Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Soothing



Plain English


Plain English

I've been knee deep in a kitchen renovation project.  I do hope that you find these images as pleasing as I do.  I'm a bit obsessed with English kitchens right now.  There is something about them that is just soothing.  Do the English dream of an "American" kitchen?  I doubt it.  What do you say, Europafox and you other UK stalkers?

English or not, what do you find soothing in a kitchen?  
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Speaking of our across the pond friends, a special over-due thank you goes out to Europafox for giving me the Friends Award.  I'm honored!  Thank you so very much!

22 comments:

  1. Wow. These kitchens are just about perfect

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  2. considering my still unchallenged claim as the holder of "the tiniest kitchen on the face of the earth," what I would would find most soothing is space.
    these kitchens make me long for the day when I could set freshly baked cookies out to cool on the kitchen counter . . . and not on the cocktail table in my study . . . lol.

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  3. dreamy ~ soothing kitchens are full of clean counter space, and a place to prepare and break our daily bread along with good and bad moments.
    A place to share one's life, a room to hold us, sustain us and inspire us to nourish one amongst others.

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  4. I love English bespoke kitchens too! Something about that cottagey cabinetry that makes my heart go pitter-patter.

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  5. These are so charming and cozy- the large island is a great gathering place!

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  6. i would like to move in tomorrow.. so wonderful and simple... classic..

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  7. AHHHHHHHH! Very nice, makes me want to cook something up!!
    Blessings,
    Robin

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  8. I want that kitchen!!!! so BEAUTIFUL!

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  9. I did a very English kitchen for a client a couple of years ago. Wooden floors and an Aga. It was one of the favourite things I've done! Of course, now I want my very own Aga. Nothing like them!!

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  10. Congratulations on your award! Beautiful kitchens too :)

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  11. i'm in love with the 1st kitchen! the soft colors, chandelier, painted cabinets...dreamy!

    i think i too, would love more space for my kitchen. (who doesn't?) we live in what they call the old "catalog homes" (92 yrs old.) so i would l-o-v-e to have more space. i love hardwood floors in a kitchen, and anything with soft painted cabinets, i find very soothing and comfort to my soul.

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  12. GSG - thank goodness your back! Missed you.

    These kitchen images make me want to take gasoline and a match to mine. Simply gorgeous.

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  13. Wow I want one of those kitchen! They are almost too pretty for lots of cooking!

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  14. beautiful kitchens.....

    i am glad you are back .
    xx

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  15. I am so happy to have found your lovely, lovely blog.
    now i am off to peruse...
    xo

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  16. English kitchens always appear to be quiet and relaxing. Utilitarian but soft and easy on the eyes. I have never seen a stove or oven with that creamy finish. That to me is the most unusual thing about the first photo. Is almond the only US equivalent?
    Beautiful post!
    Lisa

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  17. Soothing is a proper description. Soothing is a Aga stove, a nice tea pot, a dualit toaster and china.
    Do I have all that, not quite. One can dream!

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  18. Well, I must admit, I don't really find the kitchen soothing! Although I am an experienced and adept cook, I don't enjoy cooking and often my experience in the kitchen is coming home from a long afternoon of carpool here there and everywhere, and whipping together a meal. I really should plan ahead more often!

    However, from an aesthetic perspective, a soothing kitchen is a scrupulously clean kitchen. That means white, crisp, functional.

    My mother's side of the family is from the UK, and I often think about my aunt's kitchen. I must ask her to email me a photo. It is simple and not very big - no huge kitchen islands or anything like that - but she has a great big Aga stove/oven, and a lovely window over the sink that looks out at the garden in the back. I don't even recall seeing any overhead cabinets - that seems so European to me. She is an expert cook, and makes the most marvelous meals from this kitchen. My aunt and uncle eat out perhaps 4 times a year, that's it. They lead wonderful rich lives, and enjoy every day!

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  19. I came back to peek at those kitchens again. After reading the last couple of comments, i am now going to check out Aga Stoves.
    You have such smart readers!
    Take care,
    Lisa

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  20. I love Plain English. I always tear out their ads in mags from the UK. so pretty!

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  21. I love the colours of those two kitchens, I think that's what gives them the calming and soothing effect. I've been thinking of fixing up our kitchen and I might just go for some sort of beige/grayish colour combination!

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