40 YEAR OVERDUE KITCHEN REDO AND CARMELITAS.... YUMMM

I just peaked at <a href="http://startedatthreebakergirl.blogspot.com/">Aimee's blog</a> and she had posted these <a href="http://startedatthreebakergirl.blogspot.com/2014/01/oatmeal-carmelitas.html">Oatmeal Carmelitas</a>, which just happen to be one of the recipes I've wanted to try for a while - so I'm posting the link for the recipe (above).  According to Aimee, they are best warm with vanilla ice cream...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s3D3Vc91eCOZXyhqBt4G6kzAf6fhYV6UMRoiUk5Mshl5qdHFElfqlb-GyXgDjwRDBzar8DuvF_MHjyNVyrbICquS5Iw3GOrn5_Y-YlYV7xeZOgzKm4ibt1Zm1P7kwyDqF-LMvwhlmfk/s1600/carmelita1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s3D3Vc91eCOZXyhqBt4G6kzAf6fhYV6UMRoiUk5Mshl5qdHFElfqlb-GyXgDjwRDBzar8DuvF_MHjyNVyrbICquS5Iw3GOrn5_Y-YlYV7xeZOgzKm4ibt1Zm1P7kwyDqF-LMvwhlmfk/s1600/carmelita1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm convinced.... how bout you?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />QUESTION FROM A READER:<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Claudine,</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Redecorating my kitchen after 40 years. The cabinets are a soft creamy white with hint of grey. The backsplash is cambria quartz darlington. The backsplash is shell white glazed porcelain mosaic tile, the floor is linen travertine. All appliances will be stainless steel. Light from south in front hallway, west facing kitchen window and north facing large window. Would like a paint colour to bring it all together without yellow undertones. Thanks Maura </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99U_jyu9l_7MMsagDCDqX55hXk6Xzk-HbPtRgdDtbM-QwRiyVCFYjBphtlHz2utzCIAwpj8I9mXA1Rz60Ve1NQy9l4W0Enuz9HQqgNe9It5lEAOCKptBB9p5dfwCEMJFW0jeKS0F3zEc/s1600/photo+(43).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99U_jyu9l_7MMsagDCDqX55hXk6Xzk-HbPtRgdDtbM-QwRiyVCFYjBphtlHz2utzCIAwpj8I9mXA1Rz60Ve1NQy9l4W0Enuz9HQqgNe9It5lEAOCKptBB9p5dfwCEMJFW0jeKS0F3zEc/s1600/photo+(43).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Maura, </i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>You are LONG overdue for a beautiful kitchen.  Congratulations on the redo!  So far, I think your choices are very good.  Drawing from the description of your cabinets "soft creamy white with a hint of grey" I would go to the gray side for your wall color.  Take a look at these white kitchens with gray toned walls.</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD20aAwfhxJh491uERzq7TaqXU89P1pKiSOyeF4Abygw10CD3oTnvViNo5uXSKiZx3ENCi3dxRYmZzYYNhozhNfziblUfNm-H17h_DKdNidkDQdmDzH7PiHQdb3_wxBi02HjNzbCzv_Q/s1600/decorpad+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD20aAwfhxJh491uERzq7TaqXU89P1pKiSOyeF4Abygw10CD3oTnvViNo5uXSKiZx3ENCi3dxRYmZzYYNhozhNfziblUfNm-H17h_DKdNidkDQdmDzH7PiHQdb3_wxBi02HjNzbCzv_Q/s1600/decorpad+.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg_miSjPQ9V0OdA6iw6Cjvwvt_IMgZSfidd94jHHOpricAytpejhKy2UNTywNkl71QccM3TVdYF-trU4Jk6VNFAj1kUnftQMW_YACLVdOkSTv9RT5Ix8cXSIibVRP01EZ6Sdd6Etdl0c/s1600/ecorpad+bm+ozark+shadows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg_miSjPQ9V0OdA6iw6Cjvwvt_IMgZSfidd94jHHOpricAytpejhKy2UNTywNkl71QccM3TVdYF-trU4Jk6VNFAj1kUnftQMW_YACLVdOkSTv9RT5Ix8cXSIibVRP01EZ6Sdd6Etdl0c/s1600/ecorpad+bm+ozark+shadows.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipt_F0OL_1v2P7cSAKnKqONLklnS_J8wmV3mGFhl7tspsAqJEHyMmNJMQgG_bcDH0WUOeXdH7V1JQi3tan8pKTEVw1OowyMujXjrnDzB3651mIbJJi2aQvswVJTWBze_X26CieZ62_Nw8/s1600/guatacrazynight+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipt_F0OL_1v2P7cSAKnKqONLklnS_J8wmV3mGFhl7tspsAqJEHyMmNJMQgG_bcDH0WUOeXdH7V1JQi3tan8pKTEVw1OowyMujXjrnDzB3651mIbJJi2aQvswVJTWBze_X26CieZ62_Nw8/s1600/guatacrazynight+com.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrA1cShACQBBIqr7e6NVMECcnVf0aK5aKoZ35FRgYXQlkdNaT0rguCx-xPuITtAIHACrzHe2SHppiGWu572XSIhV-Ucd0Ls3jqyQy0spY0YeRVf0s6SsQWwZ8pWLUkl2OgYQTtCyhISQ/s1600/houzz+v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrA1cShACQBBIqr7e6NVMECcnVf0aK5aKoZ35FRgYXQlkdNaT0rguCx-xPuITtAIHACrzHe2SHppiGWu572XSIhV-Ucd0Ls3jqyQy0spY0YeRVf0s6SsQWwZ8pWLUkl2OgYQTtCyhISQ/s1600/houzz+v.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I do want to caution you on allowing your kitchen to become too sterile.  Adding some warmth in the form of wood tones, baskets, greenery, etc. makes a kitchen more appealing and a place your family and friends will truly want to gather.  I posted about that very thing not too long ago <a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/non-sterile-kitchens.html">here</a>. Adding a gray tone can tip the balance either way as some grays turn very chilly and others have a warmer undertone.</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>In the Benjamin Moore palette, (without yellow undertones) I would look at Revere Pewter, Collingwood and Rockport Gray</i></span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.   Sherwin Williams has Perfect Greige, Essential Gray and Dovetail.   Make sure you test a few to see how they perform in your specific light.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.459999084472656px;"><br /></span>

40 YEAR OVERDUE KITCHEN REDO AND CARMELITAS.... YUMMM

I just peaked at Aimee's blog and she had posted these Oatmeal Carmelitas , which just happen to be one of the recipes I've wanted ...

Read more »

PAINTING A KITCHEN

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="background-color: white; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdlapoxTbOor9lf9zWM0F7Cxf-Ckg1nSBU67k1y3Ly6fXuqn6jfQE0yoGhX4TpI_oV7HsQXmpHyQJi3boR7qqMiMm95fkebdg41Z88bSXzNOjoKTIKzfdLPCoOr9ylHJToeKp6KHqlTE/s1600/5b2ab3863b01ae3fc39d499891e0f90b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdlapoxTbOor9lf9zWM0F7Cxf-Ckg1nSBU67k1y3Ly6fXuqn6jfQE0yoGhX4TpI_oV7HsQXmpHyQJi3boR7qqMiMm95fkebdg41Z88bSXzNOjoKTIKzfdLPCoOr9ylHJToeKp6KHqlTE/s1600/5b2ab3863b01ae3fc39d499891e0f90b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;">I'm all wrapped up in the wedding I'm doing in Dallas this week, (hence the few days with no posts) but wanted to </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;">get a quick post in and try to answer a question for Krissy about her kitchen...</span></b></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><b>She contacted me a couple weeks ago regarding her kitchen remodel.  She has been keeping track of her progress on her own <a href="http://dreamingdecor.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, and I think its going pretty good... what do you think?  She really rocked a nice board and batten peninsula....</b></span></div><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Question from Krissy....</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">. . .Can't wait to add some botanical prints to my home, I'm bookmarking </span><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2014/04/botanicals-and-answers-to-decorating.html?google_comment_id=z12egphxrrebwriii04cixspllmei55r3ec&google_view_type#gpluscomments" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">this post</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> for future reference but first I need to get through the major remodeling stuff. Right now I need to pick a new cabinet color. I was going to paint them white, then a gray with blue undertones, now??</span></i></span></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i>I have Artic White solid surface counters and stainless steel appliances. I purchased BM paint in Storm for the cabs but when I started painting it looks like baby blue, yuck.</i></span><br /><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>Please help. I love white cabs but I'm afraid white on white could go terribly wrong. My latest thought is Edgecomb gray by BM? I just don't want it to look like I painted them beige. And I don't want them to have a modern look. They are shaker style and will have chrome pulls. We have warm medium toned laminate floors.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2R7x6CUhub4oY6_758-IyHeuD2hTFFgu7BWGRzj-EyZlXJ91YdsicwAdxFAtSi2HDRYlQUnI8KH36YJV8yu-rQrOrfcyEJhguQ_lxJrYqkul3t03cHjZ2ihuwe6MJ_u2Rp-G3sL0IMQ/s1600/KISSY1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2R7x6CUhub4oY6_758-IyHeuD2hTFFgu7BWGRzj-EyZlXJ91YdsicwAdxFAtSi2HDRYlQUnI8KH36YJV8yu-rQrOrfcyEJhguQ_lxJrYqkul3t03cHjZ2ihuwe6MJ_u2Rp-G3sL0IMQ/s1600/KISSY1.JPG" width="400" /></i></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu0LM3-Lg3P99JyExHylIlpzCPfVGBzcvjEUE7ajUDrVJunrD3ZaAZynhBRp2xLc6H2UAPqrRQ4GNJ9S1_BKc0nThqNB3tq4K4cTjT6WB_-K_s4nMc5sZzcvbpDLWh9RPLPIfT3b7WtU/s1600/KISSY.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu0LM3-Lg3P99JyExHylIlpzCPfVGBzcvjEUE7ajUDrVJunrD3ZaAZynhBRp2xLc6H2UAPqrRQ4GNJ9S1_BKc0nThqNB3tq4K4cTjT6WB_-K_s4nMc5sZzcvbpDLWh9RPLPIfT3b7WtU/s1600/KISSY.JPG" width="400" /></i></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I'm not sure how to upload photos to the comment so I will link my blog about our home remodeling project. Would love your feedback! Thanks, Kristine </span><a href="http://dreamingdecor.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">http://dreamingdecor.blogspot.com/</a></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hi Krissy,<br /><br />So the key words for me in your comments above were:  "I love white cabs...."   And then I read your blog post (good job on the board and batten, by the way) and again you said "I really want an all white kitchen".  And you also mentioned you get 'looks' when you mention it... but I'm pretty sure that is because all white kitchens can be a little 'cold'.  I personally love white kitchens.  <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">All white can be great as long as it doesn't become 'sterile' looking.  You are already on the right path to avoiding that with the warm wood floors.  (I actually posted on how to avoid sterile kitchens </span><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/non-sterile-kitchens.html" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">here</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">, which you might find helpful).The bottom line is really adding enough color and texture in your kitchen to make the white seem fresh and clean instead of sterile.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKS1is1jHV1nAVEzxGPgYIEVFh-l5iZm4i2UNeT3YGnlVX5nH9rSYSPH0PbxDManh4phwKdT6wDb6fwBl4ysGOtX2wzIEmjlQ83USnFEKIwnlNcoRihyQVW-F3dG1uIMxPa7nOW8k4rw/s1600/backsplash-tile-limestone-beige-black-countertop-cabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKS1is1jHV1nAVEzxGPgYIEVFh-l5iZm4i2UNeT3YGnlVX5nH9rSYSPH0PbxDManh4phwKdT6wDb6fwBl4ysGOtX2wzIEmjlQ83USnFEKIwnlNcoRihyQVW-F3dG1uIMxPa7nOW8k4rw/s1600/backsplash-tile-limestone-beige-black-countertop-cabinets.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />You can avoid the operating room look by using a more organic material for the backsplash.  Marble with some gray or gold veining, or a very light travertine or limestone will read warmer than shiny white ceramic tile.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwt9m-BWdva_o_hEtiLd2VVZNVjp1iRFqyYFygDQpWHJ0xTM7qnZLGmhkigE-BZNkufXxF2FqIJmn_HxAXz_YfAf-DFm8GqbuoRmAMJWgZx2rZgF5QdwSnCpqPf_Pv36SWhd-lJWi9Kk/s1600/atticmag+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwt9m-BWdva_o_hEtiLd2VVZNVjp1iRFqyYFygDQpWHJ0xTM7qnZLGmhkigE-BZNkufXxF2FqIJmn_HxAXz_YfAf-DFm8GqbuoRmAMJWgZx2rZgF5QdwSnCpqPf_Pv36SWhd-lJWi9Kk/s1600/atticmag+com.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />When all your 'bones' are in place, accessories are the best way to change the look and feel of your kitchen.</div><br /><br /><br />1.  Add warmth/texture.   Baskets, wood flooring, woven wood blinds, etc. add warmth and texture and take the sterile down a notch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSSRH5xKpU1_sGC_VbOQEmQ3LlbvzTHxKygiP3fowiRV-cOVrqbE0ZIr5iGAeiJ0Rl7Z36r78RPhSsdirXGsPGVOn3MHr7OpMiKJBsyn9wdchH2rC7xNcCNZLOy4iqKWbPdM44prGHQE/s1600/brabournefarm+bs+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSSRH5xKpU1_sGC_VbOQEmQ3LlbvzTHxKygiP3fowiRV-cOVrqbE0ZIr5iGAeiJ0Rl7Z36r78RPhSsdirXGsPGVOn3MHr7OpMiKJBsyn9wdchH2rC7xNcCNZLOy4iqKWbPdM44prGHQE/s1600/brabournefarm+bs+com.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM52C6Tb7eIz7BAERLQk_Ur5U5vZjiM-RFKt6Im_hiojhXj9IV9bQSM8g886ea_fzL3QCRnAhhaOLOG0KHlVSWYJyakDhanslH2BrVzKieOidZ7Ks76o1zhRtzw2hKBj9YLDC8k1auBww/s1600/besthdi+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM52C6Tb7eIz7BAERLQk_Ur5U5vZjiM-RFKt6Im_hiojhXj9IV9bQSM8g886ea_fzL3QCRnAhhaOLOG0KHlVSWYJyakDhanslH2BrVzKieOidZ7Ks76o1zhRtzw2hKBj9YLDC8k1auBww/s1600/besthdi+com.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbss9CKxNc294Gey-rVrCun5IUmeaDB78qTxwGmxevcNkdpJGUatIglzsT1DdaJ1zaQGloKr3aBHBm0aFp1nmXK-7WWj3BxvUmT3O1AXcTfi8jjN814kxVtAYmeAk4ShZMacn4BlpDvLs/s1600/homesteadrevival+bs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbss9CKxNc294Gey-rVrCun5IUmeaDB78qTxwGmxevcNkdpJGUatIglzsT1DdaJ1zaQGloKr3aBHBm0aFp1nmXK-7WWj3BxvUmT3O1AXcTfi8jjN814kxVtAYmeAk4ShZMacn4BlpDvLs/s1600/homesteadrevival+bs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />2.  Add greens.   A living plant, a bowl of green apples, limes, artichokes or avocados - there's just something about green that is grounding and adds an element of life -<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh2YKncPWvixgWWi_YKZM9nyRr1EcS7wfTutwAOXnjjVSuR84exn4XXfxjn5aSyJ0uUlw3j0Ip3b5WL9xXDft9DnNUnDYkbFtD-LQYrTPkVLOMDVDushp2eDaERYOYqZLepq6XpPv8No/s1600/Mix-Finish-Erika-Powell-Blue-Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh2YKncPWvixgWWi_YKZM9nyRr1EcS7wfTutwAOXnjjVSuR84exn4XXfxjn5aSyJ0uUlw3j0Ip3b5WL9xXDft9DnNUnDYkbFtD-LQYrTPkVLOMDVDushp2eDaERYOYqZLepq6XpPv8No/s1600/Mix-Finish-Erika-Powell-Blue-Kitchen.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQH3NhWThT26Hjr1xWZvovMI7Jhrx12gFpRI2eXKDIvFNm_bRLBzlwiHo1aXy3exeIP66uiJ3sA0bCWqUWI8u57k_mb46lzoo9u8RHx4mxEjxMpZSCF2oPeBo8O0zSZiP1Bj0d9WEjiY/s1600/divinebathrooms+com+au.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQH3NhWThT26Hjr1xWZvovMI7Jhrx12gFpRI2eXKDIvFNm_bRLBzlwiHo1aXy3exeIP66uiJ3sA0bCWqUWI8u57k_mb46lzoo9u8RHx4mxEjxMpZSCF2oPeBo8O0zSZiP1Bj0d9WEjiY/s1600/divinebathrooms+com+au.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawB-Os5jZMWyi2MS9BbQXy9drxm0PrvW02CXJ5FJAuThQVRgUQZ79Zl_lavo9wvNKM8W0dw31awHMU0ndlydZtL7vT4sBOc9E4O8yBBUjqxX8v37NMv2pOXKKrBBs4caCDApZFNaWR0I/s1600/thepinkclutch+bs+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawB-Os5jZMWyi2MS9BbQXy9drxm0PrvW02CXJ5FJAuThQVRgUQZ79Zl_lavo9wvNKM8W0dw31awHMU0ndlydZtL7vT4sBOc9E4O8yBBUjqxX8v37NMv2pOXKKrBBs4caCDApZFNaWR0I/s1600/thepinkclutch+bs+com.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br />3.  Add accessories.  Decide what your accent colors in the adjoining rooms will be and add a pop of color in the kitchen to echo them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmb6Yp51DHI0n93tinPllJej35C7v4M0vDYu3_UDxOzoK0h1U9Z2SKFg1HeE8Mo6S4D_cuc_YVgguLZaOVFcmlhJ971n-0g2VAtKQ2tkmkNoCV0_g29WiA94fBnCut1-FjhRJ6VKpS_g/s1600/annie-1of3+bs+com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmb6Yp51DHI0n93tinPllJej35C7v4M0vDYu3_UDxOzoK0h1U9Z2SKFg1HeE8Mo6S4D_cuc_YVgguLZaOVFcmlhJ971n-0g2VAtKQ2tkmkNoCV0_g29WiA94fBnCut1-FjhRJ6VKpS_g/s1600/annie-1of3+bs+com.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAu5P4AtsltoQD2mhhv5mRUqYQu6TsAy60aVNV2tCz3e2Wsf6kfx1S66Vjc4kFvPygiNjt0GJieVFry7DUG0RRmHt2Lpjsa7IkBRIGoYyX3rjClprII4PeElanqMvMhCTtS-Z3OvkXHXg/s1600/cupboardsonline+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAu5P4AtsltoQD2mhhv5mRUqYQu6TsAy60aVNV2tCz3e2Wsf6kfx1S66Vjc4kFvPygiNjt0GJieVFry7DUG0RRmHt2Lpjsa7IkBRIGoYyX3rjClprII4PeElanqMvMhCTtS-Z3OvkXHXg/s1600/cupboardsonline+com.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIoPpJug4amwra5PioNTFgPsSZrSLkPNi5eGRMz2wRV8R3pStVVD2mw4lfaHmURNdAOWcDNx0Z8NtDBIoUBMs6WYVviNQX8JxwxE22dOyiw_kjysbGe7H1B3R38Dzl_gR9_wmvrZJhk8/s1600/decorpad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIoPpJug4amwra5PioNTFgPsSZrSLkPNi5eGRMz2wRV8R3pStVVD2mw4lfaHmURNdAOWcDNx0Z8NtDBIoUBMs6WYVviNQX8JxwxE22dOyiw_kjysbGe7H1B3R38Dzl_gR9_wmvrZJhk8/s1600/decorpad.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohA5GGcJgGXKEJN-0U1kRGC6WofrhOZeIjrIRHv8Ft9R6arFeLJXS26HGVcLrhnsUTckVJyiumJAYiFF6sRfTewnSSb05K-L4mGM_BR-AfbWEHuScp119y7d7NyWirN9mNRTuG7VzQR0/s1600/mariakillam+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohA5GGcJgGXKEJN-0U1kRGC6WofrhOZeIjrIRHv8Ft9R6arFeLJXS26HGVcLrhnsUTckVJyiumJAYiFF6sRfTewnSSb05K-L4mGM_BR-AfbWEHuScp119y7d7NyWirN9mNRTuG7VzQR0/s1600/mariakillam+com.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKLO6dmyZslo-HvvIA0vWTqWCTktyY-FTXLMRnZ0nsxeck00NM9dgR248f9pOx2HEaGYNFUxE0oQkLbf3vSn2wCTtuQEb8Sx8u6TXrMZgxrux7tMfsEb1hQ6RBgsq5i-4J-kils_VaSY/s1600/vissbiz+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKLO6dmyZslo-HvvIA0vWTqWCTktyY-FTXLMRnZ0nsxeck00NM9dgR248f9pOx2HEaGYNFUxE0oQkLbf3vSn2wCTtuQEb8Sx8u6TXrMZgxrux7tMfsEb1hQ6RBgsq5i-4J-kils_VaSY/s1600/vissbiz+com.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />4.  Wall art - granted most kitchens don't have a lot of wall space, but if you do have a little room, add some graphic interest.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOLeZCUtl3FMyxLTTDLPeF00Z04y43f3n1Qn0nQS4RksY5N_qc3AtojmfWMcEQMUh2RfV4nAAhoX3cTd67AFd-tZ415I2ClKoYZWTpGscHjxQ1WELdAUdBAaQmzQQ5tNjoGnMKBzOVow/s1600/myhomeideas+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOLeZCUtl3FMyxLTTDLPeF00Z04y43f3n1Qn0nQS4RksY5N_qc3AtojmfWMcEQMUh2RfV4nAAhoX3cTd67AFd-tZ415I2ClKoYZWTpGscHjxQ1WELdAUdBAaQmzQQ5tNjoGnMKBzOVow/s1600/myhomeideas+com.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />5. If possible, add Fabric.  Window treatments, rugs, even folded tea towels can soften a kitchen a little. Softening all those hard edges takes a little imagination in a kitchen where there isn't an abundance of textiles. If you have a slider nearby, add floor length curtains.  Bar stools can have cushions.  Use your imagination, but try to bring in a little fabric relief.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG3cfBBDB_ffyCFYeH9sUVB2VBYC6D8HBvUU0zqa3sZ4rYgKcygX8LNQaz2Xzi9wKgHwCw5BVUtF92WXkvOcTSLWF1gXMie-iBneE9STNaaWLqn73bXbnyYrYPdTA0HR_KK-FuKz6CEU/s1600/interiortaste+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG3cfBBDB_ffyCFYeH9sUVB2VBYC6D8HBvUU0zqa3sZ4rYgKcygX8LNQaz2Xzi9wKgHwCw5BVUtF92WXkvOcTSLWF1gXMie-iBneE9STNaaWLqn73bXbnyYrYPdTA0HR_KK-FuKz6CEU/s1600/interiortaste+com.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4fiQbuByPsX7aEI_4c71d48rU9VNJcqT0BP1YiW8j0KbG9n8mEirDaPoJ_Ni-d5wiL4agAz29-Xrm95hntXF7aUpimgMS85RSGbeCOMQwa110XUelUf5oNwgxpzyNgD8O_9w_-1Z0L4/s1600/myhomeideas+com1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4fiQbuByPsX7aEI_4c71d48rU9VNJcqT0BP1YiW8j0KbG9n8mEirDaPoJ_Ni-d5wiL4agAz29-Xrm95hntXF7aUpimgMS85RSGbeCOMQwa110XUelUf5oNwgxpzyNgD8O_9w_-1Z0L4/s1600/myhomeideas+com1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ86c5s2jta8YUHGWBzW4AUqNQoOYCxqr10OQNeDA-Bxl0WnkwMBptf8wBHt_84IiRbac_jAXPmaCoTRpY8ELR4ucQTi-HuEFtQnOl3bL-R3PICuoKB-bBl9uol1NulhbN4Y7nBJYNAU/s1600/theenchantedhome+co.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ86c5s2jta8YUHGWBzW4AUqNQoOYCxqr10OQNeDA-Bxl0WnkwMBptf8wBHt_84IiRbac_jAXPmaCoTRpY8ELR4ucQTi-HuEFtQnOl3bL-R3PICuoKB-bBl9uol1NulhbN4Y7nBJYNAU/s1600/theenchantedhome+co.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Remember, its the heart of the home.  Its where your family and friends will gravitate. Make it as inviting as you can.  Good luck!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div><br />

PAINTING A KITCHEN

I'm all wrapped up in the wedding I'm doing in Dallas this week, (hence the few days with no posts) but wanted to  get a quick post ...

Read more »

NON STERILE KITCHENS

<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />I love white kitchens</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />you know I do...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA8USXFRQAJOmtwP8Xbjr7ZmOsHDb_kN5NyGPuq89S2tsmr25isuSE4UC8SBlwZxHahAJFNt_R2QtamFoblSJYbRLn57cUQtMVFy4mv0x1JBYtEJljZwgkYfsgpwlVJO-x1qk_jewOkM/s1600/Mix-Finish-Erika-Powell-Blue-Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA8USXFRQAJOmtwP8Xbjr7ZmOsHDb_kN5NyGPuq89S2tsmr25isuSE4UC8SBlwZxHahAJFNt_R2QtamFoblSJYbRLn57cUQtMVFy4mv0x1JBYtEJljZwgkYfsgpwlVJO-x1qk_jewOkM/s1600/Mix-Finish-Erika-Powell-Blue-Kitchen.jpg" width="608"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />but honestly, despite my 'love' of them</div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2014/03/non-sterile-kitchens.html#more">Read more »</a>

NON STERILE KITCHENS

I love white kitchens you know I do... but honestly, despite my 'love' of them Read more »

Read more »

KITCHEN CABINETS - PAINT PAINT PAINT

<br><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I love warm wood tones, but for some reason</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />in a kitchen</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I prefer them on the floor</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I love a painted kitchen!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWx7UDOVgVCg5vdMMn4AiyomczeO1fHV5HHBcF6_1t5cbggH-xe6PZezPkxoL2YSFnY_oBV6n3dgizDCqN5xAIURAx40y-vYbTKwp28XPoxsa3QWigudw96t1Z3gWuHz2oYp3X_4713w/s1600/GrayKitchen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWx7UDOVgVCg5vdMMn4AiyomczeO1fHV5HHBcF6_1t5cbggH-xe6PZezPkxoL2YSFnY_oBV6n3dgizDCqN5xAIURAx40y-vYbTKwp28XPoxsa3QWigudw96t1Z3gWuHz2oYp3X_4713w/s1600/GrayKitchen2.jpg" width="312"></a></div><br /><br><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2014/01/kitchen-cabinets-paint-paint-paint.html#more">Read more »</a>

KITCHEN CABINETS - PAINT PAINT PAINT

I love warm wood tones, but for some reason in a kitchen I prefer them on the floor I love a painted kitchen! Read more »

Read more »

Vintage Charm in a Kitchen

<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQcA0POlA4U4Bzfr5hw0k_LzQWsOH3ZrhQgNw2cr2xTdpYFMSQ1LosopRs-EMmmlla-H8WmqUJFb-4Df5QDLJZsJBUokN-d9nfozdW9Kbuko8aEySG8eTsYjU3QPYSRsWqygVvSXCcLWy/s1600/CA+1+Greenspan.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="577" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472392553064783490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQcA0POlA4U4Bzfr5hw0k_LzQWsOH3ZrhQgNw2cr2xTdpYFMSQ1LosopRs-EMmmlla-H8WmqUJFb-4Df5QDLJZsJBUokN-d9nfozdW9Kbuko8aEySG8eTsYjU3QPYSRsWqygVvSXCcLWy/s640/CA+1+Greenspan.JPG" style="display: block; height: 361px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This adorable 100 year old home in a historic part of Houston was remodeled after fire and water damage.  I was happy to work with the homeowners on the kitchen, bathroom, paint colors, moulding details, and the exterior. It's such a different style than the remodels of newer homes I usually do, it was fun to get to something a little different.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I posted about the exterior of this home <a href="http://designinthewoods.blogspot.com/2011/08/pretty-vintage-porches.html">HERE</a>.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6VrVQRnG43K5__4a-oa8hwpijTV2niCoRgEVAKbQpX5s8EuYJuFurYWlw9ePrxmoBQw06499ZiYITIWI9zrkiQ7_hXYXGt-EN0o6vLEgRXZwj6FdSodJdvSOagyIo-YOgKW3JvggcH_G/s1600/S7300385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6VrVQRnG43K5__4a-oa8hwpijTV2niCoRgEVAKbQpX5s8EuYJuFurYWlw9ePrxmoBQw06499ZiYITIWI9zrkiQ7_hXYXGt-EN0o6vLEgRXZwj6FdSodJdvSOagyIo-YOgKW3JvggcH_G/s400/S7300385.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>before</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We started off keeping the existing pine floors using a rich, dark stained finish. We couldn't change the footprint of the kitchen, but we relocated the frig to the opposite wall to open up the space in front of the island a bit more.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYfnuLf9F7qAuIc9kxa1QC-SS2q6-WApj4t1AmvoHN20jKO9bv1hum74O5duqK1YzAzTnwVJZX8XOikU7FSz4cAXrWk4z29JZ8DjLXxmZa3hwXG3K_JoAlIpcRi5GFRLz9wMQYpmJbuAw/s1600/S7300383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYfnuLf9F7qAuIc9kxa1QC-SS2q6-WApj4t1AmvoHN20jKO9bv1hum74O5duqK1YzAzTnwVJZX8XOikU7FSz4cAXrWk4z29JZ8DjLXxmZa3hwXG3K_JoAlIpcRi5GFRLz9wMQYpmJbuAw/s320/S7300383.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The end wall where the frig was before really cut off the kitchen from the rest of the room.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9VnRI_GQevUuOusO0k3GyqI2ETsC3dbmgTEqVrxIhPgIzY8-Sju9oi74uHe76qyLC2lPzl15DjgMS1yHVqBVv3MdeaEVirDqgqQt5kTz6JADZlrVzPOu4KO-Qqpy5zCEn446y7jQw8R3/s1600/CA+6+Greenspan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9VnRI_GQevUuOusO0k3GyqI2ETsC3dbmgTEqVrxIhPgIzY8-Sju9oi74uHe76qyLC2lPzl15DjgMS1yHVqBVv3MdeaEVirDqgqQt5kTz6JADZlrVzPOu4KO-Qqpy5zCEn446y7jQw8R3/s640/CA+6+Greenspan.JPG" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really love the cool color scheme and the new taller window that scales better for that space.  The dark color on the lower cabinets and the white on the uppers kept the small space light and bright and open feeling. The schoolhouse light fixtures from Hudson Valley Lighting have a nice vintage appeal.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As with any remodel, sometimes you have to compromise.  I wanted to take those cabinet to the ceiling, but a major drain was routed just under those joists at the ceiling above the cabinetry.  We did a small furr down to enclose it, going as close to the ceiling as possible for maximum height and storage.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gCRiMwBDBPmTPYrufwyjVVQo7OHq57hern5IS-tkzxAoUsnSIYK8SJOO59Fo5iOJZ3PBANodj9dsYS_BnF7HOBykNRX65kDtyeW7yoefOPBXmAOXogiRcw66jBjoZDYg65YxnE_F3rkE/s1600/CA+4+Greenspan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gCRiMwBDBPmTPYrufwyjVVQo7OHq57hern5IS-tkzxAoUsnSIYK8SJOO59Fo5iOJZ3PBANodj9dsYS_BnF7HOBykNRX65kDtyeW7yoefOPBXmAOXogiRcw66jBjoZDYg65YxnE_F3rkE/s640/CA+4+Greenspan.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The new Sharp undercounter microwave saves space. A little handmade glass tile inset adds some detail to the backsplash.  Outlets are placed horizontally just below the inset so they don't interrupt the linear quality.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAp-lgGhuPuhwSBE5fTtlV-anpvHW_Mkqzd8RqaBJRebUg-wjwzjOF9Du4GUSm_85ndBhLAGLI-12wIWRjdlW3_G_yGPznSL0RVrEF9ATuMS91jGvuLbK2C2DAgpMqnt77iLluX8RXQpXX/s640/CA+3+Greenspan.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little kitchen vintage charm!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>After photos by Miro Dvorscak</em></div><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Linking to:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/03/wow-us-wednesdays-58.html">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style</a></em><br /><em><a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/2012/03/open-house-party_21.html">Open House Party at No Minimalist Here</a></em><br /><em><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/03/feathered-nest-friday-giveaway.html">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</a></em><br /><em><a href="http://www.simplyklassichome.com/2012/04/simply-klassic-sunday-story-of-true.html">Simply Klassic Sundays at Simply Klassic Home</a></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>If you're not a follower of my blog, I would love it if you would become one!</em></div>

Vintage Charm in a Kitchen

This adorable 100 year old home in a historic part of Houston was remodeled after fire and water damage.  I was happy to work with the homeo...

Read more »

Before and After Kitchen

<div align="center">A before and after kitchen/breakfast room remodel of mine from a few  + years ago.  The 1990 dated finishes had to go.  Glossy small tile, dated wallcovering and window treatments, tired cabinetry, mauve solid surface counters and splash were out.  The homeowner wanted a more sophisticated, neutral palette with a traditional look.  </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tR8_wRcVXVXqZ1_14-krD0eQ1azfaZZMqeN4JpJAEKEeIFbzlQ38njTDbNJQz3Cw3Wi6HtFTHlSVziAQ3M2omPMyKiJBZWdgKv6sUlXnyLkb-L8J7pSlUH6jDQrJOv2KSX-3LW2rI0fJ/s1600/1+Before+-+Overall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tR8_wRcVXVXqZ1_14-krD0eQ1azfaZZMqeN4JpJAEKEeIFbzlQ38njTDbNJQz3Cw3Wi6HtFTHlSVziAQ3M2omPMyKiJBZWdgKv6sUlXnyLkb-L8J7pSlUH6jDQrJOv2KSX-3LW2rI0fJ/s400/1+Before+-+Overall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Before</em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zvOZuykOeW18tJsEaCd9Hxp0bB_dS0sLHFLcQBPjfJmMDTus0F5QbVyb9Gk4ww5YTzGgWF7WxGkI8oBbW0S5yyRKPpnRwGPBPJo5zRr19_4yAE8_hZJkT4yu1wbrTZCSonCpjro-sXhl/s1600/2+After+Overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zvOZuykOeW18tJsEaCd9Hxp0bB_dS0sLHFLcQBPjfJmMDTus0F5QbVyb9Gk4ww5YTzGgWF7WxGkI8oBbW0S5yyRKPpnRwGPBPJo5zRr19_4yAE8_hZJkT4yu1wbrTZCSonCpjro-sXhl/s640/2+After+Overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>After</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I felt the big space needed some contrast.  The homeowner had selected the dark granite when she came to me so I chose a paint color in a similar value for some contrast in the cabinetry.  All cabinetry was existing, we added some traditional details like legs and paneling to the island and brackets and seed glass panels to some of the upper cabinets.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFox8_NoWWPm7aed8kEm94KYOCsTfngCeXO8WdOen4YztrhQS_wY7YY68CUFUv9hzALjZJWRxDZZeKLMeamqtoP_NN1qGryCOJo8mHxSJETvzsn22ZMD2UgMezEpArKvYIyNvuDmZF3ECk/s1600/6+Before-Corner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFox8_NoWWPm7aed8kEm94KYOCsTfngCeXO8WdOen4YztrhQS_wY7YY68CUFUv9hzALjZJWRxDZZeKLMeamqtoP_NN1qGryCOJo8mHxSJETvzsn22ZMD2UgMezEpArKvYIyNvuDmZF3ECk/s400/6+Before-Corner.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Before</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF3liGbaqn5cRFZYfAtpLaITn2TTMo9IXWhfxp_VmWbgfzjcPVYY8ziuSlidpfAvFmXEjCka3HqjGtjg4lD7dnWGTwx3ASsVko_7FxsK8RtjaYultj9ZsG_L6bgYYovKRIl1ACnDqQwvn/s1600/7+After+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF3liGbaqn5cRFZYfAtpLaITn2TTMo9IXWhfxp_VmWbgfzjcPVYY8ziuSlidpfAvFmXEjCka3HqjGtjg4lD7dnWGTwx3ASsVko_7FxsK8RtjaYultj9ZsG_L6bgYYovKRIl1ACnDqQwvn/s640/7+After+corner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>After</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the delicatus granite on the island.  Doing a contrasting granite here took some convincing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1QmI9iW55GKWlG6x4VIBGc6uvAZCSyYfjRYGhcWDNjRal_ffBzB4lsGYa_TILix-9osm_3SIKji_-6c7pTvOKmpLeibd2wi8YwXALKQ6BgzUDVe9Sdcs_Q-37ajbT6jkx6dxeTnHuDNT/s1600/4+Before-Sink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1QmI9iW55GKWlG6x4VIBGc6uvAZCSyYfjRYGhcWDNjRal_ffBzB4lsGYa_TILix-9osm_3SIKji_-6c7pTvOKmpLeibd2wi8YwXALKQ6BgzUDVe9Sdcs_Q-37ajbT6jkx6dxeTnHuDNT/s400/4+Before-Sink.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>before</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at that awkward backsplash.  We spent some money relocating outlets and switches as best we could (with remodels sometimes that's all you can do) and I did a low backsplash that would blend with the counters.  The switches that still showed were done in a Lutron color to match the wall color to minimize the visual clutter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvj8cpqt2z1J1d4TDpkUIJuLmgMsJslBXGKG8tuJbHo5Su3uZpa32posAy3X9vPQSjKx63rr6358Svxf0x2BhxRilc0WnCVNncT25SyxGd2UbcVuCuoSfOR0iiV-2pTFGCRjupU7z02pI2/s1600/5+After+sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvj8cpqt2z1J1d4TDpkUIJuLmgMsJslBXGKG8tuJbHo5Su3uZpa32posAy3X9vPQSjKx63rr6358Svxf0x2BhxRilc0WnCVNncT25SyxGd2UbcVuCuoSfOR0iiV-2pTFGCRjupU7z02pI2/s640/5+After+sink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>After</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cTCgrRjIQvauTmsvCvI665AKtHR0m5IKAOamQ86XhvW8RvO5RDM1BPgKar_Cj0m6U1cO2tP0_5Rv3eesArcU-luQx5UivNa71AUY_bl0huOuvQtBP2pGRAu3Ivt76PH4teJ3UfuWqdul/s1600/10+Before+-+Fireplace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cTCgrRjIQvauTmsvCvI665AKtHR0m5IKAOamQ86XhvW8RvO5RDM1BPgKar_Cj0m6U1cO2tP0_5Rv3eesArcU-luQx5UivNa71AUY_bl0huOuvQtBP2pGRAu3Ivt76PH4teJ3UfuWqdul/s400/10+Before+-+Fireplace.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Before</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A corner fireplace that you really never noticed when you walked around the corner into the kitchen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CBYXD38ixTpatr3YhdkFRDUbwra_pzuUnBcqVZG7HgFw_pMfJnwl2neTpmoeBVko2ozIoRBzrvzSGjuLM2zTE-DYZXfAtj6q4-aUOfaNbzBcJ3yLk1t25hIu0DgEWLBh_1fUU5j8IYU-/s1600/11+After+Fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CBYXD38ixTpatr3YhdkFRDUbwra_pzuUnBcqVZG7HgFw_pMfJnwl2neTpmoeBVko2ozIoRBzrvzSGjuLM2zTE-DYZXfAtj6q4-aUOfaNbzBcJ3yLk1t25hIu0DgEWLBh_1fUU5j8IYU-/s640/11+After+Fireplace.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>After</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went floor to ceiling tumbled travertine and furred out a bit to make that corner fireplace a star.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqnTqWkg3xdizfeZ5AZPzDBHuJeB55bmnAXsXfqZhXEpRFgRp1uNH3DuEEusq-oU_0Ug61WgRLq8jcsNRehmaY38dmlBOEg5P04-xd3ULdDXipJUTNBuDu5-hv3_64MhgCvf5WXR5LYA-/s1600/15+Befpre-Bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqnTqWkg3xdizfeZ5AZPzDBHuJeB55bmnAXsXfqZhXEpRFgRp1uNH3DuEEusq-oU_0Ug61WgRLq8jcsNRehmaY38dmlBOEg5P04-xd3ULdDXipJUTNBuDu5-hv3_64MhgCvf5WXR5LYA-/s400/15+Befpre-Bar.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><em></em><br /><div align="center"><em>wet bar before</em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6SZispwVK4kM7z73eaaOv4zwCFTd1JV9ij1Fgzwlz5wt1aoHr1MpA0yYyAnaExgsONObZC6xTFrbAeRrj5D_MDuDksInuxfo4KWiMB9B2hziowZC9RHsRGf8VzWUqDx9F9j_G47lImtr/s1600/16+After+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6SZispwVK4kM7z73eaaOv4zwCFTd1JV9ij1Fgzwlz5wt1aoHr1MpA0yYyAnaExgsONObZC6xTFrbAeRrj5D_MDuDksInuxfo4KWiMB9B2hziowZC9RHsRGf8VzWUqDx9F9j_G47lImtr/s640/16+After+Bar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>after</em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjNfM44jKsr9cJlxIP6cLgdEkmD3CYbw0GdnQSUajhGzbsakepQvHLVw4LxdSuXcCQPRIyJGf-kn0IeJ0F_W3pxpVFpakZakcrJiOzIbIOUQuVuzEbAFzMdwcRKQbwLobhbJuyzKricqk/s1600/8+Before+-+Brkfst+Rm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjNfM44jKsr9cJlxIP6cLgdEkmD3CYbw0GdnQSUajhGzbsakepQvHLVw4LxdSuXcCQPRIyJGf-kn0IeJ0F_W3pxpVFpakZakcrJiOzIbIOUQuVuzEbAFzMdwcRKQbwLobhbJuyzKricqk/s400/8+Before+-+Brkfst+Rm.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Before - looking through to the breakfast room and view from the kitchen</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRmkACiVw6w5BVZbDOniEjPscxvKg2qPtGB3of_17DSZWVQ3jze2scV-qxIzYN9QMGP5CsyA2DRZ5Q5qaU7YSq9dRxF1HzEYnNSTsfvl0XqoNGllHBhgpFTiqynkhQZVB0Co3M6-QDqzb/s1600/9+After+Brkfst+Rm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRmkACiVw6w5BVZbDOniEjPscxvKg2qPtGB3of_17DSZWVQ3jze2scV-qxIzYN9QMGP5CsyA2DRZ5Q5qaU7YSq9dRxF1HzEYnNSTsfvl0XqoNGllHBhgpFTiqynkhQZVB0Co3M6-QDqzb/s640/9+After+Brkfst+Rm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>After Breakfast Room</em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">What a beautiful view they have.  We highlighted it by framing the windows in a contrasting color to blend with the black window frames.  All her furniture was reused and reupholstered.  We even just ended up painting her bar stools and reusing them.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Done some 5 years ago, I think it's stood the test of time.  These clients were such a delight to work with.  I went back a few years later and redid their master bedroom and bath.  Repeat clients are the holy grail of an interior design business.  You don't have to prove yourself again!  </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><em>All After photos by Cliff Roe</em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Join me at the</em> <a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/2012/03/open-house-party.html">Open House Party at No Minimalist Here</a></div>

Before and After Kitchen

A before and after kitchen/breakfast room remodel of mine from a few  + years ago.  The 1990 dated finishes had to go.  Glossy small tile, d...

Read more »

DECORATING QUESTIONS: ANSWERED

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Taking this opportunity to reply to a couple of emails I received from blog readers.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJywFVFGja86sm7tFCopow71GxOjDiTWqGWTWdHyHtiP6d4p9otg4rf_MwZBEr_KHO6d_9793wsBi3nRgMOoB0DrUiyE8Qza2YIHGBsp7Es4ZWz8d4otIG_e2XVY6g5msQ6hJNC9AWQd1/s1600/286611963755136346_N4kQez8d_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJywFVFGja86sm7tFCopow71GxOjDiTWqGWTWdHyHtiP6d4p9otg4rf_MwZBEr_KHO6d_9793wsBi3nRgMOoB0DrUiyE8Qza2YIHGBsp7Es4ZWz8d4otIG_e2XVY6g5msQ6hJNC9AWQd1/s640/286611963755136346_N4kQez8d_c.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><em><strong><br></strong></em><br /><em><strong>#1</strong></em></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><em>I just saw your blog - it's great! Thank you for sharing! I don't know how to </em><em>blog, so I'll ask my question this way....What is a good kind of cream neutral </em><em>yellow you would recommend for kitchen and living room - not too overwhelming, </em><em>something warm and comfy?</em></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><em>Sandi</em></div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/decorating-questions-answered.html#more">Read more »</a>

DECORATING QUESTIONS: ANSWERED

Taking this opportunity to reply to a couple of emails I received from blog readers. #1 I just saw your blog - it's great! Thank you for...

Read more »