Dreaming of a White Kitchen...

I’m always designing, writing about and thinking about kitchens.  It’s what I do.  Today I started thinking about what MY dream kitchen would look like and thanks to our uber talented design pals over at houzz.com I think I found it.

It’s this stunning kitchen by Shannon Pepper Designs in New Zealand.  Not only is it a visual pleasure, but it would also be a blast to cook in!  It features glossy white cabinetry with contemporary slab fronts, white marble counters and a stunning red painted glass backsplash.  I’m loving how the red is picked up by the bar stools too.  I love, love, love.  I wonder if she calls this “Pepper Red”?  If not, she should!  

I also love the contrasting cabinetry in the adjacent bar. Now for me I must confess I would tweak just a couple of things because that’s what I do.  I take a dream and I tailor-make it to suit YOU.  But wait we were talking about me today!  I would have run that HOT “Pepper Red”  backsplash all the way up behind the hood and I would have lowered those upper cabinets because I’m short and because it would give me more storage.  Something like this:dreamAs they say, a girl can dream.  Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and tons of beauty, love, health and prosperity in the new year!! Thanks for reading Kitchens for Living.  XOXOXOX 

Furniture Islands Lend Style & Function to the Kitchen

If you've always wanted the convenience and look of a kitchen island within your budget, today may be your lucky day-after-St. Patrick's Day! One of the perks of writing a design blog is all the press releases that come my way. I'm always being informed on where to go to find the latest for greatest function, design and value. Furniture  kitchen islands by Jeffrey Alexander found their way into my inbox and caught my eye.  Here are a couple of my favorites.Hardware Resources, maker of exceptional cabinet hardware and a diverse line of goods including decorative carved wood products, kitchen islands and bath furniture, debuts the captivating kitchen Jeffrey Alexander Loft Island. Designed to perfection, the island gives extra space for storage while increasing counter work area for cooking prep.Cabinet hardware and accessory maker Hardware Resources,  debuts the Jeffrey Alexander Loft Island.  I love it because it packs a whole lot of function and storage into such a small foot print!  It's 36" wide by 24" deep.  The furniture look easily blends into an existing kitchen and no plumbing or wiring are required!  It comes in Aged Black or sophisticated French White Designed to perfection, the island gives extra space for storage while increasing counter work area for cooking prep. The butcher block top is optional. If contemporary is more your cup of tea. Jeffrey Alexander also makes this island called, of course, The Contemporary. This one is a bit larger at 54" by 34", butcher block top optional.

If contemporary is more your cup of tea. Jeffrey Alexander also makes this island called, of course, The Contemporary. This one is a bit larger at 54" by 34" and features 6 working drawers, 3 on each side.  The butcher block top is optional.   Click here to view the many other furniture island options.

 

           

Show House Features Tropical Island Living

This year's show house features a bird’s eye view of the intracoastal waterwayI hope all you peeps up north survived the blizzard without too much hardship.  As a public service to you I thought I'd serve up so toasty tropical visions to thaw you out.  Read on!  Here in South Florida we’re currently experiencing a phenomenon called “The Season”.  November through April can be referred to as the season.  Our population swells with snowbirds, the weather is usually beautiful and it’s when all the big events seem to happen.  One annual tradition is our very own Red Cross Designer's Show House.  Both local and national design talent converge to show us their creative skill.  This year’s house is located in the historical West Palm Beach neighborhood known as SoSo (South of Southern Blvd) The theme this year is Tropical Island Living.  Each designer, or design firm, is given a room.  They can do whatever they want as long as it fits the theme.  Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co. was asked to build some custom cabinetry for the Master Bedroom Suite by Gary McBournie Inc.  We were thrilled with what we were able to contribute and to be a part of this high profile and worthwhile event.  I recently had the pleasure of exploring the completed house and I’m so excited to share my favorites!  Without further ado, Kitchens for Living does the 2013 American Red Cross  Designer’s Show House.This is the master bedroom by Gary McBournie, Inc. The cute corner dressing table is by Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co.This custom built vanity, also by Brendan Donovan Master bath suite by Gary McBournie, Inc. Furniture & Cabinet Co. conceals a steam shower unit!  This living room had a definite global vibe which is a hallmark of Jennifer Garrigues Interior DesignKitchen cabinets were a stylish taupe gray color. I really liked the horizontal bead board on the island. I think this detail makes the bead board look "island" rather than "country". The kitchen was by NXG StudioBeverage center in the kitchen with perfectly coordinated glass tile ALL THE WAY UP! Close up of those backsplash tiles I love in the kitchen!I spy the dining room! This is the view from the kitchen. The dining room was an under-the-sea dream. Check out those bubbles! This room was by Mary Masri, MMDesigns, LLCIn island living the outside is just as important as what's indoors. This outdoor pool area is by Daryl McCann, Gregory Lombardi Design, Inc.Back to the master bedroom because I just had to show you this highly original fireplace surround. Reminds me of Gilligan's Island, no?  I love this chest of drawers located in the Artist/Writer's Studio by Joseph Pubillones Interiors, Inc. It's actually made from recycled wood flooring samples. How clever!Here's how those drawers fit into the landscape of the room. This fun art was located in my favorite of all the rooms, the guest suite. Alas I do not know who the artist is but the room was beautifully executed by Kevin Marnell and Joseph Cortes of Homelife Interiors here in West Palm Beach.I love the earthy tones accented by peachy corals. Another view ( I told you I love it) I want the rug too, by the way.This cute corner is a closet transformed to a martini bar! It's located in the study by Lisa Erdmann & AssociatesThis is a nifty area called the Cocktail Cabana by Melody Smith Interiors. It's a cozy room in which to relax and it opens out to a deck with intracoastal water views. Melody Smith, in situ. I'd say she goes with her room. This stunning mirror is a focal point in the Cocktail Cabana.On the deck we were surrounded by lush tropical foliage and a backdrop of the intracoastal.The Designer Show House is open to the public through Saturday February 23rd, so there's still time to catch it.  General admission tickets are $30 (for a good cause) and you can get them on line here.

KITCHEN ISLAND TIME

Hi there! I’m Joanna, a writer for Design Shuffle, an online portal for all things interior design from interior designer portfolios to engaging articles on the latest design trends. I am so lucky to be able to spend my days discovering the most beautiful interior design ideas on the web and bringing them to share on blogs such as this one. Thank you Kitchens for Living for allowing me to post today on kitchen islands.The center of activity in the kitchen often centers around the kitchen island, especially if it is designed to accommodate chairs or stools. This gathering place keeps the family and guests together with the home chef while he or she is preparing the meal. Kitchen islands come in as many varieties as cabinets and counter tops—practically endless choices. Take a look at some of my favorite kitchens and islands. Which do you like the best?Kitchen IslandA beautifully appointed kitchen boasts a lovely kitchen island paired with white leather and brad trimmed counter chairs. Wouldn’t it be so nice to take a seat and visit with the chef while he or she cooks?Kitchen IslandThis rustic, gray island is given an industrial feel by equipping it with rollers. Another industrial element can be found in the aluminum work stool pulled up to the island.Kitchen IslandA massive kitchen island seats no less than six people. This is the perfect space for any meal. The woven chairs are so unusual and gorgeous. Getting any kitchen design ideas?Kitchen IslandA Tuscan kitchen features an extra large island flanked on either end by a traditional style lamp. For its size, it could accommodate more seating than just the three counter stools shown here.Kitchen IslandLove, love, love this style of kitchen island. It looks as if they took a small sideboard and just added an extended wood top to accommodate seating and an eating area. Lots of decorating ideas can be found here.Kitchen IslandCount them, not one but two islands! I love this look and would be as happy as apple pie to be the home chef of this kitchen. Does this inspire any decorating ideas?Kitchen IslandWouldn’t you love to cook up your favorite recipe in this sleek and crisp white kitchen? The island and cabinetry feature the current design trend of brass hardware.Kitchen IslandThis ornate kitchen island is as gorgeous as it is useful. The carving and robin’s egg blue of the ‘legs” fits so nicely with the rest of the tile and cabinetry in the space. Many of my favorite kitchen designs include lovely chandeliers like this one.  Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8Craving even more design inspiration? Then visit Design Shuffle! You can explore the history of interior design and browse through the portfolios of Boston interior designers and more!