I’m so excited to share our home remodel with you guys and I thought I’d begin with my favorite space, the kitchen. It’s finally fall this week and I’m ready for baking and warm comfort foods! Do you all feel the same? It makes me so happy right now to spend time in here.
When I was planning this house, I used a binder to collect all my dream images, and in that were Serena & Lily catalogs that I used for inspiration. I bought some of my favorite pieces for the house from Serena & Lily, my Malibu Chandelier in my dining room, and my Capiz Scalloped Light in my entry. I am in love with both and they have made the spaces in this home look modern and stylish.
Everything they do is very light and pretty and has a California casual aesthetic, which, if you’re a frequent reader of my blog, you know I adore. I had to read my email twice when they asked me to partner on a post about Life at The Kitchen Counter. I rarely do partnerships, but this is a company I have loved for a long time. They are based in Northern California, Sausalito in fact. Their products have turned out to be the best quality pieces I chose for this remodel.
Since everyone gravitates around the kitchen, having a big island has always been a dream for me. I wanted to have room for us to spread out and for the seating to be comfy as well as stylish. I found both in these Balboa Counter Stools from Serena & Lily. The mix of the grey rattan with the brass accents is so elegant!
In the kitchen, as in the whole house, I went with my favorite materials -woods, natural stones and variations on white and grey. It’s livened up by the brass accents on these stools and my dark gold drawer pulls and knobs. The bits of gold are like jewelry for the room and give it a touch of glam and fun.
Worry not that I’ve chosen white cushions and have boys in the house! The white basketweave chair pads are made of Perennials, a stain resistant fabric that repels water and resists fading. They look chic, but they are also comfy and the guys have been hanging here and I am okay with their tacos etc… Everything just brushes right off! How cool is that?
Known for their fresh take on casual dining and home, Serena & Lily were the perfect choice for the look I was going for. They embody the California lifestyle very well with materials that are luxe and casual chic, yet never stiff or formal. Inviting is how everything feels and looks.
This Serena & Lily’s Seaview Rug is my other favorite thing in the kitchen. I wanted a long runner for the kitchen, something cool with a pattern, but that would wear well. This rug is made of recycled plastic and is water and UV resistant, yet feels like an expensive wool rug underfoot. It’s nice that you can spot clean it and also hose it off outside if you need to! Helpful with all these young guys who like to cook. So far everyone’s a fan, including the cats, who we have to step around when cooking dinner.
I like that you can flip this rug and use the other side at some point. I think this affordable rug was a smart investment and I am going to order another for our hallway.
This is the grey color of the Seaview Runner which is 2.6 x 10 feet. I also love the Turnstone Rug made of the same material.
For an open light feeling I went with open shelving on the uppers and have some of my pottery pieces from my trip to Positano here. Next to the stove I placed this cute ceramic Spinnaker Tray with rattan handles. It plays well with my mix of materials and I love that it reminds me of Hawaii with its tropical look.
The tray is handy next to the stove and holds my olive wood spoons from my travels and today these pretty Brela Napkins. I also use the tray on the island to hold more cloth napkins and bites when entertaining like below.
I am kind of a tray addict as they are a chic way of displaying your things, while keeping areas tidy. Serena & Lily has the most wonderful selection of trays in many colors and materials. This Spinnaker Tray also comes in Navy. My other favorites are this gorgeous Stonington fossilized clam shell tray (would be stunning on a bar), this Leila Bone Round tray is elegant for a bathroom or vanity counter, and I am in love with this set of three Marine Trays made of enamel and brass, so cool for a coffee table. I also have a crush on this wicker Bedford Tray and want it for an outdoor bar I hope to set up soon.
Isn’t this a fun way to set up a casual entertaining? Have everyone grab their items from a tray.
We’re loving our island for most of our meals now. I feel bad for the dining room, but it’s just so easy to cook here and set a cute meal quickly. I’ve been using cloth napkins exclusively now for years and I would never go back. They give meals a quality that paper napkins just can’t. I do one load of cloth napkins a week and never iron them, just fold them when warm.
Do you use a step-stool in the kitchen? My friend Erin came by and saw my new Teak Step Stool and flipped out about how cute it was. I think the wood and white is darling. Being on the shorter side, I’ve used it a ton already for my high cabinets and to get to my top open shelves. It’s sturdy enough that Max has has been using it for putting up bulbs and things. It is super durable teak and would be cute in a kid’s bath at the sink as well. Everyone can use one of these!
I hope you are loving the change of season as much as I am. Do you find yourself at the kitchen more as the weather turns cooler? I sure do. I’m looking forward to making soups and baking, pumpkins, pear tarts, and all the goodness that is coming. I hope this gives you a little glimpse into my new kitchen and some autumn inspiration!
Thank you to Serena & Lily for collaborating on this post and helping to sponsor the blog. As always, all opinions, writing, photos and mini-pumpkins on this blog are exclusively my own. 😉
Kim
Where to begin!
Those bar chairs are JUST PERFECT!AS if made for your space!
I ALWAYS USE CLOTH NAPKINS………must save TREES as they take the Carbon out of the air with this Global Warming stuff I learned from GRETA……..do you follow THAT 16 year old who is LEADING THE WAY ON GLOBAL WARMING?
YOUR cat is DELICIOUS.THE BOYS SO BIG!It’s not often we get a glimpse of them!
I have already started making ONION SOUP and BEEF BRISKET.The Italian is making fun of me as the days have been SO WARM!But to answer your question YES !!!!
XOXO
Contessa I agree the stools gave the space an upgraded look. I love Greta and think about her and more I could do- we all could do. Even little things help. I don’t believe this is an all or nothing thing. We all make a difference with out little choices each day. Glad you are doing the hygge thing already, but yes what the heck with 100 degrees yesterday?! I am going for chili tonight and thankful it’s cooler. Hugs from the cats. xo
Everything is beautiful! I love it all! Design, color, texture’s .
Enjoy your new ( remodeled) HOME
Marilyn, Thank you. I’m glad you like it. You have great taste.xo
Wow Kim it’s all just stunning! I’m so happy for you and your fam because the kitchen turned out gorgeous and all of the accessories you chose are perfect. Dying over those stools with the brass accents. My gosh. Everything is beautiful and I love that the soft furnishings are so easily washable too. Definitely necessary with your boys!
It’s such a beautiful California look. xox
Dani thank you. I know I felt lucky the stools kind of made the counter! It all worked out as I wasn’t sure about the tones, but fortunately this quartzite kind of goes with it all. I cannot wait to hear more about your new house too!! xx
What a nice post ! i love your new kitchen, it’s an important place in a house … and you made a great job…congrats !
Anne-laure, thanks so very much. It was a long time getting here! xo
Absolutely gorgeous Kim !! Hopefully one day we will be able to enjoy a nice glass of wine 🍷 together in your beautiful kitchen !
ANA!!! I would love that so much. Girl you have to let me know when you are down here and seeing you family. We will make it happen- hopefully with Ani too. Miss you. xoxo
Kim!!! Your kitchen is gorgeous and I love that we’re finally getting to see it! The materials you chose are so calming with a laid back California vibe. Of course, Serena and Lily wanted to partner with you. Their styles are perfect for your home. I love the stools and with amazing perennials fabric. Serena and Lily has the best trays and I love the Spinnaker tray you chose. I think it would work nicely in our house as well … if the renovation is ever complete. In fact, you’ve inspired me and I’m headed to Serena and Lily’s site right now and get inspired for our decor. One of the many things I love about them is their pieces work in any style of home from contemporary to tradition to transitional. Something for everyone! You must be so happy to be moved back in. I look forward to more posts on your house and the amazing fall food being whipped up in that fabulous kitchen! xo
Thank you Juliet. You have fabulous taste and I cannot wait to see what you do with the new place. I agree Serena & Lily has somehow bridged that space between trad and modern and I think that’s why they are so appealing. They feel modern in a homey and pretty way.. Well I have to see what you order and I am writing about some other things I am also getting from them! I feel lucky to partner with them too. They fit my style and home. And yes loving cooking now! It’s a joy to be in this space finally. xo
Kitchen looks great want to see more photos of the house!
Thanks Trish!! Working on it today! Hoping you’re loving the new place!!
I’m so glad I’m finally catching up on reading Kim because I LOVE your kitchen. It looks so amazing and true California chic which is my fave too. 🙂 The tray with the cloth napkins is such a good idea – I’m going to order some. So much better than paper napkins. Also, one of my fave aspects too is that there is so much seating at the island so I can definitely see why you eat most meals there – great pics of you and your fam. Congrats again on the new kitchen. So happy for you, I remember you talking about it over coffee last Sept. Time flies!
Dale, I have to catch up with you too! Life has been too nuts the last few months. I like the tray for napkins and Dale I swear once you do the cloth thing you’ll love it. Seriously cannot believe it’s been a year since we got together. I hope we can again soon. This has been the craziest year of my life doing this and it has flown. Thanks for checking in dear friend. Hope all is good with you and your darling girls. Hugs
What a gorgeous space. Brava!
Thank you Jen! xx
Hi Kim, I know what you mean about Serena & Lily catalogs being so inspirational! As I design my next house in River Dunes, NC my binder is overflowing with ideas from their catalogs. I love everything you’ve done in your kitchen. I can see why it’s a happy place for you. Happy Fall.
Hi Celia! Thanks I know.. love everything they do. It’s really my style. I will pop over and check out your blog and see about your home! Thank you and Happy Fall to you too.
Kim, your kitchen is AMAZING!! I can’t wait to see the rest!
Thanks so much Kelley. Working on a post today with more details. xoxo
Love! The foyer is great. The door ProVia? Lots a light!
Happy for you in your new space. Many good times ahead.
Hi Meg, thanks so much. The door is Simpson. It was custom ordered though with seedy baroque style glass panels and an Adelaide door set from Emtek in black- https://emtek.com/mortise-entrysets/adelaide. I will show more of the door and details in a post I am woking on today! Thanks so much I am looking forward to fun times too!
Beautiful renovation! Every detail is perfect. Serena and Lily is a wonderful company. Love everything they offer.
Your countertops and island are stunning. Do you mind sharing the material? Pretty color with white, cream and gray.
Love your blog!
Sarah in Michigan
Hi Sarah, Thanks so much I love S&L too! My counters are quartzite in a variation called Dolce Vita. It’s an all-natural stone that is leathered and honed and so far has been wearing great. It supposed to be very durable and it hasn’t stained at all- with boys and citrus, etc!! Thanks for reading the blog out there in Michigan! xx
Thanks for sharing your awesome kitchen—love the tray and agee about using cloth napkins. A cool refreshing kitchen. Great style.
Thanks Sheila! Loving the tray and I agree cloth napkins..they just upgrade everything! xo
LOVE the step stool and everything it allows you to reach :). xoxoxo
Bisous, Erin
Functional and cute right? Hugs Erin! xx
Gorgeous job on your kitchen! I’m seriously considering that rug for our new kitchen here in Oregon. It’s perfect!
Valerie,
I can highly recommend the runner. It’s been awesome and so durable already. Feels great too. Hope Oregon is great. xx