White Kitchen with Butcher Block Countertops

Our kitchen subway tile is in! It looks amazing, and it was amazing to watch how fast the tile guy was! I know I could DIY it, but it was really nice for once to pay someone else, and have it done quickly, and beautifully without breaking a sweat! I really love how our white kitchen with butcher block countertops look and the new subway tile. Here’s a look at the before without subway tile, and with the OLD bead-board backsplash wallpaper.

It’s was very sweet, but the beadboard wall paper really took a beating in the kitchen over the years. And here’s a peek with the old painted on tile backsplash that was done when we first moved in. Faux painting was huge at the time and we couldn’t afford to tile, so painted tiles it was!

New Kitchen Subway Tile and Butcher Block Countertops

The white kitchen cabinets and white subway tile are timeless next to each other. The natural warmth of the butcher block countertops really shine with the contrast. I propped up a cutting board to really bring out the cozy factor. It also hides an outlet I don’t want to look at.

We ended up using Whisper Gray grout, and I love how it has a subtle contrast. White grout can tend to yellow over time, we learned that from our bathroom floor upstairs. A slight gray was the way to go.

Butcher Block Counter Tops and Heat

One trick we found to having a wood countertop, is having a marble slab next to the stove. Then I can put a hot tray, or pot down and not worry. That is the one thing about wood counter tops. You have to treat them more like laminate they will scratch if a knife is directly on them.  Rules are no direct heat contact and no cutting directly on them.

Add a Rug and Accessories for Cozy Color

I love how clean it looks. For me, it changes the entire kitchen. We’ve added a rug for color and to protect the wood floor from moisture right under the sink. Do you know, it took everything in my power not to make that kitchen towel hang perfectly on it’s bar, but that’s not how we live. Half of the time, I keep the kids from not throwing it on the floor, so I decided however it ended up on the bar it was going to stay. Perfectly imperfect. That’s how we live.

I tried to get a good shot of the installed transom from the back of the dining area. I love how everything looks together. The white kitchen cabinets, the white subway tile and natural wood of the countertops. It makes it feels so cozy wand warm. We aren’t chefs by any means, but we love spending time in our kitchen. We’ve had the vintage chandler for years. I love how the brass lighting just pops.

A Mobile Kitchen Island

I’ve been looking for a new kitchen island. I like this one, but it’s a little long for our short kitchen, and it was an old desk we re-purposed. I would also love to have something with a bottom shelf on it. but I can’t seem to find what I’m looking for. I am thinking about building one,since I can’t find anything the right size. Edit: You can see how we’ve changed up the ktichen and added a repurposed sewing table for a kitchen island. 

I still have to get new switch plate covers. I never realized how the old backsplash wasn’t quite white, and I know it’s going to drive me crazy until I do. I am just going to pick up some inexpensive, plain white ones for now.

Making Space in a Small Kitchen

Everyone always asks me where my microwave is. It used to be next to the fridge, but we love it so much more on the buffet. It also gives us more counter space in the prep area. Even in small kitchen, you can find creative solutions for placement and storage and I hope this gives you some inspiration!

I wish our outlets were laid out a little better. I need a big floral arrangement or something to hide that cord. I was going to Photoshop it out, and then I figured, we all have cords, right? Though, in most pictures, I do like to clean up stuff that takes away like the old phone outlet, and the old rubbed bronze switch cover I keep forgetting to replace… And yes, we are one of the few people that still has a landline. I know, crazy, right?

One thing I love is our little coffee station. I am a get  up bleary-eyed person, so the least amount of work I can do in the morning to get that first cup, is crazy-important. This is generally my morning in  a nutshell.  I can barely function in the morning until I finish my coffee. I’ll tell you, I love it! Make sure you read this post about the difference in subway tiles . It’s kind of amazing how many there are!

 

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