A lot of people ask Ryan and I how we are going to be able to live in such a small space. And truthfully, I just don’t think we can truly understand how it will work until we are living there.
But one area I’m not worried about?
The kitchen.
Seriously, there is plenty of storage in this space for what we need. We have a great fridge. And the kitchen truly turned out even more beautiful than I envisioned. There are still plenty of things we need to finish in this space, but it’s really feeling like a kitchen now.
Not only is it practical, it’s also beautiful.
In addition to those pretty cabinets, you may have noticed the butcher block countertops. I somehow managed to trick our friend Dave into offering to finish the countertops.
They were originally beech and super light, so I chose a dark walnut stain. Dave stained and then finished with Waterlox. And it is smooth as butter.
I love these countertops so much, I cried when I saw them. And Ryan was confused and I tried to explain that I was just so happy. But he didn’t get it. But, guys. These countertops. I wish you could pet them. They get me totally emotional.
You know we love butcher block countertops and Waterlox. (Check out our review of IKEA butcher block and Waterlox.) This time around, we fixed the issues we had with our first butcher block experience.
- We stained the countertops first, for a deeper color.
- We were more cautious about the finish – ensuring there wouldn’t be lumps and bumps from dust. (Dave took care of this.)
Related: Another favorite food safe wood finish
The opposite wall is also looking great – including the island and a double shelf for storage. The microwave will live on top of the shelves.
There are still plenty of projects on the horizon – installing the hardware, hooking up the faucet and disposal … Oh yeah, I guess we need a stove, too. It will take the spot of the record player. Because despite what my husband tells you, the record player is not staying in the barn. No room for a record player. Sorry, Charlie.
But as you can see, I did make time for the barn wood cow and pot of fake grass. Because I have priorities.
So, that’s a pretty darn near finished tiny kitchen for you. And I’m getting teary just writing about it. Look at me, getting all verklempt.
Talk amongst yourselves.
I’ll give you a topic.
Do you love this as much as I do?
Did you like this post?
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TJ says
I was hoping you might be able to go into a little bit more detail on your sanding, staining, and finishing process on the birch counter tops. We’ve got some that we purchased from Menards. I have read that birch can be hard to stain and produce blotchy results. I’d like to pick your brain a little bit about the entire process if you don’t mind.
Janet says
Love your counter tops. In your last house you used oak and these are beech. What was your criteria for choosing the different types of wood in each situation. Thanks!
Kim Woodward says
IKEA doesn’t carry oak anymore, and I am now able to get these locally at Menards for a comparable price. Since I wasn’t staining, I wasn’t worried about the lighter tone. So not a really scientific reason, but I’ve been happy with both.
Jane says
Amazing! You, the barn renovations, the buttery countertops — all! I wish I had your energy and talent. Way to rock, Kim!
Kim Woodward says
Thank you, Jane! It’s been a fun project!
(And I’m mostly just good at delegating to people with way more talent than me.)
Anu says
Love it! That shelf looks beautiful and suits a barn space so well!
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Anu. There’s just something nice about a really simple, rustic shelf.
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Seriously. Fantastic. You have serious talent my friend.
Sarah says
Things are really coming together in here! I love the look. and those countertops ….
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
The shelf! Oh the shelf! I’m emotional about this too. I need.
Squatch says
You’ll have to get a pic of Crazy Dave the 9 Finger Bandit to promote your sponsor. I’m sure Pam will appreciate it if he’s kept distracted from building guitars.
Kim Woodward says
I’m sure he loves doing our projects for us. It seriously looks so good. I can’t believe how much better it looks than when I finished our countertops.
Katrina says
It all looks fantastic!! I love how everything is coming together, and I’m sure it just feels to good being in there!
Emily @ imperfect says
Love it! What a great space – and so functional for you while you live there, but also for future uses.
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
It’s beautiful. I love love love the stained butcher block!
Gretchen says
It looks so great!!! I think the record player needs to go downstairs, so you can have big square dancing parties down there. That’s the kind of parties you have in a barn, right?
Molly says
Yes, this is such a pretty little kitchen!! I love the butcher block look 🙂
Rachel says
Incredible!! The countertops are beeeeeeyooooootiful. I can totally see why you got emotional over them. Amazing. And your cow–so perfect.
Amber @ Wills Casa says
I love it. So hard. I mean those countertops are gorgeous! The entire kitchen is incredible and is going to make living in a small space so much easier!
Jaime Costiglio says
You had me at barnwood and butcher block. Yummy! (except the record player – who knew you had one of those!)
Marty Walden says
Love the countertops! They are gorgeous. I would love something like that in our kitchen but I can’t get Tim on board with it.
Susan A says
Love. Love. Love. X 100!! Seriously, I get so excited with I click on your bookmark everyday! (Yes. Every. Day.) This kitchen is fabulous, using the space very wisely. And those counter tops!? Wowzah! Keep the updates coming, no matter how big or small! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your adventure!!
heather says
It looks fantastic! It is amazing what you have done to that space. I love your blog, your wit, and your sense of style! (and I rarely ever comment:))
Amanda says
You guys have done an awesome job with the apartment! I can’t wait to see what you will do with the house you’re building.
Katja | Shift Ctrl Art says
Love LOVE that kitchen. It looks to have everything you need and nothing you don’t. Well as soon as the music player get’s swapped for a stove that is. Love the grass and cow 🙂 I am excited to see you accessorizing this place and giving it all the final touches.
Alison S. says
Kim, this kitchen progress looks good. You and Ryan were very smart in planning the space. Good idea to put the microwave up high on that shelf near the island. Can’t wait to see the continued updates.
Karen says
KIM. THIS MAKES ME HAVE ALL THE FELINGS.
Done shouting now. But in all seriousness, this looks amazing, and I too want to pet your countertops. In a totally platonic way, of course. I am so impressed by what you have done in this space. I wish I had the vision you do, because my kitchen needs some of these tricks too. Can’t wait to see it with the stove, and of course, how the space functions for you all once you’re living there! Keep it up!!
cassie says
oh it looks SOOOOO amazing so far! that is the perfect gray and those countertops are gorgeous!
carole says
it is so fun watching this all come together….did i miss where you explained if you will have a stove/cooktop? i do not see one in the kitchen
Kim Woodward says
We will have an electric stove where the record player is.
May says
Love love your kitchen…..I frequently come to your blog just because I just love your idea of living in a super cute barn !!
Kim Woodward says
Thank you, May! It’s been a fun adventure.
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Love it! What an amazing “tiny” kitchen!