Monday, September 20, 2010

my kitchen is not perfect

You can tell that my kitchen is straight from the 1980's: plain, oak cabinets and formica butcher block countertops. But that's OK - I love my kitchen anyway because there's enough room for a table and chairs, plenty of counter space for food preparation, and ample cabinet space. It's the place where family and friends gather when they visit, so as long as I make them feel welcome, that's the most important thing, right?

The only improvement we've done in the kitchen thus far was to install hardwood floors about 8 years ago. We said we'd do the under-the-cabinet trim ourselves (i.e., hubby was going to do it) but ummm...yeah. It's still not done.


I'm actually one of those people who prefer white appliances instead of stainless steel. Those painted red blobby prints by the back door? I experimented by taking the cut end of a bunch of celery, dipping it in red paint, and stamping it on the wall. Not my greatest idea...and I didn't have anymore light blue wall paint to cover it up. So it stays for now.


We found this small china hutch when we were first married. It was perfect at the time for the townhouse we were living in. Now, it's still right at home in the kitchen since it doesn't take up much space, and we don't have a separate dining room. The plate collection on the right is one I change seasonally. The bird plates were from Pier 1 Imports and and the flowered plates are Staffordshire (England), English Garden pattern.


"In the childhood memories of every good cook, there's a large kitchen, a warm stove, a simmering pot, and a mom" (Barbara Costikyan)

11 comments:

  1. Melanie, I think your kitchen is simply lovely. It looks so warm and homey. :)

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  2. I finally found someone that doesn't like that sterile-looking stainless steel. I don't either. My appliances happen to be a little more on the creamy side instead of white. But I think it looks much more welcoming. I love your kitchen.
    Brenda

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  3. Thanks so much, Tracy & Brenda. :-)

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  4. Love the wainscotting in your kitchen!

    ~Melanie
    The Old White Cottage

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  5. That hutch is adorable! Such a cute size that you could put it anywhere. It looks so homey in your kitchen. I'm also a huge fan of hardwood floors.

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  6. You have a cute little kitchen!!! Hubby started building cupboard doors for ours, but still has to put a back splash up, lighting above the sink, and various other things before it is done. Summer has been busy for him at work, and now that they finally hired another person, perhaps his work load will ease and he can finish what was started last winter!!!

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  7. Your kitchen is cute! I love how large it is. That hutch is just perfect! We don't have stainless appliances either. Actually we have mismatched appliances! Some are white some are black. But we have been thinking of getting stainless since we're selling our house in a few months and people seem to make a big deal about it (at least on HGTV)!

    Manuela

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  8. Very comfy and welcoming kitchen!! I'm with you on the white appliances! I like them so much better than the stainless ones that everyone else seems to be in love with at the moment. I really like your pale blue walls and the white bead-board! I made vegetable print wrapping paper with my kids when they were young. It was so much fun! But I was never brave enough to try that on my walls. :-)

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  9. I didn't see a place to email you to answer your question about the sconces on my pavilion outside. I got them already painted at the local antique mall. They were around $10 or so each, I believe. I added marbles to the glass.
    Brenda

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  10. I would trade kitchens with you in a heartbeat! And I love your wall color and beadboard!

    The sweater you asked me about is from Boden. If you get it I will be very envious of your greyish fashion sense!

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  11. I'm another one that loves the white appliances also..I adore your kitchen. All those splashes of red..oh my..just beautiful. It is such a beautiful cheery kitchen.

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Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment - I read and appreciate each one!