As I mentioned yesterday in my Life Lately update, we are about to embark on a renovation of sorts… well, we haven’t quite worked out which parts of our renovation we are starting with due to endless budget adjustments, but we are doing some work and it’s the very first time we’ve done anything like this.
Needless to say I’m super excited about designing my dream home… and then completely overwhelmed at the same time when it comes to all the decisions this type of project involves. WOW. Not only do you have to take your own style into account, but also your partner’s, your practical needs and your budget. And that’s just the beginning. Then you have to make choices on counter tops, plug points, lights, switches, taps, mixers, baths, toilets, tiles, flooring etc etc etc. It goes on and on.
For someone like me who has a pretty good idea of what she likes, it’s still hectic. Who knew there were so many types of taps???
I’m meeting with our kitchen lady on Monday and she said to come prepared… the best I know how is Pinterest. I signed up in the first few months of the site launching and was prolific for a while, but this this blog took over and I couldn’t do both. Pinterest is a notorious time machine that meant I had to give it up… until now. I think I’m addicted again and it’s only been one night!
So to help me get a bit of clarity about what I like here are some of the beautiful kitchens that caught my eye…
Can you see my style emerging… I think this is a good start. Obviously I love natural wood, open shelving, white, grey, charcoal, metro tiles…
Let me know what you think!!
And if you have any renovations tips they would be MOST WELCOME round about now!
Hi there Kathryn – as you know Interiors is not only our thing, but our profession as well. It is just the kinda stuff that gets my juices flowing. Looking through your images I would say that you have managed to access your style – which we would term as being ‘ contemporary country style’ kitchen. It is that combination of rustic, natural wooden finishes, stone tops and painted cupboards. The cupboard doors have that contemporary ‘shaker’ style and then of course you seem to be drawn to the Butler’s sink. Let’s not forget the open rustic shelves.
I totally love this style and would do it in my house given the chance. it is comfortable to live with, homely, warm paint colours – inclusive and trendy at the same time as being timeless.
Piece of advise – when it comes to renovation, builders, kitchen etc – take your time in deciding on the finishes & all details. check plans and sign off only once your are happy. The biggest headache – Always – is time-frames. Meaning that the builders and kitchen peeps are notorious for running over time. It is far better to set a time frame, but don’t hold to tightly to them. Allow a measure of flexibility – if only for your sanity and for the longevity of the relationship with your workmen.
Lastly – renovating a kitchen is very stressful for the home owner. Only from this point of view – your day to day routine is thrown totally out of whack. You have to cook else where, wash up in the bath etc etc. Life goes on in the household and initially, you will feel the strain. I would say – it’s time for regular health take outs for meals. Forewarned is forearmed. That in and of itself can be an opportunity of making this a fun and exciting as possible. Take care and all the very best.
Hi Rose. Thanks so much for your well thought out comment! It is so helpful to have someone of your calibre give your input and I so appreciate it. I think I’m getting somewhere with the kitchen decisions… so many decisions to make! From what I’ve heard – from yourself and others – I think it’s probably best for us to move out considering how much chaos we are about to unleash! Will def keep in touch with you if I get stuck for ideas. xx
Hey there Kathryn – all good about the input. It comes naturally to me. I am real happy to hear you are feeling a bit more comfortable with where you are at. It is just plain exciting actually. I think that you are heading in the right direction when you say you are considering ‘ moving out’. Take care and enjoy the ride.
Oh my word….I love 99% of the kitchen’s you’ve chosen. Pretty much similar to what I hope to do when i can afford to renovate one day! Can’t wait to see some before and after pics 🙂
Contemporary country style..now I know what it’s called.