the secret to a great kitchen remodel: Nate’s advice

There’s so much to share right now I honestly don’t know where to begin. But since it’s been awhile since I did a design post I thought I’d talk about kitchen remodels today because-- as most of you know-- we’ve been on a house hunting adventure lately.

And unfortunately I’m seeing lots of awful looking kitchens and bathrooms in some of these older homes.

I’m pretty clear about what I’d like in our kitchen remodel, but it’s always fun to hear what kind of materials others are selecting.

most popular kitchen-Houzz 2013

According to this Houzz Survey this was the most popular kitchen added to Ideabooks by readers in 2013.

Do you like it?

Apparently this is what folks seem to like in their kitchens these days:

• 75 percent of readers prefer having soft, neutral colors in the kitchen.
• 65 percent of readers prefer stainless steel appliances
• and half will select a tile backsplash for their next remodel.

If you could remodel your kitchen right now, do you know your taste?

What would you do differently?

 

Here’s a few kitchen photos I selected for various reasons…but one unifying theme of these photos is that I like a kitchen that feels warm and comfortable enough to be the hub of the house. Not too formal, but classic. And not too perfect either.

I love white, lots of natural light and big farm sinks.

And these windows would be on my dream list.

After years of having tile floors I’m ready for some warm looking wood,

the wider the plank the better.

And even though I loved the ease and beauty of granite in my former white kitchen…I’m ready for something different.

You can get a tour of my old kitchen HERE.

These days I’m keeping an open mind about other materials… like maybe wood on the counter or island…

via

Although I still can’t let go of marble countertops despite all the warnings I’ve heard about stains.

What is your experience with marble?

The other day I stumbled on this short video of Nate Berkus talking about his recommendations for a timeless kitchen remodel.

Are you curious about his opinion?

Here it is:

Nate Berkus reveals the secret to a great kitchen.

 

via

And if you’re still in the mood for more kitchen inspiration

grab a cup of coffee or tea and click away:

White Cottage Kitchen Ideas

Great Ideas for the Kitchen Island

9 Steps to a Kitchen Remodel

Cindy’s Ikea Kitchen Remodel

 

 

As always.. I’d love to hear your views.

xo

Leslie

 

I’m linking this post with these friends:

http://www.stonegableblog.com/2014/03/the-scoop-112.html

http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2014/03/210th-inspire-me-tuesday.html

 

 

Technorati Tags: kitchen remodel,nate berkus,secret to a great kitchen,white kitchens,marble countertops

my kitchen update-before and after

 

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?

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.

Before

with empty space over French doors

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.

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.

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

I changed a few kitchen vignettes around.

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.

 

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

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":

• http://www.stonegableblog.com/2013/09/tutorials-tips-and-tutorials-64.html
• http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/2013/09/open-house-blog-party_11.html?
• http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2013/09/home-and-garden-thursday-46.html?
• http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/2013/09/be-inspired-features-and-link-party-86.html

 

Technorati Tags: kitchen decorating,vignettes,cottage kitchen decor,adding vintage touches to kitchen,DIY kitchen before and after,white kitchens