Christie and Jimmy Walker of St. Augustine, Florida, used to have a dark side — their old kitchen, with its deep brown cabinets and black granite countertops. “Jimmy’s a big cook and we like spending time in the kitchen, so while we were building our new home, we went for the total opposite look,” Christie says.

As plans were underway for their light-filled, much-expanded floor plan, they tag-teamed ideas for coastal farmhouse flair, with Christie pinning photos and Jimmy conducting a Facebook poll to choose the cabinetry color (off-white won by a landslide). Designer Lauren Leonard helped fulfill their fantasies. Finally, Jimmy had a happy place to make his famous chicken potpies. “We both got everything we wanted,” Christie says.

Kitchen Details

Paneled Hood
The couple had a stainless hood in their previous home that dominated the room. “Our custom wood one feels stylish, like a piece of furniture,” Christie says. It’s set against a sea of sparkling blue-green subway tiles — very Florida.

Double Oven
It makes cooking twice as easy. The top of this KitchenAid one is a combo convection unit and microwave.

Shiplap Style
It’s Christie’s Fixer Upper dream come true. “The look is as homey as I’d hoped for, and it makes the dining area distinct,” she says. The boards are painted White Duck by Sherwin-Williams.

Rustic Stools
The inspiration for these RH cuties? Vintage tractor seats. The scooped-out oak tops are comfy, too.

Poppy Island
Christie and designer Lauren considered mint green, then decided more contrast would be cooler, and in strutted peacock blue (Manitou Blue by Sherwin-Williams). The quartzite top has blue veining that plays off the island. Simple yet chic: cone-shaped glass pendants from Ethan Allen.

Open Chandelier
Christie had her heart set on one that’s rectangular, like the table. This stunner from Shades of Light is made without glass for maximum airiness.

Statement Table and Chairs
A large farmhouse table was a must (this one is by GJ Styles). For a breezy pairing, Lauren chose rattan chairs by Gabby with crisscross backs and custom cushions with chartreuse welting.

Pretty Rug
The light blue breaks up all the wood in the room (it’s by Ballard Designs). A pair of patterned lamps from Layla Grayce and barn art from One Kings Lane also bring in more color.