Well, ask and you shall receive...at least amongst bloggers! I invited you to send me photos of your painted kitchen cabinetry , and I received some beauties!! There is obviously not a tidal wave of folks with painted cabinetry in hues other than white or cream, but I was happy to see that there are others, like me, who enjoy a little colour in the kitchen!! I have come to the realization that painting your cabinetry a definitive colour is not for the faint of heart...it takes a bit of guts, creativity and is definitely not for those who fear committment or for those who have imminent resale on the brain! To that point I can relate: we have sold a number of homes over the years and this is only my second kitchen with painted cabinets in a less neutral shade. The last one sold on the first showing, however, so if I ever sell this home, I am hopeful that my penchant for blue will not be a hindrance. Since I designed my present kitchen's colour scheme for the decorator in me, and not the stager, my fingers are crossed. After all, "it's only paint" as they say!!
kitchen photos (above and below) are from Mary at Little Red House
According to Mary: "You asked for pics of our painted cabinets. Here are a few. Mine are a sort of soft yellow, with an antique glaze on top."
Well, Mary, I think your kitchen looks straight out of a magazine and I'd wrestle you for that apron sink!! Your attention to detail is impeccable and all I can say is: perfection!!
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...and had, in fact, used it as her inspiration for
her own lovely kitchen. She sent me this photo montage to show the design process she went through to achieve the kitchen of her dreams.
I love the red and cream and have had that particular
Better Homes and Gardens photo in my inspiration scrapbook for years! B.J. nailed the look on the head and yet, managed to inject her own great style into the finished room!
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Penny, from Lavender Hills Studio sent me this photo of her painted cabinetry.
In this case, it is not in her kitchen, but her bathroom...same difference, in my opinion. Look at the glorious, red antiquing treatment she gave to her vanity. Knowing Penny, I thought there might be a little mosaic action somewhere, but every artist knows which canvas best suits her! As for painted, mosaic perfection, check out this feast for the eyes...
Wouldn't this look pretty in my kitchen??!!
(photo: Lavendar Hill Studio )
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A black kitchen is not for everyone, but this black kitchen definitely qualifies as gutsy and stylish. I love cream with black, and have done cream, antiqued cabinets combined with a black island in a previous home of ours. I loved it for its simplicity and timeless qualities, but I must confess, I am really enjoying experimenting with more unique colour schemes!
black kitchen photo: source unknown
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This gorgeous kitchen belongs to my brother and sister-in-law. My jaw dropped when I laid eyes on it for the first time this past fall. My sil, Denise, describes the colour of her cabinetry as the peel of a fresh ginger root...and that describes it bang on! Her island is an olivey-green which contrasts beautifully with the earthy yellow shade of the cabinets. Theirs is the kitchen of their dreams!
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Heather from Cottage Dreaming:
"I love painted cabinets. Mine are painted green with an antique wash (bottom half); and the upper half are cream with a wash."...Heather
I cannot believe the decorating talent out here in blogland. Honestly, who knew there was so much inspiration at one's fingertips? For those who (gasp!!) do not buy magazines...I reluctantly admit that there really is no need, if you are willing to do a little bit of blog searching. Just take a look at Heather's (from Cottage dreaming) kitchen. 
~~Sigh~~Isn't this beautiful?? Her painted cabinetry reinforces my belief that it is a perfect alternative to traditional cabinetry finishes.
Happy Monday! Last week went by so quickly! The other day, I clicked over to one of my favorite online stores, Seven and Eight Home. I discovered the store is temporarily off-line, but the home used to showcase their wares is displayed. The photographer or photographers, I'm not really sure; is Graham Atkins-Hughes. The house is called Location 78. I don't have too much more info. about it...I am not completely sure that it is actually a real home or just a set. Regardless, this dramatic moody house would suite me just fine.
Currently, one of my favorite design details is the use of ornate ceiling medallions. I especially love when they are used with contemporary light fixtures. I've been considering adding a detail like this to my bedroom. I would love to see such a beautiful detail, first thing in the morning!
The total absence of personal details, makes me think this is not a real home, but the simplicity of design is what I fantasize about! I wish I could live with a minimal amount of furniture and objects. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to do that yet. I realize most people don't want to live without furniture, but I think everyone can appreciate the beauty of this home, anyway.
She emailed me that she, too, had found inspiration from this 
despite continual refurbishment, it was decided that the hotel needed a full
the historic hotel's
