I feel the best spaces are the ones that truly reflect how you live, not just how you think you’re supposed to live. Today I’m sharing the details about our latest kitchen update—replacing our kitchen island with a dining table—and what I love most about the refreshed design. Sometimes the most meaningful changes aren’t about adding something new. They’re about finally honoring what your space has been asking for all along.
Our Original Eat-In Kitchen Design
When I was first pulling inspiration for our eat-in kitchen, I saved lots of warm, eclectic spaces. Most were centered around a dining table instead of an island. I had planned on putting a table in the dining area, but throughout the design process, I received advice from someone else that an island would work better. They said an island made sense for a kitchen. When everyone is gathering and chatting, they want to stand and lean against a kitchen island. Eventually, I gave in, and the island was installed. And while there were things I liked about it, the idea of a kitchen table never left my mind.
Looking back, it’s a perfect example of why it’s so important to follow your convictions when making design decisions. You’re the one who actually lives in your home, day in and day out. Those small voices of doubt or longing often know something that even the best advice can’t account for.
Replacing the Island With a Round Dining Table
This summer, four years after our kitchen renovation was completed, we took the island out and added a burl wood round dining table in. I was worried that Joe wouldn’t want to make this change after living with the island for so long, but he was actually excited about it. He thought a table might allow more space to move around the dining area, and he ultimately loves it too. There’s something vindicating about making a change you’ve wanted for years and having it feel immediately right.
I love how the new table works in our eat-in kitchen. I initially wanted it to be oval to better fit the rectangular footprint of the room, but the round shape works beautifully. It softens the linear lines of the kitchen and creates a more intimate gathering spot that encourages conversation in a way the island never quite did.
A Moody, Timeless Color Palette
When we brought the new table into our kitchen, we also added a rug and upholstered chairs in the loveliest shades of olive green. The green works beautifully with our blue and pink-mauve cabinets. It acts as a grounding, natural bridge between the cooler blue tones and the warmer mauve. All three colors share a similar softness and saturation level. Rather than competing for attention, they create layers of depth that feel both sophisticated and lived-in. The olive brings an organic, earthy quality that makes the more unexpected cabinet colors feel intentional rather than trendy. It’s the kind of palette that will age gracefully because it’s rooted in nature rather than a particular moment in time.
A Few Finishing Touches
While this space is effectively complete, there are a few minor changes I’ll want to make in the future. The pendant light over the dining area isn’t centered above the new table. Eventually, I’ll want to move this light fixture to work with the new layout. But I’m in no rush. I also want to bring a piece of artwork into the dining area, but I’m okay waiting to find it.
I’ve grown accustomed to designing slowly, and these days, it takes me a while to figure out what I want. While I wait for the right piece to come across my eye, I borrow pieces from different rooms, experimenting with options until I make a decision. This slower approach has taught me that living with a space—really living with it—often reveals what it needs far better than any initial vision board ever could. Our kitchen has certainly taught me that lesson.
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Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
