My Kitchen Dilemma

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There’s nothing like being cooped up in your house for several days (thank you, Nemo) to make you want to re-consider the style and design of almost every aspect of your space. Above is a photo I snapped of my kitchen cabinets, while snowed in last Friday. Notice the painted blue bead board backs? I’ve also included the 2005 cover of Martha Stewart Living that inspired me to go blue with the cabinets in the first place (beyond crazy that I still have that!)  Now, seven years later…I think I’m over this look. Since we’re having the entire adjoining family room professionally painted next month (this room has not seen fresh paint in 12 years and the walls are literally crumbling) I thought now might be the perfect time to paint the back of the open cabinets 1.white 2. a soft blue gray 3. mirrors? 4. leave them alone. After staring at thousands of white kitchens on pinterest for the past few days to help speed this decision along…I’m really leaning towards the all white clean look. Since I’m clearly influenced by pretty kitchen photos…I’ve included my favorite “all white” kitchen images here. Please feel free to weigh in!
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Progress At Our Florida House

Back in December, while we were in Florida, even though a lot of the actual renovations still weren’t finished, I jumped the gun and started accessorizing our home. Since this photo was taken, not only have I shipped a big box of accessories from zhush.com down, but our contractor has thankfully been very busy finishing up some of the bigger projects there as well. I think it’s finally safe to say that we are getting close to the end zone here (which means lots of zhushing!)

Last month, our contractor sent us the photo below, of the fabulous Martinique wallpaper that finally went up in the guest bath. And, now just this week, we’ve gotten some images of the staircase and walls that he has been working on. I’ve also included the “before” image of the original stairs and railing (which isn’t even the true “before” as this was an all black railing when we purchased it). At first we thought we could get away with painting these ornate black iron rails white, but since this is an open layout and you see the rails from every angle on the first floor, it didn’t work. So we replaced most of the railings with plain white dry wall, simplifying the whole overall effect and then implemented a much fresher railing, using Phoebe Howard’s South Hampton home, as the inspiration for our own stairs (image included at the bottom). I’m thrilled with the way things are shaping up and can’t wait to get down there next month for spring break and see everything in person!
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The Mother Of All Builders

I’m so proud of my good friend, Jen. Like so many moms I know whose children are in school full time, Jen reinvented herself by finding a new career. With a pink hard hat and a passion for details, my friend is now an official general contractor. Jen was able to combine all her previous business school project management training with her real life work experience and her first hand knowledge of what families really need in a home along with her flawless taste and aesthetics. The result is Jen’s first home, featured here today. The gourmet spacious kitchen (seen below) is my favorite feature, not to mention the open living floor plan, stunning views, designer pantry complete with gift wrapping counter and amazing attention to detail… this house truly has it all and then some! Congrats Jen!
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