I’ve always been a big believer in letting your home evolve along with you as seasons and the needs of your family change. This week’s mini renovation takes place at the farm, in a room that has held many different roles since we moved in about twelve years ago. First, it was an office, then a family den. When Crew surprised us all we turned it into his nursery, then a toddler room. That’s how it stayed until our oldest moved away for college and Crew asked if he could finally move into the big kids’ room. So with Crew bunking with the boys, I got to reimagine this room that sits just off the kitchen. Thinking about the season of life we’re in and all the ways our family is growing up, I’d dreamed for a while about having a secondary space for all the baking and cooking we do for family gatherings. When we decided to turn the space into a butler’s pantry, I considered the look and feel. I knew I wanted it to look like a natural extension of the farmhouse, while also feeling cozy and moody and filled with the things that inspire creativity in me, from the honey-filled jars that line shelves to old family recipes I had framed and put on display. This room, in all of its iterations, has held the life of our family in so many meaningful ways and I can’t wait to see how it shapes this next season.
What We Updated
Trimwork: We wrapped the room with vertical tongue-and-groove paneling for additional texture and touched up existing trim where necessary.
Paint: For a cohesive, cozy look, we painted everything Cottage Grove Trim, Door + Cabinetry Paint in Satin Finish—including walls, ceiling, and all trimwork. (From Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines crafted by KILZ.) Using the same color as Jo’s primary kitchen cabinets helped add a layer of depth while keeping things consistent across rooms.
Floors: New tile! This room had original pine wood floors that were still in good shape, so we laid a protective layer of HardieBacker (cement board) down before adding anything new. After that, we installed black-and-white tiles marked by a daisy-esque pattern, nodding to the subtle scalloped detailing throughout the space.
Storage: For extra storage, we added a custom, wall-length hutch and built-in cabinetry with dolomite countertops and a copper sink. This unit includes a brass hanging bar to dry herbs and flowers, plus more scalloped detailing along the top. To keep stored items within reach, we also added a rolling library ladder and track system stretched throughout the area.
Fireplace: The brick fireplace was original to the home (circa 1800s), so it felt important to preserve. To make it functional, we ran a flue pipe through the chimney and added a new wood burning stove. Hemlock shelves were also added in the wall niche above for storing canned goods, like honey from the farm.
Appliance wall: On the opposite wall of the built-in hutch, more custom cabinetry was added to tuck away kitchen clutter—plus a new microwave and double oven. The copper countertops tie back to the sink across the room.
Lighting: A new chandelier was installed above the island in addition to a charming pendant over the breakfast table. Flush mounts were also updated throughout for a well-lit workspace.
All new plumbing and wiring was required to make the space functional as a kitchen.
How We Styled It
An antique work table (from Found & Collected) is the centerpiece of the room. This timeless piece acts as the North Star, meaning much of the overall design nods to its original details, like scalloped edges. To turn the table into a kitchen island, we added a durable dolomite topper.
Pantry essentials fill the shelves in storage containers, including a variety of Wood with Antique Brass Canisters, Weck jars, and Mason jars.
Near the windows, we styled a small nook, perfect for morning coffee. An antique bistro table is flanked by slipcover chairs that were reupholstered in a brown gingham fabric and topped with our Thea Pillow. (Stay tuned for the lumbar version this fall, plus a kitchen island and side table inspired by this space coming soon!) Hayes Wooden Wall Sconces add warmth and contrast against the green wall.
In addition to new appliances on the entry wall, we stocked shelves with glass spice jars, copper canisters, and a KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer. (From Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target.) A gingham table napkin (shop the cocktail version here) hangs on the oven door as a tea towel.
Throughout the space, Jo prioritized personal pieces, like hand-pressed herbarium prints from her garden (find shoppable reproductions here), a framed remnant of original rose wallpaper discovered beneath the drywall, and a Syrian Donuts recipe typed up by her grandfather.
Shop the Room
Shop a curation of pieces featured in and inspired by Jo’s butler's pantry renovation:
To see Jo bring her latest renovations to life, watch new episodes of Mini Reni every Wednesday at 8p/7c on Magnolia Network and Max.
MORE DESIGN SOURCES
TILE: Artillo 8x8 Daisy Deco Concrete Tile, Magnolia Blend (Early Gray and Charcoal) in Limestone Texture, Arto | BREAKFAST TABLE CHANDELIER: Paris Vintage Industrial Brass Pendant Light (11.8″), Etsy | PANTRY CHANDELIER: JDP Interiors Fan Chandelier in Unlacquered Brass with Cream Linen Shade (custom drop height 5' 8"), The Expert | HARDWARE: Extra-Large Pull Handles in Heirloom Brass, deVOL; The Rack & Pinion Catch in Heirloom Brass, deVOL; Classic Handles in Heirloom Brass, deVOL | HANGING RAIL: Aged Brass Hanging Rail (9'), deVOL | WOOD BURNING STOVE: True North TN10 Small Wood Burning Stove with Legs, eFireplaceStore | COUNTERTOPS: Matarazzo Dolomite (honed), DesignCo. | KITCHEN APPLIANCES: Monogram Appliances | LADDER: Classic No.1 Ladder in White Oak (16″ wide), Putnam Rolling Ladder | SINK: Copper Bar Prep Kitchen Sink with Grid Basket, Etsy | KITCHEN FAUCET: deVOL Aged Brass Ionian Tap, deVOL | COPPER COUNTERTOPS: Custom
