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Archive for August 2009

Cool Kitchen: Oak Street Sophisticated

I haven’t featured a cool kitchen from Flickr in a while, so I was thrilled to stumble across this one from reebob‘s Oak Street set last week. To me this looks like a kitchen makeover done right: the space treads a perfect line between modern and traditional. 

Cool Kitchen: Oak Street Sophisticated

Cool Kitchen: Sophistication on Oak Street

Painting the lower units grey and the upper ones white creates a sense of space here; your eye is drawn upwards. This monochromatic colour scheme continues with the stainless steel appliances, grey striped rug and white pendant light. Of course, the hardwood floors, chic subway tile and marble countertops don’t hurt the sophistication factor, either.

Etsy finds: four favourites

Since today’s a holiday for many of us, I decided I wouldn’t do a full-on shop feature. Instead, I’m sharing four Etsy favourites from the past week. Happy (holiday) Monday, everybody! 

I first saw Brookish‘s mugs over at The Kitchn. I’m a huge Pride and Prejudice fan, so I love this In vain I have struggled... mug:

Etsy finds: four favourites

These vinyl wall decals are perfect for a kitchen, from Household Words

Etsy finds: four favourites

I love the colour of ceramicpix‘s porcelain pitcher

Etsy finds: four favourites

Practical, whimsical and just plain lovely, the Ballooning in Style tea towel from Juniper Drive

Etsy finds: four favourites

Flickr finds: Finnish Breakfast

Check out these lovely breakfast photos from fjoms. Immediately drawn in by the colour and light, I fell a little harder when I saw they were from a set entitled Finland. Happy Friday, everybody! 

Flickr finds: Finnish Breakfast

Flickr finds: Colour, light, place

Flickr finds: Colour, light, place

Flickr finds: Colour, light, place

Home Inspiration: Country Kitchens

From the modern loft kitchens of last week, to their distant relative: this week, it’s the country kitchen’s turn. My dream one has a huge Aga, a solid oak table and some twee checked curtains. It just makes you want to bake a pie, doesn’t it? 

I figured Country Living magazine was a good place to start, and I wasn’t wrong. I love the calming colours in this space, not to mention all the cute retro touches:

home inspiration: country kitchens

From the same source, this kitchen is pure American country. I like how the mismatched colours and textures look so authentic in the space:

home inspiration: country kitchens

From country to Coastal Living, a gorgeous beach house kitchen. I’m especially loving the gingham ceiling and the lovely copper pans:

home inspiration: country kitchens

I like this space, from the photostream of thekitchendesigner, for its moody minimalism. It’s country, but modern at the same time: 

home inspiration: country kitchens

From the same source but on the other end of the scale, this country kitchen is pure elegance. The marble-topped counter, blue units and huge fireplace make me think of a French villa:

home inspiration: country kitchens

Ahh… a checked floor, a wooden island and a blue Aga. This kitchen is country at its best, from house to home:

home inspiration: country kitchens

Look: Bodum kitchen ware

I was in John Lewis last week, searching for a pie plate (and just why is it so difficult to find a simple, attractive pie plate?), when I came across something that surprised me. Lost among the food-storage jars, I noticed a tall, sleek number by Bodum. I was under the impression that Bodum only made tea- and coffee- related products, but it turns out I’ve been in the dark. The Danish company now turns out a whole range of kitchen products, and I’ve picked out my favourites from the online shop.

I won’t be replacing my Dualit model with it, but I like that this rubber-sided toaster comes in eight cool colours:

look: bodum kitchen ware

I’m a sucker for mugs of all kinds, especially those that blend form and function as well as this:

look: bodum kitchen ware

I don’t know very many people who keep nuts around for guests, but I do like the look of this sleek nut cracker and bowl:

look: bodum kitchen ware

A large (4-cup) glass measuring jug is one of my kitchen must-haves, and I use mine every day. It’s not nearly as good-looking as this one, though: 

look: bodum kitchen ware

I’m somewhat against using paper napkins, but this napkin holder is so stylish- maybe it would work for cloth ones:

look: bodum kitchen ware

It’s not a huge leap from the original Bodum offerings, but if this Chocolatiere doensn’t make you crave cooler weather, nothing will:

look: bodum kitchen ware

Cool Kitchen: Grown-up Scandinavian

I was tipped off to Swedish home mag Hus & Hem by Holly of decor8 fame. After she posted several gorgeous photos from the site, I knew I had to check it out. Of course I don’t understand a word written (beyond figuring out that kök must mean kitchen), but I sure enjoy looking at the photos of lovely Scandinavian design!

Cool Kitchen: Grown-up Scandinavian

At first glance, I didn’t think this kitchen was my style: it’s posh, polished, and a little too “grown-up” for my tastes. But I kept coming back to it, and began to notice the little details that make it fresh. The shiny, continuous backsplash looks newer than a tiled one, and the touches of black are unexpected and edgy. Also, is that a tulle light fixture? I so need one of those.

Etsy finds: Oven Mitts

Every kitchen needs a pair, right? And unless you prefer those frightening silicone ones, they might as well look nice. Check out these offerings from Etsy

This pair from Vintage Hotcakes is made out of a vintage tea towel:

etsy finds: oven mitts

I’ve featured the girlscantell shop before, and I still love the illustrated oven mitts. This Joy of Cooking version is perfect for foodies: 

etsy finds: oven mitts

For full-on vintage kitsch Cath Kidston-style, this Roses oven mitt from City Chic Country Mouse will do the job: 

etsy finds: oven mitts

This Selection of Tea oven mitt from Teri’s Treasure has the cutest print, and nice colours, too:

etsy finds: oven mitts

I like the cheerful print of this flowered pair from feet up furnishings (there are potholders and a tea cozy to match, too!):

etsy finds: oven mitts

Flickr finds: Picnics

Happy Friday, everybody! I’m in a picnic mood today, and just as well. We’re having one tomorrow, and most of my day is earmarked for menu planning, food shopping and cooking. If ours turns out half as nice as these found via Flickr, I’ll be happy.

Brunchy goodness, from ephemerama

flickr finds: picnics

I love the look of everything in this picnic by ilandil:

flickr finds: picnics

lynn‘s rustic beach picnic takes me back:

flickr finds: picnics

Simple and delicous-looking, neil cummingspicnic is beautiful:

flickr finds: picnics

This Italian-themed picnic from Rubber Slippers in Italy is a little more high-brow than some, and all the better for it:

flickr finds: picnics

A spare but gorgeous grouping of picnic snacks, from cafemama:

flickr finds: picnics

Home Inspiration: Loft Kitchens

Though I love traditional, period buildings, a little part of me has always wanted to live in a loft. A huge, light-flooded open space with exposed brick and industrial fixtures- what’s not to love about that? Especially when you consider how great some of these loft kitchens are…

From the photostream of ooh_food, I like the colourful, slap-dash feeling of this space. The units look reclaimed to me, and the bright touches are so fun:

home inspiration: loft kitchens

The feeling of this space from Living etc is traditional, but the brick and stainless steel keeps it from looking stuffy:

home inspiration: loft kitchens

I like how this modern kitchen, found via Apartment Therapy, has been tucked into the corner. The stainless steel and yellow units work well together, giving just the right mix of industrial and fun:

home inspiration: loft kitchens

This kitchen isn’t my favourite, but that wall of windows is to die for. From the same source, this space is a good example of how a traditional kitchen can work in an untraditional space:

home inspiration: loft kitchens

From Marie Claire Maison, this light-flooded space is pretty close to perfect in my book. I like the white, the wood and the modest, Scandinavian feel: 

home inspiration: loft kitchens

Via the same source and just as authentic, this loft has a completely different feel, with lots of black touches and a chic, industrial look:

home inspiration: loft kitchens

Product round-up: Bento

The trend toward bento-style lunches has been well documented in recent years. Equally suitable for kids and adults, it’s a fantastic way to eat. As someone who doesn’t love various parts of her meal “touching” (no, I never really grew out of that phase), I’m particularly drawn to it. Not to mention how awesme some of these things look. 

From one of my favourite companies, Sigg, I like these colourful aluminum snack boxes. I’ll take the blue one, please:

bento lunch boxes

For the lunch minimalist, Muji‘s plain white Bento box is simple and unobtrusive:

bento lunch boxes

The Zojirushi Mr. Bento Lunch Jar is a more grown-up take on the trend, but it’s still pretty neat looking. If this review from The Kitchn is anything to go by, it works well, too: 

bento lunch boxes

It might be a big big for one person (more suitable for a picnic, maybe), but Plastica‘s tiffin-style Bento Box is colourful and dishwasher-safe: 

bento lunch boxes

I found the child-friendly Goodbyn lunchbox on Swiss Miss the other day. Possibly my favourite of the bunch, it’s fun, practical and eco-friendly. It might be for kids, but I want one!

bento lunch boxes

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