ditto :: a kitchen that wows with simplicity
Monday, January 2, 2012 by {darlene}

So, how is your first Monday of the New Year going??

{Want to see my crazy goal for the New Year? Click here, or scroll down to yesterday’s post. I am serious, folks. I am gonna do it!}

Well, the first ditto for the New Year is of a simple, classy kitchen that took my breath away when I saw it. It embodies what I think of as “farmhouse simplicity,” and it is powerful – because it IS so simple, so edited. This kitchen comes from a home designed by Alice Lane, and you can see more pictures here. {The rest of the home is stunning, but not quite “me.” I prefer a bit more color, presence, and contrast in my homes. But, as for a study in Gustavian beauty, one cannot help but drool over this home.}

Now, on to the kitchen that truly inspired me; and I simply must ditto it!

DITTO :: {WHAT I WOULD STEAL FROM THIS SPACE}:

  1. OPEN SHELVING. Can open-shelving be practical? Yes! If you edit your belongings {edit! edit! edit! I say!!} AND you place useful, pretty, and many plates and glasses on those shelves. Only have a shelfs-worth or two of pretty plates? Add baskets to your open shelving!
  2. POWERFUL DECORATING EN MASSE.  I think the most successful design element in this space is the use of the “en masse” repetition, that is used with all of the glasses and dishes. Because there are so many plates and dishes, and they are all in the same color tones, in repetition… they turn from simple to dramatic. THAT is the power of “en masse.”
  3. SEA-GLASS COLORS. Soft, soothing, clean, crisp, and calming. And especially lovely in the subway tile.
  4. PALE-PAINTED CABINETRY AND RICH WOOD FLOORS.  My favorite combination for kitchens. I just never seem to get over it.
  5. A FARMHOUSE SINK.  I want one. That is all.
  6. A KITCHEN THAT IS AS FUNCTIONAL AS IT IS BEAUTIFUL. This kitchen is filled with useful dishes, bowls and glasses; that all work together… all within arms reach.
  7. EDIT. EDIT. EDIT.  This kitchen would not have half the stunning impact that it does if it were not for the ruthless editing. What this kitchen does NOT have, is truly what makes it so fabulous. Can’t you just breathe in this space? Can’t you create? Can’t you dream up a gourmet meal, or dream up just about anything over a cup of coffee in this amazing kitchen? This is a decorating skill nearly all of us could afford to ditto!!

WEIGH IN.

WHAT WOULD YOU DITTO {STEAL} FROM THIS SPACE, 1-7? OR SOMETHING ELSE?

I LOVE HEARING YOUR THOUGHTS!

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Labeled: ditto, en masse, farmhouse simplicity

9 Comments

  • I love how you take a simple picture that I would probably gloss over, and by dissecting it make me see all of the beauty and details that make it amazing! Until by the end of the post I’m like, OMG, I WANT that kitchen! I love the soft seaglass colors in the tile and the glasses. Gorgeous! Happy new year Darlene!

    Reply

  • Everything! I love this kitchen and am saving it for my future remodel! The entire house is gorgeous…love the mix of textures…mercury glass and iron and wood and light and dark. However…not a supporter of a 14,000 sq ft home for anyone.

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  • Darlene I love the hardware as well! Would love to see what kind of lighting they used!

    Happy New Year!

    I hope you will enter my Giveaway from Serena & Lily!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Reply

  • Love EVERYTHING about it! Beautiful, classy, sexy, breathtaking!

    Reply

  • I totally agree with Jackie here!

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  • Hmmm, I totally love the color, the texture of the rug and the inset cabinets. And I love your goal for 2012! You go girl!

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  • This photo has been in my inspiration folder for a while, and my heart still skips a beat whenever I see it. The colors of the tile & glasses & marble are so soft and subtle. Such a calming space.

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  • I love that you chose this kitchen. I have seen it before and love it. The colors are so soothing…not unlike the colors of your blog, actually. I agree that the light color of the cabinets works well with the rich wood. Great kitchen choice!

    Reply

  • Just love it! I love the white cabinets. I painted my builder’s grade oak cabinets white and added hardware and love the way it brightens up my kitchen. Thank you for sharing. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply

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