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!
February 26th, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Kay, I love every delectable morsel of this kitchen….. All those yellow ware bowls! The subway tile! The CEILING! Good splurge on that pendant! That range……and if someone breaks in and takes that red clock……it might have been me,
February 27th, 2013 at 2:25 am
Love the dark grout!