Hamilton Bowes Simplistic Hardware

I am loving the simplicity of these Hamilton Bowes drawer and cabinet pulls and knobs.  They would be beautiful in a kitchen or bath redesign.  Definitely keeping these in mind for the future!

They'd be so elegant on white cabinets but can you imagine how they would pop on a slate gray or black or navy?! 

Tuesday Tip: New Use for a Lazy Susan

I was cleaning out a closet and came across a Lazy Susan that we received as a gift that I hadn't used yet.  I don't have a lot of table top space for it so I decided to put it in the fridge.  It sure does make it easier to find things and totally saves space!

Accent Wall in the Kitchen

My husband finished painting the dining room. It is actually an eat in part of the kitchen. Of course I forgot to take any before pictures but luckily I did snap a picture of what the color used to look like.  I HATED it.

I've never been a fan of accent walls so don't ask me what possessed me to do one here.  And the idea for the green kind of came out of no where.  I guess it was spring fever.  But, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  And, bottom line is if I get sick of it, we only have to repaint one wall.

Eventually I would like to get a corner cabinet for over where the green bookshelf with glassware is.  For now, that will have to work.

The big mirror really does make the space feel a lot bigger.

Now I just need to get new counter tops and backsplash and maybe paint the cabinets...

Betsy and Rob's Banquette

My friends Betsy and Rob recently moved to New Bern, NC. They had this banquette built in their kitchen and then Rob made the valances (talk about a handy husband) and Betsy got all the cushions made. I thought it turned out so cute that I would share it with you!

That kitchen fixture...

My husband mandated that I clean out some of the stacks and stacks of magazines I have sitting around the house.  I got a letter from Delta Airlines that my miles were going to expire if I didn't use them.  It wasn't enough for a flight or anything so I cashed them in for every magazine I could get my hands on.  I refuse to throw them away before I read them but I haven't had time to get to tons of them.  So, I started rooting through ones I read a while ago making sure there was nothing I needed to tear out before I threw them out.  I came across House Beautiful from last February and went through all of the pages that I had dogearred to come back to later.  Do you remember this kitchen and this light fixture? 

Lots of people had mixed feelings about it but I adore it.  They took two scones they found at an antique store and joined them together to create this one of a kind piece.

The fixture isn't the only thing I love about this kitchen.  I love the faucet coming out of the wall over the funiture looking piece above as well as the simple placement of the artwork.

And how about the stunning mirror above the stove?!  Who would think of that?

I love the built-ins in the alcove beside the stove as well.  And the view to outside?  Gorgeous! 

Are you with me or does it not do it for you?

Holy Kitchen Cabinetry, Batman!

Downsview Kitchens = dreamy.

More here.

Flatware Art

Saw this picture the other day and it reminded me of the flatware art I really liked from Wisteria that I showed on my blog months ago.

via Loft and Cottage

from Wisteria

another view of the Wisteria art

I don't know if this type of thing in a kitchen or dining room would be something I would tire of or appreciate for a long time.  I saw these oil paintings of flatware which I love even more - so realistic looking!

via Paintings in Oil

And this one of all forks...

via Ria Hill Pastel Paintings

The more I looked, the more I noticed flatware art was everywhere! 

via Home Decorators Collection

Vintage Flatware Print on Poetry Paper via Etsy

via Flickr

via Hue

via Sweet Tea and Linen's Etsy Shop

I wouldn't be short on counter space if...

...this were my kitchen.  Beautiful.  Big.  Bright.  Love.

Michael Robinson via House of Turquoise

For Trevor

My friend Trevor is not only lucky enough to own a house but he is in the process of renovating his kitchen.  Earlier this week Liz and I met with Trevor to give him our two cents.  I can pretty much guarantee you that that poor boy got more advice than he asked for!  That said, if he's still speaking to us, maybe he'll let us tag along when it comes time to go shopping for everything!  (Hint, hint, Trevor).  

So one suggestion that I had that I think Trevor is on board with was to keep the existing cabinets but paint them white.  They are good quality cabinets and there is ample storage.  They need a good coat of high gloss white paint and new hardware.  That coupled with new stainless appliances, a new counter top and back splash and  new floor (type, TBD), I think it will look fabulous!  Trevor was a little concerned about the white cabinets looking too cottagy or country or even beachy.  I hope the inspiration pictures that I pulled for him will convince him otherwise.   

House Beautiful

(Note to Trevor - the hardware on the drawers is cool).

Living, Etc.
(Note to Trevor: have you considered subway tile backsplash?  I'm sorta obsessed with it.)

Country Living
(Note to Trevor: Here is a good picture of Liz's idea to open some of the cabinets up so they have a glass front). 

This Old House

(Note to Trevor - look how good that wood looks on the floor and on the countertop.  Also, we didn't talk about keeping the countertop a white - this looks really, really beautiful).

Martha Stewart

(Note to Trevor: More cool hardware and more cool wooden countertops).

via DecorPad

Atlanta Homes and LifeStyles

Coastal Living

House Beautiful

(Note to Trevor: Neat backsplash and countertop ideas and love the mirrors - too much for you?).

via La Dolce Vita

(Note to Trevor: this shows how you could take advantage of the high ceilings and raise everything all the way up...and look , they have hardwood floors in there!).

Southern Accents

(Note to Trevor: Extra large subway backsplash but still love it!).

House Beautiful

(Note to Trevor: See how the white makes even this small kitchen not feel cramped?  Imagine how bright your big kitchen is going to look!)

House Beautiful

(Note to Trevor: More subway tile and love the idea of painting the back of the cabinets.  There seems to be a common theme with the type of hardware I am drawn to in all of these pictures.)

Kate Spade

(Note to Trevor: What about dem floors???)

Phoebe Howard

(Note to Trevor: Maybe it is a sign...more hardwood floors!).

Hope this helps to give you some more ideas, Trevor!