Classic white kitchens don’t always have to be traditional in style…these ones feel like a breath of fresh air when it comes to Kitchen design!
Showing posts with label Kitchen Style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kitchen Style. Show all posts
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Art in the Kitchen
Giant Sink. Gas range. Refrigeration. Artwork.
There are a FEW more things on my essential Kitchen item list, but that’s for another time.
See more art in the kitchen here.
{Photos 1. & 2. via Inspiring interiors and 3. Southern Living}
Monday, August 2, 2010
Greenhouse inspired Kitchens
Light, bright, airy, and FRESH…
The white fabric shade is so innovative! It diffuses the light in this kitchen so beautifully and adds such textural interest.
Love the open shelves and crisp finishes.
Another bright ceiling, an abundance of natural materials and plants, and more open shelves. It’s the perfect industrial meets residential mix!
Both of these kitchens are by the very talented Bobby McAlpine and Greg Tankersley.
Bobby’s new book The Home Within Us is on my wishlist and he’ll be interviewing with the ladies of The Skirted Roundtable this week--- definitely will be tuning in to hear it!!!
{Photos via McAlpine Tankersley}
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Have you seen the new exhibit in the Kitchen?
Do you dare hang fine art in the Kitchen?
I won’t even pause before sharing my opinion- YES!!! Each of these kitchens is beautiful on it’s own but there’s something so elegant about turning it into gallery space. It’s throwing caution to the wind and making the stance that this room should be just as refined as any other- we do spend much of our time in there after all!
I am in love the contrast of this serene oil painting above utilitarian stainless appliances (and that love is only intensified by the countless other gorgeous features- the marble countertops, wall mounted faucet and glass doors to name a few!).
I’ve posted on this Rozanne Jackson kitchen before and it still remains one of my favorite spaces. The contrast, the colors, and the painting itself are so clean and refreshing.
The gilded frame on this oil painting is really eye catching in the midst of this bold and country inspired kitchen.
The dark moody oil painting and classy glass chandelier give this kitchen has instant pedigree . Everything in this space feels so sculptural.
This kitchen is lucky enough to have gorgeous exposed brick to enhance it’s lofty chic feeling. The artwork is not just hung on the wall but also layered and propped on the countertop for a more casual effect.
Handsome black walls really make this collection of silver framed art pop. If you picture this being the kitchen of a classy French style-maker then you are right! This is the Paris kitchen of designer Frederic Mechiche.
Designer Phoebe Howard didn’t overlook this cozy corner…. instead she made it a surprising focal point.
Long on art and short on walls? This kitchen has taken take full advantage of it’s height and gone floor to ceiling with framed pieces. You can easily forget that the functional purpose of this room is to prepare food instead of to admire the artwork!
{Photos via 1. Nest Egg; 2. Southern Accents; 3. Sarah’s Fab Day; 4. ?; 5. Desire to Inspire; 6. Kikette Interiors; 7. Phoebe Howard; 8. Brabourne Farm}
Thursday, June 18, 2009
A Kitchen fit for an Antiques-Loving-Warehouse-Stylin’ Queen
One of my favorite Kitchens is that by Nashville designer and shop-owner Rozanne Jackson, originally featured in Southern Accents a few years ago. Her mix of modern, traditional, and industrial makes it an inviting and edgy space… it’s a feast for the eyes!
Clean, open and interesting are the first thoughts that come to my mind. I love how streamlined the Kitchen is without being JUST modern. The antique wood island and classic materials like wrought iron, marble, and china make this appeal to people with more traditional taste as well. Appeal may be too subtle a word! Adding to the design mix, the restaurant style range and hood and other stainless appliances give this an industrial tone. It really feels as though the Kitchen was placed in the corner of a great old warehouse building.
To me, this is the perfect mix of styles. The texture and interest of the antique and reclaimed pieces of different eras; the airy and not at all fussy quality of the room; it’s usability… Everything’s right where you need it and not hidden away! I love the stacks of dishes on the island shelf…so convenient and they look beautiful too.
The huge windows allow for incredible natural light, and the contrast of the dark steel frame windows enhance the warehousey feel. This long island must be great for parties, since everyone has room to gather round!
Usually cabinets are the big star of the Kitchen- not this time! In fact, there aren’t even upper cabinets (another great lofty feature). Those that are here provide more of a backdrop to the other wonderful pieces in the Kitchen and the Butler’s Pantry. Their simple clean lines and neutral blue-gray color keeps them modern but doesn’t scream at you. I love that and can’t really picture any other cabinets looking so good. The Butler’s Pantry has a few more contemporary touches- the stainless steel countertop (it looks like it has a built in sink- such a beautiful custom detail!), and blue subway tiles (glass perhaps?). It’s refreshing, and blends so well with the more decorative accessories sitting atop the counter.
One of the major elements that’s hard to miss in this house is the artwork. Yes, artwork in the Kitchen- do it, do it, do it! How unexpected are these pieces of fine art? They show a little more of the homeowner’s personality and bring in little touches of color. When you spend so much time in your kitchen, isn't it silly that we’ve left so little room for art in the past? If storage space allows, I’d much rather look at a painting or photograph than an upper cabinet, wouldn’t you?
A couple of years after first seeing it, I still love this space! The combination of the materials, textures and styles is just so perfectly balanced. It has so many of the features and functions that people want now, and will still be in style years from now. I think I’ll be loving it just the same then too!
{Photos via Southern Accents}
Sunday, February 15, 2009
You can keep the Butler, but I'll take his Pantry
When I saw the $0.98 clearance sticker on these water goblets from Cost Plus World Market I didn't hesitate for even a second... I was overjoyed with my bargain find and wasn't even too disapointed when I learned they were marked down from only $1.99! Ce la vie...Anyway, the real dilemma arose when I got home and realized I didn't have a home for these little finds. My husband was quick to remind me of that and that we already had more glasses than we need. Minor detail. A quick rearrange of the china cabinet just barely fit them all.
This of course would be no issue with a real Butler's Pantry...
P.R.E.T.T.Y.
Love the skirted countertop and the combination of Wine Room/Pantry in this space.
BLING.
In a real Butler's Pantry, illuminated glass door cabinets are a must. The chandelier looks quite amazing in here too.
Less glitzy and glamorous, these simple open shelves are so convenient for everyday items.
You have to see the before and after of this blogger's Butler's Pantry. It's amazing to see what four regular ol' walls turned into.
I also loved seeing what another blogger did when he had a closet, rather than a room to transform. Tiffany's meets Butler's Pantry.
When there isn't room for a closet or a room, you can certainly have a Butler's "Shelf" that looks just as pretty. Anyone else feeling a weakness for stacked white dishware???
This Kitchen by Pam Pierce mixes the right amount of vintage with crisp, clean and tailored. Her built in shelving unit is so convenient next to the table.
{photo via McAlpine Tankersley Architecture}
Okay, this might just be open shelving in a Kitchen but it serves the same purpose none-the-less. I love the industrial chic stainless shelves... kind of like a trendy restaurant kitchen has moved into your house!
Another example of a cool shelving unit that gets the job done. A detail like the striped back wall instantly customize this look.
Whether it's a room, a closet, or a shelf that you use, a huge part of it's success is in the way it's organized. Displaying the plates vertically on a back wall and hanging tea cups from hooks are both functional and pretty tricks.
So take some inspiration from this, re-organize, and go get those dishes/glasses/platters you thought you didn't have room for. Stimulate the economy even if it's only $0.98 at a time!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
White Out
A while back I read a post about an Illinois McMansion on Cote de Texas. 
The home's kitchen was designed by one of the most innovative Kitchen Designer's out there- Mick de Giulio of Chicago. It's featured in his residential portfolio, however it appears the Kitchen has undergone a remodel in the short 3 years since the house was built. A staging remodel no doubt, as the home is now for sale.
Before
The original design by Mr. de Giulio is bolder with a color scheme of a deep blue, dark wood, and cream. The bookshelves that flank the fireplace were in this deep blue color, between cobalt and navy. As is the window trim.
After
The remodeled Kitchen features a more pure white and a Swedish influence. The bookshelves and window trim have been painted and bring a much lighter feel to the space. You now notice the features themselves rather than just their color.
Before
After
The original island finish was a dark ebonized walnut. This too has gone to a lighter shade of pale and now matches the other painted woodwork in the space. The marble countertop looked especially pretty with the dark wood. I would have preferred to see this piece stay dark as it was, and contrast all the white. The use of baskets, open shelving, and the pot rack are very welcoming touches.
Before
The backsplash tile is also different- the modern glass subway tile has been replaced with a traditional white version. Full height tiled backsplashes are one of Mr. de Giulio's frequent design elements, and again a detail for a true cook's kitchen.
After
I love that the tile brings a pattern to the kitchen, and I prefer this new tile- its more appropriate with the lighter wood finishes. And when your range costs as much as this beauty does, it should certainly take center stage!
After
The furniture appears to be the same, so I don't believe the owners have changed...just changed their color scheme. They've even kept the potted rosemary plants on the table in both versions. It seems the owners didn't want to totally erase the blue however- notice the striped grain sack draped over the upholstered ottoman.
Mick's ideas, specifications and finishes are top notch in quality, uniqueness and generally reflect a well funded budget. I am sure the home in Illinois is no exception- it is beautiful in photographs and I'm sure even more stunning in person.
To take a tour of this pretty home, click here.
To take this pretty home, new white paint and all, click here.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Red or White
Photo: Vogue Feb. 2009Red or White?
Thats the only dilemna I see in this Kitchen...
Have a relaxing and restful weekend!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Bringing Contemporary to Connecticut
I tried get my mind out of Connecticut, I really did.
And then I pulled the new issue of House Beautiful out of the mailbox, and this is the first thing my eyes landed on...
The gorgeous slabs of Calacutta Gold marble give a beautiful first impression.
Calacutta Gold Marble + Espresso Walnut Cabinetry + Exposed Stainless Steel=
Polished & Contemporary
Designers Christie Shultz & Eileen Segalman (also the owner) implemented a two island design, a wonderful concept for a hard-working kitchen. One island for prep and one for clean-up... also very convenient when you have large gatherings or more than one cook in the kitchen.
Eileen's nod to Art Deco is evident in the streamlined design of the wood blinds and their chocolate brown trim, and the large circular window.
Its certainly not your typical country kitchen, and at first glance some may find it cold. The design selections are really to be appreciated upon understanding Eileen's design aesthetic. She loves the look of many styles-French & Art Deco, Midcentury Modern, Hollywood Glamour, Contemporary, Natural. Once I realized these design inspirations, it no longer felt cold at all... It's exhilarating to see an idea captured so well!
All of the lines are very crisp, including the sleek Dornbracht "Tara" Plumbing Fixtures. These are some of my favorite faucets to use in a kitchen, no matter what the style of the home. They're well made, look great, and their un-fussy design is easy to keep clean and polished.
Contemporary gets glamourous in the Dining Area. The large stainless steel fireplace surround is the major focal point, connecting this room to the Kitchen. The dark wood table does the same. I love the Louis Ghost Chairs & geometric bordered rug here- so unexpected... they both bring levity to an otherwise serious design.
Notice the elegant repetition of the tall windows, accentuated by vertical lines in the blinds and the wall sconces. This room must be beautiful at night with soft illumination from the sconces and pendant and the gleaming reflection of firelight on the stainless steel.
Look at the ceiling treatment too... again crisp lines of the molding and contrasting paint draw your eye up.
This is a very thoroughly planned space, even the contents of these cabinets are well designed!
Now head over here to see another superbly done & more traditional Kitchen!
SPECS:
Paint: Benjamin Moore Beach Glass (walls), China White (trim)
Cabinets: Walnut with Espresso Stain by Plain & Fancy through Kitchen Traditions
Hardware: Polished Chrome by Colonia Bronze
Marble: Calacutta Gold Marble from Stone Resources
Appliances: Fisher & Paykel, Viking
Plumbing Fixtures: Dornbracht
Lighting: Audrey in Mocha Dupiani by Stonegate (pendant),Fabby Lighting (Sconces)
Window Coverings: Wood Blinds by Nanik
Table: CalligarisChairs: Louis Ghost Chairs by Phillipe Starck
Rug: Masland
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