French-Inspired Kitchen Remodel: How a Mood Board Helped Me Design the Perfect Space

If you’ve ever embarked on a home remodel or even a room makeover, you know how overwhelming it can be to make decisions. From choosing colors and materials to ensuring everything ties together cohesively, the process can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. That’s where a mood board comes in—a visual tool that can save you time, money, and stress.

Today, I’m sharing how I used a mood board to guide my recent kitchen remodel, which was inspired by French and European design. I’ll walk you through my choices, from the grey and bone checkerboard flooring to the walnut butcher block countertops, my DIY marble tile backsplash and countertops, and the stunning Judarn mural wallpaper that tied it all together.

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What is a Mood Board, and Why is it Essential?

A mood board is a collage of ideas, colors, textures, and images that help you visualize the overall look and feel of a space. It’s a creative roadmap that ensures all your design elements work together harmoniously.

For my kitchen remodel, I started by gathering inspiration from French country kitchens, European bistros, and modern French farmhouse designs. I pinned images of marble countertops, rustic wood accents, vintage-inspired fixtures, and even patterns like my iconic Blue Willow china. I played around with color palettes until I found the perfect combination of warm neutrals, timeless elegance, and a touch of whimsy.

The mood board helped me stay focused and confident in my decisions. It also made it easier to communicate my vision to my brother-in-law who was helping me and the designers at The RTA Store, ensuring everyone was on the same page. Whether you’re tackling a full remodel or a simple room refresh, I highly recommend starting with a mood board—it’s a game-changer!

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My Kitchen Remodel: A French-Inspired Dream

When I set out to redesign my kitchen, I knew I wanted it to feel warm, inviting, and timeless. French and European design elements are my inspiration, with their blend of rustic charm and sophisticated details. Here’s how I brought that vision to life:

The Cabinets: The RTA Store

I chose shaker-style cabinets from The RTA Store for their clean lines and versatility. The Woodland Green cabinets soften the space and provide a neutral backdrop for the other design elements. I love how they balance the warmth of the walnut countertops and the tones of the marble backsplash. To add a touch of elegance, I’ll be adding brass hardware, which will tie in beautifully with the brass pot hangers and my copper cookware.

The Flooring: Lowe’s Checkerboard Tiles

The flooring was one of the first decisions I made, and it set the tone for the entire kitchen. I went with a grey and bone checkerboard pattern from Lowe’s, which adds a classic, French Chateau vibe. The pattern is bold enough to make a statement but neutral enough to complement the other textures and colors in the room. Black and white was to bold for me, but I do love that look as well. I wanted my cabinets to stand out over my flooring.

The Countertops: Walnut Butcher Block, and a Tile DIY

For the countertops, I chose to make two different choices. I chose walnut butcher block for its rich, warm tones and natural texture. It adds a rustic touch that contrasts beautifully with the sleek marble-like countertop and backsplash. Plus, it’s incredibly functional and durable—perfect for a busy kitchen.

The Backsplash: DIY Marble Tile

One of my favorite parts of the remodel is the DIY marble-like tile backsplash. I used 24×48-inch marble tiles to create a seamless, luxurious look. The veining in the marble adds movement and depth, while the large format tiles minimize grout lines for a clean, modern feel. It was so affordable that I did the countertop in the same tile and it turned out amazing!

The Sink: Sinkology Stainless Steel

I paired the marble backsplash with a stunning hammered stainless steel sink from Sinkology. Its sleek design and durable finish are both practical and stylish, tying in with the European-inspired aesthetic.

The Appliances: Lowe’s

I opted for stainless steel appliances from Lowe’s to complete the look. Their modern finish complements the marble and stainless steel sink, while their functionality makes cooking and entertaining a breeze.

The Wallpaper: Judarn Mural

The Judarn mural wallpaper truly made the space come together. Its intricate design and soft colors add a layer of artistry and sophistication to the kitchen, reinforcing the French and European inspiration. It’s the perfect backdrop for my Blue Willow china, which is displayed throughout the room. The china’s classic blue-and-white pattern adds a timeless, collected-over-time feel that I adore.

The Finishing Touches: Brass and Copper

To elevate the design, I incorporated brass accents, including brass pot hangers for my copper cookware. The combination of brass and copper adds warmth and a touch of vintage charm, while the pot hangers are both functional and decorative. They’re a nod to the rustic kitchens of the French countryside, where cookware is often displayed as art.

How the Mood Board Tied It All Together

Without my mood board, I might have second-guessed some of my choices. For example, I initially worried that the checkerboard floor would clash with the marble backsplash, but seeing them side by side on the mood board reassured me that the patterns would work together. Similarly, the mood board helped me visualize how the warm walnut countertops would balance the cool tones of the grey flooring and white cabinets. It also gave me the confidence to incorporate bold elements like the Judarn mural wallpaper and the brass accents, knowing they would enhance the overall design rather than overwhelm it.

I print them out and write on them! I use this one to write the names of paint colors and wishlist ideas!

Final Thoughts

Creating a mood board was one of the best decisions I made during this remodel. It not only helped me stay organized and focused but also gave me the confidence to take risks and trust my vision. If you’re planning a remodel or makeover, I encourage you to start with a mood board—it’s a simple yet powerful tool that can transform your space.

I hope this post inspires you to embrace your creativity and tackle your next project with confidence. If you have any questions about my kitchen remodel or want to share your own design journey, leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Painting!

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