I've been putting it off for a while, but I think its time to refresh our kitchen, maybe this summer? Nothing too major, nothing structural, just a bit of an aesthetic update. It might be as straight-forward as a cabinet facelift, and rethinking the kitchen island situation. New paint color? Not sure yet. I think changing those two or three things could change the space dramatically, for the better. So, I'm starting to mull it over, and there are some considerations. Our kitchen has a cozy footprint, and dramatic high ceilings. The building is a historic Victorian built in the 1890s, which impacts what will work, and what won't. Like, no crazy terrazzo ;) Generally speaking, I'm thinking clean lines, but not cold. I like some of the fresh and trendy color-blocking and materials, but probably wouldn't commit to anything permanent - tile, counters, etc. I think we'd rather bring in those elements through easy elements like plates, planters, and paint. So! Some current inspiration:

1. Beautiful, distinctive marble island surrounded by white cabinets. Love this. Blakes London kitchen.

2. This Peter Ivens kitchen. I love the cutting board extending straight from the countertop, brilliant. Also, the contrasting natural materials, and the marble open shelving, really beautiful.

3. I love the flush cabinets, and the mix of open / closed shelving in this Mason St. Peter kitchen. Also, all the natural tones.

4. White on white on white with a kiss of metallic - featured on Design*Sponge. When you pull back you get an excellent pop of green as well.

5. I love the plush, color-pop elements of the SHUGGA bar stool and then the chairs in the Massimo Adario designed kitchen. In both cases, a bit of softness in the kitchen (which is often all about hard floors, hard counters, and hard angles)...

6. I love the idea of putting new fronts on our existing cabinets. Have a look at these shots featuring Custom Fronts. You can put their fronts on Ikea wardrobes, cabinets, and the like...

7. I love this Rose Uniacke designed kitchen from her Pimlico House restoration. The scale and layout of the space is very similar to our kitchen, with the same window and natural light. I like to refer to this photo because it helps me imagine our kitchen in a different way, even though the main elements are very similar.

I also spotted this version of the same space (pre-renovation?), minus the island - showing an alternative take on how the kitchen might feel minus the architectural element of the central island.

Continue reading 10 Beautiful Pictures That Will Make You Want to Reboot Your Kitchen...