Dreaming of Kitchens...

A really great friend of mine is aspiring to spruce up her kitchen and asked that I help her with the painting process. She would like to paint her oak cabinets for a more updated look, add new hardware, and also paint the walls. Her dream colors are turquoise, pink, and gray. It makes me so happy that she isn't afraid of color! Yay! Of course, I hit the internet for sources of color inspiration...

What a statement that turquoise tile makes! Wow! The slate gray counter tops paired with the pristine white cabinets makes for a chic combination! The touch of pink added by the vase of fresh peonies is perfect.

These gray cabinets are divine! So sleek and classy....

This is my favorite combination of all. The white cabinets are gorgeous paired with the gray tile and light turquoise blue walls. This shows that color can be added in a refined, elegant way without being overpowering. 

This casual, colorful kitchen is exceptional. The cabinets are the perfect shade of turquoise and the black counter tops sing against them! The farmhouse sink and wainscoting add the perfect touch of country to this stylish kitchen. 

 

This kitchen is daring, unconventional, and in my opinion fantastic. How happy I would be to wake up and grab a cup of coffee and cereal in such a cheery kitchen! The cabinets and walls have been painted a bright shade of turquoise which is so unexpected in a kitchen. The Moroccan lantern hanging over the island adds so much interest to the room.

This is such a unique and beautiful kitchen! I'm a sucker for all things glitzy, shiny, and silver so this backsplash really speaks to me. The white cabinets with the stainless steel hardware creates a modern, streamlined, and clean feel to the space. Who would ever think to paint your kitchen ceiling turquoise? It works perfectly for this space! 

If you have your heart set on adding an unconventional color to your kitchen or bathroom and aren't in your "forever" home a great way to incorporate the color is by adding hardware. Beautiful hardware makes a statement in any room and can be easily switched out by sellers or buyers when a house is put up for sale. 

Wouldn't these be adorable to hang aprons, dish towels, or oven mitts? I think so! 

All hardware is from Anthropologie.

Gray is the new neutral.

Having lived in a sea beige and off white for far too long I think designers, homeowners, and paint stores the world over can agree that a new neutral is a welcomed commodity. Gray is quickly rising in popularity as it serves as such a great background to so many accent colors. To some gray may sound drab or cold, however when used in the right way it can be very warm and inviting.

Gray is a versatile neutral and can be as classic or as contemporary as you would like it to be. When a warm base such as red is used it can be suitable for the most traditional space creating a cozy, and inviting color. However, when a cool shade such as blue makes up the base it can be a great color for a stark, contemporary space. Here are some examples of gray used in a variety of settings.

 This dining room is so light and airy. cool shades of turquoise pop against a palette of steel gray. Rich textures and patterns work together to create an interesting yet luxurious dining room.

If this room is any indication of what the rest of Molly Sim's house looks like I think it's safe to say that this is one chic pad. The over sized chandelier is simply eye-catching. It adds a romanticism to the room with its' dramatic lighting. shades of gunmetal grays and rich plums pair together to create the perfect mix of femininity and masculinity.

Gray and yellow was introduced about a year ago as the new hot color combo. cool gray provides the perfect backdrop for warm, sunny yellow. They work together to create such an unexpected combination. this sofa is practically begging you to come take a nap with all of those plush, comfy toss pillows. 

 I absolutely love this gray upholstered headboard which really makes a great background for the patterned pillows. The red accents stand out beautifully against the neutral headboard. Also, the blue ikat is gorgeous and pairs together with red to make the perfect complimentary color palette. Love the contrast of a contemporary ikat fabric on such a classic french chair.

What a great bathroom this is. I just love the antique elements paired with such a contemporary and airy color palette. The clawfoot tub, exposed vanity and classic chandelier work so well together in this chic bathroom. 

What can I say about this except that I love everything about it? The lamps, the wallpaper, the color palette, and the buffet are all simply divine.