Q: Hi Greg and Ashley! … I LOVE a good white kitchen (yours included- wowee it’s gorgeous!!!). While house hunting, we were looking for a great white kitchen OR a kitchen we could happily rip out and replace. However, we wound up falling in love with a house that had a custom, high quality wood kitchen already done. Not white and not something we want to rip out. We debated spraying the cabinets (which have goregous moulding at the top and the shaker door profile i adore), but the wood is really beauitful and we’ve actually grown to love it and fully embrace it. …We haven’t even moved in yet but I’m super eager and so I’ve plucked some photos from the real estate listing for you to see:

kitchen1 Q+A: PAPER INSPIRED KITCHEN

kitchen 2 Q+A: PAPER INSPIRED KITCHEN

The problem I am finding is a lack of inspirational kitchens with wood cabinets. People tend to go very earthy and traditional and that is NOT our style at all. I thought “modern bistro” but then people started talking about tin ceilings and that’s also not what we’re going for. This may seem strange, but I have found Rifle Paper Co.’s shop and displays really inspirational because they always feature wood mixed with black (often chalkbaord, which i love) and white with some vintage touches but still lots of clean lines (which i also love). So, we’re keeping the cabinets and replacing the appliances to stainless steel but I wondered if you could give me suggestions for knobs, flooring, paint, backsplash, countertop, and table and chairs … Any help at all that you could provide would be HUGELY appreciated. Thanks SO much in advance!! -Robyn

A: Thanks so much for your email, Robyn! First of all, I must say… I love, love, love the idea of a kitchen inspired by Rifle Paper Co. They are one of my all-time favorite stationery / art shops and I’ve actually been channeling some of their style in a few house projects I’ve got going on in my head at the moment. It’s modern, vintage, industrial and a tad rustic all rolled up into one nice, neat, clean lined package.

rifle1 Q+A: PAPER INSPIRED KITCHEN

Even though I’m not a professional interior designer, I thought it would be fun to take a crack at this and put a little mood board together. After all, ya’ll know how I love a good mood board! Before we get to that, let’s talk about the things Robyn wanted help on. Here are my suggestions…
  • Knobs – I’d definitely stick with black hardware, but maybe update the style. I suggest something a little weathered and industrial like this (in oil-rubbed bronze).
  • Flooring – You mentioned in your email that you wanted to go with tile. I think 12×24 tiles in a brick pattern in a matte, warm, neutral gray would do just the trick. Another option would be to continue the hardwood floors from the foyer.
  • Paint – Chalkboard paint! To me, this would be “so Rifle”. It would make a big statement,  and give you an opportunity to get creative with chalk and channel your inner Rifle Paper Co. I would also remove the wainscoting for a more “clean lines” look. On the wall next to the door to the foyer (on the left of the second photo), I’d hang a small grouping of gallery frames (maybe with a mixture of white, gold and wood frames) and include a few Rifle Paper Co. prints. This would help break up the dark wall color, add a lot of color and help bring home the overall vibe you’re aiming for, not to mention that it gives a nod to your inspiration!
  • Backsplash – Since you like clean lines and vintage elements, I’d suggest going with white subway tile. It timeless! I think this will also give you a sense of a white kitchen (like you said you love), but still have the warmth of the wood cabinets.
  • Countertop – You mentioned in your email you were a fan of carrera marble, but wanted something uber easy and durable. Definitely check out quartz! Cambria has some great options that look very much like carrera. That’s what we’ve used in our kitchen, and we love it. You can read more about that here. When it comes to color, be sure to bring a few samples home and see which ones tie in with your cabinets. To start out, try something white to tie in with the subway tile backsplash but with brown undertones to tie in with the cabinets.
  • Table & Chairs – Here’s a chance to bring in some rustic touches. A round rustic table would be perfect for this space. To balance the rustic table, pair it with some modern white chairs (the Eames shell chairs would be perfect!).

Now that we’ve got all of that sorted out, let’s put the whole look together and throw in some accessories to bring it home…

paperkitchen1 Q+A: PAPER INSPIRED KITCHEN

1. floral heart print by rifle paper co. / 2. quad wall clock / 3. wood shaker cabinets / 4. white subway tile / 5. chalkboard paint / 6. unfold pendant / 7. eames molded chairs / 8. wood cutting board / 9. painted amaryllis butter dish / 10. cook’s books set / 11. fejka artificial potted plants / 12. flag conversations tea towel

So, that’s my take on a paper-inspired kitchen. I hope this helps you out, Robyn. If anyone else has any ideas for her, be sure to chime in!

Rifle Paper Co. images found here and Instagram (@annariflebond).