kitchen dreaming….cottage country charm…

 

This is a day for positive thinking.

Because right after I rushed around and got all the Christmas decorations finally packed away and cleaned every square inch of the house, went out and bought fresh flowers and a few pretty pillows for the new ‘after holiday’ look…wouldn’t you know it?

We got a phone call telling us that our prospective home buyer was sick.

Sigh. It’s official, I hate this whole home selling thing.

So today’s post is purely eye candy to lift my mood and make me forget about my lingering cough and the fact that no one wants to buy my house.

Ok.

So do you want to see some of my current kitchen crushes? I’ve been collecting pictures because I’m pretty sure we’ll be moving into a fixer upper and it’s a perfect excuse to start thinking about my dream kitchen. (Notice how I said dream kitchen?)

Alright, you know me, I love vintage and white…and in this photo there’s so much to crush on….first off, that sign is calling my name.

But I’m definitely focused on the open shelving and the simple white tiles. I know those tiles are everywhere, but it’s such a classic (and affordable) look. In fact, I found a post that actually shows you how to cover granite with Home Depot’s basic subway tiles.

I know, how irresistibly creative can one person be? If you want this look and you have a granite backsplash, you have to read THIS post by the talented Jill Hinson.

Since we’ll be moving into a beach community, this is my latest favorite picture. I think it might be the wall color, doesn’t it just scream out ‘beach cottage’ to you?’ 

Also, putting bead board on the kitchen walls is a great alternative to the more expensive tiles which I might have to do.

Here they use both tile and bead board….

although in this kitchen, it’s used in place of the typical backsplash. I think the white wood looks so fresh and young in the kitchen.

Also, you should know that this is one of my many “pinned” kitchens with marble, because marble is my dream countertop.

Here’s more open shelving in place of the typical upper cabinets….

If you’re thinking about removing a few cabinets for a more open look, you can get inspiration from Holly Mathis. As part of her kitchen remodel she simply removed the doors off her cabinets and she loved the change. She also took the big marble plunge and shares her thoughts HERE.

via

 

 

I like how the crystal chandlers contrast with the rustic beam…

..and of course, more marble countertops.

Ah....window perfection.

I love its size and that it’s surrounded with glossy, subway tiles. And I find the lack of a window treatment to be a perfect decorating decision.

Do you have marble countertops in your home?

If you’re contemplating marble countertops in your kitchen, you really should read Joan’s post on the pros and cons of marble. It’s one of the most informative posts I’ve found and she’s got wonderful taste that she showcases in her blog, for the love of a house.

In a perfect world I might have this ceiling in my kitchen…

…or this deliciously wide-planked wooden floor.

Although I did see this kitchen in Coastal Living and I thought this painted floor would look perfect in a beach cottage. I just wonder if I’d get tired of all the color.

Now let’s talk cabinets.

I’ve never had custom cabinets but if I did, I’d love to have this storage feature…

…and this one too, because I’m not a fan of seeing appliances everywhere. Especially in a small kitchen, which I may have.

I recently stumbled on these Ikea cabinets in the modern, country kitchen of the House & Home’s executive editor. And personally, I love the mix of materials in this kitchen. You can see her online kitchen tour by clicking HERE. 

And I don’t know about you, but I figure if Ikea cabinets are good enough for the editor of a lovely design magazine, they’re certainly good enough for little old me.

(Note to self: file this idea away)

 

Now this is one kitchen door that makes me feel all warm and gushy inside.

If I had this door you could come over and borrow eggs anytime, I promise.

Isn’t it the friendliest door you’ve ever seen?

 

And what I like about this picture is the idea of a table in the kitchen. We’ve lived off our big island for years and it’s sort of a novel idea to eat at an old fashioned table again.

Especially one that’s made of rustic Irish pine and sitting under a gorgeous chandelier. With lots of windows and natural light streaming through the room. Oh, and is that marble on the counters?

I don’t ask for much do I?

A rustic, deeply grooved, authentic beam adds so much personality.

And there’s always a place in my heart for black and white….

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And now it’s your turn…tell me,

What’s on your kitchen wish-list?

xo

Leslie

I’m sharing this post with these friends:

• http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2014/01/feathered-nest-friday_9.html?
• http://www.commonground-do.com/2014/01/be-inspired-172.html?
• http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/2014/01/open-house-blog-party-winner.html?
• http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/01/wow-us-wednesdays-151.html?
• http://www.nancherrow.com/2014/01/welcome-to-fridays-unfolded-92.html

 

** (additional sources available on my kitchen Pinterest board)

 

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