It’s the heart of the home, the gathering place. It’s the steady and only sometimes chaotic muscle that allows us to churn out meals, morning coffee. It’s where we sit to read the paper, to tune in to NPR or listen to Yo-Yo Ma over Sunday waffles. It’s our kitchen, and its finally, truly complete.
When we purchased our home 3 years ago, a kitchen renovation was the most important item on my punch list. I cook all the time, and while I knew that I needed a large, adjustable-shelf fridge, a deep sink, and enough counter space to roll out dumplings, I also knew I wanted white cabinetry, marble counters, black and white floors. I knew I had to allow enough storage to hide at least a good part of my dishes, and- at the request of the man- I knew we had to have a tv in there, somewhere.
I designed the cabinetry layout myself, focusing on symmetry and balance, and rejoicing in the fact that I could rip out the above-cabinet soffits that made the long, narrow room feel so closed in. Now, instead of seeing the blank wall that was there previously, when I look through the arch separating dining room from kitchen, I see my oven head-on, surrounded by matching cabinets on either side.
My grandmother was the one who taught me to cook, to host, and I’ve honored her in here as best as I could; her portrait hangs on the wall in the breakfast area, and her recipe for Italian Creme Cake- a staple at birthday and holiday celebrations- is framed at the far end of the galley.
Comfortable, beautiful chairs surround the breakfast table (a gem I bought at Target at least 10 years ago), and a sisal rug keeps the marble floor from being too-cold under foot when I’m eating while shoe-less. The silver-plated horns remind me of the cattle I had on my farm, and makes me feel like the table never really needs to be “set.” It’s decorated enough as is, with the help of two glass candleholders and silver salt and pepper shakers.
Now, we have a comfortable, beautiful kitchen that functions perfectly, and is a traditional enough design that it allows any future recdecorating to be a breeze.
Sources:
Cabinets : Kraftmaid
Appliances : Samsung
Dining Table : Target
Chairs : Mitchell Gold Bob Williams
Curtains : Amazon
Gold Frames : Target (custom mat)
Gold Urchins : Target
Black Frame : Hobby Lobby
Glass Candleholders : Z Gallerie
Horns : Scout on Market
Salt and Pepper : Williams-Sonoma
Books : Carmichael’s/Scout on Market
Tray : Z Gallerie
Decanter and glasses : Williams- Sonoma
Aiplant : Mahonia Studio
Espresso Machine : Williams-Sonoma
Teapot : Williams-Sonoma
Oil Bottle : Target
Carafe : Crate and Barrel
Sisal Rug : Scout on Market
Light : Crystorama
** This post is not sponsored in any way **
