My Dream Kitchen

I have been dreaming of my new kitchen for some time. Both my husband and I love to cook and the kitchen has always been a socialising area for us. And after spending so much time in a makeshift kitchen the thought of it has been my mecca... my promised land... my reward. A little bit 'OTT' but oh well. I am just that excited.

I have always loved the look of marble and when Caesarstone brought out the new Calacatta Nuvo. I literally fell in love. The kitchen design then took form around making this stone a feature on the kitchen island bench.

Calacatta Nuvo, Caesarstone

 

My brief was that I wanted space, clean lines, white cupboards, timber 'look' floors as well as splashes of black and chrome. I spent more time than I would like to admit pouring over home magazines and Pinterest. I cut, pasted and pinned. I find mood boards are a great tool. They give you such as sense of what it is you are trying to achieve. It really helped me translate what I wanted to the kitchen guys.

Subway tiles have always been a draw card for me. Both in the bathrooms and in the kitchen. I like their simplicity. And the idea of having a walk in pantry with a place to put everything, after having things in storage for so long, is almost unimaginable.

I thought a lot about the space. Not just the aesthetics but its practicality. I wanted to be able to cook on the stove, with my pots and pans and utensils within easy reach. I wanted the kids to be able to get access to the fridge or set the table without being underfoot. Predominantly I wanted to be part of what was happening around me as I do so.

You can check out my inspiration boards at Pinterest using the link at the top of the page. Happy Pinning.

Boys Bedroom

I am having fun creating the concepts for my kids' bedrooms in the new house and have been gathering inspiration from a number of sources including Pinterest and my favourite mags.

I can clearly see the rooms in my head but in order to share my vision I have found mood boards helpful. At the moment I am putting together my son’s. He adores all things orange and has done so since I can remember. A year or so ago I came across a vintage replica print of TinTin orange in a magazine, so I copied it and put it in a folder. Yes...I still gather images old school and love my Kikki K My Dream Home folder of clippings and images. I thought the print would be a great focal point for his room.

Now as luck or fate would have it I was walking along the Left Bank in Paris earlier this year (heading towards Shakespeare & Company – but that’s another story ) and there it was. Hanging in a green vendor’s trolley. I had to buy it even if it was just for the story on how it came to be.

So I have the print. Yet to be framed but still wanting to use it as the focal point in his room.
 

Existing Tall Boy                                             For the desk, three powder coated stools in red, green and blue

Creating an above desk lighting system from painted plumbers pipe and multi bulb hanging pendants 

Using timber panelling for the desktop and a blue/grey colour scheme

I am yet to consider a rug and he has a number of other prints and toys which will take pride and place but a good start I think.

Happy planning.

Planning the new kitchen

For me the kitchen is one of the most important areas in our home. It’s our hub. Where we meet, hang out, create and share. So when designing our new home, careful thought needs to be given to the kitchen.

What inspires me...

don't you just love the grey cupboard! 

 Love the contrasting cupboard colours

And what can I say, I just adore linens



Have a lovely Friday!

Loves...Pinterest

It is becoming my Sunday morning ritual to find a nice quiet place on the property, set myself up with a cup of tea and my laptop and browse inspirational images on Pinterest.

With focus now on building our home, here are some of my new home loves....



 http://www.pinterest.com/growsimplelovel

 

 

Happy Sunday