Design Inspiration for the Poplar Cottage Kitchen
THE POPLAR COTTAGE
Today I wanted to share some design inspiration for the Poplar Cottage kitchen. You might even call each of these design elements current ‘trends’ in kitchen design. Honestly, I hate the word ‘trend’ because it implies something that will go out of style, and that’s the exact opposite of what we aim to do in our remodels. But trends can also be older design elements brought back into fashion and period details, and that’s what I’m talking about today.
Hopefully you’ll be seeing these elements in the Poplar Cottage kitchen soon. But fist, let’s have a look around at the construction progress we’ve made lately…
Did you catch that hood vent?! Garrett custom built the curve using lath and will give it a plaster finish. Here’s a closer look…
Psst: you can see a floor plan of the Poplar Cottage here. The kitchen layout is here.
Garrett and I are notorious for designing as we go in a renovation. But this time, I want to be more prepared. Not I-have-every-last-detail-figured-out prepared, because that would be impossible for us, but I’m aiming to have all of the big decisions figured out and a direction that will help guide all the small decisions. Basically I don’t want this kitchen to drag out for as long as our Farmhouse kitchen (6+ months 😬). And that requires planning and early purchasing, so that’s what we’ve been working on.
And this kitchen feels really exciting because it’s a bit of a play ground. A place we get to try things without living in them. Of course, we hope we love the kitchen so much we would gladly to live in it, but it’s easier to be bolder when it’s not your own home (if that makes sense).
Let’s talk about those design elements we’re excited to use at Poplar…
Stone backsplash
I’ve been dreaming of a stone backsplash (and shelf?) for Poplar since we started planning this space. I love when the countertop matches a 12” or so backsplash. And I’m fully on board for the single stone shelf of the same material. But I’m back and forth on whether we’ll add the shelf for one reason… Will it be durable for tenants (this house will likely become a rental in the future)? Either way we’ll be matching the countertop and a mid-height backsplash.
Plate racks
Plate racks certainly aren’t new, but they’ve been making a comeback! I think they’re what open shelves were five years ago and I love how nostalgic and functional they are. Plus I’m a big fan of any time you can display everyday items like dishware, bowls, and vases! And I’m excited to say that I already bought a plate rack for Poplar from an etsy shop my friend Ashley recommended (more on that soon).
Ditch the toe kick
I absolutely love the look of no toe-kicks. They just seem more built-in, classic, and a nod to the past. Kind of like the wood built-ins of old. I’ve been eyeing this design element for a couple of years now and it seems more popular than ever.
Photo by Haris Kenjar, Design by Heidi Caillier Design
Color
Color is making a come back in the best possible way. I think this year we’ll be seeing a whole lot less of all-white kitchens and a whole lot more color. Not that you should feel bad if you have an all-white kitchen (we do!), classic never really goes out of style. But I am here for more color and pattern and texture in kitchens and all the feels they invoke…even if they’re mostly neutrals.
Wood
Wood in the kitchen is back in a big way. I love the natural feel, warmth, and texture it adds to a space. And in that vein, we’ll be keeping the oak floors at Poplar and adding a wood plate rack on the wall.
BTW this is basically my dream kitchen…
@stevengrambel | Construction @timelesshomesltd, image @ericpiasecki
Metal hanging rod
I’ve been obsessed with hanging metal rods for some time and am adding one to Poplar. Not only are they great storage (especially for a small kitchen like Poplar), but they’re lovely to look at. Now if I can just find some vintage copper pans…
Mandy Lee’s kitchen, via Remodelista
Floating upper cabinets
While upper cabinets still aren’t as popular as they used to be, we’re seeing more of them than in years past. And I’ve noticed a shift towards cabinets that float on the wall and don’t feel as ‘built-in’ as many uppers (basically the exact opposite of the uppers we put into our Farmhouse kitchen). I love how casual and eclectic these feel. And I think a stand-alone floating upper cabinet would look lovely in a bold color, but since I’m just not that bold, I’m using this trend on our wood plate rack, which I designed to float on the wall with space on all 4 sides.
Built-in hood vents
Okay these have been popular for years, and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. But I have noticed more curves on hood vents than in years past and we’re doing exactly that. A cute little curved hood vent for our Poplar kitchen.
Those are the kitchen trends that I’ve been loving lately and plan to use in our Poplar kitchen! Any trends you’ve loved (or hated) lately?
