favorite rooms

So for the month of June we're on the move. Since my computer access will be spotty to none with an international move (and ipads and mobile devices are not conducive for blogging- I tried!) I've scheduled posts of my favorite rooms. Click on the image to go to my Pinterest for credits and all those details. For example, you can see that I pinned this from Mr. Loi Thai and it was done by Plain English. I hope you enjoy!

Source: plainenglishdesign.co.uk via Ann on Pinterest

rustic kitchens

We've been living with a builder kitchen (cherry cabinets and dark granite) for the past couple years. Very nice looking, don't get me wrong but a little heavy for my tastes. Soon we will transition to another style of modern blond wood and possibly stainless steel counters. I shudder to think of all the smudges and finger prints although probably easier to clean than granite that hides crumbs. It seems that these impersonal spaces have me craving a very rustic working kitchen. Don't get me wrong, I love the white palaces of marble and such but that's not really me. I'm not really that polished and cool, you see. So on that thought, I've been pinning these lovelies.

Source: countryliving.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: countryliving.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: countryliving.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: countrydays.wordpress.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: keenandfitting.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Ann on Pinterest

colored cabinets

Ever since my mother in law's decorator painted her cabinets a soft moss green I've been obsessed with colored cabinets. They're so unique and cheery! And a perfect example is in Southern Living’s 2011 Idea house.

Source: simplyseleta.com via Ann on Pinterest

Loi Thai's blue kitchen, the perfect blue.

Source: Uploaded by user via Ann on Pinterest

Sunny beauty via Canadian House and Home

Source: 6thstreetdesignschool.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest

Via House Beautiful, a lovely colonial blue

Source: alifesdesign.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest

And more, the whole spectrum!

Source: chiccoles.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: prettypinktulips.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: inspiredhomedesign.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: fabulousfinishes.wordpress.com via Ann on Pinterest

A more mod look, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s Bridgehampton, New York, house via Elle Decor or a splash of green via Belle Maison 23.

Source: elledecor.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: bellemaison23.com via Ann on Pinterest

For more detailed resources, click on the pin!

decoupage on the walls

My jaw dropped when I saw the wall-covering done by Daniela at Aesthetic Oiseau. How perfect for a rental as I hear these homemade starch-glue "decoupaged" fabrics can be easily removed before moving day. So here is the before:

And the gorgeous after:

Images belong to Aesthetic Oiseau

gush, I have a crush - erika powell

Erika was another gateway blogger. I discovered her blog while looking for some examples of window coverings a couple years ago. It has been such a joy to see her business grow and flourish. Never bashful about boasting for others - she was recently featured in Better Homes and Gardens. And it helps, she has a cute little sidekick (her daughter) in many of her blog photos! You can see more here at pinterest, at her blog or at her company's website Urban Grace. I think her real talent is kitchens, every one is amazing. Her own kitchen is my favorite, you can read about it here at Kitchn.

Also, Kiki's List found a great tutorial for that gorgeous pink skirt. You know, if you are the crafty and skilled type unlike myself.

kitchen utility sinks

While blog surfing I've noticed that a few Country Living published kitchens returning to utility. I'm loving these simple, functional sinks.

Historically as in the James J. Hill House and Vizcaya Kitchen

Consider this filed away.

Photos by Country Living, Sara Duane-Gladden and HardHeadedWoman

carved backsplashes

Minor obsession, but these are anything but builder-grade for a rental. I've filed them away for another day.
Photos from http://www.thingsthatinspire.net, http://www.sarahklassen.com/, http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com, Southern Living and Pottery Barn's Lucca Console

my other dream kitchen

I'm a big believer in a kitchen being entirely utilitarian (I only put out fruit I can eat) and fitting a house. As much as I like painted cabinetry, I also love wood cabinetry. More specifically, I love Victorian-inspired wooden cabinetry. I believe in respecting the house like a person. You wouldn't tell your friend that they need a different nose instead of the one that fits them, the original model that was included? Well maybe you would. I digress, remember when I said I love woodwork and things that remind me of libraries? Well if a library and a kitchen had a baby, this would be it. I love it. I love the brass pulls. I love the library ladder. I love the glass cabinets to keep your china dust free as I really hate dusting. I love the butcher block counters. I love the utilitarian sink fixtures. I love everything about it.

In truth, I am not a fan of the "great room" concept. No, I don't want to see my dishes after dark. No, I don't want my house to smell of cooking. I like things contained, doors et al. I actually admire people with open kitchens that are able to keep clutter at bay and the counters crumb-free. This is just not me. I'm a big believer in Nigella Lawson's kitchen axioms as she discusses it with the Wall Street Journal. In the mean time, my rental has a great room so I'll be polishing the counters...

photo from pinterest

dream kitchen

Love it or leave it, I love Wedgwood blues and greens; ugh that Jasperware! And I love painted cabinetry. I like white or even dark wood kitchens, but I'm in love with colorful cabinetry: grey, beige, green, blue, pick your poison. I found this on Côte de Texas, a Houston blogger whom I've been reading for years. I love her blog. This is a dream kitchen for me. File that away for when we settle in say, maybe a decade or two!