Category Archives: Kitchen

Putting on a Front

Its really hard for me to pick favorites, but I think I can safely say that Kitchens are high up on my list of most-loved spaces to design.  Whether it is new construction or a remodel, it is a chance to make the heart of the home a functional, timeless, unique space that the Homeowner can enjoy everyday.  I am working with a new client now on a kitchen remodel (very excited and I promise Before & Afters once we are done) and we are at the preliminary stages of making sure the layout is perfect for how they function.  They have a great island that is one of the first things you see when you walk into the space – Which means a perfect focal point for an Apron Front sink (also on my favorite list)!!

Here are a few inspirations I pulled together to kick off the new kitchen!

This is a great farmhouse style kitchen, with beautiful paneled walls and a soap stone farm sink.  I love the tone on tone color palette where the walls, shelves, and cabinets are all the same color.  It blends so beautifully

(Source Unknown…Apologies)

This is a great remodel shot.  The homeowner deleted some upper cabinetry and added floating shelves, as well as an Apron Front sink. The Mahogany butcher block top really adds some warmth to the clean white space.

(Better Homes and Gardens, July/Aug 2007)

Although the angle of this picture does not spotlight the apron style sink, I think it is a great application.  I also love the use of the antique pastry table as an island – Perfect solution for a narrow kitchen.

(Kitchen and Bath Ideas, July/Aug 2005)

As seen in House Beautiful (Feb 2010), Amy Neunsinger’s personal kitchen, is a great example of how a apron front sink can steal the show!  Oh how I would love that sink to have for flower arranging or just everyday use!

(Amy Neunsinger)

I will follow up tomorrow with a list of different apron style sinks that you may enjoy!! There are so many different styles and materials available now, so you will have to check back tomorrow to pick your favorite…

Enjoy your day!

Recycling, It Can be Pretty!

Monday, while vowing to follow through with twenty-tens resolutions, I also promised some ideas for on recycle centers for the home! Today, after recovering from some technical difficulties regarding my server, I come to you late in the day with a post fulfilling my promise!  So you can either read through over a glass of wine or your morning coffee.  Either way I hope you are inspired!

Here are a few facts before we get started with the fun design ideas:
1.Each person creates 4.7 pounds of waste everyday.
2. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours — or the equivalent of a half a gallon of gasoline.
3. Approximately 1 billion trees worth of paper are thrown away every year in the U.S.
4. Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles every hour! Most of them are thrown away!
5. A modern glass bottle would take 4000 years or more to decompose — and even longer if it’s in the landfill.
For more information, please visit Recycling Revolution, EPA.gov, and Recycling Facts

Now, Some Solutions!

I love these old produce crates converted into recycling bins.  The chalkboards add a fun element and the addition of the wheels make these bins totally functional!

(Charleston Home Mag)

If you don’t have access to old produce crates, you can purchase some Wooden wastebaskets, like the one seen here from trashcans unlimited.  I love the idea of painting them to coordinate with whatever room your recylcling station ends up!

If you are not to keen on the idea of displaying your recycle station out in public, or are just short on space, There are options like this is a rotary recycling center from organizeit.com or pull-out bins from Simple Human that can easily be added to your existing cabinetry.

If you are looking for a basic, stainless floor model, here are two good options.  The first is from Simple Human, which gives you two interior bins in one and organizeit offers a three compartment bin that is a little more cost effective.

Here are some additional images as well!
(design*sponge)

(Apartment Therapy)


(Better Homes and Gardens)

Let me know your thoughts~ I would love to hear!
Do you have any other great recycling ideas not listed? What do you currently have for a system in place in your home?