Okay, so, I’ve been watching way too much “It’s Complicated” lately. You know, the movie with Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin? The one where they have that amazing kitchen? I got totally obsessed with it, and, well, I decided I needed to redo my own kitchen, inspired by that movie.
It started with a Pinterest binge, of course. I made a board, called it “Nancy Meyers Kitchen Dreams” – the director, she always has amazing homes in her movies. Saved a bunch of pictures, focused on that warm, inviting, slightly rustic vibe.

The Demolition Phase (aka Making a Huge Mess)
First, I ripped out my old countertops. They were this ugly laminate stuff, so satisfying to get rid of. Then came the cabinets. Oh boy, that was a workout. Let me tell you, I discovered muscles I didn’t know I had. I ended up having to rent a dumpster, my regular trash bins just wouldn’t cut it.
Choosing the Materials (aka Spending All My Money)
The fun part, but also the scary part, was picking out all the new stuff. I went with butcher block countertops – loved the look, and they seemed kind of practical. For the cabinets, I chose a creamy off-white color, Shaker style. Simple, classic, you know?
- Butcher block countertops: Warm, inviting, and surprisingly affordable.
- Off-white Shaker cabinets: Classic and timeless.
- New hardware: Oil-rubbed bronze for a touch of rustic charm.
The Installation (aka Calling in the Professionals)
Okay, I’m pretty handy, but I’m not a miracle worker. I installed the cabinets myself – with a lot of help from my neighbor, bless his heart. But for the countertops, I called in a professional. I didn’t want to mess that up. They measured everything perfectly, cut the butcher block, and sealed it. It looked amazing.
The Finishing Touches (aka The Fun Stuff)
This is where it all came together. I added some open shelving – perfect for displaying my cookbooks and some cute pottery. I found some vintage-looking pendant lights, hung them over the island, and boom! Instant ambiance. I also got a new farmhouse sink, which I’m completely in love with.
It’s not an exact replica of the “It’s Complicated” kitchen, of course. But it has that same warm, cozy feeling. It’s a place where you want to hang out, cook, chat, and just be. And honestly, that’s all I really wanted.
It took a lot of time. It’s a lot of hardwork,but it’s all worthwhile.