Today I’m sharing the official kitchen inspiration and mood board. If you’d like to see the “before” photos and layout plans for our kitchen, they were posted during the renovation planning stage; this update focuses on the design direction and materials we’re using. The mood board highlights the color palette, textures, and finishes that are guiding the space as it comes together.
The Color Scheme
I fell for the idea of mustard cabinets after seeing a few ochre and mustard kitchens that felt warm and lively. Initially we considered a deep teal or green, but that felt too heavy across the whole kitchen—especially since we used strong color in our bathroom already. Mustard feels fresher and creates a nice contrast while still coordinating with adjacent rooms.
For the cabinet color we chose Dunn Edwards’ “Lion’s Mane” and paired it with Semihandmade DIY shaker fronts. The cabinets can be repainted later, which is important since we plan to sell this house eventually; that bold cabinet color is the main statement, while the rest of the finishes remain relatively neutral with a bit more personality than a typical “staged for resale” palette.
Instead of simple white subway tile, we selected Weathered White Zellige from Clé Tile. These handmade tiles vary in texture and thickness, so they’re intentionally installed without standard grout lines to showcase their unique character. For countertops we partnered with Caesarstone and installed Statuario Nuvo quartz, which has a warmer tone and a dramatic vein pattern. The counters were installed recently and they look beautiful.
I know yellow can be a polarizing choice—people tend to either love it or dislike it—but it feels right for this home and complements the other spaces without overwhelming them.
Lighting & Hardware
We added two large Velux skylights and several recessed lights, so we only chose one statement fixture over the sink: a terra sconce in brass and bone from Cedar & Moss. It will provide a focal point without cluttering the ceiling. For hardware, we matched the house’s satin brass finishes—both the faucet and cabinet hardware are satin brass—and we selected stainless steel appliances for a clean, cohesive look.
Kitchen Decor
We found the rug shown below at Soukie Modern during a recent trip, and Jeff actually chose it for the kitchen. The rug brings in warm tones as well as subtle pinks, lavenders, and mints that connect to our dining room palette while making its own statement. Its warmth complements the mustard cabinets nicely.
Everyday dishes will be stored inside the cabinets, while open shelving will display special pieces used for entertaining. I’ve been collecting bold, mismatched plates and accent pieces to echo the rug colors and the other hues used throughout the house. The goal is a layered, collected look that feels intentional but relaxed.
Mood Board Sources
Blue dishes | Peach dishes | Teal dishes
Brass handles | Oak floating shelves* | Whirlpool smart range*
Mustard kitchen inspiration | Mustard and pink kitchen
Sconce* | Zellige tile* | Cutting board | Quartz countertop*
Kitchen with arches | Ochre kitchen by Studio Shamshiri | Teal kitchen
We’ve hit a few typical renovation delays, but progress is moving quickly again. I’ll share more behind-the-scenes updates and sneak peeks once we’re back in town. Hoping to reveal the finished kitchen soon!