Cottage Flip Kitchen Layout

Are you ready for some kitchen talk? Let us do this!

I gave a quick preview in my Before Tour video if you missed it, but now it is time to get into the details and walk you through my thought process. Let me remind you that this is a flip house, so there is a slightly different approach. I need to keep things relatively neutral to appeal to potential buyers, however I also want to challenge myself creatively and try new things. And there is the whole limited budget part, which has always forced me to come up with creative solutions.

Step 1 of any new room design is to gather inspiration, so naturally I looked to Pinterest.

This was the photo that first sold me on black cabinets (by Blair Harris):

And this masterpiece from Studio McGee reaffirmed that decision:

Another angle from the above kitchen:

There is something so inviting about this rustic and warm kitchen by Barbara Westbrook:

While the navy cabinets are a bit too niche for me, It helps to keep everything else about this space as seen on Fixer Upper:

I cannot get enough of these black windows and light fixtures:

Shanty2Chic never ceases to amaze me with their DIY plans…

These folks found a way to bring big style to a small kitchen:

So unfussy yet elegant:

Another clean and classic design combo by Elizabeth Lawson:

Notice a theme? It is all about the black, white and wood. High contrast with mixed metals and lots of warmth, with some rustic touches thrown in. Now let us rewind to what I first walked into:

Not the most functional layout with the fridge blocking the walkway to the bathroom/stairs and very limited counter space. I realized right away that the door had to go so that the back wall could be one solid expanse of cabinets/counters, the stove could be relocated to that wall, and the fridge would move in its' place to free up the pathway.

Then below the window on the right wall, I'll add a built in bench with a table for an eat-in area that can double as a work surface:

Up against the bench on the right side, I'll add another wall of lower cabinets for extra storage and counter space (which will serve as more of a buffet/bar area—excuse the poorly lit photos):

There will not be any upper cabinets aside from a small one on top of the fridge, just two rows of open shelving between the fridge and back wall, and on the back wall above the stove I'll build a vent hood from reclaimed wood flanked by two wall sconces.

Let us look at a few progress shots. The sink is the only thing that will remain in its original place, underneath the window:

This is how it looks today, just about ready for patching up the framing, adding a gas line and rewiring the electrical:

Fortunately, my contractor was able to locate replacement pickwick pine boards for the ceiling (they were damaged during removal) so I can have those patched rather than having to use drywall.

And here is my design plan:

Let us talk materials!

Lowe's was my first choice for cabinets. I used them for my last kitchen, had a great experience and knew they'd deliver again. I briefly considered Ikea but needed something a bit more custom, and did not have the time or desire to deal with delivery/assembly.

The most affordable option for a true black finish in the style I wanted actually ended up being the same brand/style I used before—Kraftmaid Durham Maple Square in Onyx:

The top drawer is solid a though panel, they'll look just like my old kitchen:

The appliances will be stainless because let us face it, it is easy and that is what buyers want. For the countertops, the choice was obvious—you cannot beat the affordability of butcher block, and they just happen to look memorable next to black. I was going to use Ikea until I discovered that Lowe's just began stocking them—here is a shot I took in the store:

They are a bit more expensive than Ikea, however, they come unfinished so you can easily stain them to your liking, and I am already using Lowe's installers so they can take care of everything at once rather than having to road trip to Ikea and pay a $250 delivery fee and separate installation. Plus they are thicker and better quality. Sold!

The farmhouse sink and faucet, though, still goes to Ikea. You just cannot compete with the Domsjo sink and Glittran faucet combo:

I have debated on the backsplash, but always come back to unfussy white subway tile sheets. They are timeless, affordable, and keep the space feeling light and open. Just like my last kitchen, I'll run them from counter to ceiling to elevate the room (my ceilings are just under 8'). White subway tile is also the well suited backdrop for the custom range hood I plan to build…

I decided early on that this would be included in the design plan, and did a happy dance when Shanty2Chic revealed that they'll be releasing build plans for this one soon. I am stalking their page to make sure I do not miss it!

Flanking the vent hood will be two wall sconces. I had a hard time deciding on the finish for these. Black is an easy and safe choice, but The aim was to add some warmth and dimension. Brass/gold hardware is having a big moment and would look striking no doubt, but as mentioned earlier, I want to push myself to branch out and try new things.

I spotted these copper sconces on Wayfair for just $68/ea—half the cost of the closest brass option I could find (the price has gone up a bit since) and could not get them out of my head:

I do not see copper around too often so this is a great opportunity to do something different. There also is not plenty of copper hardware out there but I found and ordered these surprisingly affordable cabinet pulls and knobs from ATG Stores:

The built in bench seat under the window will be unfussy and built from wood with pillows to cozy it up, and I am thinking something like this round table refinished in a soft gray:

Since its a casual seating area and there is limited space, I ordered 4 of these stools which can easily be tucked in when not in use:

I recently had a change of heart when it came to the flooring. I have always defaulted to engineered wood due to the low cost and the fact that it is still (partly) wood, but as I was examining my original choice at Lowe's, I spotted something that made my heart skip a beat. Then I found out it was laminate. But it looked and felt more wood-like than the engineered wood, so I compared them side by side:

The Sterling Maple wood on the left is $5.50/ft compared to the Scottsdale Oak laminate on the right at $2.50/ft. The laminate had the 7″ wide plank I was looking for, while the wood was varying width. The laminate was also warmer in color and had a more rustic, hand scraped texture while the wood was smoother. Both are Pergo brand, are particularly durable and have lifetime warranties. Laminate has always been a product I have never considered using due to the perceived lower quality, but it has come such a long way and does not deserve that stigma anymore. So I have decided to stand up for it, take another risk and save a bunch of money in the process. I wish I would have found these for my last home—these floors are going to look memorable!

All of the paneling on the ceilings and walls will be painted using Valspar's Bistro White (along with the rest of the house).

On another note—after weeks of challenges with my contractor, I had to start over and I found a new contractor who has been strong to work with so far, and I am finally feeling much better about everything. The job is scheduled to be completed by the end of December (barring any extreme weather conditions) but I am optimistic that the house will hit the market by February.

As the design and products are being finalized and ordered, I can already visualize the end result and the excitement and anticipation is building. I am preemptively declaring that this will hands down be my best renovation yet (the character of this house makes it easy) and I just want to fast forward to January when I get to add all the finishing touches.

On Friday I am heading back to the flip for a clawfoot tub makeover, more thrift shopping and meetings with contractors/vendors while the foundation work begins. As usual, I'll be live streaming the progress via instagram stories and snapchat (@jennasuedesign) so I hope you can tune in to watch!

Disclosure: Some of the products listed were provided via sponsorship—all of which I selected and fully approve of.