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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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July 31, 2020

Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

I had the first line of this blog post all written in my head. I was going to say, “I’m forty-four years old and I finally have a kitchen I love!” But, every time I typed out those words I deleted them again. And it’s not because I hate declaring that I’m forty-four years old!

It’s because, even though I’m so excited to be showing you my new counters and backsplash today, I keep thinking back to the first time I saw my kitchen. It was 2008 and we were touring the house with our realtor and I stepped into the kitchen and couldn’t believe my eyes. There was so much space! Yes, the cabinets were dark wood and yes the granite wasn’t what I would have chosen but, with a baby on my hip and a 5 year old running around, it looked like a dream to me.

There was a lot to love about my kitchen when it looked like this. So, I’m not going to tell you that it’s only ‘now’ that I love it. Now that we’ve painted the cabinets and put in new floors and updated the counters and the backsplash and the sink and the fixtures and the window treatments.

Instead, I’m going to tell you that I think there is something really wonderful about living with and appreciating what you have until you can get what you want without going into debt. Even if it takes a long time.

A few years ago we had the cabinets painted. Then we had the new floors put in.

This is how the kitchen looked after we moved here in 2008.

After the cabinets were painted

And FINALLY, twelve years later, it’s all done! And yes, I do love it.

We decided to go with honed quartzite for our countertops. It’s a natural stone and has a similar look to marble with the durability of granite. We ended up going with the honed finish since it has more of a matte look to it. After years of granite, I was ready for something with a bit less shine. This particular pattern is called ‘Taj Mahal’ and it looks SO different once its honed from how it looks in its original state.

Desk area when we first moved in

After cabinets were painted

Desk area with new backsplash

Appliance garage on counters when we first moved in

After cabinets were painted

And now! We had the appliance garage removed to free up more counter space and it just makes this whole area so much more open.

For the backsplash, we decided to go with a subway tile in varying shades of white. If you look closely, there are three slightly different colors here and we love the subtle effect it creates while also tying in the cabinet color to the colors in the quartzite.

 

I think…no…I know…that my most favorite part of this project is my new sink!!

We went with a basin style, undermount sink and I’ve never been so happy to do dishes.

My husband said that his favorite thing about the new sink is that it’s so deep that you can’t see the dishes that get piled up in there. 😉

Every time I come downstairs in the morning and head into the kitchen to get my coffee, I’m startled by how bright this room is now.

But, I’ll tell you something. The coffee tastes the same as it did when we first moved in and the kitchen had dark cabinets and 1992 granite tile counters.

It tastes the same as it did when we painted the cabinets and still had the old counters.

And for the twelve years that I’ve been turning the corner and coming into the kitchen to fill up a giant mug with coffee and a tiny bit of creamer, I’ve never once looked around and not felt immensely grateful.

Because while the look of this kitchen might have changed over the years, here’s what hasn’t…

Yummy meals prepared, baking sessions with my kids, friends sitting on the stools and chatting, impromptu dance parties, Saturday morning pancakes, lines of people wrapping around the island waiting to dig into a buffet of food set out, birthday celebrations and some of the most sacred conversations ever.

As we’ve slowly made changes and improvements to our home, I’ve recognized more than ever the truth in these words from Paul in the book of Philippians (4:11), “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

When it comes to our homes, I truly believe that learning to be content with how it looks now is what helps us to not put off enjoying the beauty of the moments that are right in front of us. It keeps us from living in a constant state of “if only”.

And, if you have the opportunity to update your counters or paint your cabinets or change your flooring, you will be able to enjoy them while still putting them in the proper place in your heart because you know that they are simply the backdrop for the things that matter the most.

Thank you for coming along with me and my kitchen on this journey for all of these years dear friends!

32 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Kitchen Remodel Tagged With: decorating, kitchen, Makeover

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Comments

  1. Peggy says

    July 31, 2020 at 11:54 AM

    I like both then and now! You’ve done a wonderful job updating, and I’ll always miss my white kitchen from a previous home.

    Reply
  2. Cindy says

    July 31, 2020 at 12:10 PM

    I love every word you wrote. So we’ll said. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for being real!!😊

    Reply
  3. Kerna Pettorelli says

    July 31, 2020 at 12:19 PM

    This looks beautiful Vanessa!
    I love your taste. Well done with all your selections 👏🏻♥️
    Can you share where the kitchen blinds are from. I love them!

    Reply
  4. Leslie Watkins says

    July 31, 2020 at 12:23 PM

    I absolutely love the changes! How perfect.❤️

    Reply
  5. jean says

    July 31, 2020 at 12:27 PM

    Vanessa,
    What a beautiful kitchen. I love Honed granite or quartz. I wish I had used quartz in my kitchen when we remolded. I could have gotton quartz for the same price. You have done a wonderful job decorating and I love your blog post. You are such a wonderful Christian woman and you talk it as well. So many keep quite about what Jesus has meant to them; I don’t know what we would do especially now; our hope is in the Lord. Can’t wait to see what you will be working on next. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
    your blog friend,
    jean

    Reply
  6. Tami says

    July 31, 2020 at 1:08 PM

    What a beautiful kitchen! And what a beautiful outlook! We have lived with our kitchen for 36 years, and it was dated when we moved in. We are finally getting ready for new cabinets and countertops. I’m so excited, but we have made the most of our kitchen through the years. We have painted the cabinets and made some minor changes in the past, but now I will have the kitchen I have envisioned since we first moved in. It will be worth the wait!

    Reply
  7. Suzanne says

    July 31, 2020 at 1:15 PM

    Did you paint your cabinets yourself? Did they have to be sanded?

    Reply
  8. Katharine says

    July 31, 2020 at 3:07 PM

    The kitchen is beautiful, but even moreso are your words. Thank you for the good reminder. We live in a bit of a fixer upper. It’s been a long road as we have done most of the work ourselves and have not gone into debt to do it. It is so easy not get caught up in all that “needs” to be done. Really the most important work we do it out home has nothing to do with the space. It has everything to do with the people that live inside it. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.

    Reply
  9. Michele M says

    July 31, 2020 at 4:11 PM

    I am so happy for you. Your kitchen is truly beautiful.

    Great attitude, too.

    Have a wonderful remainder of summer.

    Stay safe and well.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 31, 2020 at 7:30 PM

      Thank you so much friend! I hope you are having a lovely summer and staying safe too. Blessings! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Sherry Myers says

    July 31, 2020 at 6:17 PM

    Beautiful words, beautiful kitchen! I agree wholeheartedly. Thank you for the encouraging words. The older I get, the more comforting the word contentment is to me. Thank you for making the end of my day sweet by taking the time to share your home.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      July 31, 2020 at 7:25 PM

      Thank you so much Sherry! I appreciate your kind words! 🙂

      Reply
  11. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says

    July 31, 2020 at 9:55 PM

    Vanessa, it’s always so nice to meet you At The Picket Fence! Thanks for sharing your beautiful kitchen with us. Love what you have done. Love reading your posts. You always share such encouraging words with us. Bless you! Enjoy the summer and keep safe!

    Reply
  12. Heather says

    July 31, 2020 at 11:27 PM

    Love your heart and appreciate you sharing the blessings that continue…the people in and around the kitchen no matter what season or style. Your remodel is beautiful…really like the backsplash.💛

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 1, 2020 at 11:51 AM

      Thank you so much friend! xoxo

      Reply
  13. Patty Anne says

    August 1, 2020 at 5:15 AM

    It is beautiful, but what you said about your kitchen then and now – “it’s the backdrop for what matters most”, is the best part 💕
    Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 1, 2020 at 11:50 AM

      Thank you so much Patty Anne! Blessings to you! <3

      Reply
  14. Pk says

    August 1, 2020 at 11:33 AM

    Your kitchen looks great. I’m curious if you have an exhaust for your cooktop? I can’t see one looking at the pictures. If not do you miss having one? I would like to omit one from my kitchen. Thanks

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      August 2, 2020 at 9:26 AM

      Hi Pk! We don’t have an exhaust for our cooktop in our island but it does have a fan built in and we have a fan in the ceiling. There wasn’t one when we moved in so I don’t know any different. I think because of where it’s located, right in the middle of the kitchen, it would be really awkward to have one but that’s just my two cents. 😉

      Reply
  15. Amri says

    August 1, 2020 at 11:40 AM

    This was fantastic. You really hit on what matters. Thank you!

    Reply
  16. Cindy says

    August 1, 2020 at 4:18 PM

    Beautiful makeover Vanessa. Sometimes the best makeovers take the longest amount of time, and it’s always worth the wait.

    Reply
  17. margaret says

    August 1, 2020 at 5:24 PM

    Love the kitchen and your thoughts about enjoying what’s important all the time.

    Reply
    • Dawn says

      August 1, 2020 at 6:43 PM

      This story mirrors my own in so many ways! We purchased a watered damaged foreclosure in 2008, barely squeezing into our new home. Finally we were out of an apartment. We couldn’t afford much, so my hubby DIY the entire rehab. We repaired the kitchen cabinets, installed granite tile countertops and made it the best we could afford at the time.
      Fast forward to me being 43, and we are finally redoing the kitchen. Hickory cabinets, marble mosiac backsplash, and black pearl granite sold slabs. I’m totally excited. We only spent $3,200.
      I’ve always appreciated the sweat and love we’ve put into our home.
      Congrats on your beautiful kitchen. Your story warmed my soul & brought back wonderful memories.

      Reply
  18. Laura janning says

    August 10, 2020 at 4:45 PM

    Looks beautiful Vanessa!

    Reply
  19. Lisa says

    January 30, 2021 at 4:47 AM

    Vanessa I just discovered your blog and was so excited to see someone talk about quartzite (different from quartz). We are gutting our kitchen and I am leaning toward quartzite due to the durability over Quartz. (There are some great discussions on Houzz about this topic). Did you find the price point to be considerable more for Quartzite over Quartz? I have about the same counter space as you and trying to budget what the cost would be if you do not mind sharing. Is Taj Mahol the top of the line and did you pay more to get it honed? You did an awesome job. Your kitchen is beautiful.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 1, 2021 at 11:20 AM

      Hi Lisa! We found that the quartzite was not ‘that’ much more expensive than quartz and we, like you, felt that the durability factor was a huge component of making that selection. Taj Mahal wasn’t at the very top of the line but having it honed added an extra cost. We had to have some work done with removing an appliance garage and other things that added cost because it required bringing in some folks to do woodworking, etc. I think all told we ended up spending a little over $8,000. Hope that helps and I’m SO glad you found my blog!

      Reply
  20. vicky says

    March 8, 2021 at 5:35 PM

    I would love the information on your countertop material. I have seen Taj Mahal granite but I didn’t think it looked like yours. What company? Just about ready to order granite. Also what is honed? Is it low luster? Thank you.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 8, 2021 at 7:21 PM

      Hi Vicky! Yes, the Taj Mahal in it’s original form looks very different from how ours look. And this isn’t granite, it’s quartzite which is a natural stone and stronger than quartz. We decided to have it honed so that it was a matte finish (low luster) because I didn’t want it to be super shiny. We went with a local company here. Hope that helps! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Patty says

    April 1, 2021 at 8:20 PM

    I really like that your backsplash tile is different colors of white – did you just pick out 3 different whites in the same brand/style or was it something already “put together”? We are building a house and just had our honed quartz countertops put in so I am picking tile for the backsplash. I wasn’t sure whether to go with a shiny tile or a matte tile and finding a white to go with our countertops hasn’t been easy!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 16, 2021 at 11:27 AM

      Hi Patty! My apologies for just now seeing your comment/question! The backsplash tile came as something that was already put together as 3 different shades of white. Each tile was put on the wall separately by the installer so they varied the three shades as they assembled it if that makes sense. We really like having the subtle difference between each tile and how it brings together all the different tones in the kitchen. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  22. Jocelyn says

    April 10, 2021 at 11:49 AM

    May I ask how the countertops have held up? Any problems with staining or etching? We are currently considering this exact color/finish and I worry that we’ll ruin it or that it won’t be as durable as we are hoping! Your kitchen is stunning and I’m so excited for our much-anticipated kitchen makeover.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 16, 2021 at 11:25 AM

      Hi Jocelyn! SO sorry I’m just now replying! We’ve had our countertops for a year now and they’ve held up amazingly well. But we’re careful not to leave anything that might stain sitting on them for too long which I think would be the same for any quartz or marble counters. Thanks for the compliment of my kitchen!! I know the feeling of being so excited for updates. 😉

      Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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