Our Kitchen Transformation: Bringing Warmth Home with Natural Stone

Our Kitchen Before

There are some projects that completely change the way a space feels and this kitchen transformation is one of them. What started as a functional room slowly evolved into the heart of our home, layered with texture, warmth, and intention. The turning point? Adding natural stone.

Why We Chose Natural Stone

I’ve always been drawn to materials that feel timeless and grounded — the kind that age beautifully and tell a story over time. When we landed on Huron Gold Ashlar, tumbled stone, everything clicked. The soft movement, warm undertones, and imperfect edges felt earthy yet refined — exactly the balance we were after.

This wasn’t about following trends or making a bold statement for the sake of it. It was about creating a space that felt collected, lived-in, and rooted — a kitchen that could handle real life while still feeling elevated.

The Stone That Changed Everything

The Huron Gold Ashlar, tumbled stone brings so much depth to the kitchen. The variation in tone adds visual interest without overpowering the space. The tumbled finish keeps it feeling relaxed and organic rather than polished or cold.

Once installed, the stone instantly grounded the entire room. It softened the cabinetry, balanced the hard surfaces, and gave the kitchen a sense of permanence — like it’s always been here.

A Slow, Intentional Transformation

Our kitchen didn’t come together overnight. We approached it the same way we approach most things in our home — slowly, intentionally, and with a lot of patience. Each decision was made with longevity in mind, choosing materials we truly loved instead of rushing to finish.

One of my favorite reminders from this project (and something I’ve shared before) is that homes don’t have to be finished to be beautiful. Letting a space evolve allows it to feel more personal, and honestly, more enjoyable!

Stone Inspo + My Fancy Mock-Up

We said goodbye to our open shelving..

The subway tile was removed along with the drywall. We also had to add electrial for the new wall light fixtures of either side of the stove hood.

We added cement board for the stone to adhere and wire mesh over top of the other walls that had drywall. It then got a scratch coat before we began to stone.

I laid out the stone and hosed it down in our garage before it went up on the walls in our kitchen. Once the stone went up, the creases got stuffed with mortar and then we added a top grout. I wanted a larger joint so I smeared the mortar that allowed it to overlap the stone for a more blended look.

THE REVEAL

How the Space Feels Now

The kitchen finally feels like us.

Warm. Inviting. Layered.

The stone adds texture that you can see and feel, and it plays so well with natural light throughout the day. Morning light highlights the soft gold tones, while evenings feel cozy and grounded — exactly what we hoped for.

Would I Do It Again?

Without hesitation — yes.

Natural stone is one of those materials that quietly elevates a space without trying too hard. If you’re on the fence about adding stone to your home, especially in a kitchen, this is your sign. Choose something timeless, trust your instincts, and let the space come together at its own pace.

This transformation reminded me that the most meaningful homes aren’t rushed — they’re built slowly, with intention, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

More details, sources, and behind-the-scenes moments from this project are shared over on my Instagram.