DIY Kitchen Decor Ideas: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

I’m sharing answers to the most common kitchen decor questions we receive, along with creative DIY kitchen decor ideas to help you with the look of your kitchen.

The room that consistently gets the most questions, both here on the blog and over on social media, is our kitchen. 

And honestly, that doesn’t surprise me at all. 

It’s the heart of our home, and if you were to walk through the front door of our home, you would find me either cooking, working, or decorating in here. 

I also share it more than any other room, so I completely understand the curiosity. 

We’re approaching the three-year mark since our “smallish” kitchen makeover, and recently I’ve received more questions than ever about the choices we made, the DIY projects we tackled, and how our kitchen has evolved over the years. 

So, I thought now would be the perfect time to put all of the answers to those FAQ’s in one place and share a bit more about how our cooking space came together. 

If you’re looking for ideas to personalize your own kitchen, keep reading…I’m excited to share our journey with you!

Let’s Start at the Beginning

Before we dive into the most asked questions about our kitchen, I thought we should start at the beginning, the story of how our kitchen came to be what it is today.

Believe it or not, our kitchen wasn’t part of the original layout of our home. 

Nearly 20 years ago, we made the decision to add an addition instead of moving to a new home, expanding our living space to better suit our family’s needs at the time. 

As part of that addition, we designed and built our kitchen from the ground up, creating a space that’s functional and inviting.

At the time, we made choices that worked well for us and our budget, but as the years passed, we (and by we I mean me) started to see areas that could be improved. 

The layout remained the same, but we knew a refresh was in order to enhance both the style and functionality of the space. 

That’s what led us to our small kitchen remodel three years ago.

It was a project focused on updating our countertops from formica to quartz, adding a little more character by removing an upper kitchen cabinet with an open shelf, and incorporating thoughtful decor pieces to make the kitchen feel even more like home.

Now, after nearly two decades in this space and a few meaningful updates along the way, I love how our kitchen has evolved over time. 

It reflects our home’s cozy, lived-in feel, and every change we’ve made has been intentional. 

Answering the Most Asked Questions About Our Kitchen

With backstory of our kitchen in mind, let’s jump into FAQ’s about the heart of our home!

What color are your kitchen cabinets?

I am asked about the color of our kitchen cabinet doors almost daily!

And honestly, I always feel bad when my answer is…I don’t know.

We purchased our cabinets in the warm tan color they are now, so we never actually chose a specific paint shade. 

During our kitchen remodel, I originally considered painting them white, but I’m so glad we didn’t! 

Tan is making a comeback (so long gray), and it adds such a warm, timeless feel to our space.

That said, when we painted the hood above the stove, we had the cabinets color matched to make sure everything blended seamlessly. 

So while I may not have an exact paint name to share, I do have a picture of the paint can with the custom color match label. 

If you’re looking for a similar shade, taking the photo to your local paint store should help you find a color close to that of our cabinets.

Is your backsplash made of beadboard?

Yes!

Our kitchen backsplash is beadboard, and I still, after 3 years, absolutely love it.

We had a tile backsplash, but when we remodeled the kitchen, I knew I wanted something classic, timeless, and budget-friendly, and beadboard checked all the of those boxes. 

It adds texture and charm to the space while keeping everything light and airy. 

Plus, I think it blends beautifully with our home’s overall aesthetic.

One of the biggest advantages of a beadboard backsplash is that it’s much more affordable than tile and incredibly easy to install. 

We painted ours Alabaster by Sherwin Williams to complement our cabinets and give the kitchen that cozy, cottage feel.

A common question I get is whether beadboard is practical for a backsplash, especially behind a stove or sink. 

The answer is yes, with the right materials and finish.

We looked at Lowe’s and Home Depot for beadboard, but it was made with particle board and felt cheap and flimsy. 

So, we ended up finding our beadboard at a local millwork company that offered high-quality, solid wood beadboard panels. 

The difference in quality was noticeable right away. It was sturdier, had better defined grooves, and felt much more durable than the options at the big box stores.

To make sure it would hold up well in a kitchen environment, we painted it with a durable, scrubbable, moisture resist paint.

Three years later…it looks just like the day we finished painting it!

If you’re considering beadboard for your own kitchen, I highly recommend investing in solid wood panels and a high quality paint to maximize durability and longevity.

What type of countertops do you have?

When we were planning our kitchen remodel, I had my heart set on marble countertops. 

There’s just something about the natural veining and timeless beauty of marble that I absolutely love. 

However, after doing a lot of research as well as analyzing the budget, we decided to go with quartz instead.

While marble is undeniably stunning, it’s expensive and requires a lot of maintenance. 

It’s prone to staining, etching, and scratching, which made me nervous since our kitchen is such a high traffic area. 

I wanted something that would look beautiful but also durable and low-maintenance.

That’s when we found Liberty Gold quartz. 

It has a soft, subtle veining that gives the look of marble without the upkeep. 

The great thing about quartz is that it’s non-porous, which means it’s resistant to stains and bacteria which is perfect for a kitchen where spills and messes happen daily. 

It’s incredibly easy to clean, which is a huge bonus.

Looking back, I know we made the right decision. 

Our quartz kitchen countertops have held up beautifully, and they still give us that classic, elegant look I was hoping for without the worry of constant maintenance.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Selecting a Kitchen Countertop

Choosing the right kitchen countertop is a big decision.

It’s not just about looks, it also has to fit your lifestyle, budget, and maintenance preferences.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself before making your final choice…

1. How do I use my kitchen?
   • Do you cook often, or is your kitchen more for show?
   • Will your countertops see a lot of spills, chopping, or heat exposure?
   • Do you entertain frequently?
2. How much maintenance am I willing to do?
   • Am I okay with sealing natural stone (marble or granite) regularly?
   • Do I want a low-maintenance option that resists stains and scratches?
   • Will I be diligent about cleaning up spills quickly to prevent staining?
3. What is my budget?
   • What material can I afford without compromising quality?
   • Are there more budget-friendly alternatives that still give me the look I want?
4. Do I prefer natural or engineered materials?
   • Do I love the unique, natural beauty of stone like marble or granite?
   • Would I prefer the consistency and durability of quartz or solid surface materials?
5. What color and style best complement my kitchen?
   • Do I want a light or dark countertop?
   • Should I go for a bold statement or something timeless?
   • Will the material’s veining or pattern work with my kitchen cabinets and backsplash?
6. What finish do I prefer?
   • Do I want a polished, glossy look or a softer, honed/matte finish?
   • Will a textured finish hide fingerprints and smudges better?
7. How easy is it to install?
   • Do I want a material that can I can DIY myself, or do I need a professional?
   • Will the weight of the countertop require additional cabinet support?

The glass canisters on your countertop are pretty, what do you use them for?

I love having glass canisters on our countertop not only because they’re beautiful but also for their practicality.

I use them to store baking essentials like flour, sugar, and oats to keep them easily accessible.

One of my favorite things about these canisters is their large size, which means they hold a lot, so I don’t have to refill them constantly.

Another fun part about using glass canisters is that you can switch out the scoops to match the season or just whenever you feel like a little change.

What color did you paint your walls and trim in the kitchen?

Paint colors can make such a huge difference in a space, and I love the warm, cozy feel our choices bring to our kitchen.

Our beadboard backsplash and walls are painted Alabaster by Sherwin Williams in an eggshell finish. 

In my opinion, Alabaster is the perfect soft white (not too stark, not too creamy), just the right amount of warmth to complement our cabinets and create an inviting atmosphere.

For the trim, we went with Pure White by Sherwin Williams in a semi-gloss finish.

This crisp, clean white adds the perfect contrast while keeping everything feeling fresh and bright.

Can you tell me about the wallpaper?

The wallpaper hanging in both our kitchen and entryway is Pure Acorn in Linen/Ecru by William Morris.

I chose this wallpaper because it’s neutral and timeless.

While the color palette is subtle, the intricate design adds just the right amount of interest and texture to our home without feeling like it’s too much.

One of the things I love most about this wallpaper is how it blends seamlessly with our kitchen decor while still making a statement.

It’s classic, elegant, and has that vintage inspired charm that fits perfectly with our home’s style.

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How did you build your open kitchen shelf?

One of the biggest regrets I have as a blogger is not documenting the building process of our open kitchen shelf.

I was a new blogger at the time and unfortunately wasn’t thinking about step-by-step photos.

However, I can still share the general process and details on how Mr. ERH built it.

The upper kitchen cabinet was removed and then he mounted a simple wooden bracket for the shelf that he custom-built to fit this space.

We wanted something sturdy enough to hold dishes and decor while still looking timeless.

The shelf itself is a solid wood board that he cut to size, sanded, and painted to match the trim in our kitchen.

To secure it to the wall, he used a combination of L-brackets and decorative corbels, ensuring everything was anchored into studs for maximum support.

This area of our kitchen has been one of my favorite spots to style in our home with items like mugs, vintage artwork, and seasonal touches.

If you’re considering adding an open shelf to your kitchen, my best advice is to make sure it’s properly supported, use high-quality materials, and choose a finish that complements your existing cabinetry.

It’s a simple DIY that adds so much character and practicality to our kitchen.

Do you have a vent in the hood above your stove?

This question always makes me chuckle because you have to look pretty closely at photos of the hood to notice there actually isn’t a vent.

When we remodeled our kitchen, we decided not to install one.

Before our remodel, we had a microwave above the stove with a vent, but we never used it. Since we didn’t find it necessary, we decided to install a decorative hood instead.

While a vented hood can be a great feature in some kitchens, we’ve never missed having one.

Do you have a microwave?

We do!

But you won’t find it out on the kitchen counter, we tucked it away in our pantry (it’s behind the green pocket door in a picture earlier in this post).

Before our remodel, our microwave was mounted above the stove, but when we updated the kitchen, we decided to move it so that we could install a range hood instead.

The microwave is still easily accessible when we need it but hidden away so it doesn’t take up visual space in the kitchen.

Where can I find your counter stools?

Our wooden cross back counter stools are from Shop the Valley House (unfortunately they are no longer in business), and we absolutely love them!

They have that country cottage look that complements our kitchen perfectly.

The natural wood finish adds warmth, and the design is both stylish and comfortable, perfect for everyday use.

Can I get the link to the curtains and curtain rod on your kitchen window?

Yes! 

Our kitchen window treatments are from Amazon.

I love how the curtains add a soft touch while still feeling cozy. 

The rod is a cafe curtain rod that we basically hung upside down to the top of the window frame so that the curtain would hang the full length of the inside of the window. 

Kitchen Window Treatment Links

• Pinch Pleat Linen Curtains
• Gold Curtain Clip Rings
• Gold Cafe Curtain Rod

Where did you find your hutch?

We found our hutch on Facebook Marketplace, and it was such a great find!

While I love the piece itself, the grayish color isn’t necessarily my favorite for our home. 

I do eventually want to repaint it or strip it down to bring out the natural wood grain for a warmer, more organic look but that’s a bigger DIY kitchen project that I’m not ready to tackle quite yet.

Do you have any suggestions for keeping a clean, clutter-free kitchen?

Keeping a clean and clutter-free space doesn’t mean your kitchen has to be perfect, it just makes cooking and spending time in the space so much more enjoyable.

We don’t have the budget for a full kitchen remodel so can you give me some easy ways to update my kitchen without spending much money?

You don’t need a full remodel to give your kitchen a fresh, updated look.

There are a ton of affordable and impactful ways to refresh your kitchen without spending a fortune, here’s a few ideas to get you thinking.

• Paint Your Cabinets: A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your kitchen.
• Change Cabinet Hardware: Swapping out knobs and pulls is an easy way to give cabinets a new look.
• Upgrade Light Fixtures: Replacing outdated lighting can instantly elevate the space.
• Swap Out Faucet: Updating your kitchen faucet can make a surprising difference.
• Refresh the Walls with Paint or Wallpaper: A new wall color or wallpaper can add personality and warmth.
• Style Open Shelving: If you already have open shelves, rearrange them with a mix of functional and decorative pieces.
• Update Window Treatments: Swap out old curtains for new ones.
• Incorporate Decorative Accessories: A table runner, canisters, a vintage inspired cutting board, or wall art can make your kitchen feel fresh and cozy.
• Declutter and Organize: Sometimes, the best update is simply getting rid of excess clutter and rearranging items.

What is your #1 tip for creating a cozy kitchen?

My number one tip for a cozy kitchen is to focus on warmth and layers.

A cozy kitchen isn’t just about the decor, it’s about creating a space that feels welcoming and lived-in.

Start by incorporating soft lighting with warm lightbulbs and a small table lamp on the counter.

Next, add texture with woven baskets, wooden cutting boards, or linen tea towels to bring in warmth and character.

Functional decor, like a bowl of fresh fruit, an ironstone pitcher filled with wooden spoons, or a simmer pot bubbling away on the stove, adds both beauty and practicality.

Finally, keep it personal whether it’s a framed recipe from a loved one, a favorite cookbook on display, or a seasonal touch that makes you smile, the little details make all the difference in turning your kitchen into a place that feels cozy to you.

Final Thoughts

I hope this blog post answered your most frequently asked DIY kitchen decor questions and gave you some helpful ideas and a little inspiration for your own kitchen.

If there’s a question I didn’t cover or something you’d like to know more about, leave me a comment below.

I always enjoy chatting with you and would love to help in any way I can!

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I look forward to sharing more of my home with you and inspiring you to enjoy simple cozy living! 

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xoxo, heidi

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