When we first bought our Nashville house, this is what the kitchen looked like…
It is a beautiful kitchen. It’s just very themed. It’s very farmhouse.
If you’ve been here for awhile, you know that’s not my style. I describe my style as “Coastal Americana” and I just came up with that label for myself one day once I realized which pieces I gravitate towards.
One of the first things we did was take down the chicken wire (yes, I said chicken wire) over the pantry door. Also, the window treatments on the pantry door and kitchen window. We also switched out the super traditional, curvy legs on the island and painted the whole thing grey.
We added new lights above the island and new counter stools. We also painted the hood vent white. With all of these changes… It just still wasn’t getting it for me. It just still didn’t feel like my kitchen.
So Matt painted the brick backsplash white, with a faux Dutch schmear technique. Nope. Didn’t like it.
So, major changes had to be made.
countertops
When we bought the house, we knew we were going to need to replace the countertop on the island, at the very least. It has three large cracks running through it. That replacement was negotiated into our purchase price of the home.
I’ve never loved the countertops because of the traditional brown veins. One area (to the left of the stove) has so much brown, that there is actually green running through it. You don’t even want to know what I think it looks like… I’ll spare you.
So, the time has come to choose a new countertop. And we’re replacing them all.
We first narrowed it down to three choices…
With a toddler in the house, marble was not a viable option. But I love love love the look of marble. So, caesarstone it is!
When I first laid eyes on Montauk, I fell in love. Montauk is a polished quartz and it’s positively lovely.
But Matt had his heart set on a honed finish. For those of you new to the world of countertops, honed is the opposite of polished. It’s basically a matte, smooth finish.
We narrowed it down to Calcutta Nuova and Frosty Carina. We lived with the samples in our kitchen for days. Checking the colors at all different times of day under all different lights. After days of studying the samples, we decided on Frosty Carina.
Next up is backsplash. I want to lighten the kitchen overall. Because the kitchen only has one window and it’s looking out on the covered porch, the natural light is minimal. In order to work with what we’ve got, we’re choosing all products that will brighten the space.
I’m leaning towards a 5×5″ square tile as opposed to subway tile. We had subway in our last house and I feel like everyone is doing it, so I want to choose something less popular. We’re looking at the above samples, but I’m really loving the square- not only for the shape but also the color variation. We have another brand we’re interested in, that we’ll hopefully get a sample from tomorrow. The subway tile above is Phoenix Ceramic in “Bianco” and the sample board with the square tiles is Speartek Porcelain in “Seasons Pearl”.
Next up, looking for a different style hood vent. Ours is very traditional, so looking for something with cleaner lines and just a tad more modern.
Comment below and let me know if you think I should go with square tiles on the backsplash or if you prefer something else.
The square tiles! I’ve always loved those!
I get what you mean, by choosing the less popular option.
I hate a copy paste house all around town 😉
Exactly! I don’t want mine to look like every other kitchen you see on Pinterest and Instagram.
Personally I love the subway. Most people don’t do a 3×12 so it wouldn’t be cookie cutter. The classic subway that a lot of people still lean towards is 3×6 or 4×10 in a traditional brick pattern but that one is a 3×12 shown in a 1/3 stagger pattern and it’s so clean and classic. As a kitchen designer, I’m afraid the squares are too traditional 😬 I love love love the color of both of them and the frosty carrina tops though!
Thank you so much!
Oh I’m so glad I read this. I was thinking about square tiles on the backsplash in my kitchen but wondered if I was wrong for wanting something different from the usual rectangular shape.
I’m excited to see the hood!
I think squares look good. We have square tile in our house (it’s a rental so not in the colour I would choose myself) but it does look nice. You kitchen is amazing, my husband would love it (he’s a chef) so counter space is a big deal to him 😆
I’m a big lover of dark cabinets though and he’s not so keen 😆
Thanks, Gemma!
Love the back splash rectangles!
Cannot wait until its all done 🙂
Me too! Thanks, Marissa!
I love the square! I bought my house and love the kitchen! It has all white cabinets and a white/gray marble counter top. The back splash is white as well. I always get so many compliments!
I bet it’s beautiful!!
The countertops will look great!
Thank you so much!
This will be a fun, yet very stressful, project! The square tiles are so unique and with give it so much light. I can’t wait to see the process and the end result.
I think you should find something else for the backsplash. I think diamonds would he beautiful!!!
First, love the counter tops! I like the different lol of the squares, BUT I also think you can never go wrong with subway tile either. Both are options are good, in my opinion!
Thanks, Kelly!
I really like the square backsplash! Can’t wait to see it all finished.
Thanks, Shannon!
Stunning kitchen ..great countertops awesome taste Angela!!
Thanks, Richard!
Love the subway tiles! They look so cool. I can’t wait to see it all come together.
Me too! I’m so excited to get it all done!
I vote for the hexagon tile backsplash (but I like a little more mid-century vibe so I might be biased)! The countertops are perfect. The carina is beautiful! Can’t wait to see the paint colors. Vent hoods are so hard, definitely something with more clean lines. Can’t wait to see how it turns out. You are giving me inspiration for mine!
Thanks, Rachel!!
I love the square tile. I think that will look amazing. I’ve got a glass splash back in the most boring shade of brown so you can imagine how much I love it 🤦♀️. Once we finish our back yard remodel it’s the next on the list.
What kind of backsplash do you think you’ll go with?
I love home renovations and projects! Totally get what you mean choosing the less popular. We are going to be building our forever home very soon and I feel like choosing the finishes is going to be a very stressful part of it! Love the square ones you chose and can’t wait to see it all finished!
It is stressful but so worth it! Thanks, Britian!
Oh man, it’s so hard to choose! But I think you guys picked well!! Looks so pretty!
Thank you so much!
I really love the square back splash. Not only does this make it basic or not as popular but the simple piece brings out a beautiful and I think will make the kitchen just with that backsplash a tad more interesting! 😉 Also I agree with the first qaurts but its still pretty.
I loved this week’s blog post. I must say I think it is very exciting being able to re-model your house. 🙂
I can’t wait to see more!
From Erinn Sequeira.
Thanks, Erinn!!
Beautiful kitchen! Mine needs a new paint job!
Thank you, Natasha!
What about vertical subway tile? That is an awesome look as well.
That would! I didn’t even think of that!
I definitely love the square backsplash. I really like the countertops too. And why did the previous owners put chicken wire in the kitchen? That’s like taking farm house to a whole new level in my opinion.
I have a question though, how does Kenny to with all the lighter pieces of furniture? I can’t keep anything white with my 3 girls. What’s your secret?
I agree. Ww couldn’t figure out why they added it there. Kenny does very good. She doesn’t love mess either. 😂
It’s so beautiful! I really like the square tiles!
Thank you so much!
I LOVE the countertop you chose and also the square tile!! Can’t wait to see it finished.
Thank you so much!
I really like the square tiles I think it looks clean and still modern. I do really like subway tiles but get why you wouldn’t want to go that route what about the reverse if it went vertical instead. Also I don’t know the name of the trend but the small tiles more of a mosaic may take away from the clean overall look though if you are going for all white. I cannot wait to see if all come together you have a beautiful home its fun watching it all come to life.
Love those ideas! Thank you!
I think the squares will look nice! I can’t wait to see the finished kitchen! You rally should be an interior designer as you always have great ideas and you have great taste! ❤️
You’re so sweet! Thank you Mallary!
Hi Angela! I am a Chef, so this blog post is just speaking my language! I day dream about designing my dream kitchen ALL. THE. TIME. lol!
You and your family have made excellent choices so far! Love watching 🙂 I love the square tile. It has lots of texture! I like that it is not smooth, shiny, and flat. Would it be hard to keep clean? or is it easily wipeable? The hexagon shape looks like of bathroom shower tile to me. So definitely in love with the square. I agree with the subway tile comment, too!
Thanks babe!! What would you do in your dream kitchen?
I like your choice in backsplash. The other looks to me like painted brick.
Thank you so much!
We’re in the process of making plans to renovate our kitchen (and bathrooms x 3 as well) so will follow along with your renos with interest. I love the square tile too!
Thank you so much! What are your plans so far?
I like the hexagon tiles, considered doing those in my splashback a few years back. And I went with the Calcutta Nuovo for my countertops. 🙂
Love that!!
What about herribone with the more rectangle ones or torn the squares 45 degrees so they are more diamond shaped.
Love that idea! Thanks, Kristi!
I’m feeling the square tiles! I don’t have any backsplash in my house, just obnoxious maroon paint (the whole kitchen and basement were painted the color)! I just love everything about your house! I cannot wait to own and decorate my dream home. We are thinking about moving out of the state of Illinois though so the dream home will have to wait!
Thank you so much!
Subway tiles are overrated! I agree with the square tiles !
Thank you so much!
The chicken wire!! 🤦♀️
I love the square tile and the frosty carina! Can’t wait to see it when it’s done!
Thanks, Katie!
Love how you and Matt work together and find a great compromise.
Thanks, Lisa!
I love the square tiles. My parents have square and it is gorgeous!!
Thanks, Rachelle!
I love your kitchen!! The island is my fav!! Joanna Gaines would be proud of your farmhouse kitchen!! I love modern homes but I have grown to love a little bit of farmhouse touches because of Fixer Upper. I can’t wait to see the rest of the house when it is completely done!
Thanks, Erin! We’re excited to see how it all turns out!
Square tiles look beautiful! 🙂 when do you think your kitchen will be fully completed?
Hopefully by the end of summer!
LOVE. Love. Love. This is so beautiful! 😊🌸
Thank you so much!
Love the marble look on countertops too! I think you made a great choice on what you picked. I definitely like the square shape for backsplash more than the hexagon.
I actually like the subway best! I don’t really like the hexagon.
I love the square tile! I despise cookie cutter houses and right now everyone is leaning toward the farmhouse look, which I like but I prefer cold yeast, different bold colors and my own touch! I’d love to redo my entire kitchen! But floors first!
Lol not cold yeast! My own thing*
Not the subway tiles – over used in my opinion. I’m not impressed when I see it on hgtv. The squares. I guess right on the counter top.
Square tile! I feel like the hexagon tile is like subway tile, everyone is doing it. I tend to go more towards clean lines, I don’t want to get sick of it quickly.
Definitely the square tiles for me- I love the slight colour variations in each tile.
I love love love the subway tiles!!!👍🏻👍🏻 They would be totally my choice, too.
Author
We’re going with the square style, we had subway in our last kitchen. 🙂
Oh no, I meant square tiles!! Sorry!!😂
Author
🙂
What about using the countertop material for a seamless backsplash? I did the kitchen in my old house with gorgeous hand glazed crackle tiles. But since they were still a subway tile, they looked generic from across the room. Then my girlfriend did her backsplash to match her counter with a seamless piece of marble and my head nearly exploded. DEFINITELY doing that the next time around!
Author
I don’t care for the brown in the current countertop at all…
I love the countertop you chose! A kitchen is a big undertaking, and I’m looking forward to seeing how you make it your own. 🙂 My husband and I are big into color, so my kitchen cabinets are a medium shade of green (Glidden Safari Green) and my walls are Cornsilk, which is a light buttery yellow. Floors and countertops are next, but not for a little while due to budgeting.
Can’t wait to see the finished product!!!
Author
Me too, Alyse!
I love it all!! Your home is so beautiful, just like you & your precious family! I love watching your stories on FB & Instagram! Just remember, I am only 2 hours from you! Hehehe