Design + Images: Kaity Farrell
With food blogger and chef Kaity Farrell's eclectic curation of accents, appliances, and serveware on display, her airy Nantucket kitchen's main feature is a dreamy Aegean Sea backsplash in our sinuous Paseo pattern.
First, can you tell me a bit about yourself and what you do? Where are you based?
I’m a photographer, recipe developer, and private chef based on the island of Nantucket off the coast of Massachusetts.
How did you hear about Fireclay Tile?
I saw images of Justina Blakeney’s bathroom remodel with Fireclay’s Adriatic Sea Hex tiles and swooned. Obviously loved the blue and had to learn more.
Tile Shown: 8" Hexagons in Adriatic Sea with Mini Star and Cross in Adriatic Sea // Design + Image: Justina Blakeney
Let's talk about your kitchen...
The kitchen takes up about half of the main open room of our small cottage. We knew we would be spending most of our time in this space so wanted to create a kitchen that was functional, open and welcoming.
What did it look like before?
It was very outdated and in desperate need of an overhaul.
Is there any story behind it that you'd like to share?
This is our first home purchase and renovation experience. After renting for so many years and doing the “Nantucket Shuffle” we are so happy and relieved to have a home of our own on the island we love and call home. Nantucket has been in a horrible housing crisis years and the home prices here are often unrealistic for year-round residents like us. So needless to say, creating this dream kitchen space has been an incredible experience that we’ll never take for granted.
What did you change?
We gutted the kitchen and reconfigured the layout a bit, expanding the kitchen to extend all the way across the south facing wall.
What type of look or aesthetic were you going for?
Kind of a coastal bohemian vibe.
How did you come up with your color scheme and design?
I knew I wanted white walls to give the space a very open feel. I fell in love with Aegean Sea tile at first sight and after many color swatches later it was still the one I kept coming back to.
So I decided to do pops of blue against the white walls and lower cabinet fronts. We went with dark mahogany wood countertops to stay within budget but I love how they came out. The dark rich color is a great contrast against the white and blues.
Why did you choose Paseos in Aegean Sea? Were there any contenders?
Since we only tiled in back of the range I wanted something that popped and made a statement. I love the Mediterranean/ old world feel of the Paseo shape and wanted something a little different and funky. Again, Aegean Sea was my favorite from the start. We looked at many color swatches but kept coming back to it. It basically made the choice for me.
How did the installation process go? Did you face any challenges? Did you work with a tile installer or contractor?
This was our fist time tiling and I really don’t know what to expect, except from what I watched on youtube tutorials, but I have to say it was so much fun. I like crafting and arts and this felt like an art project to me. We learned a few things as we went like using our hands to set the grout was much easier than using the rubber floats. I’m proud to say we did the tiling all on our own. We rented a wet saw to get clean cuts and used schluter trim as suggested by you guys to get a clean edge where the tile meets the wall.
How was designing for your own home?
It’s been amazing. After pinning my dream kitchen/home for years it’s feels like pinch-me moment that I get to make those dreams come true now. The kitchen was just the start. We have plans to expand onto the existing structure and also remodel the rest of the small cottage, not to mention designing a huge garden on the property.
Lessons learned?
Drawers are definitely more functional than open bottom cabinets and are worth the difference in price.
What Fireclay products would you love to use in future projects?
I’d love to use some of your more serene and calming tones in our upcoming bathroom remodel for the floor, walls and shower.
What did you enjoy about the experience?
When I clicked over to your feed and then your site I fell in love with your beautiful tile; the lush colors and simple clean shapes. I think I spent a decent amount of time, cup of tea in hand, just browsing through your gallery pages for design inspiration.
Why do you love tile?
It’s timeless and functional.
What are your 3 best design tips?
Choose designs/colors that you would be happy to look at everyday. Source items from small businesses and thrift stores to add unique elements to your design. Place your major appliances first and make sure to measure the doorway and leave some wiggle room.
Inspired by this kitchen? Order color samples online now. Need some help? Simply call, chat or fill out our Design Assistance Form and one of our talented Design Consultants will get back to you shortly.