Kitchen Design - Round 1

Happy Wednesday everyone. To incorporate my "Wednesday Words of Wisdom" posts, I'm featuring  this signed print my mom gave me a few years ago. She had interior designer Suzanne Kasler sign a page from her book Inspired Interiors, and she wrote, "Hadley, Design makes a difference." click here to read more.

I've always loved this and have it hanging next to my desk, along with my favorite John Derian plate and a small abstract painting from the very talented Sarah Otts.

SO...that being said, on to my kitchen! All-things kitchen related have consumed my mind lately. We're in the process of slightly remodeling our kitchen. I've been dreaming about doing this for years, and our changes are minimal but will make a huge impact. Here's what we want to do:

1) Paint cabinets (probably Benjamin Moore Linen White since it's what I used for my desk cabinets in the kitchen, and I love it)

2) New Countertops

3) New sink/fixtures

4) Subway tile backsplash

5) Add a small island/extension with two stools so that people can sit in the kitchen (and so I can sit with Calder and feed her in her high chair)

Here are some kitchens I keep coming back to. I carry pics of these in my little binder and many of these kitchens I've loved for a  l o n g  time.

 

You'll notice a theme here. I love white kitchens and I love carrara marble. It's what I've always been drawn to and have envisioned in our kitchen someday.  However, I'm still open to suggestions because I am a little worried about the maintenance of marble. BUT, I've also heard (and read) many people say the maintenance is not as bad you'd think and they'd buy carrara marble again. 

I've also researched great marble alternatives (such as Cambria quartz counters in torquay). See this post and picture below for more details. But, I have some slabs in my kitchen, and the marble still takes the cake. we shall see...

Any suggestions and comments are welcomed. I'll definitely post pics as we begin and hope to make some progress soon!

Monday Inspiration: Nailheads

As a follow-up to last My Home Office post, I am still working on my nail head trim backsplash.  In the meantime, I am soaking up every ounce of nail head inspiration that I can possibly find. I hope you enjoy these pictures...AND that adorable picture of my niece, Amelia. Isn't she the cutest thing ever? I am quite the proud godmother!

 images credits: suzanne kasler, phoebe howard, jim howard, lee industries, hickory chair

sunBURST

I know, I know, they are everywhere. But, I can't help myself. I LOVE sunburst mirrors. Whenever I come across a good, wooden gilded sunburst mirror i melt. ahhhh.....I don't own one, but maybe that would help me get it out of my system. For now, I'll just ouuu and awww....

 

 There are all kinds of ways to do it...and I can't believe this chick made her sunburst mirror below. You can see how she did it here.

whether it is BIG or....

or small...

...I love them all!!

{image credits} decorpad, Max and Company, Mrs. Howard, Suzanne Kasler, House Beautiful, Craft Crave,

Revival Uncommon Goods

So I was flipping through one of my favorite magazines, Garden & Gun, last week and stumbled upon one of my favorite home stores, REVIVAL. I've mentioned them before, and have to say it's one of the coolest stores in Chattanooga, not to mention in the South. So excited to see that Revival was featured among their picks for "The South's Best New Shops"! My mom just loves Rodney (pictured above) and Billy and their entire crew...

I got these pics from Revival's Facebook page, and here's what they had to say:
"Although we've been around for a while, GARDEN & GUN included REVIVAL as one of their picks for the "South's Best New Shops" with our re-imagining at WAREHOUSE ROW in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Begun as an antiques store, REVIVAL has morphed its uncommon goods to include luxury gifts, upholstery, casegoods, lighting, vintage and salvage.....all with a distinctly editorial point of view."

They recently hosted one of my favorite designers, Suzanne Kasler, for a book signing. That's my mama below in the gray, getting her book signed!

I'm thrilled to see such great exposure for such a fabulous store!

Oh, and 1 week from today I'll be drawing names from my follower list for the FREE Personalized Stationery GIVEAWAY! Don't wait too long and miss your chance!!

shaded pendants

I love shaded pendants. For some reason, I've always been drawn to them, and I think they make these rooms come alive. They are casual and chic at the same time, and these rooms inspire me to ditch the fan in our den, and add a big drum shade!

{photo credits} house beautiful, phoebe howard, suzanne kasler, coastal living, southern living, restoration hardware

i heart series

I think it's the graphic designer in me, but I love decorating with series. There's something about the symmetry and grid-like order that makes me happy. Don't get me wrong... I like to mix it up as well and too many series can be overdone and boring, but when it's done right, it looks fabulous. Whether it's antique, architectural prints, botanical prints or a framed intaglio series...these images soothe my little designer soul...

{photo credits: suzanne kasler, phoebe howard, cottage living, coastal living, house beautiful, lee industries}