I am so excited to be back today with my kitchen tour and all the details. Yesterday's tours were amazing, and I am sure today will be the same! Make sure you read all the way through the end to enter for not one but two Giveaways!!!!!
Here is the tour line up!!!
Thursday, August 22
Atta Girl Says, Practically Functional, While Wearing Heels, The Creek Line House, Back Porch Musings, A Stroll Thru Life, Recreate and Decorate, Worthing Court, The Happier Homemaker, Rain on a Tin Roof, Mom 4 Real, Town and Country Living, Fox Hollow Cottage
Friday, August 23
The Everyday Home, Good Life of Design, French Country Cottage, Marty’s Musings, Adventures in Decorating, Cedar Hill Ranch, So Much Better With Age, Our Southern Home. The Lily Pad Cottage, Stone Gable, Debbiedoo’s
Let's get started! Welcome to Our Southern Home's French Country kitchen tour with all the details! Come on in and visit a while!
We built our home 9 years ago. It was our first experience with new home construction. I must say it was a very wonderful experience. We had a fabulous builder who prides himself if quality workmanship! It took just a little over 9 months to build.
I would say that we spend a huge amount of our time in our kitchen. The large island has turned out to be a highly used surface. The kids do homework here, chat with me while cooking, and eat snacks and meals here. I sometimes blog at the counter and pay bills. Many craft and DIY projects take place on this work surface as well. It has also turned out to be the perfect surface for buffet spreads and party set up!
You will notice that all the perimeter cabinets are distressed pine and the center island is a distressed green. If you follow my blog, I'm sure you are aware that green is my favorite color! We also used a separate colored granite on the island than on the perimeter cabinets.
We also used a different styled cabinet for the island than the perimeter cabinets. I love bead board cabinets. I really think the island adds to the French Country look that I was after! I was really after storage when working with Wood-Mode cabinetry to design this kitchen. The Southern Living house plan had the island solid with cabinet space all around. I really wanted to use counter height stools so we came up with this. I do have some storage on the stool side of the island, but it was so worth it to add the seating!
The left side cabinet which is closest to the refrigerator houses my newly created Lunch Box Station. You can find all the details of it HERE! In just the first week of school, it has proven to be a huge organizing time-saver! It really makes it convenient for my teens to get their lunch boxes ready for the day. We have a deal. I make their sandwich and get their fruit ready, and they pack the rest! Not a bad deal for them since I fix their breakfast for them as well. They needed to get involved and weaned a bit by me!
The right side cabinet which is closest to the kitchen table houses the cereal and paper goods. I have been using these cereal storage container for over 10 years!!!! They are so great for keeping the cereal fresh. I highly recommend them!
One of the best space-saving features has been this cabinet to store my Kitchen Aid mixer! My hubby gave it to me about 10 years ago for Christmas. I'm a gal that doesn't mind an appliance for a gift! It pulls out easily for occasional use. The pull out drawer holds all the sheet pans for baking.
Here is the layout of the cabinets on this side of the island from left to right: mixer station, pull-out garbage with a dish towel drawer above, under sink cabinets, dishwasher and trash compactor. We live in the country and take off our own garbage. The trash compactor is wonderful to cut down on the amount of bags. We don't put any food in it so there will not be any kind of odor. I keep a small open trash can right outside the garage door off the mudroom where we place all the recycling. Our son is supposed to sort it daily into the recycling bins! If you ever add an island to a plan…..always add electrical outlets! I have 1 at each end. Comes in handy for glue guns, chargers and slow cookers!
I love the farmhouse sink! It may not be for everyone. Over time, it does show scratches and wear & tear. I'm OK with that….just adds to the charm of a family kitchen!
All of the lighting is from Circa Lighting. The appliances are Kitchen Aid, Bosch and Thermador. The kitchen faucets are Newport Brass.
I really wanted to have cabinet panels put on the refrigerator doors. I envisioned constant finger prints on that stainless steel! All I could see was me with cleaner and cloth in hand all the time. My hubby really wanted the stainless steel look. He pretty much went along with all of the things that I had picked out so I gave him this win! It really has not been a big deal to maintain. I have a cleaner that I occasionally use, but mainly use one of those grey stainless steel microfiber cloths with just water. It is so easy to clean….no regrets!
On the counter top, I simply use a spray bottle mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 rubbing alcohol and a dry microfiber cleaning cloth. This was how the granite company recommended cleaning the granite. It does a great job! I do seal the granite 1x per year. I know I should do it every 6 months!
Since I took these pictures, I have picked up a new addition! I collect tole trays and just fell head over heals for this antique tole watering can while in Southport, NC!
The perfect spot was here on the counter with hydrangeas from our garden.
Now, I had never heard of such a thing until working with Wood-Mode on the cabinet details. This built-in bread box is so conveniently located by the range under the toaster!
Pull-out spice storage on either side of the range make cooking convenient!
I really try to keep them in alphabetical order! Of course, they get out of whack and have to be reorganized a couple of times per year.
The green from the island and the moldings has been duplicated on the hood. The back splash tiles are tumbled marble. We had a local tile artist (local as in 10 minutes from us!) design and paint a French Country village scene.
The artist paints and fires these. They are very durable!
These pull-out pantry drawers built into the cabinetry have been another great feature. They had actually become quite disorganized on a regular basis and really drove me nuts! The first of the year, I went on an organizing frenzy and emptied the mess out and started over. Now everything has a labeled place! I am a true believer now in labels, labels, labels!!! To see this complete post you can go HERE! I have another pantry closet in the mudroom off the kitchen that I store crock-pots, etc. I don't want to scare you off with that closet yet. It is a work in progress!!
This wet bar area has really come in handy for parties!
I got this really unusually shaped wooden tray for $2 at a consignment shop in Southport, NC.
This is perhaps my favorite part of the kitchen….the breakfast room. I love mixing new with antique, vintage and thrift store cast-offs! I really believe that a combination of all creates a cozy, livable space. The other walls in the kitchen are painted drywall except for this area. The walls are a green washed Cyprus. The ceilings are stained pine planks. The tiled floors also mimic the look of wood grain. The floors have been amazing! It was the perfect choice with 2 kids and a black lab that sheds at a ridiculous rate! Sometimes you really don't even notice it until you start to sweep! Guess I just shared too much!
The rug was my first rug Ebay purchase. I would be lying if I didn't admit that I was so scared to buy a used/vintage rug off of Ebay without seeing it in person. AND would it stink!!!! Luckily it did not! Guess what??? It only cost $100. It has ended up being one of my favorite rugs in the house. It is far from perfect and is worn in a few areas! I've even had to put an extra dog bed on the spot Lizzie sleeps because I was afraid she was wearing it out faster!
The antique hutch was a find from many years ago when we used to find the time to go to a new bed & breakfast each fall. Good thing the kids were not with us then because it wouldn't have fit in my SUV! I love this piece and enjoy changing the look with accessories. I love blue and white china. Remember years ago when the grocery stores would have this for sale? They'd do a weekly special on the pieces and place settings…..yep that's how I got it! Still love it!
I mentioned earlier that I collect tole trays. The majority of them have come from bidding wars on EBay…..I hate to lose. I developed a strategy of just putting the one I wanted on my watch list. I'd never bid until like the last 30 seconds. Sometimes I'd win and sometimes I would not! I probably haven't paid more than $65 for one of the larger ones. The smaller ones were much less. I skipped the pricey tole pieces! They can get quite expensive in antique stores!
The tole lamp is also from Ebay.
The windows crank out to open up to the screened porch and the back yard. You can find my screened porch tour HERE.
I am so happy that you stopped by for the tour of our kitchen! Be sure to stop by and visit the other stunning homes on the tour. I am so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group of blogger!
My complete home tour can be found HERE.
Don't forget the amazing GIVEAWAY below!!!! Good luck!!!!
Don't miss the rest of the kitchen tours this week!
Thursday, August 22
Friday, August 23
And now for the giveaway!
There will be two winners for this giveaway! Pfister generously donated a prize for this giveaway, so one winner will receive a free faucet worth up to $300, and a second winner will receive a $250 Visa gift card! To enter for your chance to win, just follow the steps below, and good luck! OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY!
Step 1: Follow the bloggers below on Pinterest
Step 2: Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below!
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Christy says
Thanks so much!
Lizzy says
Omg your kitchen is beautiful!!! If you don’t mind me asking do you know the name of the fabric you used for your valances and chair cushions? I have the same fabric but in a yellow color, and would like to find some more if I know who the maker is. Thank you.
Christy says
I am so very sorry! I had those all made in 2004 and I do not remember. I love the fabric to this day!
Macs says
Your kitchen is totally adorable. From color scheme to how it was perfectly built. Storage is very need and organized. Thank you for sharing.
Christy says
Thanks so much!
laurie says
What a fabulous kitchen! You are so organized. I love that painted tile scene. laurie
Christy says
Thanks so much, Laurie!!! We have really enjoyed it….almost 10 years now! Thanks so much for visiting!! XXOO Christy
Robin Tompkins says
Love it! I have the same color scheme and very French Country, but I need to organize mine like yours. Thank you for sharing!
Summer Smith says
I would like to know what color your walls are in the kitchen, what color your island is and what color the greenish trim is near your kitchen table. beautiful kitchen!!
thanks!
Christy says
Thanks Summer! So glad I was able to help! Happy painting! ~Christy
Jamie says
Lovely kitchen tour! I love all your attention to detail. It’s such an inviting place 😉
Hugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Christy says
Thanks bunches, Jamie! Have a great long weekend! ~Christy
Kelly says
ohhh pretty! Great details and I would like you to come organize mine please 😉
Christy says
Thanks bunches, Kelly!!!! If you saw my house right at this moment, you’d laugh and feel sorry for my family at the same time! Quite the unorganized mess at the moment. Have a restful holiday weekend! ~Christy
Shannon says
Hi Christy 🙂 Thanks for the special tour. So fun seeing all your cool little secret storage and organization ideas. I’ve never seen anything like your mixer storage. That is brilliant. Your kitchen is so beautiful and richly detailed, with the different cabinet finishes and gorgeous mill work.. it’s an spectacular space!!!! It belongs in a magazine, it really is that pretty! You did so well designing it :)))
Christy says
Oh, Shannon! I just adore your blog and style so your sweet compliments mean the world to me! Thanks so very much, friend! ~Christy
Marty Walden says
Love this, Christy! Love the amount of storage you have and I want that mixer! It looks perfectly put together. Great job!
Christy says
Thanks bunches, Marty! I enjoyed sharing our favorite space! Have a blessed evening. ~Christy
Amy of While Wearing Heels says
Your kitchen is so grand. It’s so full of warmth. I am quite envious of your pull out for your mixer. That’s on dream list. Your painted tiles are so charming and unique. What a wonderful custom touch to have added to your one of a kind kitchen.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Amy!!! In our old house, that mixer took up so much cabinet space so when the cabinet maker suggested it I was ecstatic!!! Thanks for stopping by. Have a lovely evening! ~Christy
Suzy says
Hi Christy. Your kitchen is absolutely drool worthy and looks like it came straight out of the pages of a magazine! I love that you mixed up the cabinets styles, colors and granite. It is truly beautiful and I’m sure you enjoy spending time in there. Thank you for such a great tour!
Christy says
Suzy,
You are so sweet. Thanks so much for the greatly appreciated compliments! I have really enjoyed getting to know you. Hope to meet up one day in Southport! ~Christy
Tamyra says
Each and every time I visit your blog you never fail to WOW me! Thanks so much for sharing your kitchen in such great detail. Your kitchen and home is nothing short of fabulous!
Christy says
Oh, my!!! Flattery will get you everywhere, Tamyra! Thank you so much…you’ve just made my day! Big hug! ~Christy
Dria says
Christy, your kitchen is so pretty! I love the two tone cabinets and that floor! You have done such a beautiful job decorating your space 🙂
Christy says
Hey Dria!!! Thank you so very much!!!! I am so blessed to have you stop by! Have a lovely evening. ~Christy
Sandy says
Such a beautiful kitchen, your whole house is beautiful but the kitchen is exquisite. I might even want to learn to cook if I had that kitchen. Thanks for sharing, lots of inspiration in that wonderful room.
Sandy
Christy says
Sandy,
Thanks so very much! I honestly do enjoy cooking in this kitchen. It is such a family space. I am so happy you stopped by. I look forward to hearing from you again! ~Christy
Yvonne says
You have such an amazing and beautiful home and you kitchen is just a gem!!!! I am so taken with it’s richness and warmth… and the way you use color and pattern. Just perfection in my book! I can tell that you put a lot of thought and love into your decor and your attention to details is over-the-top! One of my very favorite kitchens!!!!
Christy says
Yvonne,
Thanks so much! These sweet compliments mean so much coming from you! I just adore your blog and style! Have a blessed evening! ~Christy
Recreateanddecorate says
Christie your kitchen looks so inviting!! I love the spice rack, may just have to copy that! Great job!
Christy says
Thanks bunches, Wanda! The spices so close to cooking/prep area are so handy! Thanks bunches for stopping by sweet friend! ~Christy
Zolane says
So warm and cozy with beautiful details. I, too, love green and have it throughout my home. May I ask what color of green you used on the walls, island and trim, please?
Christy says
Thanks you so much!!!! The wall color is Tea Leaves by Sherwin Williams #1152. The trim is a Ben Moore historical color HC-109 Sussex Green. Have a lovely evening! ~Christy
Courtenay says
OK, now see I just went and wrote a post about how I don’t like the color of my cabinets and they’re almost the same color as yours! I think the difference is that yours are so rustic and have so much character and they just look amazing! I love the green island and range hood too to break everything up! Thanks so much for the tour!
Christy says
Courtenay, you are so sweet! Thanks bunches!!! I do like the hood being different to break it all up as well. I love your kitchen!!!! ~Christy
Sukochi Lee says
Christy, you have the best kitchen I have seen. I never tire of the photos of your house. Inspiration abounds! Wish you lived close. I could visit that gorgeous house. We could have sweet tea and crumpets on the screened porch!
Christy says
Oh, Sukochi!!! You have been such a fabulous supporter. I appreciate it more than you know!!! I am sure we could have some great conversations on the porch!!! Big Hug!!!!!!! ~Christy
Trisha says
Christy: Your kitchen is beautiful! I agree with Nancy @ Artsy Chick – Love the hide away mixer idea!! Wish I had that!! But when I got my kitchen, I did not have the mixer!!!!!! Love it! Trisha
Christy says
Thanks so much, Tricia! I do love the mixer cabinet. It sat on my counter in the old house taking up too much valuable space! So happy the cabinet make suggested it! Thanks so much for stopping by!!! ~Christy
debbiedoos says
Totally drool worthy. LOVE LOVE LOVE your kitchen. I love that hood too and want to have one of those some day soon:) I think I will make that happen LOL!~
Christy says
Thanks so much, Debbie! I have so enjoyed getting to know you! If anyone can make a new hood happen in their kitchen, it is YOU!!! Go for it! ~Christy
Melissa says
What awesome attention to detail! So warm and inviting!
Christy says
Thanks bunches, Melissa! I appreciate you stopping by! ~Christy
Michele/Finch Rest says
Oh, Christy- you REALLY nailed the true French kitchen – this is an AMAZING kitchen and surrounding areas. WOW.
I love so many of your convenient details – one can certainly tell how much thought went into these designs.
Whew. I am in AWE!
Have a wonderful weekend – thanks for ALL this inspiration! I know I need to upgrade, we really do. : – )
Christy says
Wow, Michele! You compliments are so sweet and greatly appreciated! Thanks so very much!!!!! I’ll be sure to visit your blog as well! ~Christy
KATHYSUE says
Christy, Your attention to detail has really paid off in a great family kitchen. I loved that bread box drawer, waht a great idea. I use the same cereal containers in my pantry!!
Thank you for taking us on a tour of the ins and outs of your kitchen,
Kathysue
Christy says
Thanks so much, Kathysue!!! It is amazing all the organizing features you can add to a kitchen. I am sure there is even more out there from when we built 9 years ago! I hope you have lovely evening! ~Christy
Cynthia says
Christy your kitchen is just stunning. I am planning on doing French Country in our whole home. We are getting ready to build. I can’t wait. I have been doing my research. I will be using yours for some inspiration also. I am so glad I got to see it in such detail!
Cynthia
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cynthia! You are so sweet! How exciting that you are getting ready to build. I wish you loads of luck and fun along the way. Glad to be of a little inspiration! Christy
Jane says
This is the first time I’ve seen your kitchen and I am just in awe! It’s beautiful!! Your island is just perfect for the work out it gets and I LOVE the farmhouse sink. I also fell in love with the French Country scene you have painted on the tiles above your stove. Gorgeous!!
XO,
Jane
Christy says
Oh, Jane!!! Thanks, thanks, thanks!!!! I am so happy you found my blog. I look forward to hearing from you again! Hugs~Christy
Nancy says
Your kitchen is amazing in every way Christy. One of my very favorites…no detail overlooked. 🙂 (I LOVE the mixer hideaway cabinet!)
Nancy
Christy says
Thanks so much, Nancy! I am so happy to hear from you. I hope you are doing well!!! XXOO Christy
Pat says
Great tour! It is beautiful. I have 2 quick questions. What do you use to seal your granite? Where did you find the barstools, Ballards?
Christy says
Hey, Pat! Thanks so much! My barstools are from Hooker Furniture and are counter height. The kitchen chairs are the same brand. I believe the sealer came from Home Depot. I have had it forever! It really lasts! It is in a spray bottle and is called Stone Specific Granite Sealer for Polished Granite. I could email you a picture of the bottle if you have trouble finding it. Spray it on and let it dry then buff like waxing a car. ~Christy
Marty says
Your kitchen is totally fabulous. I love it and could cook up a storm in there. Gorgeous in every detail. Hugs, Marty
Christy says
Thanks so much, sweet Marty!!! I am so happy to have you stop by! Hugs!!! Christy
Shenita says
Christy, your kitchen is just gorgeous! Love all of the attention to detail. It feels very warm and cozy. I am sure many memories are created here. The tile backsplash is beautiful, as well! Love the colors!
Christy says
Thanks so very much, Shenita! I hope you are doing well!!! Big hug!!! Christy
janet says
Could you please tell me what granite you have used on your perimeter counters? Also, what is the flooring in your kitchen? Thanks!
Christy says
Hi, Janet! The perimeter granite is Golden Beach. The island is Tropic Brown. The tile is Megatrade, Maderas. I am not sure of the color. Here is the link. I am thinking it may be the Ok Gold. http://www.megatradecorp.com/Maderas.html
Christy
janet says
Thanks Christy!
Shana says
Your kitchen is so warm and inviting, pretty AND functional. The details really make it special… Makes me want to sit down with you and have a cup of joe 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Shana! Come on over…I’ll brew another pot! I hope you have a great weekend! ~Christy
Becca says
Girl, I seriously swoon over your incredible kitchen! You guys didn’t skip a beat! I absolutely love the French Country scene you all had painted on your backsplash … your incredible organization … your beautiful cabinets … and, of course, the Mich Ultras in the fridge! Ha! Your breakfast area is so inviting … love your Mr. Moo, too (I need to add one of those myself)!
Christy says
Becca,
Thanks bunches, friend! It is a favorite space!! I so loved finally getting to meet at Haven. Great meeting a fellow SC blogger! Cheer to the weekend!!! xxoo Christy
Pat says
Each and every detail is amazing! Those tiles!! Oh my! Your kitchen is gorgeous, Christy.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Pat! It is my favorite room! So enjoyed your tour as well. Your entire home is so warm and inviting. Have a great weekend! ~Christy
Petra says
Wow – your kitchen/dining area look really cosy and “comforting”. I love your teen’s lunchbox cupboard – what a fabulous idea. Lovely photos!
Christy says
Thanks bunches, Petra! It is definitely a well-used kitchen! 9 years and still no desire to change anything. So happy you stopped by! Have a lovely weekend! ~Christy
Sonya ~At Home with The Barkers says
Your kitchen is so beautiful, my friend! Green is my favorite color as well. AND I just love that breakfast nook!
~Sonya
Christy says
Thanks bunches, Sonya!!! Green…just one more thing we have in common! 🙂 Enjoy the weekend! ~Christy