Inspiration Right Here

This is your weekly renovation update.Remember this is where we last left off...

The overhead cabinets were pulled down and at the dump, appliances were ordered and the dishes were on the counter pending storage solutions and walls being painted...

As confessed, this is a fit it in, make it happen project. So once the cabinets were ripped down, I figured I better get some color and style ideas together before I allowed myself to get too distracted with the next project (which is to really, I mean really, clean out my closet -- but more on that later...)

I need to know where I want to "get" with a look or mood in a room, and then I back into it with available treasures, decorations, etc that I have here and can move around the house.

So here are the QUESTIONS:
What color will we paint the walls...
What color will we paint the remaining cabinets...
What will we do for counter and backsplash now that they are in ruins?

So here's what I did...gather inspiration. I went around the house and looked for things that make me feel good...and the way I want the re-done kitchen to feel when I am in it...

....I am thinking of hammered aluminum, old fashioned bakery and ice cream parlor counters, piles of fresh but old linens, the deep sea and the night sky, things that are useful -- even if they are time worn, patina, cappuchino with whip cream, crumbling carved statues and friezes in dull marble like this...

I love this painting -- I bought it from Laurie Meseroll the day I met her...I could look at it forever and never tire of it...

Cheryl's pieces send me, especially this compact piece with silver findings and sailors...whimsy and age meet here... and any color can mix in with a monochromatic palette...

And I love my ironstone and transfer ware and crystal...recognize this hutch...it's been in the dining room for 7 years but it's next life will be in the kitchen...

And so here are the answers...

The Walls...Velspar 's "Homestead Resort Jefferson White" -- what a name (Kathy, you just have to get that job naming paint colors and fix this one, ok?!)

The remaining cabinets...Benjamin Moore's "Harbor Grey".

The counters...Carrrea Marble - the fellas at "House of Stone" will hone it for me to a dull, matte finish. They say they haven't done a kitchen in this stuff for six years because, yes it's a softer stone, and yes, it stains...BUT I like that! I also like that it is less expensive than granite, the faux stones, and well almost the laminate! I like that too!

More on the kitchen next week...The delivery of the fridge was botched and I am having trouble picking a sink and a stove hood...

Oh and a timeline...I am hoping we can make this all happen by the end of August...in the meantime it's a little like camping at home.
I remind myself to eat the elephant bite by bite (Michelle C. in CA - this reference is included just for you as you launch your re-do too!
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels