Inside Our 100-Year-Old Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel
Welcome to our 100-year-old farmhouse kitchen remodel! From the moment we bought this house three years ago, we knew this remodel was coming. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when. The kitchen floor was in terrible shape thanks to years of leaks left unchecked. When we pulled up the floors, the wood literally turned to powder in our hands.
Before Remodel
Looks can be deceiving. Besides the red flooring which was so damaged and tinted the whole house a horrible color, the shelving was broken and falling apart, but I made the most of it and made it look pretty in spite of what it truly was.
But before we could tackle the kitchen though, we had to fix more urgent issues. First things first: the foundation needed repairs. Then came Tyrion’s room, which had structural problems of its own. We also had to address a cracked shower that drained directly into the dirt crawlspace (yikes), and update the laundry room so it could actually function for a family of four. All those projects had to happen before we could even think about starting on the heart of the home: the kitchen.
In Progress
Removing all the old cabinets to get ready for our unfitted kitchen once the floors are repaired.
The Kitchen Was . . . So Bad
When we started pulling up the old flooring, it didn’t take long to realize just how close we’d been to falling right through. For three years, I stood at that sink doing dishes, hating every minute of it because the floor always felt like it was giving out underneath me. I wasn’t imagining it either — every time it dipped and creaked, I’d hold my breath, half expecting to fall through! Honestly, finally seeing it torn up felt a little validating.
Thankfully, most of the original joists, uprights, and beams were in great condition. We only had to replace one and sister another. We also added more support underneath the house to help the floor feel sturdier and give the whole house a more solid feel.
Our vision for this space isn’t your typical modern farmhouse kitchen.
We’re going for something softer and cozier—a cottage-meets-French-country mix that still honors classic farmhouse elements. Think open space, warm wood, shiplap walls, rock, and vintage touches. We’re leaning into a more traditional farmhouse kitchen feel, layered with European style charm.
When we demoed the window wall, we discovered two old layers of wallpaper made from actual fabric. It felt like unearthing a time capsule. I saved a piece of each to frame and hang in the new kitchen. It’s those little discoveries that make restoring an old farmhouse feel extra special.
We’re not using a cabinet maker or going with custom cabinetry.
This is going to be an unfitted kitchen, one that’s pieced together over time. I’ll be sourcing vintage furniture and open shelves instead of upper cabinets, allowing for better flow and a more lived-in feel.
One of my favorite parts of this kitchen project is our big splurge: a deep, glossy fireclay sink set into a rustic wooden table. It’s not the cast iron farmhouse sink I had originally dreamed about, but honestly, this setup feels even more true to the old-world style I love. Travis, with help from my dad and father-in-law, installed a beautiful ruffled milk glass light fixture over the sink and upgraded all the plumbing to PEX. They even ran a gas line and water line behind the stove so I can finally have a pot filler. That little upgrade is going to make a huge difference when I’m knee-deep in canning season.
We had hoped to keep the original tongue and groove floors, but there was no subfloor underneath, and too many sections were damaged.
\So instead, we’re using Hewn Flooring to go right over the top of the old linoleum that is under the current damaged cheap burgundy PVL. (I’m not sorry to see that leave my house.) It’ll tie in beautifully with the white oak pieces and warm wood tones we’re planning throughout the rest of the house.
Over our future custom kitchen island (which Travis is building!), I chose these dreamy jadeite pendant lights. They add the perfect pop of color in the kitchen. I love how they play off the tones in the kitchen and bring a little whimsy to the space. Between the new light fixtures, the open floor plan that now leads into the dining room and living room, and all the natural light coming in, this kitchen feels like it’s breathing again.
We’re not rushing to finish it all at once. This farmhouse kitchen remodel is happening slowly, thoughtfully. We’re letting the design style unfold over time. I’m not worried about finding the perfect drawer pulls or countertops just yet. The finishes will come as we finish the bigger foundational pieces. It’s a mix of old kitchen memories and new kitchen dreams—tied together with heart, history, and personality. I want it to feel like “my kitchen”. Not this years latest trends.
Our farmhouse kitchen design will include a farmhouse table for family gatherings, a butcher block countertop in one corner, and custom appliances down the road. We want this to be a space where we can cook, gather, and share everyday life.
Thanks for following along in our farmhouse kitchen remodel
I’ll keep sharing updates on the remodel, our design choices, and links to pieces that we find and love. It’s not a showroom kitchen, but it’s a deeply personal project, and I’m excited to bring you along. From the floors, to the walls and ceilings, it’s going to be a kitchen full of classic style, personality, and a whole lot of love. If you want to follow along in real time, make sure we’re friends over on Instagram!
