Scrapbook: Kitchens Round-Up (Part 1)

Balthazar's Keuken

Continuing on my scrabook project where I'm gathering clippings of rooms for inspiration and reference on the blog; here are some kitchens I've started to collect. Since we are closing in on getting some actual cupboards for our kitchen (which has finally been fitted with real live walls and a ceiling this past weekend); I've been starting to really focus in on cupboards and layouts. Since our reno has started I'm quite surprised how my tastes have changed. Currently I'm really liking just the "lowers" look (like the image above - not even shelves) - is this a European thing? And hey, how affordable. I'm also really liking black and found the above image over at Bodie and Fou (by the owners of Balthazar's Keuken) for inspiration. What are your thoughts? Do you like this look (without uppers)?

Speaking of cupboards. Does anyone know of some good local sources (besides IKEA)? I just thought I'd consider local makers/suppliers as well. In the meantime, some inspiration for the scrapbook.

November 2010 - H&H

apartment therapy

emmasblogg.se via apartment therapy

Marie Claire Maison, photo by Nicolas Matheus

living etc.

Photo by Ailine Liefeld - kitchen belongs to Andre Wyst and Ines Colmorgen whose flat you find here.

A Cozy Temporary Kitchen

I love the coziness of this kitchen I spotted over at Arren Williams blog today. It's the completed kitchen reno (a temporary kitchen) of his contributor, Jenn Hannotte. It has the feel of a cabin in the alps. This kitchen got me thinking about creating a temporary kitchen for us until we can afford the kitchen we really want.  It's a great idea - she mentions they hope to have it last at least 5 years. Click here to see more and the before here. Photos by Angus Fergusson.

(Related:  Another temporary kitchen I like is that of Anna's of Door Sixteen.  Another five year idea, they are using the UDDEN units from IKEA.  Sadly they have been discontinued here in Canada, they are a great option though  if you can't spend the horrendous amount of money kitchen's seem to cost these days. Another example of them here.

Kitchens on the Brain

Photo: Andre Rider

It's sort of like when you own a volkswagen, all of a sudden you notice all these volkswagens, so as we continue on our kitchen search, all's I notice mostly these days are kitchens. So please bear with me dear internets. These were all in the same issue (from April's issue of House and Home). My wishlist at the moment:

1. I love darker hardware against lighter painted wood. So maybe a blackish iron drawer pull (like above only black), I love black faucets too, but I also love white (so confused).
2. I like white and grey cabinetry (at the moment). With different colours on the lower than the uppers or shelves.
3. I would like an apron sink, but they just seem scary heavy. But I do like them.
4. I love the stoves where all the knobs are on the bottom.
5. Tiles all the way to the ceiling.
6. A big table in the middle of a kitchen, like my grandma had (they are a great place to gather and chat while you cook). But we don't have the room and will probably have a nook.
7. Open shelving with chunky brackets

What do you like in a kitchen? I need suggestions/opinions.

Photo: Donna Griffith

Photo: Donna Griffith

Photo: Stacy Branford

Photo: Stacy Branford