Brick Wall and Farmhouse Kitchen Island Reveal (Kitchen Makeover Part 1)
We dreamed about this project for a long time, and after several weeks of prep, project work and clean up… today is the big day! I’m so stinking thrilled to be sharing our new brick wall and the farmhouse kitchen island reveal with you! The new brick wall is all ready to show itself off. Jim did a beautiful job creating this real brick accent wall for our home and he gets allll the credit for this one! I’ll circle back later to share all the before photos and how we did the DIY install all ourselves. After a little sunshine, I was finally able to take some halfway decent photos to share with you, and I’m not waiting one minute more.
Here she is…
Our DIY brick wall, plus our new chunky, farmhouse kitchen island.
Not only did Jimmy put in the brick wall, but we had to install new flooring where the footprint of the old cabinet was. And I will warn you again… never get a dark wood floor. On my honor, I cleaned this floor right before I set up my tripod to take pictures. Yet it still looks like there is a fine layer of dust. It makes me crazy. Crazy I tell you!
Here is a reminder of what the space looked like before:
And now.
With the built-in cabinets gone, and the new brick wall…
Anyhow, we were able to feather the new flooring in and it’s flawless! It’s like it’s always been there. Dust and all. LOL. Okay, as much as it’s making my eye twitch, I won’t mention it again.
We really unexpectedly stumbled into the new island. We had intended to build a custom piece here, but we got ambushed with some other unexpected projects that were a much higher priority, so store-bought it was.
I’ll link to the island, and the new bar stools down below (they were a steal)!
The island couldn’t be working out any better. It was very spur of the moment and fell into place beautifully. We really lucked out. A local shop was doing a Facebook live and I happened to see it! We ran down, took the measurements, and knew it would be perfect. It’s got amazing storage — with the 3 drawers, big front cabinet section and than the cabinets on both ends.
I don’t even have them filled up yet. But… give me time. (wink wink)
Honestly, this spot is so new to me, and I don’t really feel like I did a great job capturing how pretty it looks now. I love it and it’s so much warmer and just… lovely in person.
If you’ve been thinking about making a change to a space and you can’t do everything you want to, try sectioning off the room into zones, or prioritize what you want to change the most, and do that first.
This spot in our home was the most troublesome as far as functionality, so we started here.
I’m so glad we tackled this portion of our kitchen. It’s always been such a odd spot with the old built in cabinet, and trying to do anything in the center, yet still have room to walk-thru to the other rooms.
It was simply too tight!
Now, you can orbit the island in any direction and there is room to spare. The entire room functions & connects to the outlying rooms better and the traffic flow is greatly improved! It’s so much more open and inviting.
Right now, we’ve switched our attention to getting the exterior of our house painted and protected before the weather changes! It’s a race.
We found some damage and rot, and are replacing a massive support, the siding and all the big windows in the sun room. Yikes. When we are done it’ll be safe, strong and sound… but won’t look much different at all. Another “money you can’t see project”. A bit more than we planned for, but it’s got to be done.
I’ve got two more parts (possibly 3) to complete in the kitchen to get it how I want it to look, feel and function. I’ll be sharing my plans for the next step with you soon. Oh boy, and is it ever needed! I’ve been putting it off for years, but it’s time to address it.
I’m sorry I wasn’t very story-telly on this one friends. We’ve been racing from one thing to the next trying to wrap things up before we get hit with 8-9 months of rain, so it’s been crazy-busy over here.
Next week, I’m planning to work on a wee bit of Halloween, and also a Autumn tablescape. I know it’s later than usual, But for right now, can you even with these Fall Hydrangeas??? They just dried like that. Perfectly glorious!
I can’t get enough of them.
Thank you SO much for always cheering us on, and being so kind and encouraging. It means the world to both Jim & I ( I know I’ll be reading him the comments on this one). And it sure makes it a joy to share our home and projects with you! Much love, Shannon
SHOPPING SOURCES:
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Bricks: Click Here We bought online, they were delivered on a pallet to our front door.
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Our White Wood & Barn Door Kitchen Island [Click Here]
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Our Rustic Black Metal & Wood Bar Stools: Click Here — available in counter or pub height, smooth or natural finish top
Oh how beautiful!!! You just can’t beat brick. Love it!! And nice job on the island, great find right there.
We got so lucky, right here in town, with delivery!!
It’s working out really well and holds so much 🙂
Thank you!!
Hmm I’m not loving it. Maybe if the brick was less red? I LOVED the before tho!! ..lol ?♀️
Your house is beautiful and I think your floors are too!! Rock on!!
Most brick is red 😉 And it’s not for everyone.
The look before wasn’t bad, but didn’t function well at all.
We love this – and you can have our floors! LOL
Oh it looks so nice. Well Done Jim! He has done a great job. It looks so nice and your new unit is smashing.. Glad it has all gone to plan. Enjoy.?
Thank Val! He worked so hard on it, and we love it.
Happy Fall to you 🙂
Shannon,
The brick wall is spectacular. It was beautiful before, but now it’s simply stunning. I’m sure you’re pleased as punch! Have a blessed week my friend! XO ~ Julie
Thank you Julie! And same to you, I know it’s the big painting day!!!!
This is a beautiful evolution of the room. Nicely done, guys!
Thank you so much Shannon!!!! 🙂
Your brick wall is beautiful. What is behind the curtain? I would tackle that next. It really doesn’t really flatter your beautiful home.
It’s the pantry. And it’s on the looong to-do list. If money and time grew on trees, it would be done already ?
Wow!Love it! The wall and the floors and the island all work together so well. I love the new dining room too. Can’t wait to see your kitchen plans.
Jim – you did an amazing job with the brick wall and feathering in the floor! You would never know there is new and old. Shan – what a gorgeous and functional new space – dust and all!!! This has inspired me to take on a project in my house that I’ve been putting off!
You guys knocked it out of the ballpark! It all looks amazing!
I love it all!! That brick wall is awesome!! You two make a great team!!
The brick is beautiful! I love white and neutrals but a touch of wood, brick just makes it pop. I love the look of your floors but thanks for sharing how crazy they make you. Looking to replace our carpet soon…#2goldenretrievers.
I hate to sound ungrateful because I am very grateful to have nice hardwood floors. They should just be a different color so they don’t make me insane ? You need a blonde wood floor with Goldens ?
Oh shannon it’s so pretty. bravo to jim ….and to you.
I love it. You did a beautiful job
Thank you so much Betty!!
Jim did an AMAZING job! It’s so even and so…so…well, it’s perfect. It’s so satisfying to see your vision come to life isn’t it?
The brick really adds so much warmth and texture and it highlights the ceiling angle beautifully. Also I’m pretty sure I have your barstools – love them.
Love the hydrangeas – so pretty!
Another fabulous job – you two should be proud!
I love the charm the brick gives to your home! I also love the white kitchen Island! Happy for you and glad you shared it with us!