Wednesday, December 11, 2013

A Cottage Style Kitchen


This Cottage Style Kitchen is my "real" kitchen. I know , lol, its been a long time since I posted about a life size kitchen. But this blog is my little journal and this is what's new and happening this month. I get very "nesty" during the holidays and I'm on a couple week break from mini making because there will be lots of company coming, and entertaining to do in a week or so, so it was time for a little update in the real home :)

As some of you know, I really loved my kitchen the other way too, but it was feeling a bit old or maybe I should say it was really time for an update. I had the floral rose cottage wallpaper in here for 15 years, and while I loved it and love the color blue, I wanted something very simple, very vintage and lots of white with natural wood tones for a change.

After the holidays I plan on adding lots of fresh pink roses and greenery from a beautiful set of topiary's I've ordered, but for now , this will do till I finish the final details after the holidays.... If you haven't toured a real kitchen from me in a long time, hold on to your hats, lol, there's a lot of pics. I hope you enjoy!


Before:


After's:



Everything received a wash of Crisp Linen White and soft Cookie Creams...And a new pair of curtains in a beige burlap fabric was just what it needed :) I also stripped the kitchen farm table and brought it back to it's natural wood tone, leaving the base white as I wasn't about to tackle that one :) Luckily that was the look I wanted anyway.
 



I wanted everything in different versions of cream and white, and I re-used all my vintage inspired pieces and favorite things..A new bakery light fixture was a must have. A perfect companion to my "Every Day is a Holiday" cupcake sign. Jenny is fabulous!


These little mini Christmas trees are here for the holidays, I love scent they have, it's a strong pine and perfect for time by the sink..


I did pick up a few new accessories , I needed to fulfill my love of cutting boards and this sweet little (but very heavy) blackboard was perfect for my other love: cheese :)


I love the simple curtains from France, they have always been a favorite of mine...So I decided this time to use them on the dutch door.


I spy.... a reflection of my Christmas tree :)


I've had these handmade plates from Italy for years now, and now they get front in center in the hutch because they were a wonderful soft cream...



This wall was painted too and I a put a few Aprons from my collection away, so it's a bit less cluttered.
 


The antique hutch on the other wall was filled with colorful pottery and such , but now it's holding a few cookbooks and  mostly white pottery and some great new cutting boards. 




This cutting board below is a favorite of mine, it's from a tree in Vermont and cut to order, so it holds front and center :)


A Little peek at the tree , I'm working on finishing a Christmas post so for now this will do :)
I added white barn doors to a wall that hides an AC, so that most of the time I get to look at pretty doors instead :)



This was my big project and it's still not finished. We replaced the faux fireplace with a Bio-fuel one and I cannot tell you how lovely it is to sit by a real fire!  It crackles, has gorgeous real flames, and gives off perfect heat. And yet, best of all it's vent-less! I wanted the fireplace to go on this wall and it would be impossible to have a chimney here, so this is just what I needed. 


I've got to finish decorating the hearth for Christmas (with a birch log set I'm waiting for) but this is it so far..
I've also ordered a few "mossy" things for the mantel, and a pair of amazing cast iron Sheep from Susan Branch , and then it will me complete.


The above photo is a picture of 2 of my favorite photographs from my childhood. The bottom one is a picture my Father took of my Mother and I on the beach, she's kissing me :) I adore this so much! Having his photos around is so soothing to me. We miss him so much , but all his photos surround me and knowing he's watching over us, makes me happy. The one above it always hung in my house growing up, it's of my Dad as a boy , with his first dog Rex. I adore it. I'm a lover of black and white photography so I was so happy to use these again and over the mantel is the best place to see them every day.



                                 
                              
                               This lamp needed a little pick me up, so I found a fabulous burlap shade.


I hope you enjoyed my little tour. I'm working on the family room that is attached to this kitchen, so as soon as that's complete I'll post pics :) Now it's off to get some Christmas shopping done, and catch up on the day!

Opps, btw, one more thing: If you haven't noticed, I've taken the "less is more" approach to just about everything in my life lol, the blog got a little make-over last week too,and I've added a Pinterest side button , so if you have one or would like to follow me there, come on over! That's about the only thing I've "added" to my less is more life :) But oh my word, it's fun!

Well, from my kitchen to yours, have a happy day friends!!


Big hugs, love and blessings to you through out this Holiday Season!! xox

Cynthia xo


16 comments:

Flora said...

Dear Cynthia,
now I do not know what is real and what is mini size ...
Your miniatures always seem so real that even your home seems like a figment of your work on a smaller scale.
Everything looks fabulous, and I'm sure you spend happy hours with your family during the holidays :-)
I take this opportunity to hand you my best wishes for a Merry Christmas
Lovely hugs,
Flora

Lidy@FrenchGardenHouse.com said...

It all looks beautiful, Cynthia! So warm, fresh and cozy all at the same time. I hope you are enjoying many happy hours in your kitchen during this season.
xo Lidy

Unknown said...

Cynthia, I love your changes. We all need to update from time to time. I happen to be going through things now. I plan to sell a lot, but oh the clippings I've saved through the years! Going through those as well. Plain to SIMPLIFY! Merry Christmas and Many Blessings!!!

One Shabby Old House said...

How pretty everything looks and how thrilled I am to see you blogging agian. I have missed you.
Hugs
Becky

Maritza Miniatures said...

Oh how beautiful, and wonderful Cynthia ... I adore every nook, every corner. My eyes dance and dance around your home filled with so much love and from your heart. You have gorgeous taste!

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Cynthia it's been a long time since I've commented but just wanted to tell you your kitchen looks beautiful! I will be following you on pinterest and I have one too, it's so addictive! Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing more of your holiday decorating :)
Hugs~Kelly

NanaDiana said...

Your REAL kitchen looks absolutely adorable, Cynthia. I am glad you are taking a little break from creating to enjoy your family- xo Diana

Lindsey said...

The white is so fresh and crisp! The blue floral wallpaper was lovely but it certainly made for a more cluttered (but cozy!) feel. I love how open and bright the space is now. Such thoughtful and pretty touches you have put around your house for the holidays! I also am in love with your fireplace. Not only is it gorgeous but it must be super relaxing and comforting in these colder months. Thanks for sharing! :)

Monica said...

Wow!!, is lovely, I love it, but not surprising coming from me to you, to your taste ... it's Beautiful.Merry Christmas everyone.kiss.

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Oh Cynthia it is beautiful. It is you just a new season of you. Beautiful photos too. I miss my father too. Trying to make our holidays festive and full for my mom as well as us. Love your look,
Give yourself a big hug from me!
Debbie

Eemaiva said...

So beautiful kitchen, I would love to cook there, so cozy and so many nice details that I love! =)

Lucille said...

Hi Cynthia! I can see all the love and pride that have gone in your renovations. You have a very cozy home and I love your kitchen. It has character and the island is so original! Your lovely aprons add a most dainty touch of the whimsical. The white cabinet with the glass front is a beautiful piece! I wish I had one like it! I love the artful way in which you have grouped your pottery collection and all your other favourite pieces! The fireplace looks very cozy. It's a wonderful home and one I'm sure your children are always happy to come home to and to Mom's cooking which I'm sure must be delicious! All said, your work is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing it!

Deb said...

Hi Cynthia,
Your kitchen looks really beautiful. I love the leaded glass hutch. Too many nice touches to mention! I tried opening your Pinterest site but it said page not found. I hope it gets fixed as I would love to see your picks.
Merry Christmas & hugs from your Seattle fan,
Debbie

elizabeth s said...

Hi Cynthia! I think that the white linen look for the walls was a Brilliant idea! It helps to unify all the many accessories that you have filled the space with and makes them stand out more! Your kitchen is so Usable and that is what makes it so charming in the first place! I love the re-do in your real life kitchen and all of the little kitchens that you have shown over the past little while! You have an amazing talent!
Enjoy the New Year that is ahead and keep up the Great work that you are doing!

elizabeth

Just a little something from Judy said...

Your changes are so inspiring and so refreshing to me. I am so happy that you posted these changes and I enjoyed reading about your thoughts and reasons as to why you did the changes. What a special way to start my new year, with another visit here to your constantly beautiful blog.
Thank you!
Happy New Year!

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