Cabinets and Hardware

Most major kitchen renovations require the skills of a “cabinet guy” if you are going the custom route.  Because we require some specific cabinetry due to awkward corners/walls and working around appliances already in place this is the way we are going.  Our cabinet guy, Stan, requested that I send along images of cabinets I like.   I actually struggled with this task for some reason but managed to find a couple that could at least act as a starting place.  I knew I wanted something clean and simple; nothing too decorative as little fingers have a knack for getting food in the hardest to clean places!

Here are a couple of the kitchen cabinet ideas I sent along to Stan:

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I was also toying with the idea of white top cabinets and a color on the bottom, either in navy or gray.  I’m not sure if I will tire of a two toned color scheme sooner than I would an all white one so I think im going to go in the all white direction – seems almost cleaner to me to have everything streamlined in one color (but is that boring?).

Here are a few two toned kitchen images that pull it off:

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I love the tiled floor from that last image – so beautiful.

As for what KIND of white paint I should choose I only know I am in favor of a low or no VOC option, Stan has conveyed to me that the low VOC options are more dull than your standard paint but I think a strong paint odor lingering for months will bother me more than a dull finish.  Any opinions here?  Has anyone worked with low/no VOC paints?

For hardware, as of right now, I’m going with these knobs/pulls from Restoration Hardware:

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Do any of you have refrigerator drawers (in addition to your standard upright)?  I found a floor model on sale and was thinking it could be a great addition.  I love cooking and am already envisioning storing baby #3′s homemade baby food in there!  Speaking of cooking – has anyone picked up a copy of Gwyneth Paltrows new cookbook “It’s All Good” – I personally love it and my kids love her chicken meatballs – I highly rec if you are looking for healthy dinner ideas for  yourself and/or your family.

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Kitchen Counter Stools & Bedding Decisions

Serena & Lily is currently having a 20% off sale through tomorrow – which is forcing me to make a kitchen island bar/counter stool decision.  I love the look of french bistro stools/chairs, here are a couple of my favorites:

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I think the Riviera Counter Stool at S&L hits the nail on the head as far as what I’m looking for.

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I was thinking of waiting until our new island is in place but with this sale and the fact that S&L often runs out of stock quickly I think this is a sign I should pull the plug and get to buying…  now I just need to figure out how many I need!?

Speaking of Serena & Lily and discounts I recently had a coral headboard made in Schumachers Chenonceau for our guest room that DESPERATELY needs bedding.

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The walls are a standard grasscloth with light blue linen window panels so I was thinking the bedding should be neutral (below is an image of my inspiration).

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Maybe something like this from S&L with white duvet:

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Or even Restoration Hardware’s Italian Hotel Satin Stitch bedding line in Shore with coordinating duvet (RH is also having a 20% off sale):

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Decisions decisions!

On a different note – as mentioned in my bio I am what my husband refers to as a “nutritional hobbyist” (or completely obsessed with health and nutrition – especially the homeopathic variety).  I’ve always been a firm believer in the benefits of probiotics and found Michael Pollan’s NYT Magazine article today “Some of My Best Friends Are Germs” fascinating.  If you are interested you can read here.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!


Kitchen Pendants

I’m finalizing plans this month for a major kitchen renovation beginning in June and one of the design aspects I have been a little hung up on has been the island light fixtures.  I love the simplicity of the Juliska Amalia Column pendants but a friend recently suggested I consider Urban Electrics Chisholm Hall fixtures which you can customize in a variety of hardware and paint finishes.

Why I like the Juliska pendants:  simplicity, elegance of glass and PRICE.  There is really no downside for me here.  I havent been able to find many examples of the pendants in place but I think they look lovely in this gorgeous New Canaan kitchen.

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Although I adore the Chisholm Hall pendants and love that they are so customizable I’m worried that they will be a touch overwhelming in my kitchen as the ceilings are more on the shorter side (house is very old).  Also the price is less than desirable… wah wah.  Here is an example of the pendants in a beautiful mint toned green.

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Any experience working with either of these fixtures?  If so I would love your feedback.  Is there one that you lean towards a little more than the other?  Let me know what you think!


Ritz Dining Chair

I really like this Thomas Pheasant ritz dining chair. I love the nail trim and tufting, but I especially love the ornamental (I wonder if its functional as well?) pull ring on the backside of it. The style looks so sleek and modern, but it actually looks really comfortable too.

I’m kind of obsessed with this entire room… the chairs, the chandelier, the degournay walls…

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Grasscloth

Grasscloth wallpaper is one style that I am thrilled to see return.  The study in my childhood home (…back in the 80s!) had grasscloth walls and I remember thinking it was so on trend and cool at the time.  Sadly, this style phased out for a couple of decades, but I am so glad to see it popping up all over the place again.  Currently, I am loving grasscloth of every colors!

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Claw Foot Bathtub

One of the things I miss most about living in an “actual home” is taking a bath in my own bathtub.  I love taking baths but there is something not-so-appealing about bathing in a rental (regardless of how immaculate the bathroom in your rental may be…)  I have always been obsessed with claw foot bathtubs and latey I have been dreaming of the day I will have one of my own!

If this was my bathroom, I would never leave…

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Is there a girl out there who doesn’t dream of owning a claw foot bathtub?


Cochrane Design: Grey, Black & White

I have always been a sucker for greys, neutrals and any kind of muted or understated design.  Recently, I stumbled upon this gorgeous London home that just took my breath away.  I love everything about this design scheme – its calm and warm, yet dramatic and interesting.    I obviously love the grey, black and white theme, but I also really like the unexpected dark blue study as well!

…Oh and “Jack’s Room” is just too good! LOVE IT!

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Source: Cochrane Design


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