I could make it easy and choose all the traditional things -white cabinets, counters…pedant lights, farm house sink, subway backsplash, etc. I love all of those elements! However, after traveling to Europe and also pouring over of kitchen ideas, I have begun to say why not think out of the box? I don’t want trendy, but I want something uniquely mine and kinda cool and something that won’t look dated.
One thing I have been avoiding is Pinterest and a few other sites. The same images or look alike images are shared so many zillions of times and things start to look all the same. The homogenization of Pinterest and somewhat of Instagram, has been a pet peeve of mine. They all look the same…Or variations of the same. It gets really monotonous and I think will look very dated in a short time. Houzz has more variations and ideas, but most adhere to a traditional look or a modern one.
The only solution is to forge your own style and look, so where to get ideas? The MLS is one good spot as real estate listings have such a diversity. I also find European kitchens more inspiring as they seem to appreciate quirkiness, take more chances and don’t care for the model home look as we Americans fawn over.
In that spirit I am sharing some of the more unique kitchens I’ve been loving and I say you only live once…Take chances and dare to be different.
If you like this, Ben’s blog has more of the parsonage he shares with his husband Charlie in Dorset. I love the way he mixes it all and makes it beautiful.
Some other antidotes to the usual… Yes I love white shaker cabinets and white counters, but it’s good to see other options right?
This kitchen is the work of the Luigi Fragola design firm in Florence, Italy.
So is this…
I’m crazy about the color of the cabinets and the floor and what wonderful cabinetry.
One thing my designer Debbie says to me is that I would live in glass house if I could and she’s right. I crave light and can never get enough. I especially love a garden outside. This kitchen surrounded by a garden is dreamy.
So is this..
I thought I might be able to model the layout of my kitchen after this one. The bank of windows, lamp on the counter (makes it so cozy) and the glass doors to the pantry or office are all things I would hope to do. However, I may now be moving my kitchen to an entirely different space, so the layout would not be like this.
How about rock for the backsplash? Sorry no original link to this so if someone knows please tell me. Originally found on Pinterest.
I also love a mix of modern design and a fancy chandelier…
Jasper Conran’s kitchen has always been a favorite with it’s steel counters combined with the traditional.
Another mix of rustic, modern and classic elements by Rose Uniacke.
The beams look traditional and the dark windows are modern. I’d like a black, natural wood or even a blue hued island. Via Elements of Style.
I’m also partial to the grey blue tones.
Another mix here by Kristin Buckingham.
This kitchen by Windsor Smith has been seen everywhere, but I still love it! I believe this is actually a very dark navy paint that is almost black, but with the light of the kitchen, the marble and all her silver it still feels light.
Another color that is just starting to be seen more in kitchens is pink and this tone is almost a neutral.
I’m digging her apron too. Oh kitchen trends!
Here I am complaining about trends and choices when I found this gem of Julia Child in her Paris kitchen. I forgot how tall she was! I will not complain about my back hurting when I see what she had to deal with. Apparently it didn’t hinder her cooking abilities.
