When we built our house seven and a half years ago, we did it on a very tight budget. One way we were able to build our dream house was to not do all of the aesthetic, big ticket extras right then. Namely, the kitchen. I did get the cabinets that I really wanted, knowing they would be a good foundation.
Our final step was to add the tile backsplash. After pouring over many idea magazines, I knew that I wanted subway tile, in a brick pattern. 
I also liked the look of wide grout. I didn't want the tiles to look like they were attached or stacked on top of each other. Our friend Joe did an amazing job. I had no idea how much of a giant puzzle tilework is!
After I took the picture above, I decided that the red tray needed a little something...
yeah, that's better!
This is my desk area. Otherwise known as the dumping ground. I've tried to control the clutter with the basket (a yard sale find!)
I know it's blurry, but it is the only digital photo I could find of our original kitchen:
I know!!! WHAT were we thinking with that blue???
I know!!! WHAT were we thinking with that blue???
25 sweet thoughts from friends:
It's so beautiful, and I love the Rejoice over your door. That just says "you" to me. :) ( or I what I "think" you are....hee hee).
Gretchen, it looks fabulous! I have to say, coming in your back door into your kitchen is one of the warmest fuzziest feelings! You are so good at making your guests feel welcome, and wanting to just sit down for a cozy chat! Let's do it soon!! Love, e
I have been following your blog for awhile and just wanted to let you know that I love it! All of your stories and ideas are amazing. I look forward to it every morning. Your kitchen is stunning! Tfs. Sam.
Wow - i think everything looks fantastic! We have similar tastes. What I want to know, is how is looks so clean???!
It's so pretty!! I love the red and white combo, and the backsplash is so crisp and clean-looking!!
Oooh la la!!! This is spectacular! Thanks for showing that off!
I LOVE your kitchen...it is beautiful!
Oh I heart subway tile too! And those cabinets...wow, just beautiful. I'm adding those to my stack of "one day I'll have a house like this" photos. Great idea about the granite too. I've heard people complain about the fingerprints on black. Thanks for showing it off!
-Hayley
It all looks fantastic--love that you have a before even if it is blurry! Love the tile!
I've been away on a missions trip and just checked your blog. Wow, you've been busy! I love the colors you chose for your kitchen.
so pretty..I love RED...it's beautiful!
~Sandy toe
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN. I LOVE WHITE SUBWAY TILE.
HUGS FROM MAINE
http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/
I love the changes you have made. The subway tiles are a fave of mine...I love them! They look great! I like that unhoned granite too. Very pretty!
I love what you've done. It's so bright and cheery!
Jo
Thanks for stopping by my blog! Looks like you have been busy in your kitchen too! It looks amazing and I am in love with subway tile - I just have no place to put it!! Great job!
Your kitchen looks like it came from HGTV!
great work, and color scheme. I love it.
and I love your 10 min makeover pictures, you cluster your accessories very well!
thanks for visiting my blog on the link party!
Love your kitchen! It is darling and I love all your choices.
I love your kitchen. That's a great way to keep updating your home with high end items. Start with a good foundation. We may build a home in the next year... I think that' what I plan to do also. Plus living in the home for a while can help you make better choices. I'v build one home and loved it but it wasn't perfact by any means.
Beautiful amazing wonderful kitchen! I LOVE it all. I am in the process of gathering ideas to give mine a facelift. Mainly get rid of some way dated and no telling how old wallpapered chair rail. So yours is inspiring!
I love the way the subway tile turned out! The whole kitchen (and mud-room in your earlier post) is precious!
What a beautiful kitchen! Love the jolts of red. You can control your clutter with one basket? Honey, you are a cluttering amateur!
Just kidding -- but I would need a dozen of those little baskets, I'm afraid.
I think I manufacture clutter out of thin air.
The tile is stunning, and I love the cupboards; you made wise choices!
Cass
We are in the process of buiding our dream home. We've built the first phase (took us 2 1/2 years) and we'll soon start the second phase....it's a long process and we do what we can. We too knew this was the only way we'd get our dream home.
I love it! The subway tile...ahhh. I'll never get sick of it :)
Ha! My word verification is "flysupe" Yum.
Love it! Saw your link on chattingatthesky. Great job.
I especially love the subway tile. I've really been wanting to do that w/our backsplashes. Also, I know this is a crazy little detail, but tell me about the little red tray. Its very cute.
When I saw your subway tile and the beautiful brick pattern, I knew what I wanted for my kitchen. Thanks so much for the inspiration! We now have a beautiful kitchen with white subway tile laid in that same pattern!
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