This year, I turned 36 years old. It has been 36 years of rediscovering myself over and over again. My 30s have been such an important time in my life. I’ve experienced more heartbreak and loss than I ever thought possible. But I’ve also found so much strength in stepping into exactly who I was meant to be.
Like so many of you, I’ve spent the last decade on Instagram gaining inspiration from fellow influencers and seeing the latest trends catch my eye with each scroll. I’ve tried on so many design styles over the years – rooms that were bright and eclectic, mid-century modern, boho, and in the later years, more transitional and modern. I loved these spaces at the time, but I feel like there is a reason none of them stuck – they just aren’t me.
My goals for this kitchen renovation were twofold – create a space that functioned for our family of 7 and was the perfect reflection of my design style as I finally understand what that is.
The Monarch Revival feels like the truest expression of my design style that I would describe as traditional. It feels like it took forever (35 years to be exact!) to be able to articulate and execute my way of design and bring it to life in my home. It took 12 years of DIY projects of all scales and budgets to feel brave and confident enough to re-build our kitchen from scratch. Other than countertops which were cut and installed by professionals – Craig and I built this with our own two hands.
In the last 3 months we:
- Demoed the old kitchen
- Ran new utilities
- Installed new floors
- Finished flooring to match the house
- Installed new drywall
- Designed, built and installed all the cabinetry
- Installed new appliances
- Built an amazing range hood surround
- Installed cabinet hardware
- Installed plumbing and light fixtures
- Demoed and rebuilt the stairs
- Installed crazy difficult/amazing crown moulding
- Installed new trim throughout
- Installed a panoramic wall mural
- Installed a new backsplash
- Painted everything!
The only thing hired out was some ceiling drywall work and countertops!
I hope this project inspires you to spend more time learning about yourself. The many hours I spent building every detail of this kitchen brought me to the person I am today and I am so grateful for that. I don’t know how many hours were spent planning finishing floors, hanging lights, building cabinets, picking countertops, and styling…but it was all worth it to not only have the kitchen of my dreams, but to know that I’m capable of anything I set my mind to. And friend, so are you!
Today, I’m beyond thrilled to share it with you. Presenting….The Monarch Revival Kitchen Renovation!
Before we dive in, we must look back at where we started! I’ve been blogging the entire process, so there are a few posts that might be helpful if you’re just tuning in.
- Our Countertop Selections (and how I saved $15,000!)
- How To Age Brass Hardware Quickly
- Kitchen Cabinet Ideas (Layouts We Love!)
- Our First Kitchen Reno Update!
And of course, the most popular post I’ve written this year is a recap of all of the kitchen we have renovated over the years. It’s a fun one!
Where should we start?
Last year, our besties came to visit and just like old times, we did a band-aid makeover on this space, I share more about that on this post here. It was always meant to be a short term solution while we planned and budgeted for a bigger overhaul. The cabinetry had been on its last leg for some time and the appliances were fading fast. SO many things that we kept during the bandaid makeover just stopped working so although we only used this space for a year and half, it was still worth it!
This is the original kitchen layout from when we purchased the home in February 2021:
The Final Reveal:
The Monarch Revival Kitchen Sources:
Lighting:
- Chandeliers (similar – mine are antiques)
- Sconces
- Dining Chandelier
Countertops & Backsplash:
I have a full blog post will all of the details here! (& how I saved $15k!). Both countertops were sourced from Stone Creek Surfaces – Knoxville.
- Hanstone Quartz (Yorkville)
- Negresco Granite (honed)
- Backsplash
Cabinets:
- Cabinets: RTA Cabinets that I built and installed myself – Florence White and Rustic Shaker (island)
- Reeded Glass Window Film
Appliances:
We are so excited about our Smeg appliances – we LOVE them!
Plumbing Fixture & Accessories:
- Faucet
- Sink
- Pot Filler
- RO System
- Air Switch – Garbage disposal button
- Prep Faucet
- Butterfly Sink
Hardware:
Decor:
- Barstools
- Dining Chairs
- Runner
- Cutting Board
- White Cutting Board
- Black and White Salt and Pepper Shakers
- Honey Pot
- Mural
- Brass Floor Register
- Gold Outlet Plate
Organization:
How beautiful this turned out to be!!!! Great minds to see the project and then work together to make that vision come through! I can’t even imagine how many nights you laid awake thinking and planning this project!!! Great job!!!! And such an inspiration for your family!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
You’re the sweetest. Thank you, friend!! xo
#PRICELESS
You are such an inspiration to me
Thank you it was so much fun watching
#PRICELESS
Wow thank you so much for being here!! xo
Very impressive! Such a beautiful space and I can only imagine the satisfaction you feel after dreaming it all up and making it all happen!
I’m on cloud nine!! Thank you so much!
It’s just stunning. I am always floored with each new reveal and I don’t know why because you are so incredibly good at what you do.
You’re the sweetest. Thank you <3
Truly beautiful space you have created. I love it. I love seeing you create functional, breathtaking rooms in your home for your family.
Thank you soo much!!
Why the core one bolts on only some of the cabinets…strictly design choice?
Yes 🙂
This is by far one of the most beautiful kitchens I have ever seen. I’ve been following your stories and watching along for quite some time now and to see your vision come to life is something else. You can truly see that you literally poured your heart and soul into this project. How amazing that your children helped and were able to be part of this process and to be able to say “my parents did that.” This is so stunning, Mallory. You are incredibly gifted. ❤️
Okay well now I’m tearing up!! Thank you, Shireen!! xoxo
Wow! Incredible job Mallory! I’ve been on an Instagram hiatus so I was thrilled to see this in my inbox this morning. Thank you, also, for sharing your storage organization links! Getting ready to move into our remodeled home and I am adding a lot to my Amazon cart. ☺️ You are an inspiration to many, including myself! You’ve outdone yourself with this one. 🥰
Yay it makes me so happy that we can still connect without IG!! So glad you found this helpful. Thank you for the kind words and for being here! xo
Stunning- It takes a while to find your style, one that you love to look at everyday! The fact that you and Craig built that beautiful kitchen yourselves is even more awe inspiring. I also know that you did it in a very short time( considering how long everything is taking for remodels) and you had a crew of 2! You also did it working through loss. So proud of you and the whole family!
Absolutely love following you-thank you for all the resources too!
Sweetest comment <3 thank you sooo much!! xo
Beautiful! Can you share what floors you used? Thank you.
Everything looks amazing! Did you share details on how you built the alcove for the stove?
I love all your makeovers you transform every room into such and elegant and beautiful space! I would love to know where you found that gorgeous crown molding in the kitchen!
Thank you SO much!! It’s all from The Home Depot.
Gorgeous!! I’ve saved this for a long time until we’ve been ready to do ours ☺️ thank you for the link to the marble backsplash, did you do honed or polished? I see a few options. Thanks so so much!
It is the option that populates when you click the link, the polished!