Kitchen Questions Answered!
Whew! We’ve had a LOT of the same questions asked about a few of the things in our kitchen, so I thought instead of answering them over and over again in comments and emails, I would just post about a few of the most common asked questions instead.
Here we go!
Here we go!
Our Gray Subway Tile
We loved the look of subway tile but didn’t want just plain ol’ white. So we opted for Desert Gray, by Daltile with Alabaster white as our grout choice. We ordered our tile from Daltile, here in SLC, but had to go through our contractor, Doug, at Granite City to get the exact tiles we needed. They were special order.
We loved the look of subway tile but didn’t want just plain ol’ white. So we opted for Desert Gray, by Daltile with Alabaster white as our grout choice. We ordered our tile from Daltile, here in SLC, but had to go through our contractor, Doug, at Granite City to get the exact tiles we needed. They were special order.
I found this same tile color at Home Depot online, but only in the glossy, 3×6 size and finish. We did our tiles in a 2×4 inch size with a matte finish. You can rarely find them sold individually like the 3×6’s, so you’ll have to order them in sheets and then cut them apart. The reason we did our tiles smaller, was because our surface area for the backsplash wasn’t very large. If we would have done the 3×6’s we wouldn’t have achieved the busier bricklaying effect that we were going for. You might be able to order different sizes and finishes through your local home improvement store, but I’m not 100% positive.
Our Kitchen Table
We are LOVING our new kitchen table. It met all of Cason’s requirements and more! The quality is amazing, it weighs about a million pounds and the texture and finish make it PERFECT for kids because they could dent or scratch it and you’d never know. It’s ALREADY distressed and layered with lots of cool colors!
I honestly don’t know the EXACT brand of the table, because we special ordered it from The Black Goose Design out of a book. If you want to know more about it, or order one for yourself, you can email Brooke (the manager) or call and talk to anyone at the store. All the ladies are really friendly, helpful and always MORE than happy to answer any questions. Like I’ve mentioned before, they can also order things and have them shipped to you (of course with additional shipping charges). So you don’t have to live in Utah to get their great products.
Our Armless, Wheelable, Washable Settee
We talked about this in our kitchen restyle post, but this too is from The Black Goose Design.
When we were picking out the perfect settee, we started with the style we wanted and THEN picked the fabric. That’s what’s so great about customizing your bigger, important pieces. You can get them EXACTLY how you want. You might spend a bit more, but I consider these pieces an investment because I picked timeless, neutral finishes that I knew could go with LOTS of different types of decor colors and styles. Plus, with the slipcover on this particular settee, if I ever feel like changing my fabric choice a few years down the road, I can just have another made for me. Love smart furniture like that!
Our Kitchen Rug
We scooped up this beauty from RugsUSA.com when they had their 75% off sale. It’s called Steppes Leaves Natural Rug and I got mine in gray… BUT it’s definitely more dusty blue than gray, so just a heads up.
The 75% off sale happens every few months or so, but if you don’t want to wait, you can usually still get a really good deal. Actually, right now it’s 50% off!
Our Pendant Light over the Sink
We did a whole blog post about this bad boy.
It’s the OTTAVA light fixture from Ikea and costs about $30.00. If you want to check it out, our blog post covers how to convert a can light with a recessed light adapter, to make the proper connection for this pendant lamp.
Our Chevron Utensil Holder
Seriously, the MOST asked question by far. haha!
Seriously, the MOST asked question by far. haha!
I actually scored this plain white ceramic utensil holder at a thrift store for .50 cents (see below)
and then just simply wrapped some storm grey colored chevron vinyl around it. Easy-Peasy!
The reason that I never really blogged about it, was because I had a REALLY hard time applying the vinyl to the round shape. No matter what technique I used, I couldn’t get that dang decal to wrap perfectly around the utensil holder. grrrr. I’m thinking it was because it’s not actually perfectly round, or maybe it was just the chevron design that was hard to match up (?)
Either way, I still loved the look of it and so I pushed my OCD tendencies aside just flipped it around so no one could see the uneven back (ha!)
Our Roman Shade in the Kitchen Window over the Sink
Like we mentioned in this post, we wanted to soften up all the hard lines around our kitchen sink, so we added a roman shade.
I fell in LOVE with all the colors in this designer fabric, so Brooke from The Black Goose had a flat front roman shade made up for me in it! A lot of you have asked where you can get this fabric. You can actually just call The Black Goose Design and order yardage straight from them! Or if you don’t feel comfortable with sewing window coverings yourself, then you can chat with any of the designers there and they’d be more than happy to gather measurements and have something sewn up for you! Shipping charges would apply, just like anywhere else you’d order from, and if you just tell them that you saw it on our blog, they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about
🙂
Our Farmhouse Sink
The beauty that started it all. As you know, we got our farmhouse sink from Ikea and most of you have been wondering… “How is it holding up?”
It’s been AWESOME!
We’ve had no problems at all! No scratches, dings, or black marks; things that you all have been asking about. The price is about a fourth of what other brands want to charge you, so if you’re hunting for a good farmhouse style sink, take a few minutes to look over this Ikea one. I STILL highly recommend it and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the quality.
Oh! And since someone has already asked about the dishtowel… it’s from Gygi. I don’t think they sell it online, but they may still have it in their store.
Okay, I think I’ve just about covered it all! Now I’m off to enjoy my pretty pink tulips from Costco!
Anonymous says
I am still seriously in love with that exact same sink, its been almost a year now and I just walk in, see it and sigh…..I'm sure there should be more to life than that, right??? 😉
sonia says
What about your fab rug underneath the terrific new dining room table. You have such great style, please share all the details of the rug!!
Karri says
I just LOVE it all. Sigh. Its a place I'd want to spend my time!! So serene. I really want to paint my cabinets white, but since we just put these maple ones in a few years ago, I am going to have to wait. I have a grand plan in mind. Just have to get the husband to buy into the vision of the new countertop and sink and backsplash (which we never put in!) and save for it.
Unknown says
I love your kitchen, but would love to know where you got your kitchen towel! It is so small but such a vibrant addition…
Unknown says
Why not take an exacto knife and trim off the overlap of vinyl on your utensil holder? 🙂
Unknown says
Why not take an exacto knife and trim off the overlap of vinyl on your utensil holder? 🙂
Anonymous says
Great post! Loving how you answered all the questions with pictures 🙂
Tonya K says
LOVE the new outlet covers! Where are those from (and you thought you were done with ???)
Lucrecia says
I'm going to Houston this weekend, sans husband – and that pretty white sink is coming home with me!! shhh, don't tell him!
If I could fit the butcher block counters in my car I'd be bringing that back too!
Ethel says
Love it all! My husband and I are just beginning our kitchen reno and we've purchased the Ikea farmhouse sink. I'm happy to hear that it's holding up well. I did a TON of research and it seems that the quality is pretty high.
Everything looks great!
Bblog says
Love love love it all. Thanks for that! I was just thinking about the chevron vinyl decal maybe if you trimmed up the overlay with a utility knife it might help it look more seamless.
Let's Beautify says
@houseofsmiths I know you may be OCD about the chevron, I'm that way too, so that being said, could you use a razor to cut the extra pieces off so it lines up? At least you won't have the overlapping affect even though it wouldn't be even. Just a thought:). And I love what you've done with pretty much,…your whole house. So congrats to your talents and hard work!
Rachel says
The vinyl on the utensil holder is a great idea! I may have to bust out the cricut and make that myself.
abouzek says
Love your kitchen!!! Can i ask what type of flooring you have in there? I love the look of the dark wood but want something that's easy on the wallet and can handle small kids.
abouzek says
Love your kitchen!!! Can i ask what type of flooring you have in there? I love the look of the dark wood but want something that's easy on the wallet and can handle small kids.
Nancy@owensolivia says
Hey. I have that frame! I love it, but I have put anything in yet. Your kitchen is da bomb. So prettylicious!
Unknown says
I started following your page for a few weeks now and I just wanted to thank you blogging about your projects! Your health stories are also inspiring and definitely a far cry from the glamorized views of "getting fit." Thanks again!
Anna Whiston-Donaldson says
loved hearing these specifics!
robynthedoglover says
Another question…is your kitchen floor handscraped? It looks similar to the new flooring I am considering.If it is handscraped, can you tell me if you like it, how it is holding up and how you clean it? Would appreciate it. Thanks!
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
Your kitchen is stunning! Your dining room table is to die for! Thanks for going into specifics for us!
~Abby =)
Unknown says
I am loving your kitchen. it is a similar color scheme to what mine will hopefully turn into, love that I can see one similar and see how good the fresh hues look!
Lauren says
Such a fantastic combination of elements! I feel like I would sit down on that settee and just say "Aaah. Life is good." when sitting in such a colorful and calming space!
Lauren says
What a great combination of elements! I feel like I would sit down on that settee and just say "Aaah. Life is good." when sitting in such a colorful and calming space! Really beautiful you guys.
Petra says
So pretty! I still would love to know the name of the fabric above you sink so that I can read up on what type of textile it is etc. Thanks!
Dan and Emily says
You can buy the same white canisters at smiths market place and you can buy awesome rugs at overstock.com for a lot less expensive
nanasewn says
I would like to know how you get the calk so nice and small and even!!
Jennifer Interiors says
Your kitchen and dining room are beautiful. Very modern and fresh.
Karen says
I love your kitchen! Would love to know more about the light fixture over your kitchen table.
Karen says
I love your kitchen! Would love to know more about the light fixture over your kitchen table.
Team Fraser says
Where is the hardware from on your cabinets? I love it and I'm in the market!
Stephanie says
Petra, I am not sure about the fabric but I contacted Black Goose Designs about ordering some. They did not give me the name but it is $67/yard.
Unknown says
Absolutely love your kitchen! I happen to have the EXACT same dining tabel I'm still in love with it and we've had it for about 2 years now. I actually had to look twice to make sure it is the same table since I live in Australia, but it definitely is the same one! I got ours from Recollections, an Australian furniture chain if any of your readers from Australia are interested earlysettler.com.au/furniture/detail_description/666/Dining/Table/2/1800%20x%20900/90148651
I also have the same IKEA sink, it is great! I would also highly recommend it, especially since the alternatives here in Australia are about 4-5 times the price of the IKEA sink.
Unknown says
Absolutely love your kitchen! I happen to have the EXACT same dining tabel I'm still in love with it and we've had it for about 2 years now. I actually had to look twice to make sure it is the same table since I live in Australia, but it definitely is the same one! I got ours from Recollections, an Australian furniture chain if any of your readers from Australia are interested earlysettler.com.au/furniture/detail_description/666/Dining/Table/2/1800%20x%20900/90148651
I also have the same IKEA sink, it is great! I would also highly recommend it, especially since the alternatives here in Australia are about 4-5 times the price of the IKEA sink.
Unknown says
I love your kitchen! We actually have the exact same dining table! I still love it and we have had it for about 2 years. It is definitely great with kids! At first I didn't think it could be the same table since I live in Australia but it definitely is! I got mine from Recollections (Australian furniture chain) if any of your Australian readers are interested earlysettler.com.au/furniture/detail_description/666/Dining/Table/2/1800%20x%20900/90148651
We also have the same IKEA sink! Absolutely love it and would also highly recommend it!
Unknown says
Shelley, that kitchen is amazing. I like all the details, but most of all I love the matte tiles. They look great. What did you use to install them?
For your next home improvement projects, I suggest that you take a look at Bondera Tile MatSet. You can successfully use it for next DIY projects. See here how it works youtube.com/watch?v=JegIxRKab_8. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any information you need.
Tiffani Bingham says
I love seeing all of your decorating ideas! You sure have an eye for it! I can't wait to see you laundry room-I am in desperate need of some inspiration!
Whim and Pearl says
Love your kitchen! We are getting new cabinets installed next week!! I have been living with a utility sink in the kitchen for a month! I would love to know where you got the pulls for your cabinet drawers?? Thanks!
Jina says
Your kitchen is wonderful, I love that sink and faucet. I was planing to install this Ikea sink as well. Could you tell me what type or brand of the faucet? Thanks.
Jina says
Your kitchen is very nice. I love the sink and a faucet as I plan to install this Ikea sink to my kitchen. Could you tell me which brand of the faucet? Or where you get it? Is it spray or pull out? I really love how it look.
Thanks.
Andrea says
ok so can i ask about your sink faucet? do you love it? brand? help please! thanks- Andrea
Unknown says
I'm curious as to the color of your countertop
just cute kate says
How's the sink holding up after a year+? Also does the sink have a lip on the front or just the sides? It's so shiny it's hard to tell.
Thanks!