Could it be? A Country Revival?

(Country Living)

French country kitchen here.  Don't you admire the portraits?  Can't you here the discussion, "Margaux and Louis were relegated to the kitchen.  Wonder what that means?  Wonder why they didn't make it to the dining room?"  Maybe they were the French ancestors.  Another way to dress up the utilitarian space-the crystal chandelier.  Why not?  Life is short.  Enjoy.  Use the "good stuff".  

  

(House Beautiful)

This kitchen seems to have such warmth and history.  I could sit her for quite a while.  This is one of those kitchens that I'd have such fun finding out the story behind each and every object. 

Look.  Another chandelier in the kitchen.  Notice the outdoor cafe chairs--a French picnic in an farmhouse kitchen?

What am I seeing?  A revival of the "warm and cozy" kitchen?  It certainly looks that way.  What do you say?  Take it or leave it?  Are we over the crisp clean utilitarian look?  

  

Thank you!

A long overdue thanks to Southern & Preppy (Preppy 101).  Isn't she a sweetheart?  Thank you, friend!  

When you can, stop by for a visit.  She'll welcome you with open arms!

Marker Miracle

What's wrong with this picture?  

Yes, you are correct.  Never should these two things be near one another.  

Well, they were.  Think toddler.

Guess what?  Marker miracles happen.  

Anyone heard of using hair spray to remove permanent marker?  IT WORKS!

Now I'm wondering what in the world does this spray do to our lungs, or the poor hair dresser?

Have a wonderful, miracle filled weekend!    

Fabulous

(Robb Report)

Gasp!  These are amazingly beautiful rooms.  

Understated, but well textured rooms.  Amelia Handegan you are speaking my language.

“In addition to studying interior design, I majored in art history, which has really influenced the way I approach my work,” says Amelia Handegan.

Humm, that sounds familiar.

English Kitchen Contrast

(Tim Wood)

Here are two bespoke English kitchens that I really find smashing!  They are quite different from one another.  Let's take a look at the two of the a bit closer. 

The first kitchen offers so many layers of interest.  Notice how many textures are involved:

-the walls 

-the wooden cabinetry

-the floors

-the furniture (the chair, in particular)

-the accessories

-the tile backsplash and counters

The second kitchen is very different from the first.  I think it's the simplicity that I find pleasing.  It's clean and straight forward, without being too utilitarian or clinical.  This kitchen has great warmth without sacrificing function.  

I wouldn't be completely honest if I didn't say that the rack/lighting over the island really bothers me.  It's just distracting.  What's going on with those chains?  Cord covers would have made such a difference.  Also, I think I would have hung pots rather than tools.  They look out of scale to me.  Can't you just see a few copper pot up there?  An amazing chandelier would have been my choice--but they didn't ask me.  

Decision time.  If you had to choose, which kitchen would it be--and why?  

I've made up my mind--I think!

British Bespoke Kitchens

(photo Maia C.) (and thank you Henry Ford)

A bit of fantasy here.  The homes and the kitchens featured below don't belong to one another.  

One of our fabulous bloggers from across-the-pond has been so kind to inspire me with thoughts of an English kitchen.  In honor of Europafox, I give you English "handmade" kitchens:

Any of you out there have a blue front door?  

This garden is for Pearls and Grace.  It's got her name on it.

I really like the table in the center of the room.  It makes the people the focus-not the appliances.   Adore the wooden counter tops.

This exterior is for you Tartanscot!  Although, I think you may need something a bit more Scottish! 

(All kitchen by Violet Designs, West Sussex, UK)

Wasn't it refreshing to see a few kitchens that you haven't seen in blog land a million times?  Let's hear it.  What are your likes here?  Any one ohhing and ahhing--or are they just o.k.?  

Pointed Painting

(photo: Pieter Estersohn, design: Josie McCarthy)

So, do you like the color?  I wish I could claim this as my "after" photo, but alas!  

I've spent some time this weekend painting and thinking about Lent.  You know, painting allows for quite a bit of introspection.  

"Am I going to give something up?   Should I give up blogging till Easter arrives?"  

Those thoughts crossed my mind.  Giving up blogging would be a genuine sacrifice for me.  No, I can't do it.  I'd miss all of you!  I do think that I'll add a bit more heart to my posts--and hopefully to my commenting as well.  

I'd like to ask you a few questions.  

1.  Why do you blog?  (Assuming you have a blog--if not, why do you read blogs?)

2.  What do you hope to find when you visit Granny Smith Green--do you find it?

3.  If you gave up blogging (writing and reading), what would you miss?

Now, go find something to paint so you can think about these questions.  Let me know what you come up with.  

Also, don't forget about Pearls and Grace's PEARL EVENT.  It's Sunday night, March 1 at 7:00 PM, in the NYC/tri-state area.  It's not too late to get a seat.  Email her now pearlsandgrace@yahoo.com   It's bound to be a blessing!