Mid-Century Modern Coastal Kitchen Reveal

Welcome to the long-awaited reveal of our kitchen renovation, a space where Mid-Century modern elegance gracefully merges with serene coastal charm! While a few minor details, like crafting custom walnut stools and securing the final flooring transitions, are still on the horizon, the heart of this transformation is undeniably complete. After a journey spanning over two years, marked by both inspiration and unforeseen challenges, we are thrilled to unveil a kitchen that now perfectly encapsulates our unique style and functional needs. This isn’t just a kitchen; it’s a testament to perseverance and a daily source of genuine delight. Join us as we explore every meticulously chosen element that has brought this Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen Renovation to life, transforming it into the vibrant, functional hub of our home.

The Enduring Beauty of Portomare Quartzite Counters

Our journey to finding the perfect Portomare Quartzite counters was, in a word, a saga. It was a true test of patience and persistence, an experience filled with setbacks that ultimately led to an incredibly rewarding outcome. You might recall the initial missteps, including receiving the wrong stone slab and a disastrous first installation that left us utterly disheartened. The initial fabricators, unfortunately, ruined the rare Portomare Quartzite, a stone so unique it seemed irreplaceable. This highly sought-after material, with its captivating blue, teal, and green veins, quickly became the cornerstone of our kitchen’s aesthetic, yet acquiring it proved to be a significant hurdle.

Imagine our relief and excitement when, against all odds, an identical slab miraculously became available after months of searching. Despite another lengthy six-month wait for its arrival and meticulous installation by a new, highly skilled fabricator, every moment of anticipation was worth it. The second installation was flawless, transforming our vision into reality. Now, these counters are not just surfaces; they are luminous works of art that capture the light and reflect the ever-changing hues of Lake Superior, visible through our windows. Each glance at their stunning patterns and vibrant colors provides a genuine “dopamine hit,” a daily reminder of beauty and resilience. The Portomare Quartzite has truly become the undisputed star of our Modern Coastal Kitchen, setting the tone for the entire design and bringing an unparalleled sense of luxury and unique character to the space.

Optimized Stone Seam Placement for Seamless Beauty

One of the most significant improvements in the second counter installation was the strategic placement of the stone seam. Initially, I was determined to maximize the continuous flow of the dramatic veining, a decision that unfortunately resulted in several awkward and visible seams. However, the expert advice from our new fabricators led us to a different, far superior orientation. They convinced me to adopt a layout that placed the only small seam discreetly underneath the faucet, a decision I initially resisted but now wholeheartedly endorse.

This thoughtful repositioning dramatically enhanced the aesthetic flow of the Portomare Quartzite. With this new orientation, the stone reveals an even richer spectrum of colors, transitioning effortlessly across the expansive surfaces. Areas that appeared subtly beige under the bright lights of the stone yard now reveal soft, shimmering veins of aqua, adding an unexpected layer of depth and intrigue. Every inch of these counters boasts a unique charm—whether it’s a subtle sparkle, a gentle glow, or a bold burst of color. Even months after completion, I find myself captivated by their beauty. Photos, no matter how good, simply cannot capture the true brilliance and intricate details of this stone; it is truly a thousand times more stunning in real life. My earlier concerns about the chosen orientation making the stone appear bland now seem utterly unfounded. There is simply no bland area; only captivating, dynamic beauty.

The Mercury Mosaics Sea Mist Backsplash: A Harmonious Blend

To complement the breathtaking Portomare Quartzite, we chose the exquisite Medium Moroccan Fish Scale tile in 1017E Sea Mist from Mercury Mosaics. Generously provided by Mercury Mosaics, these handcrafted tiles offered the perfect organic texture and captivating color to harmonize with our counters. Our initial plan was a DIY installation, but after the extensive tribulations of the counter replacement, my confidence, and frankly, my motivation, had waned. The thought of potentially compromising the final, crucial step of this kitchen renovation was simply too much.

Opting to hire a professional tile installer proved to be an invaluable decision. He not only executed a beautiful installation but also confirmed that the unique, handmade nature of each tile presented a subtle challenge, requiring meticulous attention to placement. I did take on the task of sealing the tile myself (a process I look forward to detailing in a future blog post), saving a step and ensuring its longevity. This professional assistance was a tremendous relief, especially during a period of considerable stress while navigating the complexities of recouping a deposit from the original stone fabricator. The “Sea Mist” glaze, described by Mercury Mosaics as a “slightly textured blue-green jewel-toned glaze with a glossy crackle finish and high variation,” creates a stunning visual match to the prominent green veins in our Portomare Quartzite. The quartzite itself boasts such a diverse array of teal, green, and blue shades that finding the ideal backsplash was initially daunting. However, Mercury Mosaics’ extensive palette of beautifully saturated colors made the selection process an enjoyable exploration. The tile’s glaze subtly shifts with the changing light, producing a shimmering, undulating effect that echoes the luminous quality of the stone and beautifully reflects the dynamic moods of Lake Superior, visible just beyond our windows. This backsplash is more than just a surface; it’s an artistic extension of our natural surroundings, perfectly capturing the essence of our Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen.

Subtle Sophistication: The Low Contrast Grout Choice

In designing our Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen, every detail was considered to foster a sense of organic flow and understated elegance, including the grout for our exquisite Mercury Mosaics backsplash. Instead of opting for a high-contrast white or charcoal grey, which would have emphasized the Moroccan fish scale pattern with a bold, graphic look, I selected a medium grey grout. This deliberate choice aimed for a less pronounced, more subtle aesthetic, ensuring the backsplash would read as a textured, shimmering surface rather than a stark pattern.

The low-contrast grout allows the unique shape of each handmade tile to contribute to an overall sense of organic movement, reminiscent of gentle waves or natural ripples. This approach harmonizes beautifully not only with the dynamic Portomare Quartzite counters and other elements within the kitchen but also extends the cohesive design language throughout our open-concept living and dining spaces. These adjacent areas are adorned with lake-inspired paintings, creating a continuous narrative of natural beauty and tranquility. The subtle grout choice ensures that the backsplash integrates seamlessly, adding depth and visual interest without overwhelming the senses, truly embodying the serene and sophisticated spirit of our coastal design.

The Thompson Traders Quiroga Hammered Stainless Steel Double Sink: A Touch of Sparkle

The Thompson Traders Quiroga Hammered Stainless Steel Double Sink, generously provided by Thompson Traders, has proven to be a truly stunning and functional addition to our kitchen. This impressive farmhouse sink, with its distinct curves and captivating hammered finish, was unfortunately misrepresented during the initial, flawed counter installation. However, with the second, flawless installation, the Portomare Quartzite counters now beautifully embrace its unique silhouette, allowing its true elegance to shine through.

After more than a year of daily use, my admiration for this sink has only grown. It strikes a perfect balance, complementing the copper Thompson Traders sink in our half bathroom while introducing a vibrant sparkle into our kitchen. The hammered stainless steel finish interacts beautifully with the luminous quality of the Mercury Mosaics backsplash and the inherent glow and sparkle of the Portomare Quartzite counters. In a space rich with captivating textures and reflective surfaces, a plain, utilitarian sink would have felt out of place and bland. This hammered sink, however, elevates the design, acting as a cohesive element that enhances the overall shimmer and sophistication. It undeniably makes the routine task of washing dishes a slightly more enjoyable experience, adding a touch of understated glamour to our Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen.

The Pfister Zanna Pull Down Kitchen Faucet: Form Meets Function

The selection of our Pfister Zanna Pull Down Faucet was another crucial decision in refining our kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality. Initially, a different faucet was installed, but its quality proved unsatisfactory. When the stone counters were replaced, it presented the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a faucet that better aligned with our vision for a Modern Coastal Kitchen. I was immediately drawn to the Pfister Zanna for its distinctive shape, which subtly mirrors the soft, squared-off lines of our Thompson Traders sink, creating a cohesive and elegant pairing.

This faucet stands out with its sleek, modern design, offering a more unique silhouette than typical kitchen fixtures. Its harmonious coordination with the sink is particularly striking, demonstrating a thoughtful integration of elements. Beyond its undeniable aesthetic appeal, the Pfister Zanna excels in practicality. The convenience of a pull-down sprayer has become an absolute necessity since our previous DIY kitchen update. This feature makes tasks like rinsing large pots or cleaning the sink effortless, embodying our desire for both sophisticated design and exceptional utility in our kitchen.

Stylish and Functional: Walnut and White Cabinetry

The cabinetry in our Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen is a thoughtful blend of warmth and brightness, achieved through a sophisticated two-tone design featuring rich walnut and crisp white. Since successfully integrating sleek walnut cabinets in our bathroom renovation, I knew this elegant material had to feature prominently in the kitchen. However, despite being adjacent to a magnificent 13-foot wall of windows in our open-concept living and dining rooms, the kitchen area sometimes felt a bit enclosed. This might be due to a ceiling drop or the imposing presence of a large tree outside the only kitchen window. Whatever the reason, my primary goal was to ensure the space felt as light and airy as possible.

This led to the strategic decision of incorporating white upper cabinets and pantry units. The white cabinetry beautifully reflects light, enhancing the sense of height and openness in what is inherently a smaller kitchen footprint. This choice also ensures seamless cohesion with the all-white walls prevalent throughout the rest of our home, creating a unified and expansive feel. A non-negotiable aspect of the design was extending the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. This not only maximizes storage, a vital component in any well-designed kitchen, but also eliminates the dreaded task of dusting cabinet tops, a practical consideration that brings immense satisfaction. The walnut lower cabinets introduce a grounding warmth and a distinct Mid-Century modern touch, providing a beautiful contrast to the bright white uppers and creating a truly dynamic and functional kitchen space.

Expanded Footprint: A Kitchen Reimagined for Storage and Flow

One of the most transformative aspects of our kitchen renovation is its expanded footprint, dramatically enhancing both functionality and storage. Previously, the area around the sink was constrained, accommodating only small corner cabinets on either side. Now, this redesigned space comfortably houses a dishwasher, a testament to the thoughtful planning that went into maximizing every inch. Furthermore, by making a minimal sacrifice of just one foot from the peninsula, we gained an entirely new wall of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry directly opposite. This newly added pantry wall has been an absolute revelation!

The increase in storage capacity is truly amazing, providing a dedicated home for every kitchen item and eliminating clutter from our counters. The small amount of counter space we relinquished is never missed, a clear indicator that the trade-off for this expansive, organized storage was incredibly worthwhile. This strategic expansion has fundamentally improved the flow and efficiency of our kitchen, making it a joy to use and perfectly aligned with the demands of a modern household, all while maintaining the Mid-Century Coastal aesthetic.

A Glimpse of the Past: The “Before” Transformation

To truly appreciate the scope of this Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen Renovation, it’s essential to look back at the “before” state. The following images clearly illustrate the dramatic change in the kitchen’s width and the incredible increase in storage achieved with the addition of the new pantry wall. The transformation is profound, showcasing how thoughtful design can completely reimagine a space, making it both more expansive and significantly more functional than its original configuration.

Integrated Functionality: Our Whirlpool Appliances

Selecting the right appliances for our Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen involved a careful balance of aesthetic integration and practical functionality. Our appliance search began with a focus on the refrigerator. We initially considered models with bottom freezers but quickly found the deep, “bottomless pit” drawers to be less than ideal for organization. Our quest led us to a sleek, modern four-door refrigerator with a well-designed bottom freezer, and we were instantly captivated. Its easy access to all compartments and the convenient four-door configuration proved perfect for its location, fitting seamlessly into a slightly narrower space opposite a wall. Although this refrigerator was exclusively available in stainless steel, we meticulously searched for a Whirlpool brand stove that, while not a perfectly “matching” set (as no exact match existed), shared a similar finish and overall modern aesthetic, ensuring visual harmony.

To maintain the clean, integrated lines of our cabinetry, we opted for a Bosch 200 Series panel-ready dishwasher. This choice allowed us to conceal the dishwasher behind a cabinet door that perfectly matches the rest of our kitchen cabinetry, contributing to a truly seamless and understated look. The ability to hide this essential appliance is a feature I particularly appreciate; given the opportunity and budget, I would likely extend this hidden integration to all our appliances, further enhancing the minimalist and sophisticated feel of our Modern Coastal Kitchen.

Illuminating Design: The Artemide Logico Mini Triple Nested Ceiling Light

Our lighting choices in the Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen thoughtfully combine practical illumination with artistic expression. We enhanced the overall brightness and functionality by adding two new pot lights, which provide ample task lighting and are my go-to for daily use, often negating the need for the original overhead light. However, the true showstopper in our lighting scheme is the Artemide Logico Mini Triple Nested Ceiling Light. This stunning, sculptural fixture transcends mere illumination; it functions as a captivating piece of ceiling art.

Even when not lit, its unique form and elegant presence contribute significantly to the kitchen’s aesthetic, adding a sophisticated, architectural element that aligns perfectly with our Mid-Century modern influences. It’s a design choice I am absolutely thrilled with, demonstrating that lighting can be both highly functional and a powerful statement of style.

Sleek and Durable: Emtek Modern Edge Pull Cabinet Hardware

The cabinet hardware for our Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen was meticulously chosen to complement the clean lines and modern aesthetic of our new appliances. After selecting a squared-off, contemporary refrigerator and stove, I sought hardware with a similar modern edge and a silver finish that offered versatile sizing options. Large pulls were essential for the spacious pantry doors, demanding hardware that was both robust and visually striking. The Emtek Modern Edge pull, generously provided by Emtek, proved to be the perfect solution. It is available in an impressive array of six finishes and seven sizes, offering unparalleled flexibility.

I selected the satin nickel finish, applying this consistent hardware across all cabinetry—upper and lower—and even discreetly integrating it onto the panel-ready dishwasher. For the pantry doors, I chose a larger size and installed them vertically, creating a sleek, elongated visual element that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. These pulls are incredibly easy to grip and use, yet their minimalist design maintains the clean, uncluttered look essential to our Modern Coastal Kitchen. After more than a year of continuous use, I am delighted to confirm that their finish remains as pristine and brand new as the day they were installed, a testament to their exceptional quality and durability.

Resilient and Beautiful: Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring

Our choice of Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, supplied by End of the Roll, was a decision driven by both aesthetics and extreme practicality. Installed early in the renovation process, this flooring has withstood over a year of rigorous use, proving incredibly resilient against the daily wear and tear of a busy household, including the challenges posed by dog nails and construction tools. My aversion to grout and the destructive impact our dogs have on traditional wood flooring made luxury vinyl tile an ideal solution. Short of the radical (though tempting) idea of pouring concrete throughout the house, this was the optimal choice for the wettest and most hardworking areas of our home.

The flooring extends seamlessly from the kitchen into the entryway, laundry room, and powder room, creating a cohesive and highly durable surface throughout these high-traffic zones. The major selling point, however, was its stunning visual resemblance to the unique black sand found on a nearby beach, bringing a touch of our natural surroundings indoors and perfectly aligning with our Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen theme. This flooring delivers both exceptional performance and a beautiful, nature-inspired aesthetic.

Thoughtful Touches: Kitchen Decor and Accessories

Despite the expanded footprint, our kitchen, by many standards, remains a compact space. This reality, combined with my desire to highlight every inch of our exquisite Portomare Quartzite counters, led to a deliberately minimalist approach to decor and accessories. Primarily, I aimed to keep surfaces clear for cooking, but equally important was allowing the stone’s beauty to remain unobstructed. Thanks to the significant increase in cabinet storage, every item now has a dedicated home, freeing the counters from everyday clutter like kettles, toasters, and utensil holders – a truly wonderful transformation.

However, select pieces were chosen to enhance the space’s aesthetic. A stunning Iittala Ultima Thule footed centerpiece bowl, a generous gift from FinnStyle, now elegantly holds fruit, tying in beautifully with the Iittala Festivo candle stick collection in the adjacent dining room. I discovered an adorable teal glass soap dispenser at IKEA, which perfectly complements the coastal palette. Other accessories, including an Iittala Alvar Aalto sea blue dish, a pottery bowl, and a pottery vase, are cherished secondhand finds. These pieces collectively introduce subtle pops of color and organic textures, maintaining functionality while enriching the Mid-Century Coastal aesthetic.

To add another layer of organic warmth, we crafted a small walnut riser from leftover scrap wood, salvaged from making our DIY nightstands with drawers. This riser is topped with another beloved Alvar Aalto Iittala dish, along with a pair of Iittala Kastehelmi containers in sea blue and my quirky thrifted egg-shaped salt and pepper shakers. While an Alvar Aalto vase often graces this display for photographs, it typically resides in our living room, allowing the kitchen accessories to maintain their understated charm. Each carefully selected item contributes to the serene and personal atmosphere of our Mid-Century Coastal Kitchen.

Inspired by Nature: Our Mid-Century Coastal Design Philosophy

The realization of this kitchen renovation fills me with immense pride and joy. It has been a demanding journey, a true test of patience, especially enduring two separate six-month waits for the Portomare Quartzite counters. The arduous battle to recover a deposit from the initial fabricator, paid out in frustratingly staggered installments, added another layer of complexity. Yet, every challenge ultimately reinforced our commitment to the vision, making the end result all the more gratifying. This space is, in a word, perfect. Its uplifting ambiance makes every moment spent here a pleasure, and I am thrilled with the outcome. While some minor adjustments were made along the way, we largely stayed true to our original design plans, which served as our guiding star.

My core design inspiration was deeply rooted in our unique surroundings: living between the majestic Lake Superior and a dense, lush forest. This powerful connection to nature guided the incorporation of numerous organic elements. From the subtle, wave-like scallop shapes of the Mercury Mosaics tiles to the rich, earthy grain of the walnut cabinetry, I aimed to create a tapestry of beautiful textures that reflect our natural environment. These organic details are beautifully punctuated by my enduring love for cool blues and verdant greens, drawing directly from the colors of the lake and forest. I believe this kitchen seamlessly integrates with the rest of our home, complementing the other renovations we’ve undertaken over the years. Our signature “Mid-Century meets Coastal” style has truly blossomed in this space, creating a harmonious, functional, and deeply personal sanctuary. Thank you for joining me on this extensive renovation journey; your encouragement, especially the collective advice to return those initial counters, was invaluable. The ongoing evolution of our home, like the future updates to our kitchen stools, reminds us that great design is often a patient, unfolding process.

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