To me, the kitchen really is the heart of the home. It’s where friends and family tend to congregate, and it is one of the most heavily used rooms in the house. As most of you know, I have just purchased my first home – and one of the many items on my giant list of things to do is revamp the kitchen. I’m not talking about major renovation here – that would be unnecessary (thank goodness) not to mention beyond our budget – think instead, mini-makeover. First, I will give you a peek into my kitchen so you can see what I’m starting with, and then I will share some of my favorite kitchen inspiration images and you can tell me what you think – sound good?
So – there is my kitchen! I actually feel a bit funny putting this photo out there because I didn’t “stage” it at all, the light is less than ideal, and it’s at a funny angle. But hey, you get the idea! The wall color is currently a very deep burnt orange/rust. The cabinets are made of some sort of synthetic that is impossible to paint over, so those must remain white. The countertops, which are granite with flecks of gray, black and white, and the appliances will all stay. Consider this the “before”!
clockwise from top left: Canadian House & Home; Tine K Home; Donna Hay
The inspiration for my kitchen makeover began with the photo of the room above (top left) spied in this month’s Makeover special from Canadian House & Home Magazine. I love the rich lilac-gray wall color paired with crisp white and black. I think this would work really well with the granite counters and perma-white cabinets already in my kitchen – what do you think? I would also love to swap out my current cabinet knobs and bin pulls with sturdier versions. And then it’s time to finish the look with some gorgeous accessories…
clockwise from top left: Tine K Home; Anthropologie; Economica; Tine K Home
I would love to bring in a rich variety of textures: natural slate, zinc, galvanized metal, smooth wood, creamy pottery, dark woven baskets, and a row of potted herbs in the window sill; all keeping within a palette of gray, black, white, cream, silver and the warm brown tones of natural wood & wicker. And can I share a little fantasy for the future? If I ever am able to afford it, I would LOVE to open up the wall to the right of the kitchen and put in french doors leading onto a little deck in the back yard. Sigh. Maybe someday…
So, as you may have noticed, I am focusing more and more on decor and design here on Lolalina. Since I will (no doubt) have many home projects of my own to report on in the coming months in addition to inspiration from my design courses, I just wanted to give you a little “heads up” that I have decided to shelve my little travel column, Away We Go…, which I had been putting up on Tuesdays, for the time being. I just have so many home-related thoughts buzzing about right now, that it only makes sense to focus on that!
Okay! With that out of the way, what are your thoughts on my kitchen ideas? I would love to hear from you!
{images: linked to sources above}
Interested? 
