A little Zhush in a kitchen

It's a common problem: you bought the house in spite of a dated kitchen, but the renovation is a couple years off at best.  A client came to me recently with just this issue.  She didn't want to spend a bunch of money, but she couldn't stand being in her dated, drab, and unfinished kitchen.

Nothing a little zhushing can't help, right?

The floor is currently a linoleum tile in a peachy/terra cotta color.  Cabinets are going pale taupey grey, and walls white.  I gave her three looks with new hardware, lighting for over a built-in table (2 lighting options in each board--statement and simple), an outdoor rug to cover a good portion of the floor, and cafe curtains for a cheerful look that doesn't block too much light.

Look 1:

Look 2 (minus the valance on the cafes!):

Look 3:

Paint is happening now.  It will be fun to share the before and after!  

And as always, it is amazing what a little paint and fabric can do to lift a space.

Hope your week is off to a good start!

Mint Barstools

I was just about to suggest to a client that we go mint on the barstools in a largely white and wood kitchen. Thinking it might feel like a risk, I went looking for inspiration shots to share.  Turns out, there are lots!  Are mint barstools a thing?

I love that this fresh and unexpected color actually works in a variety of styles:

Home Beautiful Magazine, via decor8.com

via Mackenzie Pages

via ninahans.com

via The Design Files

Rosa Beltran Design

Barstools are such a fun place to bring in interest, especially in an open-concept kitchen/great room.  An unusual color, material, or shape can go a long way to personalizing one of the more difficult rooms to decorate.

Would you go a little crazy with a barstool choice?

Happy Monday, friends.