FIXIN' MY KITCHEN : INSPIRATION

I have been envisioning this kitchen for so long now that it really wasn't too hard to make decisions all the materials/finishes.  Ok ok so technically it has taken me several years to develop the vision and figure out the materials I wanted to use to accomplish this vision {and stay within budget!!}.

I feel like my design aesthetic is generally traditional, a little rustic, with a dash of eclectic and glam thrown in.  Understanding completely that those four characteristics don't usually all coexist...but I've learned that the rooms I am the most attracted to have a hint of all of these things in them.

I am not a fan of "cookie cutter" rooms...or rooms that could be overall characterized as one thing...a "glam" room, or a "rustic" room, or a "modern" room.  I always want to throw some warm wood or a BASKET in a room I feel is too "glam," or sneak in some shiny warm brass or polished finish in a "rustic" space, or hang a good pastoral piece of artwork in or just run around and "mussy up" an ultra-modern space.  Basically if a room looks like its out of a _____ catalog...it ain't for me.

I like living materials, or materials that age and change and evolve.  I like imperfections.  I like life in a home {seriously...if you have kids in your house, it's OK to see that kids live there}.  I feel very strongly about that!  That's why I might be a "little" picky concerning the types of toys we fill their toy chests with...but that's a story for another day}.  I like warmth and cozy-ness.  I personally tend to stay away from rooms that are too large or ceilings that are too high {I am NOT a fan of two-story spaces...ask my clients..!!} or palettes that are too monochromatic.  I like natural light and if not natural light then soft lamp light.  Lots of lamp light!  I will cook in my kitchen under fading sunlight until the last possible minute then reluctantly turn on the overhead recessed lighting.  You would probably say I am a "fall" person...color wise and warmth wise {I know I am using that "warmth" word a LOT but it means a lot to me! and disclaimer: warmth does not mean lots of saturated color.  Also another post for another day.}.  I've also realized that I am even more attracted to a space if it contains a living thing...maybe a dog but usually something GREEN {aka plants}.

For example {being fully aware these rooms could very well appeal greatly to someone else, so no offense, differing opinions make the world go round!}:
All the reflective surfaces in this room would give me a headache.  Too much mirror/silk/reflection is not good for anyone...or anyTHING.  I would do antique dark wood tables/chests to replace the mirrored nightstands, all white bedding with one large square-edge patterned pillow incorporating that spa blue color off the wallpaper, large white gourd lamps with linen, not silk, shades...ok heck I would basically scrap this room and start over.  WARMTH.  I need more WARMTH people:

In my opinion, this room below is "cool" and "stylish" and all but maybe only in a museum or in a magazine.  I would say it needs a cowhide rug layered over seagrass, some antique tapestry lumbar pillows, a floor to ceiling wall of books on the back wall, and a finish change on the floor lamp from chrome to antique or unlacquered brass...if I was to ever feel remotely comfortable in it {which ps. I LOVE that lamp}: 

So, ending that fun little game {;)}, here are some inspiration pictures of kitchens {and a couple non-kitchens} that seem to perfect the warm, layered, living feel I am drawn to and inspired by in my personal style/space:

a little "too" white for my house but I still love it {and it has a very similar layout as my new kitchen}:

one of my most favorite kitchens EVER...that Bennison fabric on the chairs is super traditional and uber amazing:

not sure my 50's ranch style house could accommodate these windows, but I would do it across the back of the house in a second if budget allowed:

I promise the next installment, if it's not an update on the demo/progress, will be about the actual materials I have chosen for our kitchen.

Have a great week!