The Two Flat Unit 2 Kitchen Reveal!

Although pint-sized, this kitchen features everything from a concealed dishwasher, pull-out corner cabinets, open shelving and deep storage. Let’s take a tour!

Who’s ready for the full reveal of the Two Flat’s Unit 2 kitchen? (Ooh, me!) The entirety of Unit 2 is nothing short of charming, with its sloped ceilings, pink + blue color scheme and sun-filled bedrooms. We knew that the kitchen would be a bit of a challenge because of those ceilings, but we thought of it as an opportunity to think outside the box. Plus, we love a good challenge. And the smaller the space, the better. Small spaces forever!

Note: A full source list can be found at the bottom of this post.

Unit 2 Kitchen | Before

Unit 2 Kitchen | Today!

Remember This?

Here’s the Same View Today!

Below, I’m sharing a more unusual angle, taken from the adjacent living room. Before, the opening into the room was more narrow and faced the bathroom. When we opened the walls, we kept the chimney exposed and shifted the doorway all the way to the right, widening it to allow more light through. Now, the living room feels more connected to the kitchen without being ‘open-concept.’

Unit 2 Kitchen | Before

Unit 2 Kitchen | During

Unit 2 Kitchen | Today!

Kitchen With a View

When we laid out the plans for this kitchen, we were adamant about having the sink centered beneath the window. There’s no awning on this side of the house, so the view is Chicago at its best – a big, blue sky, small patio and rows (and rows) of buildings.

We had to get creative and added this cookbook nook to fill some dead space, but don’t you think that’s what makes it?

Problem Solving the Sloped Ceiling

Let’s talk quickly about the elephant in the room – that sloped ceiling. Our first task to problem solve was the range hood. Could we add one? And if so, how? Our architect has run into this issue in the past, and he had an easy answer: an exhaust vent in the ceiling!

To make up for the lack of upper cabinetry, we flanked the range with open shelving, even having it turn the corner for maximum storage. Our secret for thick, sturdy shelves? Stair treads! This is how we DIYed these shelves on a budget.

In the end, we think that the sloped ceiling is the most charming detail in the space, and we’re happy with how the cabinets, shelving and tile all play together to show it off!

Working the Work Triangle

In a tiny kitchen – nay, scratch that – in any kitchen, the ‘work triangle’ is crucial, and through a lot of kitchen design play, I think we nailed it. The range is the focal point, and the counter-depth refrigerator and sink are on either side. For a room of this size, all our planning paid off – it may be small, but it is mighty!

Cabinet + Hardware Pairings

Just as we did in the Unit 1 kitchen, we chose Semihandmade doors for IKEA SEKTION cabinets. We’ve lined the room with Supermatte Black Shaker panels, and the for the few uppers we do have, we used DIY shaker panels and painted them Sherwin-Williams Magnetic Gray, the same color as the trim. Every filler panel you see is also Semihandmade, for a seamless, custom finish throughout the space!

I have long loved these substantial ball knobs (we used them in Unit 1 as well!), and they’re the prettiest contrast with both the Supermatte Black lowers and Magnetic Gray uppers – especially when paired with our Everform™ Solid Surfacing countertop in Bleached Concrete! 

Secrets Behind Closed Doors

We can’t get enough of hidden conveniences, and this kitchen is no different! Because we were so tight on space, we needed an 18″ dishwasher, and this one fit the bill! It’s panel ready, so we were able to pair it with our Semihandmade door:

These corner cabinets are unique, because the lazy Susan pulls all the way out! What! It eased our fears about items getting lost in the back, not to mention, it’s easier on the knees and back since you don’t need to bend over or get low to find The Thing you’re looking for. (And yes, that’s a stock IKEA option!)

We’ve Come a Long Way!

Over the course of this whole home renovation, it’s been a fun challenge for me to take photos that really show how far we’ve come. The way I’ve done that is by setting up my camera to shoot from the same angle, with us as subjects. Not only has it been pretty cool to see our background change (dramatically!), but even the length of our hair, the expressions on our faces – and yes, the new bags under our eyes (ha!). See below for before, during and after!

And as Always, Thank You!

It’s hard to choose a favorite kitchen in the Two Flat (here’s the Unit 1 kitchen, if you’d like to compare!), but there is one thing we know: We have you to thank for being as enthusiastic about the process as we’ve been. We’ve given it our best to share every up and down, because renovation is anything but easy. Thank you, thank you.

PS: You can see this kitchen renovation unfold from the beginning under ‘Room Makeovers’ in the menu bar.

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Unit 2 Kitchen Sources

Paint + Cabinetry: Wall color is Sherwin-Williams Heron Plume SW 6070 | Accent trim color is Sherwin-Williams Magnetic Gray SW 7058 | Everform™ Solid Surfacing countertop in Bleached Concrete | IKEA cabinetry | Semihandmade base cabinet panels | Semihandmade upper cabinet panels | shelf brackets + shelving | backsplash tile | grey pencil liner

Appliances + Fixtures: gas range | counter-depth refrigerator | dishwasher | bridge faucet | stainless steel sink

Lighting + Accessories: ceiling flush mount light | wall sconce | brass ball knobs | brass pulls | soap pump​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ | blue dishes | striped vase | cereal jars | small stacking bowls | pour over coffee carafe (similar) | cake pedestal | nesting bowls | linen hand towel | utensil holder