The kitchen design is modern yet comfortable and spacious. I opted for a simple corner kitchen augmented with a multi-purpose island that can be moved in-a-pinch if more space is needed. The counters will be clad in beautiful full-thickness oak chosen to match the oak-plank flooring. Shelves supported with handcrafted steel brackets were chosen in-place of upper cabinets to make it easy to find plates, bowls, cups, and cooking ware. Finally, a crisp black cabinet face was chosen to contrast with the warm tones of wood in the great room.

That description makes the kitchen sound like it should cost a million buck-but it didn’t! I purchased the cabinets and counter from Ikea and brackets and hooks from Etsy. Ikea cabinets are sturdy but inexpensive because some assembly is required.

By some assembly, I mean they come in a flat box and you have to build the cabinet box. Over the course of four hours we assembled four cabinet boxes.

A few weeks from now we will put feet on the cabinets and hang them on special track against the wall.