Hood-winked...

I am loving how hoods in Kitchens are the new focus. And I adore these metal hoods with straps. They seem to be popping up in all the right places.

They can have such an antique, distressed feel.

And come in a variety of metals from pewter to stainless and copper.

They can be hammered looking....

Or clean and elegant.

This contrasting white with stainless straps in stunning.

And the black is fabulous.

If you are doing a new Kitchen or renovating an old one and are interested in these hoods check out http://www.rangecraft.com/ or http://www.the-metal-peddler.com/ . I believe both have custom and standard opportunities.

Happy Cooking!

Cheers,

BBS

images from Elle Decor, Google Image, Traditional Home, Domino,and House Beautiful and feature work by Michael S. Smith and Windsor Smith among others.

My Vote is for Grey

There was a time not so long ago that I would avoid Grey based schemes for my clients. I would lean towards selecting neutrals with warmer tones.

My thinking was Cleveland already has so many grey days, that adding grey to the home would feel cold. I overlooked the beauty and richness that Greys have to offer.

Last Summer I was working with a client on remolding a home from the late 1960's in Akron. The Den was that dated, deep brown paneling and it needed a lift. Instead of painting it white or cream, I went the opposite direction and suggested Sherwin Williams 7047 Porpoise and it turned out gorgeous. It balances nicely with the new charcoal stained walnut floor we put in the Den and Living Room. (See picture above)

I have noticed a trend towards Grey with my clients.They are starting to crave a little grey in their lives. It is everywhere in our new introductions from the High Point Furniture Market. Fabrics, wallcovering, furniture finishes, lighting.

One of my favorite ways to use Grey is in the Kitchen.

It feels fresh and it doesn't have to look modern.

It is nice mixed with Butcher Block counters.

And so nice with the painted wainscoting behind.

It can look modern as it does in Imperial Trellis (I told you I was obsessed).

Of a great background to a pop of color, like cerise.

Or lilac.

I also love it as a finish for furniture as on this table from West Elm.

But my absolute favorite shade of Grey is on my sweet grey dog, Oliver. Perfection!


Cheers,

BBS


Images found on Google Image and credited to Philip Ennis, Canadian Home and Garden, Veranda, Kashani, Colleen Duffley, and West Elm, Oh, and me.

Oh, Kitchen Cabinets, What to do?

So...I have lived in my house for almost 11 years now. That is a crazy thought to the girl who moved all the time growing up.
When I moved into my house my Kitchen cabinets were a dark, really dark brown oak. I painted them white as a "quick" fix.
Well, 11 years later they are still there and I have grown bored with the white.


I want to paint them a really fun and unexpected color. My Kitchen is pretty small. It is L-shaped and has bland sage-y green granite counters.(see post from yesterday)

The safe, but still great option would be to paint them a more creamy white. I could add a great tile back splash and change the entire feel of the space.

Or I love, love, love this soft, driftwood gray. My granite looks just like the one in this picture, so I know they would look great together. But I am itching for a little more color. More of a pop.....

Which is why I think I am going with this soft, buttery yellow. Ahhhh. I just love it. Warm, interesting, and inviting. What do you think?

Cheers,

BBS

all images from google image