building my dream kitchen in the sims (because I can't afford to actually renovate it yet)

If only house renovations were this easy!
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☞ My name is Ariel and I’m a Canadian writer, poet, and KZbinr. I organize my shelves by genre and then colour and my favourite book is Animal Farm. I've been making bookish content online for a decade and love spreading a love of reading through videos, panels, articles, and more!
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[@LavinyaAPash]

it'd be cool that whenever you get to actually renovate your kitchen, if you made a comparison between your plans (this vid) and the final result :))

[@ArielBissett]

Definitely!! I want to see how close I can get haha!

[@tikusblue]

You should upload that kitchen to the Sims gallery and let people Renovate it/make it over, then review people's Renos in a video!

[@grvypearl]

I would make one of those shelves a "door" to a hidden pantry so you don't lose that space. Plus, I mean, come on! A hidden room!

[@erinmcdonnell2483]

I was thinking the same! Or even a more "decorative" door with a window so you could add a curtain or something. Plus the hidden room would be a great broom closet for mops and the vacuum.

[@ochoheido]

I would still want access to that under-the-stairs space too! But I do love her built-in shelves: they look great! I think I would add a little door to that under-stair-space from the entry-hallway. For storage or to hide annoying magical nephews.

[@unnamedxx]

Even if they don’t use it as a pantry it could be a good space to store cleaning supplies and things like vacuums and mops. Out of sight out of mind kinda thing, y’know?

[@robine916]

Maybe access from the living room to the extra space?

[@LittlePrairieLibrary]

As someone who has living without a pantry (or any built-in storage in my home) for 11 years, I would do anything to have that much space for food storage 😭

[@poodlegirl55]

You wouldn't be happy with wallpaper above the sink and stove, it wouldn't last long, but you could tile those area and wallpaper the rest. Or you might consider painting the walls a dark color and stenciling on the designs, it would give you the look but be durable. I had wood floors in a kitchen once and loved it. Wooden counters can be sealed with several coats of varnish and staining isn't a problem. I love your design.

[@missmae2415]

Came here to second the no wallpaper behind the stove idea! Will turn into a waste of money SO fast! Go for an accent wall and extend the life into the rest of the room with plants! 😭

[@eventingbyjulia]

I actually have wallpaper above my stove and sink in my studio apartment, I put it in knewing it was a gamble but it’s been there for 2,5 years and still looks great. It’s also not very expensive (pimpernell by William Morris but one roll was enough) so whenever it starts looking worn I’ll just put up tiles on top. Three layers of clear floor laquer did the trick!

[@LilyEvans1996]

Oh I imagine the same would be true for around the stove area where a lot of steaming would happen

[@tiinakarmala633]

I had a wallpapered kitchen once and protecting our it was as easy as putting a glass over the more vulnerable areas of wall just where a tile might be considered better :)

[@ryttu3k]

You could put glass or clear (high-quality) plexiglass over the areas that could get wet or greasy! Our splashback is actually just paint under glass, and while we do want to replace it (because it's boring), it's perfectly durable :D

[@shamancarmichael5305]

I'd avoid having wallpaper behind cooking or food prep areas. Splashes and moisture/steam can peel or damage it plus it's a pain to clean. How about an accent wall(s) with matching backsplash tiles in high traffic areas? Make sure to give yourself lots of outlets if possible, so handy! Can't wait to see what you do with it!

[@nitroxler]

maybe she could still wallpaper the entire room but add an additional glass panel by the stove and sink? A friend of mine did that and it seems to be working out:)

[@olivxe]

keep the pantry!! i think you’ll appreciate the extra storage for food, pet stuff, and appliances you don’t use all the time

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

Yesss!

[@CassyJD]

Would love if you did this for the "creepy" room that you said will eventually be your master bedroom!

[@amu444]

That would be amazing, I still can't quite picture the layout of space up there, and a view like this would be so cool.

[@user-iz3ss5rb3z]

What a good idea it needs more replies so she’ll see

[@shirin--]

The “pinnsoffa” (ie bench) is a staple of the Swedish kitchen! We had one growing up.

[@ArielBissett]

you get it!!!

[@Petitesser]

I was just about to say too that "kökssoffa" is like a really common thing in Sweden and something that I very much look forwards to getting once we get some more space

[@erikakraemer6963]

Same in Finland, except it's more like an old-timey wooden bed that was also used as a bench :)

[@amariiii3695]

Same! I live in Spain and in my grandma’s home growing up there was a wooden bench/canopy situation in the kitchen that could also be used for storage inside

[@catherinejanesmith1219]

Literally screamed when I saw this notification. I'm living vicariously through you vicariously living through the Sims

[@ArielBissett]

Hahahaha

[@taylorann1119]

Farmhouse Vernacular on KZbin added a beautiful wicker "bench" in her kitchen when she renovated. To decorate the kitchen for holidays, she changes the cushions.

[@carrie9716]

I was thinking of that too 🤣 clearly I watch a lot of home Reno lol.

[@carrie9716]

Oh, and I love how farmhouse vernacular doesn’t go white for walls! Man I’m tired of boring decorating.

[@tiinakarmala633]

I was just about to mention the bench and colourful farmhouse too :)

[@myriamgagnon68]

She also has a small table and she loves it! So practical

[@agnesgalvin3930]

Oh my god, I have to admit, I was half paying attention to this while writing an email and then I heard "I named the house Agnes." I genuinely started a little bit🤣I am very proud to share a name with this beautiful project though...

as a housewife I would love that space under the stairs. the wallpaper is cute but impractical for the kitchen area. I don't know how it is in Canada but here in Brazil we put tiles from floor to ceiling. maybe you'll find a tile in a nice shade of green that matches your fridge and gives it that same cozy atmosphere. uh! I love the light pink and green combination that was so common back in the day. ok, i'm really excited for this makeover and it's not even my house hehe

[@ochoheido]

I would still want access to that under-the-stairs space too! But I do love her built-in shelves: they look great! I think I would add a little door to that under-stair-space from the entry-hallway. For storage or to hide annoying magical nephews.

[@milliedragon4418]

I know if she had more game packs there is bookshelf and doubles as a secret door and then she could have a little reading nook.

[@jessicarodger4677]

As someone with a table lamp on her kitchen counter, 10 out of 10, would recommend! Brings light to dark areas under the cabinets, and in the evening - well, you cant beat a warm glow while making a cup of tea, can you! Thanks for sharing your vision! Cant wait to see how it turns out one day.😊

[@venturesinvintage1284]

We have a bench in our kitchen, it’s great for resting while you’re making a big meal! Mostly our cats sit on it and watch us cook & try to convince us that we need to let them taste test 😂

[@maidenrohina]

One thing I would suggest re-thinking is getting rid of the pantry under the stairs. I know you plan on adding a bunch of garden plots and chickens, etc. and if your anything like me you will wish you had kept that extra pantry space to be able to store all the food you grow. Once you start gardening you end up constantly searching for more storage, you'll end up with pumpkins under the bed, things in the closet, on top of the fridge etc. I so wish I had a pantry under the stairs like you. Just something to keep in mind if you are planning on doing gardening, at least double the amount of storage you have because you end up really needing t.

[@allentowngal4769]

Amazing! Always love your sense of color. I think you should make a hidden door out of the stairs pantry. It can open to still keep all that storage space, but built like a bookshelf for cookbooks or decoration. Can't wait to see your final vision materialize!

[@PernicketyPern]

I was thinking that too. I have seen many examples of shelf doors for a hidden pantry around.

[@colleenchavez524]

Yeah, but they're like $3k afaik. I think Ariel should keep access to the pantry. Are both of the doorways needed? I'd maybe close the one to the living area off if possible, use the wall for fridge and floor to ceiling storage, (which would make the pantry area way less heinous and easier to integrate) and then leave space for an exterior door near where the sims fridge is.

[@georgina209]

LOVE IT! The only thing id say is keep the pantry under the stairs, add shelves, a light and decorate it all cute 'n' it could be a really useful space. i cant help but feel you'd be loosing useful space behind a built in. You could add a door or curtain at the entrance 'n' with your added flair it could become a beautiful and functional space! :)

[@MsYingyang2]

I agree, the pantry is huge. You have 5 people there for now. Perhaps you could get into canning etc.

[@amu444]

Maybe one "door" can be a deep/wide pull-out shelf, on a track, bringing the pantry storage out into the kitchen area instead of being a closed off place entirely, or an awkward space like it is now. The other door can be hinged to open for keeping that space clean.

[@sharpduds]

I'm a fan of butcherblock countertops, they look great in white oak. I'm also a fan of unfitted kitchens, but that's because I grew up with small efficiencies crammed into the pantries of old farmhouses, so the thought of a big kitchen with a work table is appealing. But yeah, cast iron enamel sinks, wood floors, butcher block countertops, all great, timeless elements. The bench thing makes me think of breakfast nooks in 1920s kitchens, which sound like a great idea, and Farmhouse Vernacular has a wicker settee in her kitchen, which is an unfitted setup

[@loissaedder2214]

As I read your comment, I was thinking of Farmhouse Vernacular too with her beautiful unfitted kitchen. Plus the rest of her house.

[@Gleamblossom]

It would be cool if the shelves you're planning for under the stairs were also a door so you could still access the storage space

[@larisatcaci6029]

not sure about yours, but most fridges have detachable doors and you can change the way they open on another note, this video made me want to download the game and build my dream home😂 your house renovation series brings me so much joy!!

[@ArielBissett]

This one doesn’t!!! Because it’s like a cute little retro fridge so it’s sadly not an option, but that’s okay!!

[@larisatcaci6029]

well, at least it's not a problem. and good to know, I also wanted a similar one in the future 😄😄

[@nataliekaye8708]

Was totally about to comment that, great minds think alike! :)

[@wildflowerwind6941]

I think you are going to want double the amount of storage you put in your plan. I also suggest drawers for the bottom cabinets so you don't have to bend over and dig into a dark cabinet to find what you want. Any way you can push out the wall where the bench is into the next room to make the kitchen bigger? Then you could have a eat in area.

[@johannawurschlop4457]

I think wallpaper could be a bit impractical in the kitchen, at least in "backsplash regions"? But I'm also a big tile fan, I think you could definitely still make it homey and cute with cool tiles! Or at least as actual backsplash, and then you could still wallpaper the upper part of the wall? That could also be really cute, but for that the tiles would probably have to be one colour so that it's not super chaotic with the pattern of the wallpaper

[@PernicketyPern]

I was thinking the same thing. The wall with the cooker/oven and sink on it probably can't have wallpaper because of steam and would be a nightmare to clean. I would look into some old fashioned glossy tile for that wall. Could still be a nice green.

[@wearepublic]

You could use vinyl instead of traditional wallpaper which would work better with steam and water!

[@not_them]

Maybe some patterned tile could be a good alternate to the wallpaper

[@aj7058]

I think a patterned tile is the way to go!

[@LL-lv8ke]

Agreed, besides the steam, grease is also an issue in a kitchen that could ruin the wallpaper. But perhaps on the far wall as an accent. I do love a bold wallpaper.

[@charlene9489]

As an avid Sims builder I knew that you'd have Cottage Living lol and this was very reminiscent of my first time building. Very nice video and I love the "crossover" of my favorite book/house KZbinr and Sims!

[@sofiaholmann]

Me too! So exciting to see Ariel play The Sims!

[@ArielBissett]

Hahahaha I mean… I had to get it!

[@absolutelycukoo]

I too am an avid Sims builder and knew she would have Cottage Living! This video made me so happy. ♥️

[@rachaeldiviney712]

I think you should totally look into tin tiles! They're vintage and beautiful and ornate, cheaper than tiles and more durable than wallpaper in a kitchen! And if not for a kitchen than maybe for another room. Some people use them for ceilings in bathrooms, check out the Victorian Octagon, I think you'd adore their style

[@Rebecca.G]

I noticed that the counter space for chopping and cooking isn't near the oven. When I'm cooking I often have a bowl or two beside me, spices, chopping board, tongs etc. It will probably be easy to use the Tea and Coffee counter area for this. As long as you're happy with that then it's cool.

[@CiaoBellaBee]

Yes, I’d probably move the sink to under the other window so you can do prep right next to the oven too.

[@vaderladyl]

Yes having the oven/cook range, the fridge and the sink close to each other is very important.

[@rosecat5638]

Wallpapering in the kitchen can be tricky, definitely don’t recommend putting it near the stove or sink. Also depending on how you cook wallpaper could trap smells easier and could be harder to clean than just a painted wall. So think about how after 10years all the grease that’s been in the air can effect the color and texture as well, plus smells may be trapped. A cute backsplash idea instead of tiles could be a tin ceiling backsplash. My parents salvaged some from an old building and my mom painted them and put them up behind the stove and sink. It looked so cute and I think it could totally be your style!

[@suecarol1563]

Depending on what you decide, you will really need to think about a backsplash above the stove. My 70s paneled kitchen has a backsplash over the stove and imaging what that wall would be like without it is the stuff of nightmares.

[@tresha040876]

I understand the not wanting to stand. In my kitchen I have a rolling stool. Upon entering kitchen I immediately sit. I cook sitting, get ice sitting, wash dishes sitting. It's amazing!

[@Meelameels]

I think you should move the sink and dish washer under the other window with the giant counter space so that you will have more counter space next to the stove. That way you don’t have to walk across the kitchen to get what you need. Same thing with the fridge. I think there’s some flow issues but I like the concept !!! :)

[@Temater]

For the bench in the kitchen situation, google "köksoffa". In Sweden it's kind of traditional to have a köksoffa (kitchen couch). Historically children and/or maids slept in them but nowadays they're used for storage and seating :)

[@vruth23]

Very Cute. However, Do Not wallpaper a wall behind a stove. Nope. But defininetley do not tile the walls up to the ceiling either. I recommend tiling behind the stove and range hood area. That will be nice and make the stove a focal point. You can also tile a backsplash along the back of the entire countertop. The sink under the window is great but it could also be on the perpendicular wall to the stove? either sink or stove could be on the other counter area... might be nice. I love the table in the middle. Love that. If you put open cabinets above the coffee station, you could put the mug wall on the left with a shelf underneath it. That whole wall could be a built in cabinet as well though, for trash and recycling, with shelves above? I do love the wall paper. It is glorious. Perhaps just on the wall with the bench?

[@PernicketyPern]

I was thinking about the sink and stove situation too. In kitchen design the ideal layout is supposed to be to have the fridge, cooker/oven/stove and the sink in a triangle.

[@stephaniegalvez5630]

I agree. The wallpaper would look good on the walls the cabinets are on, but it would not be practical behind the stove.

[@gracetelfer2607]

I was thinking about the tile/wallpaper situation too. You wouldn’t want wallpaper right down to the counter. It would get wet and stained. Better to have a backsplash

[@tiinakarmala633]

Or you could just protect the wallpaper with glass where needed :)

[@PernicketyPern]

@@tiinakarmala633 I was thinking about this too, but from experience the condensation aways has a way of finding its way behind the glass, unless it's really high and no joints.

[@jenbee3506]

If you do wooden countertops, put several coats of satin poly on and sand and redo the poly every year or two. There are several different approaches to wooden countertops.

[@michellehoehne]

Can I just say. Ariel always has the best nails. Every video is honestly nail inspo, and I inevitably end up doing my own afterward.

[@huevosatld]

I've designed several kitchens. Don't forget that some of your cabinets need drawer stacks. I suggest not choosing a wallpaper quite that busy. It actually makes the room feel smaller. Choose your windows early on. You won't want to tear up your expensive project later. They don't need to be nearly as large as your first choice. Best wishes! -Sharon

[@j.m.5693]

You will want benchtop between sink and stove. And the coffee/tea-station on other side of sink, close to water. Maybe a round of oval table? Because the fridge is in the corner, you may get tired of banging your hip on the tablecorner... Love the wallpaper and the lamp!

[@lauram1288]

This is sooo fun! Your ideas are really cozy, love your vibe! You TOTALLY have enough room for an island! Or a super cute banquet! Please consult a friend that is an architect or interior designer to maximize your space. You are losing a lot of space by the placement of the fridge and cabinets. Under the stairs would make the most adorable pantry!

[@Tania.atlasinajar]

YAY! I'm so thrilled that you posted! 😄 I think your kitchen has to be one of the most anticipated rooms to renovate. What a lovely way to spend this Saturday morning. Literally the sun is shining right now and the birds are singing because the snow is melting right now in New York! 🌞 Ariel thank you so much for giving us this warm, cozy, and sweet content. Ugh your home is to die for all the updates are just so seamless and WORK. 🥰 btw your thumbnail is EVERYTHING! (it's so darn cute, can't wait to watch) #hyped

[@ArielBissett]

Aw man I’m so so glad you liked this idea and thanks so much for your lovely comment. It’s a sunny day here too and BOY IS IT A MOOD LIFTER!!

[@AnnevandenDool]

Love the design! Maybe you could look for a vintage telephone bench instead of a regular bench. That way you have a seat and a table (also a great place to put a lamp!)

[@marthabjo]

I'm renovating the kitchen in my apartment right now, and it's so much fun (and also stressful because I currently have no kitchen at all)! I'm doing green cabinets, rust red walls and one wall with wallpaper and it's the best decision I ever made. All this to say I fully support your wallpaper dreams and I can't wait to see how your kitchen turns out!

[@eisaacs4533]

Have you thought about adding like a hidden door to the shelfves that would cover the pantry? That way you could still have access to that little pantry room and would also have your shelves!

[@kuroneko5390]

In Germany we mostly have a mixture of tiles and wallpaper in kitchens. The floors are either tiles or wood as well. We'd have tiles in the area over the counters so that if something gets dirty while you cook you can just easily clean it. But where the hanging cabinets are there would be wall paper. On walls where you have no counters, sinks and so on you'd just have wallpaper. I think that's very practical

[@sarahsmith1618]

Farmhouse Vernacular has a bench in her kitchen. She has quite a few videos from the renovation. Also we have wood countertops that are sealed with a food grade sealant made for restaurants. We’ve had no issues with stains

[@pepparkvarn1751]

Maybe you could put a small round kitchen table in the middle with some chairs or stools. Then you also get some more prepping space for cooking and baking and a place to sit.

[@malinn8429]

Precicely my thought, "allmogesoffa"

[@JemimaRose]

we have wooden kitchen counters at home that are like your flooring in that they're coated so they don't get damaged but give the same look! would totally recommend - we love them.

[@TheCinderella2711]

Oooh! Can I make some suggestions? Make the cabinets a u shape and move the fridge down the next wall (where you have the bench). I have 2 ideas for the bench, 1)built in under the window on the back wall or 2) an L shaped bench (maybe with a small round table?)- where you currently have the coffee Station- Probably shift the oven along. For your coffee station maybe a stand alone furniture piece?? Or build it in under the stairs. And consider an appliance garage -stops the cluttered counters. For inspiration for the bench search Pinterest for kitchen nook! Loved the darker base cabinets! with wood uppers/accents would be amazing. With the checkered tile looked a bit too trendy coffee shop I think. And Too much tile can make a room feel cold. Really like the unusual cabinet design. Looking forward to seeing what you do!

[@Katastrophe1112]

Didn't think I could love you more until you used the Sims 4 to demo your kitchen. You're on the monitor to my right. Sims 4 is on the left monitor as I write this. Your kitchen will look superb, and, I couldn't agree more - if only all remodeling were so easy as in the Sims.

[@ArielBissett]

Hahahaha this video was made for you!!!

[@AsherTank]

I think you could find like a banquette style bench for the kitchen. Some of them have storage under the seats too! They build them a lot in the show Hometown.

[@kdonaldson7308]

Great Video! Paige from farmhouse vernacular here on youtube has a bench in her yellow kitchen it's really pretty. Wallpaper doesn't always work in the kitchen, the wallpaper often lifts with the steam and steam and grease can mark the walls.

[@amyofthelake5971]

So cute! My only suggestion in having the refrigerator open next to a wall is to make sure the fridge can open all the way. It would not be cool to have the door hit the wall and not open enough.

[@abramcollette]

One thing I would also consider is the sight lines from the adjoining rooms. Like from this not-to-scale render, it looks like if you were sitting at the future dinning room table you could see the stove and potentially the sink with dirty dishes. Same with the future living room, but in that case I would center the sink on the living room door as a focal point as you enter, and slide the stove over. Another thing I was thinking when watching this was, what if you created a “wall” of storage/pantry. I envision this along the living room wall as an extension on the space beneath the stairs. It would be floor to ceiling, wrapping over the door and detailed with moldings and cabinet doors. Like a French wardrobe vibe. The cabinet door to under the stairs could open to give full access to that space, but just look like a regular cabinet, like a secret room. You could paint the entire thing green ( how I see it in my mind😅) from the dining room you would see this wall which would be nice. I know you don’t like closed storage but it might be nice to keep all sorts of things, vacuums or even coat storage/mud room as you don’t really have that in the entry. Or if you really wanted to get fancy with it, you could have it be accessible from the living room too! Anyway, just a thought. I love your videos and can’t wait to see what you do it’s always amazing.

[@2L82Sk8Bye]

Yes, the green kitchen is so sweet and homey! I would put your hutch where you put the bench and I would put a small round table in the center of the room with several chairs. Nice and cozy and practical to sit and have your tea and read a book. Also, you need a cabinet between the sink and the stove. I would not have the sink and stove butting up to each other. Another idea for under the stairs would be a rollout pantry cabinet.

[@elizabethreads0312]

Most fridges have the option to switch the door opening. You end up having to take everything out of the door pokets(where you put condiments etc.) and it takes two people but you can move it to the other side.

[@mellowenglishgal]

Keep saving those pennies! I can't wait to see the kitchen renovation in-progress. While you're saving, I'll be decorating - you inspired me to embrace colour and I'll be spending next weekend painting my hallway a lovely dark golden yellow and my living-room a deep moody navy-blue. Thank you for the endless inspiration! Wondering whether you could switch the fridge and the tea area so you're within sitting-distance of the tea! *Please show us the haul!

[@nashvilletailor3389]

I love the cozy feel you are going for and I can't wait to see it happen! May I suggest putting the stove on the same wall as the fridge for ease of cooking as well as kind of spacing out the appliances on several walls instead of all the appliances on one wall and the fridge by itself on the opposite side. It might bring better balance!

[@Scereyaha]

I always like the idea of a large bar counter between the kitchen and dining area. You can have bar stools on the other side or on both, and it's more counter space. Even with support walls you can encase the beams and put openings around or between them. It really opens things up too.

[@gmb2667]

Love it! Pull out drawers on bottoms are so much better than doors because you can see everything and you don't have to kneel on the ground. We gutted our mid-century kitchen and re-created a replica 1930 vintage kitchen with douglas fir cabinets to match our 1930 english cottage home and love it wood floors and all (sealed with osmo). I even have the coffee and tea station in the same spot as your sims kitchen. We went with real antiqued marble slab counters and had the marble slab go up the walls to the ceiling (so no grout lines to have to worry about cleaning) and even have an open marble shelf above the stove for spices, oils etc (tiny kitchen means we can splurge on the marble). I smile every time I walk into it. Really! Do what makes you happy. It is your house and your kitchen. Wallpaper and wood floors will look lovely and to period in your home and be so cozy and delightful.

[@kezzie4037]

this looks so lovely! I'm currently an architecture student so the sims is a beautiful game for me xD one thing i'd say to consider is hvaing the sink oven and fridge in a triangle formart as their the focal points of the kitchen so having a triangular route between them is so useful and quick when it comes to cooking! but i feel like for an L-shape kitchen it works well too :)

[@PajamaFeet]

Yes! It’s about the access and transporting stuff between cold and hot. Like imagine having to move a bake that needs to set, but the fridge is across the room

[@ryttu3k]

Yes Sims is so much fun for building up a look! Two comments: 1) We have a padded storage bench in our kitchen! It's great for sitting on (I have EDS too, sometimes you just NEED a seat), but it also adds some good storage for things like linens. You could try something that's all fabric, or a wooden base with a cushioned top, or even just go for a wooden chest that you cover in cushions to make more comfortable. It can be really useful adding in furniture that does double duty. 2) For wallpaper, definitely cover busy areas in glass or plexiglass. You don't need to forgo it entirely, it looks incredible, but you DO need to protect it from grease, steam, water, et cetera. 3) For countertops, consider something like quartz! It's a LITTLE more expensive, but butcher block is unfortunately not very durable - it can get nicked by knives, burned, mouldy, water-damaged - and it can actually be a hygiene issue (if you get food stuck in any cracks or scratches, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria). If you go with coloured cabinets and a great dramatic wallpaper, you could do white quartz countertops, then use timber for the floors. You could also bring in the timber to counter level by getting a nice big chopping board that lives on the counter!

[@WhitneyKerr]

I really admire how gutsy you are with decor :) Your rooms have been so uplifting with the unusual colour combinations and design choices. I think a dramatic wallpaper would be an incredible and bold choice :)

[@robinmitchells]

I have a suggestion regarding your need for seating/somewhere to sit while you’re cooking: I got this off of tiktok actually, but if you can find a single lightweight stool, the hightop island style kinda like you were describing, that you can drag over to the oven, then the rest of the time you could store it in a corner of the kitchen, that way you can stay by the pot while you’re cooking and don’t have to walk across the room, plus it works if you have something you’re making that you need to stay by the stove for a prolonged period of time, then you don’t need to stand that whole time or keep alternating between standing and the bench.

[@abigaelmacritchie1365]

Have you tried looking up breakfast nooks? You might find more kitchen bench ideas! It would be so cool to have an old church bench for example. I just loooooove this whole house renovation series 😍

[@Somewhereintime22]

Amazing plans and of course you’ll make it happen but I just wanted to point out how nicely you’re managing with what you currently have. It may be inefficient and crowded with your washer and dryer taking up so much space but everything is as neat as a pin. You’ve made a difficult layout livable while you’re in the process of making your dreams come true. Smart way to keep grounded amidst a long term renovation project. It’s the way to accomplish your goals long term. I spent years renovating a vintage home, thus my understanding of this process. You’re doing it right!

[@estefaniamartinez8596]

I love your bench! I see people remodel their homes and think that they might lack the forethought of what their bodies will be able to do when they get older or because of a future disability. It’s your home and make it as wonderfully accessible to you as possible!

[@sabrinasmith4646]

I worked in a cafe where the owner renovated our countertops to be wooden and they worked great! She used butcher block countertops, but she had a varnish/seal put on them that kept them really easy to clean and they never stained!

[@empressche333]

It’s a weird thing. On some of the woodworking sites I’m on, they religiously talk about having only oil on the butcher block, which I questioned. I mean, seal them up well, like a dining table, and use cutting boards and prep boards for food. Then you have the beauty of the butcher block, and the ease of cleaning.

[@BaileeWalsh]

I love the idea of wood flooring, but YES make sure it's finished well!! We have real wood floors downstairs in the house my family is currently renting and we have a dog. With his nails and throwing his toys for him to run and get, along with moving furniture around, the floor has so many scratches and marks that are not removable! Also, when it rains a lot and the area gets flooded the floor swells and we have some panels coming up because of water damage. I also love the idea of a cozy wallpaper and tea/coffee station!

[@bihter3201]

19:44 this really gives the vibe of the kitchen in the moonstruck I watched it after you mentioned it and I'm in love with that kind of kitchens now

[@meghanhughes]

all the red in the opening shot makes it so cute & valentines-esque! :')

[@francyfey4646]

I think having a bench in your kitchen is such a nice idea! My grandma had one in her kitchen and we would sit there with our drawing books talking to her as kids while she was cooking. And then she sat there resting her feed when I was cooking as a teen. She sadly passed away in my early adult years, but I remember how great that bench was 👍

[@Paola-ob4rv]

Sometimes I watch people flip houses and they find random things like a bench in the kitchen and pink walls and they’re always like “I wonder what the story is behind this” so it’s really cool watching that story unfold

[@danielleharrison4691]

Ugh! I can't wait to see this kitchen makeover! You HAVE to watch Matilda Goad's kitchen tour, you would love her red and white tiles! And yes to the wallpaper, love seeng wallpaper used like this, ultimate cozies. To those who are worries about it not lasting in a kitchen, you can apply protective layers to seal it, similar to how you apply polyurethane to wood flooring :)

[@emmawoodhead7642]

i feel you on the sitting thing! i’m also chronically ill and struggle with standing for a long time. we’re moving soon and i plan on building a little breakfast bar in the kitchen where i can sit to chop veggies and stuff!!

[@joantrotter3005]

My husband bought these rubber mats that are intended for the garden but I've been using them in the kitchen. I have lupus, and my joints hurt all the time to some degree. I've decided that pain is just exhausting even if I don't do anything else!

[@ciaraadams4279]

Ariel’s house is just an Art house, Monet colour palette, Van Gogh mouse mat, blue guest room (Picasso’s blue period) and William Morris wallpaper for the kitchen…and I’m here for it!!

[@njdinostar]

Team crazy wallpaper! It looks amazing! Do not forget to install some kind of backsplash, doesn't have to be high, but do not forget, if only behind the sink and especially the stove!

[@ellenbertels870]

AMAZING. Also-add countertops in that space where the old protruding wall used to be! Or add another chair or island area there. It makes use of that space and makes it worth getting rid of that wall! It also allows you to keep the coffee prep station while having a 1-2 foot bit of counter space next to the stove, which is useful for big cooking and baking projects.

[@Kitkatrey]

I think you should incorporate the under the stairs for a pantry with an L shape wood counter, to hold small appliances like toaster oven, MW, blender etc. open shelving for baking products, cute bowls, and a lovely Old door with glass that can allow light from behind the door area.

[@evangelinew5129]

100% you should think about opening that window into a hatch/ bar. In the UK it was a very common thing to have a hatch with openable doors from the kitchen through to the dining. Mainly to serve food through. On the room it goes into you could have a small bar space with cute stools on the living room side. So you could sit in there at the bar looking into your lovely kitchen (as that's the angle you seemed to view the design from!) Doors that close let you shut it off. You'd create a way for you to talk to guests in the other room too. Not sure if you have them over there, but here in the UK you get like freestanding farmhouse style cabinet units often with butcher sinks that move around and aren't fixed to the walls. Seems like you'd love that cottage style, and I've seen amazing DIYs where people upcycle chest of drawers, dressers etc into freestanding farmhouse kitchen cabinets. I also agree that open shelves will make the room seem brighter and cosier. Love watching your videos.. this may be the first ever comment I've put on a KZbin video 😁

[@NemuiDoraneko]

There is actually a special word for "kitchen bench" in Swedish - "Kökssoffa". It's a pretty common feature in Swedish country houses, so you can either search for those or for kökssoffa (just make sure to have a big cup of tea prepped beforehand, as it's a very deep rabbit hole :D)

[@ArielBissett]

Omg this is a great hot tip hehe I’ll look up that word!!!

[@sami1901]

with the right protection wood countertops are fine. we have no problem with them. Also, have you heard of kitchen sofas? It is a mix between sofa and bench, they have it a lot in scandinavia. It would be just the style for your kitchen. And I would myabe put a small round table in there too, to be able to cut and prepare while sitting.

[@annem6722]

The bench in the kitchen seems like a great idea! I'm used to a kitchen that has seating anyway so I do have a seat when waiting for things to cook - also with your bench and then a table in the middle that would also give you the option to eat in the kitchen if you want, like would be a great spot for a quick bowl of cereal or something. No idea what the view out your windows is like, but it is nice to have the sink in the spot with the best view (makes doing the dishes more interesting) and having it centred on the window I think would really benefit your particular sink and its symmetry! Didn't see a dishwasher in your build, but if you're having one, best to keep it near the sink and not at the other side of the kitchen! There's so many little things to think about in the way you use a kitchen that you could use to perfect your layout... like which side of the stove you like to serve your food on, keeping the plate cupboards near the dishwasher/dishrack so they're easy to put away and like having your microwave at a height you can reach it... I'm sure you'll have experience with kitchens in rental places having things that didn't work for you! I do love a good design project so I'm defo excited to see what you do with your kitchen!

[@Ellie-uw9bg]

I really think you could put a mini island in the middle that way you have more counter space and also a sitting area! 😊

[@ashleyriddett289]

Love this, all the wallpaper! You can put up a clear barrier to go over the wallpaper around the sink and stove, think thin glass. Also having a harvest kitchen table is very efficient. Gives a good height for kneeding bread and such, and you can also move it around to the dining room to use as an extension table for large gatherings. You can also sneak table height stools under the table, to use for sitting. They will be out of the way until needed. That's what I am gonna be doing! I am very excited for you!

[@thevirtualtraveler]

I used to work in a furniture store that sold appliances, apparently it is very easy to swap which side your fridge opens on w/ simple hardware (wrench, screw driver, etc). Put the fridge where it works best and then switch which side it opens on if needed.

[@heatherburrill]

Having fun watching your kitchen planning videos- I love the warmth of your Sims kitchen over the architect ones. I wish I could show you pictures of a Pennsylvania Dutch house that was beautifully decorated with paint and tile - nothing on the internet looks like what I am thinking but I you imagine the colours you love with the beautiful P. Dutch flower/ bird stenciling and Moroccan-Portuguese tiles maybe you can create what you want in the kitchen without big expense of tiles and wallpaper. There are paints that you can paint tiles with and cure in your oven. I love your cabinet - corner solve for the load bearing walls of the under stairs area - genius❤ can’t wait to see how you make this space

[@taikaponi]

Wallpaper seems like a great idea! I would put it all around the kitchen, but around the kitchen counters I would add tile until about halfway up the wall first, because that's more durable and takes heat and moisture better, also easier to clean. This way you could have it all!

[@leighajackson-evans192]

That green wallpapered kitchen is my dream kitchen!! Huge sinks and windows all the way!

[@franswey2]

You can paint your kitchen walls and stencil on designs. You can swap the direction your refrigerator door opens, it’s not difficult. Wow! I thought I was the only person that has a lamp in my kitchen, it’s not romantic, it’s a gooseneck!

[@prisillaspace]

I love drawing floor plans! Never to scale LOL, this is a great game! As a mom of 3 & home cook, perhaps you can change the fridge door…so your bench could be near you coffee tea station?? And are you familiar with the ‘kitchen triangle’? Where your sink, fridge and stove are in closer proximity….,,also seeing the sink so close to the stove ……eek? Safety first. I know your design isn’t set in stone it’s set in sims! 😁 I just wanted to share my experiences …..hope you’ll have your dream kitchen this year sweetie!!!! 💖📚🌟💐

[@msrakaya1427]

I totally agree! I was so worried when I saw the sink next to the stove. Putting the sink underneath the other window could also be another option so that the fridge, sink, and dishwasher can be close to each other perhaps? Because you definitely want your sink next to your dishwasher. :)

[@papabear2515]

Wonderful! A possible idea is concrete countertops. They’re pretty inexpensive, they last forever, they can be done without hiring someone, they look AMAZING with the cottage style and of course, there are lots of KZbin tutorials. Continuing to wish you all the best with all of your home-adventures!

[@empressche333]

Some thoughts..since you don’t have many upper cabinets, consider the ones you do have to go all the way to the ceiling. Butcher block counters are beautiful..just seal them like your floors and use cutting boards for food prep. Look into RTA cabinets as they are lots cheaper and you can get wood ones. Your prep table could be as high as the counters, and with a shelf underneath for some storage of large items. But leave room on the one side to tuck stools out of the way but easy to grab. Good idea on the pantry cabinets. You could move the door for that closet into the hall or living room so you can still have use of that closet. Very excited for you!

[@hannahharp4517]

ok what about a butlers pantry? one of the built ins could swing out and you could keep the hidey space beneath the stairs for a pantry - or a reading nook :)

[@mycharliequinn]

drafting chairs are pretty good for sitting in the kitchen cause they're often on wheels so you can slide them from the prep area to the stove and they're extra tall so you can be tall enough to look into the pots when they're on the stove and comfortably give your food a stir. you'll want your space where you chop and prep food to be between your fridge and your stove and you'll want your tea setup to be right next to the sink without a stove in the way. especially with bad joints. are you able to move the stove so it's on the other wall, so it goes fridge, prep area, stove, corner bench space, sink, then the tea setup. or would it be cheaper to trade the fridge to one that hinges on the opposite side and go fridge prep then stove on the other side?

[@Vinyltechnician]

The end card is so cute, especially with the ts getting carried away by the chimney.

[@Naomi-dm4nw]

Love the idea of the bench & the table. The bench will be handy for unpacking groceries & having them lose & not as built ins makes it easy to change later. Will be beautiful with wallpaper & art. Another option for the wall behind the bench could be a ledge bookshelf for cookbooks?

[@aleksandrasivolob]

I love the floral kitchen. I personally like a moody sconce rather than a lamp, but either way it’ll be cozy!

[@hutchi285]

Love this! Have you thought about designing a repeating pattern stencil so you can paint your own wallpaper - that would be super cool and means you get the perfect thing and it's not as big a deal to replace if you change your mind and want to repaint in the future

[@jovipenguin]

I love the look of the built ins under the stair space. In the dead space under the lower stairs, you should make a little cat room, opening from the hallway. 😻

[@my_cha]

I love the bench and the table in the kitchen!! It reminds me of the kids table when the whole family gets together, i was always sitting on a different table with my cousins, bc the other table wasn't big enough for everyone! It's definitely a great addition :)

[@crabbyresister9194]

If your table is on rollers (with locking wheels) it could roll over to the bench to be utilized as a "chopping while you sit" area also as an additional place for eating breakfast!

[@moonamoona17]

I think you should keep the space under the stairs, it's so cool and unique! It could still serve as storage and maybe you could put in a cute door or something to make it fit the vibe better. Also I would keep the wallpaper to 1 or 2 accent walls but not the ones behind the counters because I don't think wallpaper lasts very well behind wet or food prep spaces, especially a sink and stove. But that being said all your ideas are so fun and all your other projects turned out amazing so I'm sure this will too!

[@JJamahJamerson]

I would have the wood counter top, so pretty much a giant chopping board, then the stove the the sink and dish washer. That way you have food prep, then cooking, then cleaning. I like the idea of having it in order.

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

Ariel, i’ve been following you for so many years and I never comment all that much but I just can’t help myself. I want to put a couple things on your radar about the kitchen. First, wallpaper is awesome but in the kitchen it can be difficult to keep clean especially around the stove or high traffic spots. They say that wallpaper is “scrubbable,” but that is debatable. Tile walls might look cool in the magazine, but I had them once and I hated that I couldn’t hang a picture without damaging the tile. Or put up a shelf or something without a ceramic drill. Next I wanted to tell you one of the best things I ever started to do was every time I paint a room I put a baby food jar of the paint with the recipe on the lid in a closet. That way if I move a picture and have to fill a hole I have some of that paint right there for a touch-up. That was especially important in the kitchen where I could cover scratches and stuff from my grandkids or the pets. Since you are not going to have an island, I was wondering if a rolling cart is possible. Because you will want more counter space. Counter space and well-designed storage space are everything. For me in the kitchen it is definitely function over form. And I think you said you were going to garden? You may end up wanting to learn to can, and so storage for that stuff and a place to work is critical. I don’t know how much you actually cook. We are a couple of Seattle foodies and so my kitchen is everything, next to my library. The Drummer has his studio. But a rolling kitchen cart might give you a place to have a couple stools that could be moved around for you to sit at even while you are chopping vegetables or something. Light, ventilation, the right storage at the right station, and easy to clean are good questions to ask yourself. That “cooking triangle“ of stove, sink, and refrigerator, is no joke. Another thing I’ve always struggled with until I finally got the kitchen of my dreams was storage of spices and all those little condiment things. Most my life I bought new condiments and spices because if something is in the back of a cupboard, you just never do really dig around looking for it. I ended up once with five jars of celery salt. That walk-in pantry area you have right now actually looks really good to me, function-wise. And finally I am definitely an appliance girl. I love my instant pot, air fryer, dehydrator, stand mixer, all those large appliances. I finally have them in a place where I can easily grab them without moving 20 things or squatting down in the back of a bottom cupboard! So my appliances and those spices are something important to me. I bake bread, too, so I finally have a “station” for that, complete with the vintage Hoosier cabinet I’ve always dreamed of. (Thank you, Drummer!) Over the next months that you are saving to do this project pay attention to how you actually cook or how you plan to cook once you get in that garden and want to can some tomatoes! XOjennyinseattle PS: Elysia English lives in Nova Scotia. She is bravely just now tackling a complete kitchen build from scratch in her old house! I am fascinated. You might check out her channel and perhaps decide to build your own kitchen! Lol It’s a really hard time right now for projects because of the cost of lumber so she is just going to do it herself! Woman power! Personally, I could never do the maths. 😂