Schoolhouse Globe Pendant Light | Drying Rack | Jute Rug

It’s been a while since we’ve shared an interior post here on the blog, so we thought it was about time we shared a look at the bright and warm kitchen and dining room updates we made. Over a year ago, we renovated our house and made some changes to the kitchen and dining area. when we first moved into this house three years ago we made some updates to the kitchen: changed backsplash, refaced the cabinet doors, and changed countertops. (You could see the first renovation, HERE.) We made some quick changes but it really was like putting a band-aid on it..it was temporary…the people we hired weren’t the most experienced and although we weren’t happy with the kitchen when it was completed the first time, we cringed at the idea of redoing it again. It felt silly at the time, but once we started drawing up the plans for the bedroom remodel and closet build out over a year ago, we knew it was “now or never”. We are so glad we decided to make the changes we did. You could see some progress shots of the kitchen, HERE. More of the finished kitchen and dining area below…

Drawer hardware via Schoolhouse hardware | Pot Filler via Kohler

This time around, we ripped everything out! We hired Affinity here in Scottsdale to work on the design with us. We worked with Tim and loved every minute of it…which is very rare during any renovation. We worked closely with him on the custom bookcase for the living room too. He really helped us think about how we use the kitchen, what type of cabinet inserts and drawers were important and how to lay everything out for the optimal cooking experience.

The pot filler above the stove and sink faucet are both from Kohler’s Artifacts line. We tend to go more modern with finishes, but we were really drawn to the Artifacts collection, as it fit so well with the vintage charm of the house. With the house being built in 1930, we tried to be really conscious of keeping a vintage flare, while still making things feel bright and warm to reflect our love for the desert. We kept our big Kohler apron sink from the last kitchen update, and it’s been great. If we were to ever move, I would definitely buy this sink again — its so big and has served Oliver well in the bath department for the last seven months. 😉

West Elm Salt & Pepper Shakers | Jenni Kayne Jute Trivet | West Elm Glassware

I know some people are on the fence about open shelving, but we’re still loving it after several years. I really like having all of our dishes and bowls out on display and easy to grab. We keep our pots and pans tucked away in the cabinets. I don’t know if open shelving will ever be considered dated, but I think I’m going to love it till the end of time. I love seeing all the pretty bowls we have collected and having some plants out too.

Moccamaster Coffee Machine

These shelves were custom made with Affinity, however I’ve found some great floating shelf options on Etsy, too. (You can see some HERE.)

Lulu & Georgia Rattan Chandelier | Jute Table Runner

We opened up the kitchen to the dining room and removed the backyard door that was there to add more cabinetry next to the dishwasher. We added French doors to the yard, just to the right of the cabinetry, so when we sit at the dining room table we could see into the yard. Oliver loves looking outside while we have breakfast. We kept all the same window treatments from Q Design Centre and our Frigidaire Professional appliances (fridge, stove, and dishwasher).

Just for fun you could check out the plans below to see how everything is and was configured.

All Modern Round Jute Rug | Smeg Toaster | Tea Kettle

The tapestry in the dining room is from Küdd:krig Home and its one of our favorite pieces in the house. They have beautiful pillows and furniture for the home too, plus they’re all sustainably made in California, so there’s a lot to love about this company.

The leather chairs from Barnaby Lane really helped tie the room together and warm up the modern dining table from West Elm. We’ve always been suckers for t his natural leather color. I think breakfast has become our favorite time of the day, especially now with Oliver at the table with us, so it’s been really special to gather around together in this room.

I rounded up some similar items below, if you want to get a similar look in your home…

Check out more of our home posts here.