The anticipation of embarking on the lakehouse renovation project fills me with immense excitement; I am truly itching to begin! However, our journey has encountered a few unexpected hurdles. The sale of our townhouse has experienced some snags, and importantly, my ongoing research commitments currently take precedence. Despite these delays, my sights are firmly set on early September for a significant trip – a 1500km trek to the lakehouse, unfortunately without Hubby this time, where I eagerly hope to dive into some much-needed work on the house. Lately, dreams of painting the kitchen cupboards at the lakehouse have become a nightly occurrence, a vivid constant in my thoughts.
Long-time readers will recall my enduring ambivalence towards our townhouse kitchen. While I always harbored a desire to paint its cupboards, preserving the natural wood was one of Hubby’s few firm design convictions. The lakehouse kitchen, however, presents a different scenario; he shares my less-than-enthusiastic view. Its existing oak cabinetry, accentuated by dated cathedral-style fronts, feels overwhelmingly “woody.” As we’ve previously discussed, our ultimate vision for this space involves a complete renovation. Yet, before undertaking such a significant project, my philosophy dictates living within the space first. This allows us to intimately understand its flow, identify how we truly use it, and critically, save the necessary funds for a comprehensive, “real” renovation. Another key factor is my tendency to frequently shift my design preferences, necessitating time to solidify choices we’ll genuinely love for the long term. Currently, my ultimate dream kitchen aligns perfectly with the aesthetic showcased here, notably featuring that absolutely essential, dreamy turquoise fridge that captures my heart.
Transforming Our Lakehouse Kitchen: The Turquoise Vision
The lakehouse kitchen, in its current state, serves its purpose but lacks the vibrant personality and modern aesthetic we envision for our future lakeside retreat. Dominated by a sea of oak and the dated profile of cathedral cabinet fronts, it presents a traditional, heavy feel that contrasts sharply with the airy, relaxed atmosphere we aim to create. This initial phase of renovation, focusing on a painted cabinet makeover, is designed to infuse immediate character and functionality without committing to the full structural changes that a long-term renovation will entail. It’s a strategic interim step, allowing us to experiment with color and layout while we save for and meticulously plan our ultimate dream kitchen.
Our Lakehouse Kitchen: Before the Transformation
The image above captures the essence of our lakehouse kitchen as it stands today. The warm tones of the oak could be inviting in a different context, but here, coupled with the heavy cabinet fronts and a somewhat closed-off feeling, it yearns for a fresh perspective. This is the canvas upon which our turquoise dreams will soon be painted, transitioning from a functional but uninspired space to one that reflects our personality and the serene beauty of the lake surroundings.
Inspiring Turquoise Kitchen Designs for a Vibrant Makeover
When I first laid eyes on the lakehouse kitchen, a specific vision immediately formed in my mind. I pictured a vibrant makeover much like the one featured on Life in Grace blog. The core idea was simple yet transformative: paint the lower cabinets a captivating shade of turquoise and remove the upper door fronts entirely. This approach promised an immediate aesthetic uplift, introducing color and an open, airy feel. However, upon closer inspection, reality presented a few challenges. The interiors of our current cupboards, unfortunately, are not exactly show-worthy, revealing years of wear and tear, and their design includes some particularly awkward elements – observe those three tiny, inconveniently tucked-away cabinets in the corner. Moreover, the cupboard situated directly above the range hood is a constant source of frustration for Hubby due to its impracticality and restrictive nature.
Considering these factors, our plan has evolved. We’ve decided to completely remove all upper cabinetry, opting instead to install stylish open shelving. This is a design choice I honestly never imagined I would embrace, but the allure of a lighter, more accessible kitchen has won me over. Nevertheless, painting the lower cabinets a beautiful turquoise remains a steadfast component of our vision – a plan I am fully committed to bringing to life. While I patiently await the opportune moment to begin, I’ve curated a collection of truly inspiring turquoise kitchens. These examples showcase the incredible versatility of the color, ranging from the subtle elegance of grey with the faintest hint of blue, to delicate pale mint, bold robin’s egg blue, and the sophisticated depth of deep teal. This visual journey keeps my inspiration burning brightly. Here are some of my favorite finds:
- De Opkamer: This kitchen captivated me with its beautiful soft grey-green cabinets, perfectly complemented by rich charcoal grey floors. It demonstrates how turquoise can be softened and sophisticated, creating a serene yet stylish atmosphere.
- House of Turquoise: Featuring a delightful soft mint island set within an otherwise creamy white kitchen design, this example highlights how a splash of turquoise can become a charming focal point without overwhelming the space.
- Trend Kitchen Cabinets: Here, bold mint green lower cabinets make a powerful statement. It’s a testament to how vibrant color on base cabinetry can anchor a room and inject a playful, modern energy.
- Shelterness: This very retro mint kitchen, adorned with vibrant red accessories, showcases the timeless appeal of a vintage-inspired turquoise palette and how accent colors can elevate the design.
- Home Life: This example features a more subdued grey-blue cabinet color, offering a sophisticated and calming interpretation of turquoise that feels both coastal and contemporary.
- Better Homes and Gardens: A sky-blue kitchen island beautifully stands out in an otherwise crisp white kitchen, illustrating the impact of a singular, well-chosen turquoise element.
- Better Homes and Gardens: This blog post showcases an entire kitchen bathed in aqua – with both upper and lower cabinets painted. It’s a bold and immersive approach to embracing this refreshing hue.
- Stranger than Vintage: A super modern mint kitchen design that proves turquoise can be sleek and contemporary, perfectly fitting into minimalist or cutting-edge aesthetics.
- Homedit: Featuring a bold turquoise island paired with a striking green accent wall, this design exemplifies how to combine vibrant colors for a dynamic and engaging kitchen space.
- Style in no Time: This kitchen boasts bold turquoise cabinets, a matching ceiling beam, and coordinating backsplash tiles, creating a cohesive and powerfully colorful statement.
- Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes: A bold teal kitchen island serves as the vibrant heart of this space, showcasing how even a single element in a deep turquoise shade can transform an entire room.
- Style by Emily Henderson: This design features deep, inky teal lower cabinets, exuding sophistication and a grounding presence that proves turquoise can be both colorful and elegant.
Oh yes, exploring these stunning examples has only intensified my longing to break out the primer and paint! The prospect of transforming our lakehouse kitchen with these invigorating shades of turquoise feels incredibly liberating. For many, painted kitchen cupboards or open shelving represent a significant design leap. I’m curious about your experiences: Do you currently have painted kitchen cupboards or embrace open shelving in your home? Do you find yourself loving them, perhaps regretting the choice, or even experiencing a mix of both emotions? Both of these design territories are entirely new terrain for me, and I’d greatly appreciate any insights or advice you might have to share as I embark on this exciting journey.
UPDATE! My Turquoise Kitchen Journey: Three Transformations, Endless Inspiration!
Life, and kitchen design, often surprise us! What began as a plan for one turquoise kitchen ultimately evolved into a remarkable journey through three distinct shades of turquoise and teal over nine years. This evolution perfectly illustrates my earlier point about changing my mind – I simply couldn’t settle on just one favorite! The dilemma was real: should I choose a bright, bold turquoise, a soft, watery grey-blue, or a deep, inky teal? In the end, I decided to try all three versions of turquoise kitchen cabinets, and to my delight, I found something to love in each transformation! This ongoing DIY kitchen saga has been a fantastic lesson in embracing change and trusting my evolving design aesthetic. Here’s a sneak peek at how this vibrant kitchen has evolved over the years:
Bold Turquoise Cabinets: The First Dive into Color
My inaugural foray into the world of colored cabinets was with a bold turquoise. This specific shade was meticulously color-matched to my cherished Pyrex collection, infusing the kitchen with a deeply personal and joyful energy. The vibrant hue immediately lifted the spirits of the space, creating a focal point that was both cheerful and undeniably striking. This was the vibrant debut of my first turquoise kitchen, a true reflection of my initial passion for bright, expressive color.
However, the initial design, while bold and beautiful, proved to be “a LOT of bold color” for the entire space. To create a more balanced aesthetic and prevent the room from feeling overwhelmed, I made a thoughtful adjustment to the open shelves. This involved reducing the sheer volume of bold turquoise by introducing more neutral elements or materials, ensuring the overall design remained cohesive and inviting while still celebrating the vibrant hue.
Inky Teal Cabinets: Embracing Depth and Sophistication
After enjoying the bold turquoise for some time, my aesthetic began to yearn for a deeper, more sophisticated ambiance. This led to the decision to repaint the cabinets in a rich, inky teal color. This shift introduced a sense of drama and coziness, transforming the kitchen into a more grounded and elegant space. Alongside this color change, I also opted to replace the original open shelving with these charming DIY cubbies. The cubbies provided a perfect blend of open display and organized storage, adding architectural interest and a bespoke touch that complemented the deeper teal beautifully.
Watery Cabinets: A Serene and Tranquil Interlude
My journey through the turquoise spectrum wasn’t over. Tempted by the tranquil allure of softer, watery colors, I found myself drawn to a more subdued palette. This desire for lightness and serenity prompted me to repaint the cabinets AGAIN, this time choosing a very pale shade of aqua. This ‘Watery’ hue brought an undeniable sense of calm and expansiveness to the kitchen, creating a refreshing atmosphere reminiscent of gentle coastal breezes. It demonstrated how different shades of turquoise can evoke vastly different moods and aesthetics, each beautiful in its own right.
This multi-stage transformation underscores a crucial aspect of home design: it’s a dynamic process, often evolving with our tastes and lifestyles. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt your space as you discover what truly resonates with you. For a comprehensive look at all the different versions of my evolving turquoise kitchens, detailed with specific colors and design choices, you can explore them further in this dedicated blog post. Each iteration brought new lessons and renewed joy, proving that the dream kitchen is less about a single destination and more about the beautiful journey of creating a space you continually adore.