My Sarah Richardson-Wannabe IKEA Kitchen

Sarah Richardson’s tricked-out IKEA kitchen . . .

… + my attempt at a Sarah-style IKEA kitchen, using Ballard Designs shelves + lots of “stuff”.

One of my design icons is Sarah Richardson, + my favorite project of hers is definitely the farmhouse she re-did for her own family. It’s so cool that she uses IKEA kitchen cabs + even cooler that she tricks them out the way she does.

She always paints them + often incorporates salvaged corbels into her design (see also: range hood + open shelves.)

As you can see, we used IKEA cabinets when we re-did. We chose these ADEL cabs because both the color + simple Shaker doors were such a great match to our bungalow’s originalwoodwork.

. . . our original woodwork.

IKEA’s farmhouse sink is affordable but has chipping issues.

I tried to trick out our IKEA kitchen like Sarah — really, I did. That stainless hood, the glass uppers + all that tile might not look like so much, but — believe it or not — I had to fight for them!

Speaking of which, there’s been a recent skirmish, + our subway tiles will soon be sporting a more vintage dark gray grout! Change is good!

It took some persuading, but G.O. is on board with the darker grout! I think it makes it look more vintage.

I collect anything that’s old, red + metal!

Awesome schoolhouse fixtures ($20-ish from Lowe’s!) + our pressed tin ceiling we ordered online.

I splurged a little + bought this (discontinued) PB pendant on eBay. The shades were Wal-Mart cheapies!