Inspired Design Talk

08/30/2026

For everyone who’s as nosy as I am about how much things actually cost… I finally added up everything I spent decorating my 20-year-old kitchen. 😂

Between the faucet, hardware, lighting, rug, curtains, artwork, tools and all those little accessories that somehow REALLY add up, the grand total was…

$1,731.28 😳

And full disclosure: I didn’t include the tax on a few things, so it was probably a little more.

Now my husband’s reaction when he came home makes a little more sense. 😂

But after spending all that money, there’s still one thing I didn’t touch: the backsplash.

You’ve had LOTS of opinions about that one, so tomorrow we’re talking about it. 👀

08/30/2026

Instead of renovating my 20-year-old kitchen, I challenged myself to work with what I already had and spent 20 days decorating it instead.

There was a lot of experimenting, moving things around, changing my mind and trying to make the finishes I already have feel more like me now.

Here’s a quick before + after. 👀

Did it make a difference?

08/29/2026

If you’re in the market for new counter stools, here are 8 options at different price points and styles to help narrow down your search!

Whether you love upholstered, woven, wood, acrylic, or a classic bistro look, there’s a little something for everyone here.

I also put together a guide with tips on counter stool height, spacing, comfort, and what to look for before you buy.

Which is your favorite — 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8? 👇

See all the counter stools + shopping details below

08/29/2026

I’m shopping for new counter stools for my kitchen, and of course I had to create mockups before buying anything. 😂

I couldn’t believe how much the lighter stools changed the entire feel of my 20-year-old kitchen!

I rounded up 11 designer + affordable counter stool options, including some great look-for-less finds. I also included what size stools you need for a 36" counter, how many will fit at an island, and what to look for if comfort is important.

Now I just have to decide which ones I want for MY kitchen. 👀

Which would you choose?

See all 11 counter stools + my kitchen mockups

Looking for the best counter stools that'll take your kitchen to the next level? Check out my favorites that are modern and stylish!

08/29/2026

Not sure what counter stool height you need for your kitchen island? Save this guide! 📏 For a standard 36" kitchen counter, look for counter stools around 24–25" seat height and leave about 9–13" of legroom between the seat and counter. Bar-height counters are typically 42" and need taller stools.

08/28/2026

After listening to my daughter critique this kitchen makeover for the past 20 days — including every delivery that came through the door — I finally asked her:

“Do you like anything? What’s your favorite thing?”

Her answer?

The fruit bowl. 😂

Twenty days of decorating, shopping, drilling through tile, changing my mind 100 times… and we have a winner. 🤣

Tell me I’m not the only one with a family like this. 😂

08/28/2026

10 kitchen updates I’d buy again! 🤍

After spending the last few weeks updating my 20-year-old kitchen without renovating it, these are some of the things that made the biggest difference.

Some were incredibly inexpensive... but together they helped my old kitchen feel so much more like me now — without replacing the cabinets, countertops, or backsplash.

From the champagne bronze faucet and hardware to the lighting, artwork, runner, and café curtains, it really proved to me that small changes can completely change how a room feels.

I linked all 10 of my favorites in the comments! 👇

Which update made the biggest difference in your opinion?

08/27/2026

I’m officially shopping for new counter stools for my kitchen update… and of course, I had to find the LOOK FOR LESS! 👀

These are three styles I’m considering, along with more affordable versions that give a very similar look for a fraction of the price.

I’m leaning toward something lighter and softer to balance all the darker, busier finishes already in my kitchen—but I haven’t made the final decision yet!

Which one would you choose for my kitchen: 1, 2 or 3? 🤍

I’ll link all six options in the comments!

08/27/2026

My husband came home from the airport and saw my kitchen makeover for the first time.

He had A LOT of THOUGHTS and not one compliment. 😂

Meanwhile, my daughter was filling him in on how many shopping bags I’d been coming home with while he was gone.

After 35 years of marriage, is it any wonder my skin is so thick? 🤣

Is your family like this too, or is it just mine?

08/26/2026

At some point, you have to know when to stop spending money trying to “fix” a kitchen you’d really rather rethink.

If I ever renovate my 20-year-old kitchen again, I wouldn’t just replace the backsplash or countertops.

I’d want a bigger window, cabinets to the ceiling, marble continuing up the wall, and I’d rethink the peninsula — possibly even the entire layout.

And even though I’m an interior designer, this time I’d hire a kitchen designer. Kitchens are their specialty, and they may see possibilities I don’t.

Sometimes the finishes aren’t really the problem. Sometimes you’re ready for a completely different space.

So for now? I’m waiting. 💕

Would you update this kitchen or wait for the full renovation?