A Modern Barstool With A French Twist

The barstools have given me a lot to consider.  I didn't want them to be another fabric that had to coordinate with the kitchen club chairs and drapes, but I wanted to avoid leather too, as there is a fair share of leather already in the house.
The truth is, barstools have always been a challenge because there isn't much to choose from.
I even wrote a post several years ago called "Barstools--The Good, The Bad And the Ugly."
But I digress...

 Last week, I went to Serena and Lily on Sacramento Street to order the two upholstered club chairs for the kitchen and noticed these stools.  At first I dismissed them because they are so modern, but then I had an aha moment!

Looking at the woven abaca pattern, I noticed that these were the colors that I've been working with throughout the house.

Tobacco or camel, black and white.

I followed my gut and placed an order for three, just in time to get the 20% discount!

They arrived in two days and now I'm kind of freaking out as they are such a departure from my typical traditional look.  I do think that they will provide a much needed contemporary vibe and also go with that natural, organic theme that includes grasscloth, a few rattan pieces and woven shades.
They also go great with the upholstered kitchen club chairs which I will share later...

Your thoughts?

I Heart My New Countertops!

 I've been dreaming of soapstone countertops for years!

Should have put them in our old house and I cannot even remember why I didn't, but whatever, my dream came true Saturday!

 We were out of town, so my contractor texted me these photos.

He was worried about veining here and there, but after seeing them this morning, I can say that they are absolutely perfect!

 That big vein to the right of the sink?

I love it!

 The island is just a big ole hunk of soapstone!

I'm glad I didn't opt for the bigger edge.

Notice how the fabricator matched the veins...

 I envision many family gatherings and dinner parties in this kitchen.

There will be plenty of room to congregate here!

Here's where the three counter stools will live.

I actually bought them last week and they were delivered on Saturday too.

Talk about fast.  

Stay tuned...

From Mustard To Mayo

 After the kitchen cabinets were painted green, I lived with the mustard colored walls for two years--all the while trying to convince myself that it was ok, but knowing that it just wasn't.

I knew that the cabinets and walls were fighting each other but was sort of paralyzed about what to do.

All the woodwork, windows and built-ins are painted such a dark, creamy white so finding a wall color that would contrast with the moulding and yet go with the cabinets proved to be quite challenging.

Until last week when the light bulb went off.  Why not match the wall color to all that creamy woodwork?

So I pulled out a drawer, took it to the paint store and asked them to match it.

And that's how the kitchen and family room went from "mustard to mayo," or from Benjamin Moore "Dijon" to a custom color I have nicknamed "mayonnaise!"

Let's look at some before and after photos, shall we?

before

Although the dijon color is nice in the family room (I clearly spent some time on the staging) the linen sofas clash with the walls.

after

 Now the new "mayonnaise" colored walls take backstage to the sofa and green cabinets.

before

I know the dijon color looks great in this photo, but....

after

 ...my landscapes look better with the neutral walls.

after

See what I mean?

before

In the kitchen, I tried not to let the green and gold combination bug me too much.  Eventually I stopped seeing it altogether. 

after

Now with the "mayo" walls, the green cabinets are crisper and cleaner.

I like how the white ironstone stands out too.

before

Before, the white subway tile did contrast nicely with the walls, but looking through the door into the dining room, I never liked how the wallpaper didn't seem to flow.

after

I've never been a fan of green and gold together!

But I love green and white together.

Or in this case, green and "mayo!"

Doesn't the dining room wallpaper look better now as you view from one room to the other?

before

I took the brown floral curtains down too.

before

Oh, how I love those curtains, but...

after

...the windows look better without, plus it lets in much more needed light.

I knew the kitchen was very dark, but I didn't realize how much it affected my mood until I lightened up the walls, took down the curtains and all those plates!

Can you tell I love my new kitchen?

 

The only question is, what took so long?

Glass Door Refrigerators

Meet the Sub Zero Pro 48. Isn't she a beauty? I've been obsessed with this refrigerator for a long time, ever since I saw a glass doored Traulsen in House Beautiful years ago. I realize that most people wouldn't want a glass doored refrigerator, but I think it would force me to keep my refrigerator organized and full of healthy food.

I realize this is a "big ticket item." Kind of like buying a car! A few years ago, I had the chance to buy this from a dealer off the showroom floor for $10,000! There was no way! But, now it retails for $15,000!

This refrigerator also comes with a single door. Although this wouldn't work for me as I already have a Sub Zero 48 inch refrigerator, circa 1990.

I am seriously considering hiring a "hitman" to take this refrigerator out! We have replaced the compressor twice and the inside is deteriorating.

I actually like the single door better than the double door. How incredible is this!?

Another image of the single door Sub Zero.

This is a Traulsen, which is what Sub Zero was inspired by when they created the Pro 48 series.

This is a commercial refrigerator, adapted for residential use.

The same refrigerator in it's environment.

This is a True T-49G-4 refrigerator. Although it is also a commercial refrigerator, it has been adapted for domestic use with a remote condenser to lessen the sound.

This just makes my heart go pitter patter!

This Sub Zero kitchen is from their website. Don't you love how it looks?

I realize it won't be anytime soon that I get a glass doored refrigerator, but hey, I can dream--can't I?

What are your thoughts about a glass doored refrigerator? Would you want one?

The Evolution of Our Kitchen

Our kitchen has gone through a couple of mini remodels since we bought the house eleven years ago.

In 2001, we replaced the tile countertops with this granite. It was honed St. Cecelia. Eventually, I realized that I wanted polished, so now it's kind of polished, but not quite!

I could never figure out why the previous owners didn't center this cooktop! It has bugged me forever! I ended up creating this backsplash without a center focus, so as not to attract attention to the stove's placement. I fantasize about ripping it all out and putting the largest commercial range possible here!

The little cabinet on the wall used to be pine. I recently painted it white.

The island was also pine and I painted it black. Why you ask? Because the pine was dated (circa 1989) and really beat up.

When the countertops were replaced, I had this farmhouse sink installed. I still love it!

At the time I painted the cabinets, I also replaced the double ovens and dishwasher with stainless steel. The old appliances were at the end of their life, and I love stainless!

I replaced the panels on the refrigerator with stainless too.

The family room is just off the kitchen. My kids keep trying to talk me into getting a sectional sofa! But, they don't live here anymore, so I'm sticking to this traditional arrangement!

Notice the Charles Faudree book on the coffee table. I have to say he is my biggest influence when it comes to how I decorated this space.

The fireplace also used to be pine with embellishments. I took off the "gingerbread," sanded it and painted it black to tie in with the kitchen island.

This photo shows how it opens up to the eating area and the backyard.

Our casual dining area. When we bought the house, there was a flush mount light on the ceiling. I couldn't wait to hang a proper chandelier. I also hung my collection of majolica plates above the window.

So there you have the evolution of our kitchen! We plan on selling this house in a couple of years so it doesn't make sense to do any thing more. But! If we stayed here forever.....I would definitely replace the countertops! I just love Carrera marble! Next house.....

I'm linking up to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday. Also to Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday.

Thanks ladies for hosting!