A Treat For You!

My friend Rachel Gray is guest blogging here at the Muse for me!  Her blog has become one of my daily reads, and I hope it will for you too! Rachel, take it away . . . 

Hi everyone! I'm Rachel Gray popping over from my new blog - Just a Touch of Gray. I'm so excited to be posting here for you today! I've had kitchens on the brain lately, so I thought I'd compile a list of my favorite kitchen trends. Renovating our kitchen was a top priority when my hubs and I bought our first home last year -- if you saw the before you'd know why :). Hubs has a passion for cooking {lucky me!} so we spend a lot of time in our kitchen. And isn't it funny how everyone always gathers in the kitchen - no matter how big or small! We have put a lot of thought and time into multiple phases shaping our 1960 kitchen into what it is today. We're still not finished yet... lots of details to complete before the big reveal, but we feel so close to checking it off our list. Here are some things we considered while doing so...

Top 10 Kitchen Trends to Love: {in no particular order}

1. Subway tile:
        Ah, the classic white subway tile backsplash- clean, simple, versatile, and inexpensive. What's not to love? It works in contemporary kitchens as well as traditional. You can mix things up with dark or light grout colors, add some dimension with a beveled edge, or use a smaller sized tile for a totally different look.

They didn't just stop at the backsplash -- they went all over the walls!

White subway tile with white grout -- such a clean look

close up

Used here with gray grout - makes the rectangle shape stand out 

2. Lighting
       Has anyone else noticed how far lighting in kitchens has come? I am drooling over kitchens that have the ceiling height and the space to hang glorious chandeliers.

What a fabulous fixture for a kitchen! 

This gorgeous kitchen designed by Candice Olsen has not one but TWO chandeliers!

I mean get out. LOVE this light! 

3. Two tone cabinetry
        I love seeing islands with a different color cabinetry than the rest of the kitchen. Mix up the granite or keep it all the same... it all works for me!

Gorgeous dark island in the midst of a light and bright kitchen

Opposite here! They changed it up a bit going with a light colored island - love.

Not your typical kitchen colors

Now this is just about perfect in my eyes. I mean look at that oak island... it's just stunning! 

4. Colored Cabinetry
        Although I'd be too timid to try this in my own home, I'm loving the fun colors pouring into kitchens these days. It's a bold move, but it is so refreshing to see!

Aqua lowers and white uppers = awesome {via}

A soothing green

 I'd have to call this owner/designer fearless. This color would never make it onto cabinetry in our kitchen {hubs is the cook, remember?} but how fun it would be!

5. Rugs
        Some of you may cringe at the thought of having a rug in your kitchen, but I beg you to reconsider! If you're feeling as though your kitchen is too simple or borderline boring a fun rug could make all the difference. Sometimes just a little color and warmth is all you need to liven up your space.

 

this photo was the inspiration for my kitchen runner!

 
6. Carrara Marble
        Need I say more? Backsplash, counters, floors... I'd take Carrara marble anywhere I could get it! Yes, it may not be the most practical material for counters, especially for kitchen use, but this stuff is just too gorgeous not to embrace!

Dreamy

Looks great with light and dark cabinetry

Carrara subway tile backsplash -- so pretty with the white cabinets!

7. Floating and Open Shelving
        Floating shelves or even cabinets without doors can make a kitchen look much more open and airy. There are tons of beautiful kitchens floating {no pun intended} around the blogosphere using this trend. I happen to be a big fan of it -- more room for decorating!

8. Statement Hoods
        I love it when a hood commands attention in the room. The bigger the better! Whether the material are the same as the cabinetry or totally different {stainless steel, copper, etc} I'm all for beautiful hoods.

A large copper beauty... I can hardly take my eyes off of it!

Look at these beautiful, chunky corbels!

Love how this one flawlessly fades into the ceiling 

9. Art
        Usually the kitchen is not the first place people think of to hang art, but it can add some color and creative flair to an otherwise plain kitchen. Take a look at these inspiring spaces bursting with personality.

{via}

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And last but not least...


10. Dining tables IN the kitchen
        I'm not just taking about bar stools around an island. I'm talking straight up tables IN your kitchen. Now this is not a look you see everyday, and in fact I've never actually been in a kitchen with this feature, but how clever! I mean the kitchen is where the party is at, so why not just serve right off the stove!

Well that's all for now! I hope you enjoyed my Top 10 Kitchen Trends to Love! Feel free to stay tuned on  Just a Touch of Gray to see which ones we incorporated into our own kitchen reno {still in progress}! I can already tell you there are several!

Thanks for having me on our amazing blog, Mandi! Hope you all have a great week! 

{unless otherwise noted, images via, via & via}

Design Perspective: Beckwith interiors

The very talented Jamie Beckwith.   Most of the images I have included from her portfolio are more traditional, but her work spans all different types of styles.

Here are my favorites . . .

I would never shut those doors if this place were mine!  It feels like one long room.  Also, notice the blocks of wood above the window in this image.  This innovative product is available for purchase from Ms. Beckwith's website.

Love the herringbone patten inside this fireplace and the matching floor lamps.

Look at the detail on this fireplace surround - beautiful.  Also, I love the mirrors and hanging hardware on the bookshelves.

Notice the wall space between the upper and lower windows. This is a great way to get the floor to ceiling window feel in a space without all the windows - the draperies also help to create this look.

   To check out her other offerings visit her website.  Enjoy your day! M. 

House Bling - Front Door

Since every door needs a little glam . . .

Starting with my favorite - hard to believe door hardware can make me swoon!  I  just adore the look of this one.

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All these offerings are from Rocky Mountain Hardware.  And sadly, I'm not being paid to show them off! But, they are simply too beautiful not to share with you.
Notice the rope/beading detail around the plate and the ornate pull of this one.

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 This one reminds me of "The Other Boleyn Girl."  The deadbolt alone would make a stunning dinner ring.

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I love how this one has a hand worn look to it, like this door has been opened so many times that the handle is smooth to the touch. 

 
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More beading and an oval plate - so elegant.

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This one reminds me of a mountain resort, maybe the Ritz at Bachelor's Gulch.

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Don't forgot the door knocker!

Here's a modern version.

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And one perfect for a rustic cottage.

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Don't let the door hit you on the way out today! M.

Family Reunion Beach Trip

We just returned from a trip to the beach with my husband's entire family.  Given everyone's schedule, it is so rare to have the whole crowd in one place.  In years past, we always gathered in Montreat, NC, but this year we decided to meet at the beach.  

Although most were coming and going during the week, we were able to spend some quality time with all.  The weather was fantastic.

The water was beautiful for almost every day.  Close the end of the trip, the seaweed began to move in, but it did not dampen our spirits.

My children were able to spend time with their cousins playing on the beach and hanging out at the pool.

We even went to my favorite restaurant in the area - Basmati's - yummy! When next you are in the Seaside/Grayton Beach area, you need to give them a try.

 Now, I'm playing catch up.   So, please plan on a light week of posting from me!  M.

In the meantime, Lonny just published the July/August issue of their online magazine.  It's chocked full of amazing interiors, so that should keep you busy for at least a day or two!
Check it out - Lonny Magazine.