House of Hydrangeas

My mom's kitchen is a typical 1970's alley kitchen with a short, narrow footprint and dark cabinets.  Since this photo (below) was taken, new wood floors have been put down but the rest of the space is still living in its dull, brown glory.  The plan is to remove the wood valance above the sink, replace the existing cabinets with new door fronts and paint, put in under cabinet lighting and install a new countertop.  Since it is a small space and no walls can be moved, creating a light and airy feel is vital to adding more visual square footage.   This is my solution to the problem... white cabinetry with glass fronts to extend the visual space and dark stone countertops for dimension and durability.  New hardware in a timeless nickel finish is also a must.  And I've always envisioned putting in schoolhouse lighting (like shown here above the sink) to compliment the rest of the traditional pieces in her home.  Outdated fluorescent lighting and beau...

{triple chocolate cheesecake truffles}  I made  these  for the 4th, and they were a big hit...and not to mention, oh so easy! {gorgeous invites with a classic monogram} {DIY art inspiration} {DIY inspired candle lantern via Lonny mag} {colorful kitchen on Design Star}

I was watching an episode of Income Property the other day and was a little delightfully surprised when the end design included a gray tile backsplash in the kitchen.  I've seen more and more of these lately, and I'm really a fan.  Don't get me wrong. I'm all about a white kitchen, but there's something about that unexpected hue that really sets off a space. Image sources 1-2  Better Homes and Gardens , 3-5 Houzz , 6-7  Simplified Bee

If you're not already subscribed to the online mag House of Fifty , you're really missing out. Their latest Winter/Spring issue had quite a few drool-worthy pages in it. From home decor, to organization to recipes you can find a little bit of everything. Here are some of my recent favorites from the mag-all designed by Artistic Designs for Living :, a design firm out of San This photo seriously has be thinking about purchasing my own lucite chairs for the kitchen eating area. This little bathroom is so simple, yet stunning.  I've loving the chest of drawers turned vanity.   Images via House of Fifty

I just love before and afters.  Don't you?  There's nothing more inspiring than seeing something that could use a little help be transformed into something beautiful.   Today that something is my sister's kitchen. The "before" of this kitchen was nothing to write home about.  The lighting, the cabinet layout, the countertops- everything needed a makeover.  And that is exactly what she and her hubby did (along with the help of his dad).  Aside from installing the countertops, they did just about everything themselves.  And I have to say, I think they did a great job!  Before  After The additions include new a countertop, undermount sink, faucet, backsplash, outlet covers, cabinets and extended pantry. Before The kitchen seemed smaller and closed off with the overhead cabinets blocking the view and the fluorescent lights did nothing for the space. After The overhang cabinets are gone and more storage was created by adding cabinets to the ...

Happy Sunday afternoon everyone!  We are having another lazy day of recovery here in Oklahoma.  So while Jon and Remi are napping, I thought I'd steal away for a quick post. I know a handful of couples who decided to get each other home renovations for Christmas, especially in the kitchen.  Isn't this a gift you'd love to receive?  I know I would.  It is said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so I think it's a great area in which to spend your Christmas home improvement funds. There are many things you can do to renovate your kitchen, but I won't go into the ends and outs of all of that today.  Today, I just want to focus on one thing in kitchens that I absolutely love.  A mantel.  Kitchen mantels add grandeur and elegance that not many architectural pieces can.  And maybe it's because the house we're in now is lacking in even one mantel, but I think there can never be too many in a home.  All the more reason for bringing i...