinch. This is a very on trend look, but my choice was confirmed by one of the British mysteries I watched a few months ago. I know, I know…I need to find another source of inspiration. This sounds really morbid, but the series is about a coroner during World War II and his morgue was covered in subway…
It’s such a practical application and one that makes sense for the spaces around the door to the garage, the main door to the backyard, and the guest bath. If it’s practical for a coroner, it’s practical for a mom too, right? Yikes.
The one major element I’m still trying to work out is the backsplash. I know what I want, it’s just a matter of figuring it out. I met last week with a glass company about options for an antique mirror backsplash. I’ve seen this done on bar backs before, but never in a kitchen. I think it would add magnificent sparkle and really help open up the small footprint, we’re only dealing with a 10×10 space while the antique will add depth and hide dirt. The only problem with this option is the unknown cost. They told me they can’t give me a price until they can measure, and they can’t measure until the new cabinets and countertops are in place. I know this will definitely be a splurge in the space, but one I think will be worth it to have something special. I’m hopeful I can find a way to make it work. Where there’s a will there’s a way!
A year later, I’m still just as giddy about these details, so I feel confident in their lasting power. I am thrilled to be partnering up with one of my favorite brands, Lowes, to complete this space and while it seems like we’ve been living with a dingy and difficult kitchen for a long time, it’s hard to believe in just a few months the room will be completely transformed! Because you all seem to like the process more than a complete before and after, I’ll be sharing our journey along the way: the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Because it’s got to get uglier (and sometimes Micah and I do too) before it can get a whole lot prettier.
Samantha says
Why is antique mirror a splurge? Are you planning on using tempered glass or something, or just plain mirror? Couldn't you antique mirror yourself (a la Jenny Komenda) and cut it to size? Cutting glass is not that difficult. I worked at a stained glass shop in high school and cutting large sheets of glass down to size is pretty straightforward once you have the tools (which are not expensive) and understand how to do it (especially if you're doing straight cuts. curved or angled are harder). You guys have done so much else on your own so you might consider it. Alternately, you could get mirror cut and then do the antiquing and adhering yourself.
themakerista@gmail.com says
My husband said it would have to be tempered because of the area. We could definitely try the DIY route, I just worry about dealing with glass that large and since we'll be doing a fair amount of the rest of the work ourselves, I'm trying to figure out what's best left to experts. I'm considering a detail on the edges and want to see what the price will be but DIY is definitely a consideration! Thanks for commenting, Samantha!
helen@handmaidtales says
Would mirrored backsplash tile be cheaper than custom cut? It's busier, but really pretty. I've been looking at this one for our basement bar http://tilebar.com/reflection-paris-gray-mirror-tile.html. I really like the plan for muted green for the cabinets. Excited to see how your plan becomes reality!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Definitely cheaper, and I love that look! But I think since I'm doing white subway that this needs to be a bit different. Thanks for the thoughts!
Elizabeth says
I second Samantha! We're doing a mirror backsplash in our kitchen remodel, and I'll just be back-painting and antiquing it myself. I'll have the glass cut to size, and will let my carpenter handle install- but it will be much less expensive than tile!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Super impressive, Elizabeth! Are you doing big pieces of it? And needing holes for outlets, etc? I was just nervous with the size we're needing.
Elizabeth says
I'm still determining some cabinet layout, so I could end up with a single piece of glass (about 10'), or several smaller pieces (with the seams becoming a design element). I'll definitely be having the glass shop cut to spec, with holes for outlets- way too tricky for me to mess with 😀
A long length of glass requires some extra care, but you're going to want to pick something fairly thick and durable (cheap mirror could shatter the first time you knock a pan against it, and then you'll have to do a total reinstall). I'd recommend talking to a local glass shop and explaining the application you're after- they can set you up with the right stuff.
Good luck- can't wait to see your kitchen come together!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for all of this, Elizabeth!
Unknown says
Gwen, my mom did a mirror backslash in her last kitchen…it looked really cool.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Love hearing that, thanks!
Unknown says
Gwen, my mom did a mirror backslash in her last kitchen…it looked really cool.
Lisa, The Scented Home says
Hi Gwen,
I do remember seeing J Lo's kitchen in Veranda with a mirrored splash back a few years ago but I think it was plain. For further images that maybe helpful I used this company in the UK http://www.saligodesign.com/ there website is not bad from a pictorial reference point for antique mirror.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for all of this, Lisa, I'll have to take a look at these! Have a great weekend!
amysims says
Your ideas are wonderful! I find it pretty amazing that you can get inspired even by a morgue, this means you have a big imagination. I wish I could think outside of the box more often too 🙂 Good luck!
Xtina says
I absolutely love the green color you chose for the cabinets! I think it will look beautiful and flow nicely with the bold colors you've used in the other rooms on the main floor. Can't wait to see the reveal!
A Hill says
Your plans for your kitchen sound awesome. Have you seen the new floor tile that looks like wood? Some of it is looks really good and, most important, visually very convincing.
tomsgirl1129 says
The glass looks fabulous! But I cannot imagine trying to keep it clean and smudge/streak free. :-/
tomsgirl1129 says
The glass looks fabulous! But I cannot imagine trying to keep it clean and smudge/streak free. :-/
zombiemary says
What is the show you are referencing?!? I am a big Brit Telly fan and don't recognize it!
Whitney Shortt says
Definitely love following along with the whole process and love that you got inspo from a morgue!
Lindsay says
Ooh Gwen, I'm dying over these plans!! I can't wait to see it unfold! It's going to be amazing 🙂
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
I love how very varied your inspirations are for the space. I can see it all together in my head though and it looks awesome in there 😉 That checkered floor is a great idea for the kitchen. I hated the checkered floor in my entry when I first saw this house and have loved it pretty much every moment since. I agree that it's a timeless look. I have to admit…I'm a little jealous of your gut job. There are so many things I would have done differently if we'd replaced everything and were starting with a blank slate, but then I bought into a house with a really good (not amazing) kitchen and I just didn't have the heart (or…ahem…budget) to gut it. I'm really excited to see this come together for you!!
Autumn Beach says
Ooohhh…I love this glimpse inside your head! So unexpected. Which I now expect. 🙂 This is the first kitchen we've seen from The Makerista, so I couldn't wait to see what kind it would be. I knew it wouldn't be white! Too everybody else. (Including myself, but what can I say? I'm a white kitchen person!) ANYWHO. I will never forget the first time I saw a mirrored kitchen backsplash. It was in HGTV magazine. I searched for it on Pinterest and found it in an Apartment Therapy post. http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/creative-new-decorating-ideas-pictures?soc=pinterest LOVE it. As always…can't wait to follow along! Clapping hands emoji here.
IVC says
I love your blog and your expressive style!!! I find your aesthetic, while bolder than mine, completely refreshing! Thank you for taking us along on your design journey! I am commenting with the hope that you will reconsider a mirror backsplash. I have them in my kitchen (from previous owners) and cannot wait for the time to remove them. I absolutely understand, from a design perspective, that they visually expand the space. But from a practical perspective they are not what they appear to be. Pinterest posts pictures of kitchens with mirrored backsplashes that reflect perfectly styled counter tops, therefore always reflecting a beautiful scene. In reality, your kitchen will be reflecting kids cups, dirty dishes, toaster ovens, etc. We don't always put everything away in a timely manner. Additionally, I am constantly wiping them down because every water splatter mark shows. Finally, and this is a funny one, all friends and family that come over (because everyone congregates in the kitchen, of course) constantly check themselves out. Including myself. Good hair days and bad. It gets old quickly. Perhaps consider using the antiqued mirror in a smaller space, like the picture of the wet bar above. Good luck during this exciting time and I cannot wait to see the full reveal once completed!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Very interesting to hear! I totally get what you're saying and it's definitely something I'll consider. I usually look terrible when I'm in the kitchen, ha! So seeing myself might not be my favorite thing. Hm…you've definitely given me something to think about!
IVC says
I hope I haven't rained on your parade. Kitchen renovations are a costly, yet worthwhile, investment…filled with a lot of personal choices. We have children the same age as well. My family and I have lived in our new-to-us home for a 1.5 years and I would have already removed the mirrors if we didn't have to repair drywall as a result. I promise I would give the same advice to my family and friends. A kitchen renovation is in the future, so for the present, I try to make it as functional and pretty as possible. The only pretty thing those mirrors reflect right now is my glass of pinot noir. 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
No, I really appreciate your honesty! You have me rethinking how I do it anyway. I'm kind of a neat freak (I didn't say clean freak) and so we don't keep anything on the counters except canisters and the cutting board. I think that part will be ok, but I worry about the space over the range. That is where the glass would have gone higher and I don't care to watch myself cook! Thanks again for your thoughts!
Lela Peairs says
I've never been more excited for someone else to get their kitchen redone!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Glad you're sharing in my excitement and can't wait to show you more!
Mimi Struthers says
Thank you for all the amazing Inspo, a mirror backsplash would really add some glam
Shavonda Gardner says
Woohooooo for checkered floors. You know i LOVE them and i LOVE that you are intentionally putting them in. Nowadays so mamy people rip them out in favor of marble or some other "more impressive" tile, but checkered floors are so so classic and beautiful and look great with all styles in my opinion. I know your space will end up looking so so high end and itll be wonderful to see this element in it.
gwen schroder says
Where did you guy your cabinets? Lowe’s?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Yes, they’ll be KraftMaid from Lowe’s.
Danielle says
I just discovered your blog, and I love it! I went back and read so much of the archives…beautiful choices! I had to comment here, though, because we have mirrored backsplashes in the kitchen and they are terrible. I think the application you are discussing is likely to be much more beautiful than what is installed in our 80’s style kitchen, but I can’t imagine that the maintenance is going to be less of a nightmare. Everything you cook ends up splattered there, every water droplet shows, and it constantly looks dirty. You see yourself first thing in the morning reflected in multiple surfaces — with harsh overhead lighting — and it is not a pretty picture. Hello bags under the eyes!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Danielle! I appreciate the comment, I actually had another reader voice the same sentiments. It definitely changed my perspective on where and how much mirror there will be. Thanks for your thoughts and hope you’ve had a great weekend!