An Island Is the Star of a Cottage-Inspired Kitchen Redo Thanks to an Unexpected Color
Searching for and purchasing a home isn’t a small task. Not only is this process a major life milestone, but it can also be a hefty financial commitment. Knowing this, it’s totally fair to want to find a space that checks all the boxes. But in some situations, sacrifices might be necessary. Like when Lauren Alexander bought her condominium in 2021.
“The home had good bones — beautiful crown molding and a stunning view with lots of natural light,” Lauren shares. “But the space itself felt outdated and a bit too cold.”
She Couldn’t Find the Best of Both Worlds, so She Created It
Even though the interior didn’t have exactly what Lauren was looking for in terms of utility, she saw an opportunity “to infuse some personality and character into it.”
Lauren’s goal was “to create a space that was functional, comfortable, and stayed true to the original building architecture,” she says. So she set to work designing the new space and hired a contractor.
She Moved the Dining Area and Created a Huge Kitchen
At just under 300 square feet, the kitchen was a great size, but that figure also included the “dining area,” which didn’t really allow for comfortable seating both at a table and at an island. So Lauren decided to move the dining area to a room off of the kitchen that was originally intended as a home office, and she converted the bonus space into a breakfast nook.
“We needed some kitchen seating outside of the island, and this was the perfect space to do that,” Lauren explains.
Then, with the help of the contractor, Lauren had the counters extended, added open shelves, and created a larger workspace on the island with a hidden garbage can underneath to make kitchen prep much easier.
Lauren also had the cabinets painted Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace” and the island painted Farrow & Ball’s “Inchyra Blue.” The pop of blue added a cozy element and reflected how bright and airy the space was throughout the day.
Because She Worked with a Contractor, Her First Renovation Was “Fun and Scary”
If Lauren were starting the project today, she’d consider adding a butcher block countertop to the island or replacing the entire thing with a large dining table. “That being said, my colorful island makes me very happy!” Lauren shares.
Plus, with the paint colors she selected, she created a welcoming, lived-in feel in her new home by adding walnut counter stools to the island, beehive pendant lights overhead, cafe curtains to the windows, and brass utensil rails throughout for vintage-inspired storage.
This was Lauren’s first major transformation, and working with a contractor was an especially new experience for her. She had to learn how to speak with confidence and be firm with her feedback. “The process was both fun and scary,” Lauren shares.
It Took Time to Make the Space Feel Like Her Own
Even though Lauren loves decorating, she quickly learned that designing a space and decorating a space are two very different things. Now, Lauren wishes that she had met with as many contractors as possible to get the best cost, ideas, and suggestions — especially because she was designing it herself. “I didn’t want to ruin the space,” Lauren says.
But “the biggest thing I learned was how much I love design and decorating, she says. “I started my social media account (@cozyinchicago) showcasing my home, and it’s brought me so much joy.”
And while none of the transformation was easy for Lauren because “living in chaos during renovations is not for the weak,” she’s now confident in her design skills and has since transformed her bathroom into a relaxing, Parisian spa experience.
Lauren’s made her kitchen feel lived-in and enjoyable — with vintage items to add stories and colorful pieces to spark joy. “Remember that making a house a home takes time,” Lauren adds.
Inspired? Submit your own project here.
Shop This Before & After
- Paints
- Products
- Rattan Cylinder Basket Planter from Anthropologie
- Stella Kitchen Brass Utensil Rail from Anthropologie
- Gleaming Primrose Floor Mirror from Anthropologie
- Sutton Rechargeable Table Lamp from Anthropologie
- Norman Counter Stools in “Walnut” from InteriorIcons
- Caro Hand Tufted 100% Wool Rug from Anthropologie
- Ceiling-Mounted Brass Rod with S-Hooks from Atlas Finest
- Mackenzie-Childs Tea Kettle in “Violet Check” from Amazon
- Regina Andrew Beehive Outdoor Pendant Light from Joss & Main
- The Eloise Scallop Milk Glass Sconce Wall Light from Anthropologie
- Set of 2 Cotton Woven Stripe Cafe Curtains in “Maize” from Anthropologie