Nothing creates a more lively kitchen backsplash than geometric tile! Geometric tile patterns are great repeaters of colors and shape -- that's their beauty and their cool look. That effect can be accomplished with a variety of tile types from cement to encaustic because colored patterns are integral. But what’s trending these days are large-scale geometric patterns that add … [Read more...]
Daring the Butler’s Panty
Eight lively looks and colors enhance classic butler's pantry storage spaces. Whether it’s used to store foodstuffs, small appliances, cookware, china and crystal, wine, silver, serveware or collectibles, the butler’s pantry may be the place to take a chance on color. I’m going to make an educated guess and say that designer Miles Redd had the whimsical pantry with a … [Read more...]
Vintage Tile Kitchen Floors
In old-house kitchens, vintage style tile floors helps reserve the original look. I don’t have photos of my 1896 grey stone house in Chicago. I wish I had take some, at least of the original cement tile vestibule floor with a plain rust-brown field and mosaic border in shades of terracotta, gold and gray. That floor was a typical Victorian era "drab" palette. And today, we're … [Read more...]
Aspects of Gray Kitchens
Gray kitchens began trending after photos of Martha Stewart’s Bedford house kitchen were published. Now, half a decade later, gray has overtaken the all-white or black-and-white “Something’s Gotta Give” movie kitchen that caused such a sensation in 2003. One thing that continues to push gray forward after all this time is the wide range of tones -- from light to dark. What’s … [Read more...]
Mega Storage Kitchen Cabinets
When you have a case of "anti-upperitis," think about mega storage kitchen cabinets instead. A pal of mine coined the term “anti-upperitis” to express her dislike for traditional upper cabinets in kitchens. I don't like upper cabinets either! Without uppers, the question becomes how to create ample kitchen storage space instead? The answer is what I call “mega storage kitchen … [Read more...]
Plum Crazy
1960s plum purple is hitting the walls – sometimes full-strength and sometimes muted. I first noticed two Plummy Dark Rooms -- both in England – but at the time it was difficult to find a plum purple paint if you had the yen. Since then the hues we find among the sweet summer produce in the supermarket have hit the fan decks, upholstery fabrics and accessories. Today, some of … [Read more...]
Inviting Entrance Decor
Designer Steven Gambrel created an inviting outdoor space using unconventional entrance décor pieces. Many covered outdoor areas -- especially deep porches -- lend themselves to attractive entrance décor. And many do decorate back porches, or screened porches, overlook the front entrance since the owner may use it less. While the white shingles and blue shutters of this … [Read more...]
International Kitchen Style
I’ve been thinking about how kitchen style mirrors the pull of old vs. new in our culture. Sometimes a single image sets off an emotion-charged debate. That is especially true of kitchen style which seems to be an odd litmus test of how people feel about things going on beneath the surface of our lives, but one that rings true. Recently, I was surprised by the scorn heaped on … [Read more...]
Alternatives To Wallpaper
Alternatives to wallpaper include common items used to cover walls and create unique rooms. Most prefer to paint, create textured plaster of some kind or purchase wallpaper to cover plain walls. But using a little imagination with alternatives to wallpaper can yield one-of-a-kind results. Large maps were used to cover the walls in this bedroom by Steven Gambrel. The soft … [Read more...]