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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

my kitchen update-before and after

 

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I’ve decided that it’s about time I put a home tour on my blog.

What do you think"?

Do like visiting blogger’s homes? Personally I love it when I stop by a blog and see that big, friendly “home tour” button, it’s such a nice way to know more about the person behind the blog, their personality and style, even where they live.

But my problem is that I’m always changing things around and my rooms never feel quite done.

Can you relate?

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Anyway, I’ve decided that September is my action month. So ready or not, here’s what my kitchen looks like today. I’ve made a few changes during my busy summer that I haven’t shown you yet. On our anniversary trip to the wine country I found this rustic looking sign that fit perfectly over my French doors.

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Before

with empty space over French doors

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After


I had been waiting  SO LONG to find something for this space. And the best part of this sign is that it will always remind me of our sweet little anniversary trip. It’s nothing expensive, but I love it because it tells a story.

You can read more about your home’s story HERE.

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Before

The last time I posted on my kitchen I had this black and white damask curtain over my window. But it started to feel ‘heavy’ so I recently removed it and put this chalk tray up instead.

I guess I have a thing for black and white.

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I have two healthy ferns planted in urns and my old clay pots on the sill.

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I changed a few kitchen vignettes around.

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It’s hard to take photos from this angle because our kitchen is so long. From this angle you can glimpse the chalkboard art I made for the island. For more DIY info click HERE.

Instead of a standard size table we opted for one that was the same height as the island. It’s provided great space for entertaining over the years and I think it’s been good for our family. It’s made our kitchen more of a casual hang-out spot.

 

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this is the view from the stairs

If you want to see what the table and chairs looked like when they were black you can click HERE

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Well that’s my kitchen for now, I’ll be adding the Fall touches shortly, but I sure hope you enjoyed your visit. If you would like to see my Fall dining room you can click HERE.

What about you?  How are you getting ready for Fall?

xoxo

Leslie

 

I’m linking up at these lovely parties":

 

26 comments:

  1. Lovely kitchen update Leslie. Like the open style in your kitchen along eith your vignettes.

    Love the sign too above your French doors, love the rustic look it adds.

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  2. Leslie, Your kitchen is beautiful and I adore the new sign. Thank you for linking to the Open House party.
    xx,
    Sherry

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  3. Well, the only thing better would be a visit in person! ... You know I just love the warmth of your kitchen! It feels sophisticated, but not heavy - very open, bright and welcoming! I can just picture the family and friends gathering here! And I love picking up special little treasures for my home when I'm away on trips too. They always make me smile when I think of the memories associated with them. ... Now you know I want to see the rest of the house!

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  4. Your kitchen looks wonderful. I do like a whole house tour - I like seeing others homes and how they have decorated and all the special touches of one's personality. Looking forward to seeing your home tour.
    Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design

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  5. I just LOVE your kitchen and the changes are beautiful! It is so nice to add things that have meaning to you! By the way - the words "healthy" and "ferns" are never heard in the same sentence around my house! I am the worst with plants! Yours look so fresh and green! Enjoy the rest of your week!
    -Shelley

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  6. lovin the sign! i am hunting for something to go above my kitchen window and may have to pull a diy. hope this finds you well.

    michele

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  7. Love that sign that you found for over the french doors and also like the window without the curtain ~ with the shutters you don't really need anything there ~ unless you want to soften things. I also like the island ~ it has such a casual inviting feel to it. What a beautiful space to cook in Leslie!

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  8. Thank you for the tour of your lovely kitchen, Leslie! I just printed out the lettering for a farmer's market sign that I hope to paint, but I love the rustic simplicity of yours. Your kitchen is so spacious and airy. I love it!

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  9. thanks for the tour. your new sign over the door is my new favorite.

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  10. Love the new sign Leslie...love everything about your beautiful kitchen!!

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  11. I absolutely love your kitchen. We spend a lot of time in our kitchen and would love a kitchen the size of yours. I especially love the cabinets with glass doors.

    The sign from the wine country trip is so special. I enjoy buying things on vacation that make me think of the special time every time I look at them.

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  12. Leslie, I have kitchen envy! Love the light filled space and all your special touches. The Farmer's Market sign is perfect for the space above the doors. I like the way you've used vintage silver to hold things and the charming vignettes you've created. Wonderful kitchen!

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  13. What a beautiful kitchen, Leslie! I love that your sign will always be a reminder of a special time. The whole space is so pretty and welcoming. Thank you for the tour!

    Jeanette

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  14. Oh, that sign is gorgeously chippy and fun. It looks like it was made for that space. I enjoyed your tour!

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  15. I have always loved your kitchen Leslie...and now I simply know why. It all just comes together in such a cohesive, inviting fashion. You really do have such a great eye.

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  16. Leslie, love the warmth of your kitchen! Very pretty! Among other things, I'm having pot rack envy! Thanks for the home tour and for visiting!
    Monica

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  17. Your kitchen looks great, Leslie...such space and style...I'd love to eat at your table :)
    xx

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  18. Hi Leslie! I love your kitchen! The black and white is just my style and having a big island like yours would be awesome! I think it's ok to do a home tour whenever you're ready. Then, when you change things around, you'll automatically have something to post about! Hugs, Leena

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  19. Your kitchen is so lovely, Leslie...the signs you added give wonderful personality to the space!

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  20. I can just see you all gathered round that awesome kitchen on a Sunday evening for a big dinner, then games or homework afterwards. It's gorgeous.

    And I love the sign - it's those little things that make a house a home.

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  21. I LOVE your home tour and your stunning kitchen...it makes me dream! xo

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  22. Beautiful! Full of warmth and love. But your blog makes me think of the things I DIDN'T achieve this summer - the front room not painted, sheds not cleaned out, more painting. Argh! Summer passes so quickly and I've travelled more than usual. Now I have the autmn pruning to tackle! Xcat

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  23. I love it! Your farmers market sign is great and I'm looking for something similar for my kitchen. Your kitchen is warm and cozy and the white cabinets are my favorite.

    xxL

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  24. Your kitchen is soooo fabulous! Love every detail! I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday, I appreciate you sharing,
    Kathy

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  25. Your kitchen is amazing! The chalk painted silver tray over the window looks so nice. It makes the whole area look bigger. I love your new signs. The kitchen is so bright and airy - love it!

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  26. Ok, Leslie...I now have kitchen envy. What an absolutely beautiful room! The open, airy feel of it - and oh the light! You are so blessed to have such a wonderful place to cook and gather in! :)

    xoxo laurie

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