Category: island

Amazing kitchens with wow factor

Amazing kitchens

Prepared to be wowed. These kitchens aren’t your run of the mill food prep or gathering spaces. The size of them is grand, but also the way the space is utilized, materials used, and atmosphere they create.

This isn’t just another white kitchen. The windows are stunning, and are set off perfectly by the hanging iron lanterns and the black stools. Jealous.

Tired of white subway tiles? I’m not, but I still think these slate gray ones are really cool, and look at the size of that island!!

I guess I’m learning that I love large kitchen islands! I also love rugs in the kitchen like this neutral beauty. The archway doesn’t hurt either.

Amazing windows and I really like the white cabinetry contrasting with the dark wood floors.

This is the kitchen that inspired this post – look at the gorgeous heavy wood island, and again with the ample windows…

I still have a thing for white subway tiles…

How about this exposed brick beauty?!

Which kitchen is your favorite? Want more amazing kitchens? Check out this modern shaker kitchen.

All images via Dering Hall

July 25, 2019
Traditional kitchens, stunning and white, from architect John B. Murray

Below are some jaw-dropping traditional kitchens from the John B. Murray Architect. I’ve featured their work before, as I’m a big fan of the mix of modern efficiencies with the character and novelty of more traditional interior design principles.

My kitchen is nowhere near the size of these. In fact, I only have 4 drawers, but it is streamlined and efficient, so until we move or plan a massive remodel, which is NOT in the cards, I’ll be happy with my little kitchen having all cooking utensils such as good quality kitchen knives and simply admire these.

A huge island is a no-brainer when it comes to adding prep space, and the extra storage below can double your storage space. I love the plank ceiling and the matching pendants over the island.

Loving all of the windows here and the rustic wide plank hardwood floors are beautiful.

I guess this kitchen is more modern than traditional, but I thought it was worth sharing. In a narrow space the more light you can get the better. I love the sleek marble slab backsplash.

Love the classic use of subway tile as a backsplash in this elegant modern kitchen.

This kitchen may be large, but the tile backsplash, wood hutch, and country table and chairs keep it cozy.

I don’t know if this is from a kitchen, but this shot was so pretty I thought it worth sharing. The cabinetry and wood paneling is gorgeous!

via John B. Murray Architect

June 26, 2019
Beautiful Interiors (and great tips!) from Fixer Upper’s Joanna Gaines

I guess I’m a bit late getting on the Fixer Upper bandwagon, especially considering they will no longer be doing the show *tear* after season 4. Even if you don’t always love their projects, Joanna Gaines is undoubtedly wildly creative and talented, and I love the little tidbits of design wisdom and inspiration I get from her.

Joanna keeps you guessing by always using unexpected materials in her renovations. Glass tile and wood counter tops? A great solution for keeping a space warm but also clean and simple.

Updating antiques is simpler than you think. I mean, these doors MAKE this room! And with all the furniture restoration products and tutorials out there now, learning how is simple.

Joanna is also a big fan of mixing metals. What really attracts my eye is the brass mixed with the wood beams. It keeps the space from being too slick, but also too rustic.

Gray works in every space. I couldn’t agree more! Joanna uses gray a lot because it creates a calm and neutral backdrop, allowing your furnishings and decor to shine.

That teal rug with those aged leather chesterfields is to-die-for.

Use shiplap. Yup, if you’re a Fixer Upper fan you are very familiar with pine panelling called shiplap. Joanna swears by it.

Read all of Joanna Gaines decor advice and see more at Domino.

May 13, 2019
Amazing kitchens with wow factor

Amazing kitchens

Prepared to be wowed. These kitchens aren’t your run of the mill food prep or gathering spaces. The size of them is grand, but also the way the space is utilized, materials used, and atmosphere they create.

This isn’t just another white kitchen. The windows are stunning, and are set off perfectly by the hanging iron lanterns and the black stools. Jealous.

Tired of white subway tiles? I’m not, but I still think these slate gray ones are really cool, and look at the size of that island!!

I guess I’m learning that I love large kitchen islands! I also love rugs in the kitchen like this neutral beauty. The archway doesn’t hurt either.

Amazing windows and I really like the white cabinetry contrasting with the dark wood floors.

This is the kitchen that inspired this post – look at the gorgeous heavy wood island, and again with the ample windows…

I still have a thing for white subway tiles…

How about this exposed brick beauty?!

Which kitchen is your favorite? Want more amazing kitchens? Check out this modern shaker kitchen.

All images via Dering Hall

October 23, 2017
Incredibly chic and elegant homes

Chic Homes

With a toddler boy and another little boy due October 16th, a super polished and elegant homes like the ones below aren’t in my immediate future. That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy feasting my eyes on reflective finishes free of little fingerprints, floors free of tiny toy cars, and countertops free of mashed bananas…

The sconces are amazing, as is the herringbone floors and moulding.

I’d prefer a wood floor over a concrete one, but for me that chandelier really steals the show…

2 images above via Adore Home

This space is crisp and tailored but the mix of hard and soft keeps it warm.

Pretty much love everything about this white kitchen. The subways tile and contrasting black island are perfect.

The carved desk is AMAZING. And the textured white wall behind it is an unexpected focal point.

More gorgeous moulding. The pure white with the wood floors is gorgeous.

2 images above via Cottages and Gardens

September 28, 2017
Traditional kitchens, stunning and white, from architect John B. Murray

Below are some jaw-dropping traditional kitchens from the John B. Murray Architect. I’ve featured their work before, as I’m a big fan of the mix of modern efficiencies with the character and novelty of more traditional interior design principles.

My kitchen is nowhere near the size of these. In fact, I only have 4 drawers, but it is streamlined and efficient, so until we move or plan a massive remodel, which is NOT in the cards, I’ll be happy with my little kitchen and simply admire these.

A huge island is a no-brainer when it comes to adding prep space, and the extra storage below can double your storage space. I love the plank ceiling and the matching pendants over the island.

Loving all of the windows here and the rustic wide plank hardwood floors are beautiful.

I guess this kitchen is more modern than traditional, but I thought it was worth sharing. In a narrow space the more light you can get the better. I love the sleek marble slab backsplash.

Love the classic use of subway tile as a backsplash in this elegant modern kitchen.

This kitchen may be large, but the tile backsplash, wood hutch, and country table and chairs keep it cozy.

I don’t know if this is from a kitchen, but this shot was so pretty I thought it worth sharing. The cabinetry and wood paneling is gorgeous!

via John B. Murray Architect

January 12, 2017
A kitchen transformation: dark and cramped to bright, open, and beautiful

This kitchen transformation is going to knock your socks off! As you’ll see in the before pictures below, this kitchen started out dark and stifling and closed. Interior designer Carla Aston worked her amazing magic and turned it into a bright, open, and beautiful space to be in.

First, just a little teaser of the “after” So pretty…white cabinets, subway tile backsplash…

Okay…here it was before.

Sorry, that had to be done. All that dark granite and honey wood is too much in this space. Let’s go back to where we can breath..

Ahhhh, that’s so much better. Wouldn’t this be a lovely kitchen to walk into each morning?

A love that the backsplash tile goes all the way to the ceiling.

There used to be a doorway on either side of the fridge but Carla cleverly reclaimed some of that space for cabinets.

The sandy hue of the counters add some warmth to the space.

The open shelves break up the white wall and allow the owner to show off decorative items.

What do you think?

Go to Carla’s Aston Designed to read more about this project.

October 27, 2016
Oh what a rug can do: Space transforming rugs

I’m not getting tired of seeing the amazing ways designers are incorporating oriental rugs – both antique and modern spins, into homes. Some trends I get tired of, but this one I can’t get enough of. Granted, oriental rugs are a classic, so even if they fall out of favor for a little bit, I know they’ll be back.

This antique oriental rug makes this foyer. The reds add so much warmth while the white furniture and walls keep the entryway fresh.

It’s not often one sees an oriental rug in pink, but isn’t it perfect in this bedroom? A lot of modern reproductions combine traditional patterns in bright colors.

A small rug still makes an impact but still allows wide plank hardwood floors to take center stage.

Wow. What an amazing island. I love the gold fixtures with the warm wood.

Oriental rugs are also great for adding pops of color in white or neutral interiors.

Do you have any oriental rugs in your home? We have one from Iran in our master bedroom that is perfect against our lavender walls.

All image via Kate Marker Interiors

October 17, 2016
Small kitchen inspiration and ideas

Small kitchen? Me too. Why is that a good thing? Because everything is closer at hand! I actually prefer a smaller kitchen to a large one because everything in my kitchen is at most 3 to 4 steps away. We actually only have 3 drawers. In a small kitchen the biggest challenge is adequate storage space and work surfaces.

I don’t keep my cabinets tidy enough for open shelving, but they do make a space look larger because they allow line of site to the walls.

Another example of open shelves. Also a work surface, either standalone or built-in that doubles as dining area is a great way to multipurpose. We have a breakfast bar and a small butcher block island.

3 above via Domino

Loving these gray cabinets. We have a pegboard installed as well a’la Julia Child because we have so little cabinet and drawer space.

3 images above via DecorPad

Do you have a small kitchen? How do you make the most of your space?

October 4, 2016
St. Bart’s house tour: cool, crisp Caribbean style.

This house tour will have you packing your bags. It is the home of Keld Mikkelson of Day Birger et Mikkelson and his wife Marianne Brandi. In full disclosure I’d never heard of them, but if their clothing and accessories line are like they’re home, I’m sure I’d be a fan. The home is adorned in sleek blacks and pure whites, along with natural textures and elements to reflect the beautiful island they live on.

I collected these images from two different stories, which is why the photos look different and the rooms are sometimes styled differently.

What do you think of the ladder as book display?

I really like the geometric black and white rugs. They work in any and every room in the home.

The gallery wall helps make the space more inviting.

The ceiling is amazing.

I love the black and white bedding too, and the nightstands.

Love the bathroom! It’s what drew me to the house. That antique chest contrasting with the white tile is amazing.

So jealous.

amazing.

This home is gorgeous!

What do you think? Who wants to chip in with me and buy a home on St. Bart’s???
images via K & Co. and Live Journal

September 20, 2016