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.
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.
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!
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.
Amazing! You, the barn renovations, the buttery countertops — all! I wish I had your energy and talent. Way to rock, Kim!
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.)
Love it! That shelf looks beautiful and suits a barn space so well!
Thanks, Anu. There’s just something nice about a really simple, rustic shelf.
Seriously. Fantastic. You have serious talent my friend.
Things are really coming together in here! I love the look. and those countertops ….
The shelf! Oh the shelf! I’m emotional about this too. I need.
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.
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.
It all looks fantastic!! I love how everything is coming together, and I’m sure it just feels to good being in there!
Love it! What a great space – and so functional for you while you live there, but also for future uses.
It’s beautiful. I love love love the stained butcher block!
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?
Yes, this is such a pretty little kitchen!! I love the butcher block look 🙂
Incredible!! The countertops are beeeeeeyooooootiful. I can totally see why you got emotional over them. Amazing. And your cow–so perfect.
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!
You had me at barnwood and butcher block. Yummy! (except the record player – who knew you had one of those!)
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.
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!!
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:))
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.
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.
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.
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!!
oh it looks SOOOOO amazing so far! that is the perfect gray and those countertops are gorgeous!
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
We will have an electric stove where the record player is.
Love love your kitchen…..I frequently come to your blog just because I just love your idea of living in a super cute barn !!
Thank you, May! It’s been a fun adventure.
Love it! What an amazing “tiny” kitchen!