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Friday, August 23, 2013

Kitchen Details Tour & A Giveaway!

 

If you live in a home you probably have a kitchen but as varied as personalities can be so can the differences in kitchens, and how they function.

When I think of a kitchen I think of all the details that go into making a pretty, and functional kitchen…

Design
Decoration
Function

Today I am going to take you on a tour of my very own little kitchen. It is truly the hub of our home and it is very well used.

The Design

The design/layout of this small kitchen is one of the reasons we purchased this home over 34 years ago. There were three things I wanted in my kitchen….

Ribbet collage kitchen

…..A breakfast bar large enough(3ft.X6ft.), to seat  three little boys.

A back window to watch my three son’s swim in the pool.

A front window to watch my three son’s play ball in the court .

I also loved the fact that the kitchen sink was at an angle making the design a little more interesting than a typical U-shaped kitchen.

Kitchen tour ribbit sink 045

Times have changed since we had three little boys sitting at the kitchen bar, or playing ball out front, but this is the little kitchen that still keeps on giving.

The boys are all grown up and the kitchen still remains giving to my family and friends.

1978

Gone are the days of the wood stained cabinets, linoleum flooring, recessed fluorescent lighting. The cupboard that once hung over the breakfast bar is no longer there either.

DECORATION

When we decided to make some cosmetic changes to our 1978 kitchen we thought painting would make a huge difference. 

Since there were no existing moldings on the cupboards we decided before we painted  it would be a good idea to add some character. 

molding on cupboards  ribbit(695x729)
We started by adding a small crown to the top. At the bottom edge of all the cupboards we added a skirt molding. 

We also added a molding square on the end of the bar area where it was just flat and plain. 

Let me tell you this made such a huge difference in the appearance of our kitchen.

Next came the feet! I wanted feet like you see on furniture pieces. After looking on line I found them to be very expensive. I put on my thinking cap and decided that the look I wanted looked like brackets.

Ribbet collage cupboard feet

We purchased $2.00 shelf brackets and placed them under the skirt molding on the bottom edge of the cupboards. 

I discovered it made a difference how much the detail would show up once it was shadowed by the cupboard. 

It is important to keep that in mind when choosing any detail. Shadowing can make or break the detail.

Next came the jewelry of the room, the knobs and pulls. I wanted a little sparkle so I went with glass.

Restoration Hardware had the perfect knobs, and pulls. I chose these particular ones because of the oil rubbed bronze backing that tied in with the hinges and the touches of black I like to add to my décor.

Ribbet collageglass knobs b

We also decided to change out two of the cupboard doors next to the kitchen window with glass paned doors.


Kitchen tour glass door cabinets 017 (1024x768)


Inside the cupboards we placed strip lighting. I chose this type of lighting because of the warm glow it gives at night.

Ribbet collage lighting in cupboards


There are mirrored backs on the inside of the cupboards to reflect more light and it also gives a window effect to that part of the kitchen.

The other addition in this part of the kitchen was adding the vintage crystal chandelier where there use to be plastic panels hiding the fluorescent lighting.

You all remember that beautiful lighting we all had in the 70’s, don’t you?

Instead of fighting with the open box I decided to make it a feature by adding stacked moldings and a frame around the opening to finish off the edge.

Kitchen tour light box ribbit 004 (1024x768)
We placed a medallion in the center and hung our small vintage crystal chandelier. You will also notice the molding treatment we used to frame the kitchen window above the sink. It just finishes it off nicely.


We had more than enough cupboard space, but we added a very large pantry in the dining room.  It is hiding behind the mirrored doors……

dining mirrored doors ribbit (478x640)_thumb[2]
I had a pantry in my first home so when this home was being built we extended a wall in our dining room to accommodate a large pantry.

This is where Design and Decoration  meets up with  Function!

pantry closet ribbit049_thumb[20]

As you can see it is a multifunction pantry, it holds food, dishes and appliances it is big enough to hold it all and I love it!!

Ribbet collage inside pantry

Here is a close up of the shelves.

FUNCTION

I recently read a quote from the designer Barbara Barry that articulated perfectly how I feel about my home as a whole, but especially my kitchen!!

In a passage called "Inner Beauty", Barbara writes,  
"As much as I love the part of my work that is all about what is seen when we walk into a room, I also love the part of my work that is about what is not seen.  Or at least not by everyone- the inside of the cabinets, the full refrigerator, the silver drawer, and the well-stocked pantry; they too can be things of beauty, artfully arranged to inspire when given a cursory glance."

I could not agree more!!

I love to see pretty bottles, and produce inside my refrigerator so I do what I like to call, “FRIDGESCAPING!”


Fridgescaping Ribbet collage

There is nothing I love more than fresh produce in pretty bowls in my refrigerator. I will always have several choices for my family and guest. I also love to have a good variety of cold drinks on hand.

Inside the door you will find what you might need for a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or tea. The cute little bottle with the stopper holds simple syrup for your drinks.

Speaking of drinks let’s take a look at my coffee bar that I use daily……

Coffee Bar grab a cup 013 (800x600)

Now it is time to pick out your choice of hot drinks……

Ribbet collage coffee drawer
When I have company I put out a tray next to the coffee maker on my stove for easy access to anything they might need to add to their hot drink of choice……..

Ribbet collagecoffee tray


The next very functional feature in my kitchen is the spice rack……

Ribbetspice rackcollage
I ordered these handy-dandy little clips Here! I highly recommend them! They are extremely functional.

My sweet little kitchen is pretty in my eyes and it has functioned beautifully throughout the past 34 years for my family and friends. 

This concludes the tour of all the In’s and Outs of my little kitchen!

Ribbet final kitchen collagethankyou



Ribbet little kitchen collage

Don't miss the rest of the kitchen tours this week!
Thursday, August 22
Friday, August 23

And now for the giveaway!


Kitchen Tour Giveaway!
There will be two winners for this giveaway! Pfister generously donated a prize for this giveaway, so one winner will receive a free faucet worth up to $300, and a second winner will receive a $250 Visa gift card! 

To enter for your chance to win, just follow the steps below, and good luck! (drawing for US residents only) 


Step 1: 
Follow one or all of them on Pinterest in order to get more entries in the giveaway!

Step 2:
 Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter link below! Follow one or all of them in order to get more entries in the giveaway!


Good Luck Eveybody!!

Winners will be announced on:
 
August 30th
SHELBY PATTERSON BALTZLEY
IS THE WINNER Of:
The $300 Pfister faucet


MICHELE UNDERWOOD

IS THE WINNER OF:
The $250 Visa Card


CONGRATULATIONS LADIES
and
THANK YOU FOR JOINING IN ON THE FUN!!

 
 

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your kitchen is absolutely wonderful. I love the cabinet color! Every detail is fabulous.

Thanks so much for the shelf bracket feet idea. J is going to come by later for a look. Would love to do this in our bathroom. Brilliant idea!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

I love your pretty kitchen, Kathysue! It is so warm and welcoming...a perfect reflection of you and your love for your sweet family! Now I am wanting some feet on my cabinets! Loved your fridgescape! :-) Hugs...Debbie

Courtenay@Creek Line House said...

Your kitchen is so full of inspiring details! I love love love the green cabinets too! I've been secretly hoping that one day I might have the guts to go with green cabinets. :) Thanks for the tour!

Unknown said...

Everything is so pretty AND functional! Love the fridgescaping :) Thank you for sharing!

Victoria said...

I have enjoyed seeing your kitchen in many past posts, but this closeup is inspiring. Your attention to detail has transformed your 1970s kitchen into a timeless one. It shows how much thought you must have given to every decision and your decisions were spot on. It also enforces the old adage, "A place for everything, and everything in its place." Thanks for the tour, Kathysue, and for sharing your great ideas.
XO, Victoria

Merlin said...

OMG!! Your kitchen is...wonderful! I can't thank you enough for ALL THESE CLUES! My husband is so handy (as is yours, I've read) so "we can do this!" It's the best, KathySue!! Kudos!franki

The enchanted home said...

Looking good...and you are right its all in the details! I am totally jealous of your super orderly pantry...wow and that coffee bar, great looking!

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Kathysue, I enjoyed the tour of your kitchen. I love black and white, with green; and your pantry is wonderful!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Kathysue, your kitchen is one of my all time favorites. I love it. So much character and I love, love, love the chandy. Hugs, Marty

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

It's so sweet and I LOVE the color!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Oh I am loving those stripes- loving them!! Your kitchen is so charming~ love all the details!!

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

Kathysue your kitchen is AMAZING!
Some of my favorite elements are what you did with your ceiling lighting and the feet for the lower cabinets! FABULOUS KITCHEN!

Amy of While Wearing Heels said...

The way you started your tour brought tears to my eyes. I just sent my daughter off to kindergarten and the beginning of your post reminded me of how quickly things change. Your kitchen has gracefully changed over the years. You added so many lovely updates, the chandelier is AMAZING. The feet on the cabinet are such a neat detail. You have a gorgeous space filled with happy memories.

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

So love your kitchen and your blog. I haven't been here before, but will be back again soon. Can't wait to show my mother what you did with that old overhead light! She has the same problem and this will look so good in her little cottage.

michele said...

oh that i could be an artful arranger behind closed doors like you and barbara barry. i am a big ol mess in that particular area. love love love those mirrored doors on your pantry. would never have guessed what lies behind them, and they add such great reflection in the room.

smiles.

michele

Melissa@TheHappierHomemaker said...

I love all the beautiful touches you've added! Thanks for sharing!

Debbiedoos said...

Beautiful! I love your kitchen area so cheerful and homey!

Jenna said...

The molding makes a huge difference - love it! And your knobs and pulls are gorgeous!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Kathysue, what a beautiful kitchen. LOVE the green! It's so bright and cheery and happy! You have done a wonderful and creative job updating your kitchen.

I am very impressed with how organized you are and how you bring beauty into the non-public areas of your kitchen too! So much like Alexandra Stoddard!

I love this post!

My Cozy Corner said...

Beautiful kitchen. I also have been updating my kitchen. I love your ideas and hope you don't mind if I copy some of your great ideas. I will be back soon.
Betty @ My Cozy Corner

Recreate and Decorate said...

Ooh. I am loving those green cabinets and that pantry is to die for!!!

Dream Mom said...

I love what you said about seeing your boys. I think that was the most important part of purchasing a home:) Your kitchen turned out pretty. You incorporated a lot of good ideas and the text on the photos was helpful. Very nice and cozy kitchen!

Sarah said...

Kathy Sue, you already know how much I admire your design sense and talents, but once again I'm in awe of your attention to detail. The extra molding on the cabinets makes a huge difference, and love the idea of "feet" for your cabinets. Beautiful space bot functional and pretty. Thanks for the tour!

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

All I can say is, there is no place like home...unless you get to spend a few days at Perdue Inn. :) I fell in love with your kitchen before I fell in love with you. Your kitchen brought us together and we have become lifelong friends. I don't have to tell you how comforting and welcoming your kitchen is, as I have had the pleasure of sitting at that bar, using that great coffee bar, and sitting at your table, partaking of your generous hospitality. I would be there tomorrow if I could. :) Thanks for joining in this tour. You know I love you to pieces! xxoo

Scat said...

Hi!
I'm a new follower on fb and your blog. I love your kitchen!!!!

Christine

Scat said...

Hi!
I'm a new follower on fb and your blog because I love, love,love your style!

Unknown said...

Really enjoyed your kitchen tour, love the color of your cabinets and the old fluorescent light box turned beautiful chandelier is gorgeous!

Suzy said...

Hi Kathysue. Your kitchen is just lovely! Every single touch that you've added is just perfect and ready did make a huge difference. All of your memories of time spent there went your sons make it even more special, I'm sure. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful tour.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Man, you are organized, Kathysue!!! I love that striped wallpaper.

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

You are so smart! Love the idea with the bracket...very clever! I'm off to see the rest of the kitchens...

Ivy Lane said...

I love your kitchen! So charming and functional!

Love the spice rack clips....

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I have always loved your kitchen...it is just beautiful!

Jamie-So Much Better With Age said...

Such a lovely kitchen tour! Great details and love those handles!
Hugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com