Backsplash Ideas!

Here are some great backsplash ideas to think about and maybe utilize in your own space! Spice up or update your kitchen with some of these great ideas! 

(HGTV.com )

Stainless steel is seen here in the form of small tiles, it gives the glass mosaic feel but with a different texture. This is a really sleek look, and one that is timeless. Stainless steal is easy to maintain and gives off a crisp, sharp look. With the high sheen and silver finish, the white countertops really start to pop in this space! 

(HGTV.com)
This is a really great look, with a bronze finish, it adds a super unique look to the backsplash. The metal plates and ribbon at the bottom add decorative flare, and the tiles are turned horizontally, really beautiful! Its great they carried that same bronze finish to the sink. Great look!






(HGTV.com)
This is a great look, again done in bronze. However, here the tiles are turned in a random pattern to create visual interest. Super sleek and unique look. This way you can get creative with the selection of where the tiles go, or just place them at random to give you a great look no matter what! One of my favorites!

(HGTV.com)
This is a super unique look that I haven't seen done in a kitchen before. This gives off a vintage look, while adding so much character to the space. Cost effective to if your budget it small. Gives off a super crisp and clean look, and is really simple. Great idea!


 

Wallcoverings!

Yes, Wall-paper is back my friends! You heard correct! Here is a look at some of my favorite installations. Enjoy!

(www.pepperjackinteriors.wordpress.com)

This is a fabulous wall covering done with a metallic silver and lime green. The way the accessories pick up on the lime green of the wall paper makes both the paper itself and the accessories really pop. I love the overall design, vintage yet contemporary. Love the mix!

(www.aphrochic.blogspot.com)

This wall covering installation is super unique, as it doesn't cover the whole wall as a normal installation would. It is used as a background or backdrop for the bed. The way it becomes a 3-D like structure is very innovative. The crisp of the white with the creamy neutrals make this space breathtaking and beautiful.

(www.buynoworegon.org/interior-design-wallpaper)

Wallpaper can be used in different ways, here it is used on an accent wall. This helps the overall feel of the space. The damask black wall covering itself is fabulous, but when mixed with the contemporary furniture it really makes a statement. It takes a more traditional wall covering and makes it super contemporary looking. Love the use of black in this wall covering and space.

(www.homeklondike.com)

Wallpaper can be used in many areas, bathrooms are a great space to utilize wallpaper in. Here the wallpaper makes a subtle statement, it is elegant and beautiful. The colors are just stunning, and the freestanding, vintage tub, and the sleek finish on the wallpaper really make this space into something great. This space is absolutely beautiful.

A Look At Kitchen Islands!

While covering kitchens in the Kitchen, Bath & Lighting class, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the different types of kitchen islands that are currently out there and the different functions of them. Take a look at these islands!

(www.kitchenremodelideasworld.com)

This is a traditional kitchen island seen in a lot of kitchens and homes today. It is very functional and used as storage, prep space, and a gathering spot in the kitchen. This island is topped with granite countertops and a beautiful wood is used on the cabinets. This island dresses up the space and makes it complete and functional.

(www.emilyaclark.blogspot.com)

As you can see here this kitchen island is not your average, traditional island. Here the island is turned into the backing for a bench, booth seat with a pulled up table, meant for an eat in area. The great part about this island is its multi-functionality, it can be used in prep area and counterspace, as well as the backing for the seat. Interesting idea!

(http://www.digsdigs.com/100-awesome-kitchen-island-design-ideas)

Here in this space the island is used as a big wine storage cooler on one side, and cabinet storage on the other. This is a great option to use with your kitchen if you are a big wine drinker or collector, it will save space, and it adds a little bit of a decorative detail as well as serves function and purpose. Another great way to use an island!

(http://www.digsdigs.com/100-awesome-kitchen-island-design-ideas)

Here is a oversized table used as an island, this is another thing that is common in kitchens. Depending on the overall feel or aesthetic of the kitchen itself this may be a great idea to utilize for your space! Also, as seen here, you can pull up stools and chairs to have seating around all sides, and also can have storage space on the bottom. Love this look!

Unique Kitchens!

Here are some unique kitchens that are fabulous! Check them out!!

(www.housebeautiful.com)

This is a unique kitchen in a couple different ways. First off I absolutely love the blue subway tile. It really pops with the white cabinets. The light fixtures over each window is something I haven't seen before and I think is stunning. Everything is simple but really makes a statement at the same time. Love it!

(http://www.housebeautiful.com/)

I really love this kitchen because it mixes a rustic style with a traditional style and it works! I love the rustic touches with the flooring and beamed ceiling, as well as the pendant lighting and the clock. The subway tile and open glass faced cabinets really ground the space and give it a light and airy feel. Great space!

(http://www.decorpad.com/)

This kitchen is another great space, unique in many ways! The attention to the little details are what really make this kitchen great! The kitchen itself is long, and definitely lacks in width. However, the design is still super functional. The open shelves that serve as storage, as well as decorative are something simple that decorates the space well, adds intricate detail just as the design on the cabinet doors do. Can't ignore those beautiful marble countertops, and of course the brick around the wall above the sink adds a great contrast between the super glam light fixtures!

(http://www.decorpad.com/)

This kitchen is one of my absolute favorites. It has a unique commercial feel, however is residential in the little details. The stools are so pretty, as well as the black subway tile. The pendant lights above the island are phenomenal. I am in love with those! Love the sleek feel overall with this space!

Inspirations From The Mart!

This weekend we took a trip to the merchandise mart in Chicago. So I decided to blog about my experiences and which showrooms I was intrigued by this trip! 

 

(Kohler webpage)

Here is the Chicago Merchandise Mart! Big enough that it has its very own zip code!!

Here are a few showrooms in the mart I really enjoyed on this trip! Check them out below!

DE GIULIO KITCHENS

(showroom.com)

"Today, De Giulio designs custom residential and commercial kitchens worldwide, and is recognized internationally for melding classical influences into a modern idiom." De Giulio Profile

I really enjoyed seeing the innovations in this showroom. Some of my favorite things include the use of marble on many surfaces, the tall cabinets with a transparent glass insert, the beautiful cabinet lighting, and the hidden refrigerator. This was one of the most interesting things I saw at the mart this trip, I absolutely loved seeing the creativity in these spaces.

Click here to visit the De Giulio website!

 KOHLER

(http://www.thekohlerstore.com/design-portfolio.html)

To those of you that think Kohler is just another store with bathroom fixtures, think again! This showroom was incredible. The amount of products and new innovations Kohler has in their showroom was outstanding. The sizes of these showrooms are great! What I really enjoyed in the Kohler showroom was looking at all the little bathroom areas they set up. Truly inspiring to see the possibilities!

Check out the products from Kohler and see how great they are!

SUB ZERO & WOLF

(http://www.subzero-wolf.com/)

This show room was truly one of a kind. From custom hardware, to undercabinet wine coolers, to outdoor kitchens, to a chef's kitchen area, all of these things are covered and shown in this incredible showroom. This particular kitchen had beautiful glass countertops, and was titled the "wave kitchen," because of all of the curves on the products and finishes. The fabulous finishes and hardware were what really made this space over the top.

Learn more about these appliances by clicking here!

Check out the other showrooms at the Mart as well, so much information and inspirations to be had!

A Look At Soapstone Countertops!

Soapstone is a natural stone, much like granite and marble. It is named soapstone because of it's soft feel, which is the presence of talc in the stone. It is one of the oldest natural stones. Brazil is one of the top producers of this stone.

Great things about Soapstone:

It is high quality, and will not be affected by spills, acids, or alkaline liquids.

It can be stained, however it does not seep deep into the stone so may be erased to its natural state.

It is beautiful in color.

It is less porous than granite, so it gives a softer, homier feel while still maintaining durability.

It also is resistant to heat.

The not so great things about Soapstone:

It is at the higher end in cost, because it is a natural stone.

Higher maintenance, must be treated with mineral oil often.

Darkens over time.

Scratches and chips easily.

Price of Soapstone:

Prices could vary, however typically run anywhere from $50-$90 per square foot.

It is at the higher end, right along with your other natural stones.

Pictures of Soapstone Counter tops

(www.kitchenbacksplashes.blogspot.com)

This is one of the many colors offered with Soapstone, it is seen here in a matte, and it gives off a unique look. It can be used or installed in various types and styles of kitchens and really give the space a great look.

(http://teresinasoapstone.com/products/soapstone-outdoors)

Soapstone can also be used as an outdoor installation as see here in this photo. Again, shown in a grey charcoal like color, its really beautiful with its natural and interesting surface.

Sources of Soapstone information found from:

http://www.guide4home.com/dec-ct/soapstone.htm

http://www.improvingyourworld.com/home/soapstone_countertops_pros_and_cons_000962.html



5 Fabulous Kitchens!

Here are five gorgeous kitchens, take a look to be inspired to make your kitchen as unique and spectacular as these spaces!

(www.decorpad.com)

This kitchen is breath-taking! Every inch of this space is covered with something beautiful! The back splash glass strips laid horizontally are a trend that is really popular right now, and is done well here. The lighting really adds class to this space and dresses it up, and my favorite part of the space, the stools! They are absolutely great! The ghost legs and the patterned metallic seat, I am in LOVE!

(www.chiccoles.com)

This space has an industrial, vintage feel done in an updated way. Everything is so simple, yet perfect for the look trying to be accomplished in this space. I love that the chairs are mis-matched and different colors, and I love the rustic wood flooring. The lighting in this kitchen is fabulous!

(www.chapmaninteriorsblog.com)

This space is a great space for a small apartment or home. It goes to show that small spaces can be done just as beautiful as large ones. I love the stools, and the simple look to this space. It is classy in a simple fresh, clean way. Love the neutral tones as well! Great space!

(www.modernkitchendesignideas.com)

This kitchen is fabulous in every way! The architectural details in this kitchen are absolutely phenomenal!! I love how neutral everything is and how classic it feels. The floor to ceiling windows are great!! Every detail in this space has gotten some design attention and it really shows!

(www.decorpad.com)

This kitchen is amazing! Talk about doubling up! I love the concept that there is two or double of everything. This has beauty from floor to ceiling! The ceiling treatment is phenomenal, and the lighting fixtures are absolutely wonderful! The marble counter tops add luxury and class, and the wallpaper is a great final touch to the space! One of my faves!!