Let's Talk - Wallpaper in the Kitchen

When I came across this photo it took me a second to register what I was seeing. Wallpaper? In the kitchen? Let's talk about this! In the 70's this was completely normal (remember the orange and yellow floral wallpaper that complimented the avocado refrigerator?)  but these days more homeowners opt  for paint and prefer to add pattern with their window treatments. If you have been reading this blog for a while you might already know my opinion which I will share after a few comments are left!

 

So what do you say, would you consider wallpaper for your kitchen?

(image from Traditional Home via Everything LEB)

Wood Top Kitchen Islands

Lately I have noticed wood top islands in many kitchens. At first I was not sure I really liked the idea but as I flipped through the images I had saved, I realize the wood top creates a warmth in a sometimes otherwise cold kitchen. This is especially true if it is an all white kitchen. What are your thoughts? Do you like the look of a wood top island?

(Images from #1 #2 James R Saloman/Desire To Inspire, #3 Julian Wass Desire To Inspire, #4 House Beautiful)

Kitchen Stairs.....but to where?

How often do you see stairs in a kitchen? Not often, right? I have to say I think it is fantastic! There is something mysterious about it as I wonder "where do those stairs lead"? If the dinner party was in the kitchen, I would be distracted the entire night!!

The stairs have captured my attention but there are a few other elements which I love to.

The pure white walls and cabinets give off a calm feeling and allows the table to be the focus.

Black and White squares lead to a dramatic floor and carries your eye over to the black railing and treads of the stairs!

Check out the towel bar, high up on the closet door! What a great idea, I try not to use paper towels so I always have 3 or 4 cloth ones around the kitchen.

We can't forget the exposed ceiling, something which could have looked very industrial now has a welcoming feel painted white.

Could this be a favorite kitchen of mine? That would be a double YAY!
Do you have stairs in your kitchen?

(image from House Beautiful/Jason Bell)

Monday Morning Happy - Kitchen Style

Morning All! How was your weekend? Did you work on any creative projects the last few days? When I came across these two photos on Coastal Living they immediately felt calming. One of my favorites times in a kitchen is when the early morning sun streams in and all is quiet. Open the windows and add a cup of hot tea and its a little slice of heaven!

a perfect nook!

fresh picked flowers and tomatoes on the window sill....just lovely!

Enjoy the new week!
jul

My kitchen is blue

How I wish my kitchen was spotless and clean like this one. Unfortunately in my area of Massachusetts we have had a "do not drink the water order" since Saturday afternoon. My apartment is fantastic except for one little fact, I do not have a dishwasher! The dishes from dinner are washed off as best as they can be but with no hot water they sit stacked on the counter staring at me from the adjoining living room. Instead of staring back, I will just peruse spotless kitchens and hope the water is safe again soon! Care to join me with a few blue kitchens?

(images from My Home Ideas, Coastal Living, Better Homes and Gardens)

Galley Sunshine

A great example of making a small galley kitchen bright with sunshiny yellow paint!

Above are 2 of my "go to" yellow paints from Benjamin Moore.
Another favorite is Country Cream by Pratt & Lambert

*note paint colors on computer screens greatly vary from even the paint swatch, always check it out in person
(images from Traditional Home and Living Etc)

A Penny For Your Thoughts...

** I am so glad our Guest Blogger, Betsey's post is about Penny Tile. I absolutely LOVE penny tile. Whenever I see it in a clients house I always encourage them to keep it, basically, it is a classic look!



Lately the penny has been on my mind. It could be because that’s all I see when I open my wallet or it could be because I just watch them fly out of my 401K like it’s a vending machine. My recent focus on pennies (actually the lack thereof) has renewed my interest in the ever classic penny tile (also commonly called a pennyround.)

The most common use for the penny tile is usually in the kitchen, bathroom or the subway due to its durability and ease of maintenance. A few examples are shown below.

(photo courtesey of remodelista)

(photo courtesey of domino)

Recently I’ve seen the penny tile popping up in areas you wouldn’t normally see it.
The other day for example, I was watching HGTV and came upon “Myles of Style” with Kim Myles. One of her latest projects was a family room redesign, and instead of using a normal ceramic or marble tile on the fireplace surround, she covered it in white penny tiles with a dark brown grout. It was an interesting idea but I’m not sure how I felt about the end result. I guess I’m so used to seeing the pennyround in a bath or kitchen so to me it felt out of context. I tried to find an image from the show but have searched high and low and found nothing. What do you think of the concept?

In addition to the above unusual use, the other day I found this lovely piece at the always gorgeous Anthropologie.

And while researching wallpaper the other day, I found this familiar pattern from Graham & Brown

Have any of you seen the penny tile used in other unique ways? A penny for your thoughts!

Have a great week!

**Bets