Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Decor

The Transformation of Our Modern Colonial Kitchen

January 12, 2024

There are some projects that we do in a weekend, some we do over a few weeks. Some take us a couple months and some take over a year! When it came to our kitchen remodel, it was an over-a-year kind of project. And now, since it's been over a year since we have finished it, we thought it would be a good time to compile all of the posts on the largest project we ever tackled all in one spot. Our Kitchen!

1. What Our Kitchen Looked Like When We Started

Spoiler: We made the decision to knock out that wall before we even moved in — combining the kitchen and the formal dining room. What started out as a "breakfast nook" is our dining room now, and the whole space is a lot more open. Check out these Befores! They're dramatic.

2. How We Made Our Official Plans

If you like technical drawings, you're going to love this part. Also, this is when the drink station was just a twinkle in our eyes.

3. Curating Our Kitchen Selects and Mood Board

Pendant Lights | Picture Light | Dish Towel | Bar Stools | Vintage Runner | Cupboard Latch | Knobs | Pulls |  Faucet | Pot Filler | 44″ Kohler Prolific Workstation Sink | Bar Sink | Bar Faucet | All Cabinetry is Stoffer

It was really fun to see all of our picks together for the first time. Making a mood board is so helpful in seeing how it all ties together. We linked all of the sources for you and even included the custom colors from Stoffer Cabinetry.

4. Choosing Our Marble And Soapstone Countertops

We went to a local stone yard for these beauties — and changed our minds about what material was going where. This is a story about going with your gut (and I love the result).

5. How We Mixed Metals

Polished nickel has a warm undertone, so it paired beautifully with all of the brass and bronze. None of it is matchy-matchy, and this flat lay will forever be a formula for a classic combination for me.

  1. Brass Pulls
  2. Brass Knobs
  3. Polished Nickel Pot Filler
  4. Brass Picture Light
  5. Pendant Lights
  6. Bronze Ring Pull
  7. Brass Cupboard Latches
  8. Bronze Mirror Sconces
  9. Taper Sconces

6. A Custom Plastered Range Hood Goes In

Counter Stools | Pendant | Sconce | Faucet | Sink | Drawer Pulls | Knobs

This was designed to be the central design element in our kitchen — and it delivered! It was tricky to install, and we had to bring in a "Master Plaster" for finishing touches. Read about all of this, plus the tint that was used in the plaster to achieve this color.

7. How we made an "Appliance Garage" and a Beverage Station, all in one!

We use these small appliances all the time, so we didn't necessarily want to put them "away." Read up on how we hid them in plain sight! — Plus, the beverage station of our dreams. We DIYed a mirrored backsplash for this space that I love so much I'm dying to do it somewhere else in my house.

8. The Arrival of the 60" Range

Chris had been dreaming of this range for years. Read about why we went with gas (over dual heat) — and what Chris made first :)

9. Picking Out Our Kitchen Sink (and why we didn't choose porcelain!)

Workstation Sink | Faucet

This baby does it all. I've never had a more versatile sink, and it's truly our kitchen's workhorse. Get this: It comes with a bamboo cutting board, two grated racks (perfect for drying dishes!), a colander, and a wash bin. There are three ledges for these to rest on, and they can slide around based on your preferences. I've never loved a sink like I love this one. *sigh*

10. Installing Our Pantry Doors

Every time we open the doors, the lights go on, and that feels like a little surprise party :) We dish on the finishes and stains and the hardware, too. This is a post to bookmark for pantry plans!

11. Gliding on a Custom Ladder in the Kitchen

Shop this View

A "Beauty and the Beast" daydream came true with this one. Read all about this custom ladder, including how it helped us to maximize the space and where it's from.

12. Two Dishwashers are Better than one!

Dishwasher | Pendants | Candle | Soap | Faucet | Glass Cloche | Peach Stems | Bay Leaf Stems

We had custom panels made for these twin cleaning machines — so they blend in beautifully with the cabinets. They're quiet, they have all of the racks I could ever want, and we never have dishes waiting for the "second load" after a dinner party. I'm never looking back.

13. The Fridge and Freezer Go In

Kitchen Sources

We waited more than a year for our fridge and freezer, and they were the last pieces to be installed in our kitchen. But they were worth the wait! Each is full-sized and has a custom cabinet front. Like Taylor Swift, I've been dancing in the refrigerator light ever since :)

14. The Final Reveal!

It took more than a year and a half, start to finish — but we couldn't be happier with this room. It's the hub of our home. Click through on the reveal for all of the juicy Before and Afters.

filed under: 
— Hide Comments
+ ShowComments
What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. They're solid walnut doors from Milgard sealed with a matte Bona finish. The floors are engineered white oak stained with 2 coats of Duraseal Weathered Oak Quick Coat Stain and finished with Bona Traffic HD Satin!

  1. I love the renovation, but I know at omega time you guys had butcher block. Why the change? I’m having a very difficult time trying deciding between the two. First time remodel and it will be the only time. My husband and I are 61, and 60 and don’t plan on living long enough to do it again. Haha! Any help would be appreciated.

  2. Hello- been following you on insta for some time - love your whole vibe. I am an independent designer and also working on my own kitchen plans and obsessing about cabinet paint color. Easier to pick for other people than myself!! Would you be willing to share your kitchen paint colors - specifically the lighter taupe/ creamy white ... it strikes the balance. My kitchen is really sunny. I was going to use Mouses Back - F and B .... but it looks a little too green in my light. thinking I'll use it on the island and go lighter creamy/ taupe on the permitter like you did.

      1. Just stumbled across your page and love your aesthetic. I’m remodeling (slowly) and would love to get the wall and island paint colors. I didn’t see them mentioned on this page as you aforesaid. For this simpleton, would you list, please? Much obliged!

      2. The wall colors are Sherwin Williams' White Flour, the perimeter cabinets are Stoffer Home Cabinetry in Bromley Taupe, and the island is Stoffer Home Cabinetry in Plymouth Green.

  3. So beautiful! Using your kitchen as inspo for our new kitchen. What paint colors did you use for your cabinets and island?

    1. They're custom colors from Stoffer Home Cabinetry. The perimeter cabinets are in Bromley Taupe and the island cabinets are in Plymouth Green. You can see all the details here!

  4. Hello! I'm wondering what size sink this is? I'm actually looking at the same sink for my kitchen reno but having trouble deciding between 44" and 33". Thank you!

  5. Hi Julia
    Your kitchen looks fantastic! Would you be able to share how your soapstone counters held up and any tips or tricks for upkeep and fixing dings? Thank you!

  6. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for breaking everything down. Definitely an amazing amount of information that can be used.

  7. So much to love about this kitchen. The cabinetry seems low though given your heights. Did you consider raising them or were you considering resale?
    The one kitchen I got to design, I raised everything. It always seems strange to nearly bend double to use the sink.

  8. I’m building a house and using your kitchen as inspo 💕 What color would you say the floors are? Trying to find a hardwood that matches/works!

  9. Now that you have used this kitchen for awhile, is there anything you would change? The person who cleans my house is training to become an interior designer and we were talking about the finishes or items she would not recommend because they get dirty quickly. For instance, I love my single bowl sink, but I decided not to get one with square corners because a friend had told me it gets dirty and takes more work to keep clean.

  10. When you initially shared your pendants I swooned, I yearned, then I saw the price tag. Thankfully you shared the 'dup for less' which I immediately bought and had installed in our kitchen over our island and every day (for a year now) I look at it with heart eyes and think 'thanks Julia' so thank you :)

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Design

Let's Get Started: Our Primary Bathroom Layout Plans and Elevations!

It is time. No more false starts. We're diving head first into our primary bathroom renovation and taking you along for the entire thing. We've heard your fears--"you're going to renovate your bathroom and then move!" And while we have done that in the past two houses, (strange scenarios and had nothing to do with […]
Chris Cooks

The Perfect Valentine's Day Menu for Every Meal of the Day

As homebodies, making a delicious Valentine's Day dinner at home is usually more enjoyable than a romantic dinner out somewhere. It can be part of the fun—and entertainment—to cook together too. Jules would probably opt out of the actual cooking part...but hey, it's great to have time together chatting while I'm cooking, and she's hanging […]
Modern traditional girl's bedroom with a scallop-edge Loloi rug
Cleaning & Organization

7 Rug Hacks for Your Home

Want to transform your home with rugs but not sure where to start? From choosing the perfect rug pad to mastering the art of layering, we've got you covered. We're sharing seven clever rug hacks that will elevate your space, whether you're looking to add a touch of luxury, define a space, or simply keep […]
A mood board with cowboy-inspired moody fashion picks and equestrian-themed home decor
Fashion

Canadian Cowboy: Not Your Average Western Look

I loved seeing fresh takes on Western wear. It goes to show there's room for fashion in every aesthetic. Recently I saw this funny interview with Brett Goldstein of Ted Lasso fame. He said he recently went to Texas for the first time (he's English if you're unaware), put on a cowboy hat and immediately […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2025 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES