Just moving our things in helped. In the kitchen, I want to see a lot of nature and food. I want to think about eating when I am in there, and be inspired by the ingredients. Most of what we eat is perishable, and I always love seeing an ever-changing display of produce out on the counter. Today was a market day, so there is plenty! What could be more beautiful?
One of my personal quirks is that I really don’t like to see lots of words everywhere. In the kitchen, especially, everything tends to come with labels and visually irritating packaging. I try to buy in bulk or fresh, and then the things that do come home in packages I usually put into clear jars. Once again, what could be more attractive than actual food? I love seeing the spices like this.
My other kitchen quirk is that I really, really hate seeing appliances in the kitchen! There are some cool looking ones out there, but in general, I’d just rather keep them hidden. We can’t quite do that, but I have gathered our espresso machine, electric kettle, and water filter over into one isolated station– which is super convenient, since we use all three when we make our morning coffee.
One big improvement we made was to put up this little shelf and the rack on an otherwise blank and unused wall. This really warmed things up, and I love displaying little objects there– so cheery!
The wooden cheese boards were our souvenir from Bellagio last year, the painted plate was a gift from my sister, and the vintage copper kettle is a flohmarkt find that I use to water plants with.
I painted these strawberries one afternoon when I was pregnant, and when Jeff came home I lied and told him they were from a friend, since I really wanted him to be honest about whether or not he liked them! (Yes, I have some issues with sharing what I have made!!) He did like them, and ever since then, they have been tacked onto my kitchen walls.
There are these funny cubbies here, perfect for displaying dishes and teapots…And this is the last thing I did to try to cover up the washing machine. I actually did this just now, while I was looking at pictures of the kitchen. Hopefully it won’t be super inconvenient.
If you would like to see a couple of my previous kitchens (I can’t seem to hold one down for long!) you can have a look here and here. Once again, thanks for the visit– and thanks for letting me chat with you about this!
Wonderful! Love the green shelf and the strawberries – How nice to have a piece of pregnancy with you in all your kitchens. I love the french doors and all the light too and the cloth in front of the washer – dishwasher, right?
Hi Dana! It’s actually a washing machine– no dishwasher here. Actually, no one even has double sinks for washing dishes. I have mixed feelings about the washing machine in the kitchen, for sure, and having the dryer down the stairs in the basement isn’t ideal either! You can’t have it all. 🙂
Very Cute! Really liking these photos of your home. It looks super cozy.
Thanks Alexa! It’s fun to share!
Your strawberries are so beautiful. I love all your “homey” touches- those are the things missing in my own kitchen.
Thank you Jenny. I am really glad I decided to keep a lot of the small things– it makes such a difference to have little odds and ends from different times and places in my life.
Love the way you have made it so beautiful!
Thank you, Aunt Gretchen!
I’m loving your home tour! And love the fruit and vegetable corner! This screams! Spain to me. It looks exactly like both of my Mother-in-law’s kitchens. The light is perfect.
I hate appliances as well. My U.S. kitchen looks bare and naked. But that might have more to do with the fact that I am recreating my kitchen from scratch 🙂
Kristen– I didn’t know that about Spanish kitchens. I hope to be invited into one someday, to see for myself!
Good luck setting up your home, I hope you have fun with it!
It sounds like you are having fun making this your home. I love the photos and the dialogue. 🙂
Hi Kimberly,
Thanks so much for coming by and taking the tour. It is really nice to share, since we are not “there” yet socially in our new city. Having virtual visitors is just one more reason I love blogging!
You mentioned Bellagio – SQUEAL!!! One of my very favorite places on earth. We must compare stories one day. Anyway, back to your post – love that you are such a foodie. We are too and there is nothing that makes me happier than a bowl of fruit or a head of garlic in a glass jar …. and your spices (swoon!). Love the little rack and the strawberries. Such a warm and cozy space you create…
Sarah, thank you for your sweet comments! We went to Lake Como on our way back to the States from Germany last spring. It was so gorgeous, and I just kept thinking I’d love to go back when it’s warm enough to swim in that gorgeous lake!
Lovely kitchen. In our kitchen there are so much more glass bottle with species. My mom loves more species food.
It’s a very nice kitchen you have. I love all the fruits and spices on display. It makes the space more cozy. What I like the most about Home Expert in Aberdeen is that they present interesting ideas and inspirations on home decor on their website. I think your kitchen could easily be one of the inspirational posts there. Wooden cheese boards are my absolute favourites.