Countdown to BlogTourLA!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXk0srHHquo0EB-C93MqRw57EFQi9f5-LDYQqR_53yRpmQXYhliiEnpzpWpmgr298-WUa6oX91ugFog4L1GpaBEXM2PqJTA4ZaKDTXQ1A8s26xu6_DBS6gUviVaSjZ2K6Uz0qRrHlMhkX/s1600/Modenus@ADshow12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXk0srHHquo0EB-C93MqRw57EFQi9f5-LDYQqR_53yRpmQXYhliiEnpzpWpmgr298-WUa6oX91ugFog4L1GpaBEXM2PqJTA4ZaKDTXQ1A8s26xu6_DBS6gUviVaSjZ2K6Uz0qRrHlMhkX/s800/Modenus@ADshow12.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A Modenus curated collection I saw while visiting</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>the Architectural Digest Home Show in 2012</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Remember when I almost won <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2013/08/birthday-wishes-and-fairy-dust.html">a trip to London</a> as a guest of <a href="http://www.modenus.com/">Modenus.com</a> to tour the London design scene with a group of interior design bloggers? If you follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/yblacker">twitter</a> then you already know I did not win the coveted spot. The tour is actually wrapping up now ... follow <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23blogtourldn&src=tyah&f=realtime">#BlogTourLDN</a> to see the fun places they have been and fab products they have seen.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Although I was disappointed not to be heading to London, I was really happy to have been selected. It really meant a lot to me to be noticed for what I do, which lately seems to lean most towards the promotion of interior design related events, luxury brands, and the art of design. There are many people out there who still do not fully understand the reach and influence of social media marketing and what a valuable tool it is when trying to engage an audience online and in real life. <a href="http://www.modenus.com/portfolio/modenus">Veronika Miller</a> at Modenus gets it:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;">“BlogTour has grown in leaps and bounds since we first launched in London in 2011 and we are now one of the most visible blogger initiatives out there with four full days of trade shows, architecture and design and lots of local culture. It’s not just about hopping from cocktail party to cocktail party, although we never say no to a glass of bubbly, it’s about discovering trends and inspiration in far off cities and it’s about empowering you as talented bloggers and designers.”</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31c0V_DXhVlssTM49oo6Tsvi75NjP3B-jf9Iwl3wGszn6oASdrGLNIJi3a28QaH59hYkCQzhjFOFizqA45bRbpyi1zpJlmCjNNSBLW__MELLuHbZBMC1MVGbhHguiQIMvHsAo7_45Z2Xm/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-09-21+at+2.25.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31c0V_DXhVlssTM49oo6Tsvi75NjP3B-jf9Iwl3wGszn6oASdrGLNIJi3a28QaH59hYkCQzhjFOFizqA45bRbpyi1zpJlmCjNNSBLW__MELLuHbZBMC1MVGbhHguiQIMvHsAo7_45Z2Xm/s800/Screen+shot+2013-09-21+at+2.25.54+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIjEtfqePwMepxG9V393wgC3RbS1nPZdPAxrQEFX-PGNrAKt5B5LXHMWZY3aOpuc5bckl23nqfgb3UMq6RFHw5tlFnZhA6IZUb7krd9ezCNhq9NdkayNbkw9zdfQTr7tO4n_B-8_P0p7L/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-09-21+at+1.18.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIjEtfqePwMepxG9V393wgC3RbS1nPZdPAxrQEFX-PGNrAKt5B5LXHMWZY3aOpuc5bckl23nqfgb3UMq6RFHw5tlFnZhA6IZUb7krd9ezCNhq9NdkayNbkw9zdfQTr7tO4n_B-8_P0p7L/s800/Screen+shot+2013-09-21+at+1.18.38+PM.png" width="350" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">I am happy to say that there was a silver lining to my not being on the London tour. I was asked by Veronika to attend the next event on her busy schedule as she is hosting back to back tours this year! In early October I will fly out to Los Angeles to attend the <a href="http://westedgedesignfair.com/">WestEdge Design Fair</a> with the next BlogTour group, <a href="http://www.modenus.com/blog/interiordesign/blogtour-los-angeles-meet-the-bloggers">BlogTourLA!</a> I was invited to attend as a guest of the BlogTour sponsors (yes, all expenses are paid!) and how could I say no?! A number of the sponsoring brands are sold in the <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a> showroom where I work. I am looking forward to meeting the people behind these products, learn about new ones, and get to know the other professional interior design bloggers who I will be spending lots of quality time with while on the West Coast. Some bloggers I have met before on other research + development trips, so it will be another fun reunion!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCrgNt-muJkNiE82HzeQfr9UFlxaqpU3VySNuts3ThuF-Qx9z6LNLbs1BjrEyBEBdutke_6I8sbajJTuP_BlVm5R2lp5W4hCswET0UDeaQePmwbc3sJBd3CD_p5TnOrg3-OuGCKzKR_7V/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-09-21+at+1.47.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCrgNt-muJkNiE82HzeQfr9UFlxaqpU3VySNuts3ThuF-Qx9z6LNLbs1BjrEyBEBdutke_6I8sbajJTuP_BlVm5R2lp5W4hCswET0UDeaQePmwbc3sJBd3CD_p5TnOrg3-OuGCKzKR_7V/s800/Screen+shot+2013-09-21+at+1.47.54+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/products/new_products/modex.cfm">Modex sink by Blanco // photo courtesy Blanco</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQWdFIof1rECjNSlMq4HXdmDCDH8gDsB1_M5qVRFc8to0hmjAmWXh-k9vKIvlvmnY9jOU2beFpC5MslFE_tqsWLq8DPyjYsAvftNv7cjaa1NFWKg-48errAPPvmmrRQFulLHFE7p_6E2X/s1600/+EDITION.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQWdFIof1rECjNSlMq4HXdmDCDH8gDsB1_M5qVRFc8to0hmjAmWXh-k9vKIvlvmnY9jOU2beFpC5MslFE_tqsWLq8DPyjYsAvftNv7cjaa1NFWKg-48errAPPvmmrRQFulLHFE7p_6E2X/s800/+EDITION.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html">+EDITION collection by Poggenpohl // photo courtesy Poggenpohl</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>“The new +EDITION collection from Poggenpohl combines classic details with modern appeal. This innovative kitchen design features natural walnut wood veneer along with white lacquer cabinetry, available in flat panel or thin frame detail door styles. New black glass upper wall cabinets include the same thin frame details with finished interiors and LED lighting.”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2XuELlcqmhM2rLIR9Aq17CDA5BscqVA22ZMiTcoF-uzAd8Jx6ZSaHiIV-kaYjiClbQcqqkQMY6ff5u1dHNDaZBwsRl8jvrD7Xx64aUVTRCFkl9n7rT7Jx8pVdz_QFDHrk0v90CaxbaTx/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-09-21+at+1.44.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2XuELlcqmhM2rLIR9Aq17CDA5BscqVA22ZMiTcoF-uzAd8Jx6ZSaHiIV-kaYjiClbQcqqkQMY6ff5u1dHNDaZBwsRl8jvrD7Xx64aUVTRCFkl9n7rT7Jx8pVdz_QFDHrk0v90CaxbaTx/s800/Screen+shot+2013-09-21+at+1.44.40+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gessi.it/en/catalogue/bathroom/bath-ambience/goccia"><i>Gocchia faucet by Gessi // </i><i>photo courtesy Gessi</i></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Sponsors of BlogTourLA include <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/index.cfm">Blanco,</a> <a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html">Poggenpohl,</a> <a href="http://www.duverre.com/">DuVerre Hardware,</a> <a href="http://www.gaggenau.com/">Gaggenau,</a> <a href="http://www.gessi.it/">Gessi,</a> <a href="http://www.lampsplus.com/">Lamps Plus,</a> <a href="http://www.us.laufen.com/wps/wcm/connect/LAUFEN_US/BASE/HOME/">Laufen,</a> and <a href="http://www.mrsteam.com/">Mr Steam.</a>  Thank you for allowing me to be part of the <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/modenus/blogtour-community/">BlogTour community!</a> I know I will learn a lot on this trip (which I will share upon my return) while being inspired by great design in the company of like-minded individuals. There is something special about being with people who understand what you do, why you do it, and are willing to discuss design industry topics almost exclusively (while sipping the aforementioned bubbly, of course!) I’</span><span style="font-size: large;">ll toast to that! </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned for more <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23blogtourla&src=typd&f=realtime">#BlogTourLA</a> updates! </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4gJkNYbu9QJsqmfTXUBrSoTV3P6XQxfGSVusIM9ZxM0_ivmNsb3W-7RVOMp8_R5eBRN12uBQF7bPV0qqQeQDh7ighzBROlq8NMRdxu8HEjLfpfqVUrn4IAentH31G73r7B0sTZXlwxgL/s1600/BlogTour+Badge+LA+(blue).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4gJkNYbu9QJsqmfTXUBrSoTV3P6XQxfGSVusIM9ZxM0_ivmNsb3W-7RVOMp8_R5eBRN12uBQF7bPV0qqQeQDh7ighzBROlq8NMRdxu8HEjLfpfqVUrn4IAentH31G73r7B0sTZXlwxgL/s320/BlogTour+Badge+LA+(blue).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>

Countdown to BlogTourLA!

A Modenus curated collection I saw while visiting the Architectural Digest Home Show in 2012 Remember when I almost won  a trip to London  a...

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Kitchen Tour Week: Day Six

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB7v6gWb3a_ZehwCLlkwr8enhbPuurk1v0kp6tiJVaJYYU5mfmOkzmtkOdCeqB3UiK2Di5a_AuaF4zQ4-a1RPi07tjGzI2ezoLTFFeCleY9E3OoTOiR2JSATEApdIZk0VIXDveXzHTQO7/s1600/WilsonKelsey+kitchen+island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB7v6gWb3a_ZehwCLlkwr8enhbPuurk1v0kp6tiJVaJYYU5mfmOkzmtkOdCeqB3UiK2Di5a_AuaF4zQ4-a1RPi07tjGzI2ezoLTFFeCleY9E3OoTOiR2JSATEApdIZk0VIXDveXzHTQO7/s800/WilsonKelsey+kitchen+island.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">How was your Thanksgiving? I imagine that this next kitchen on the <a href="http://wenhammuseum.org/">Wenham Museum</a> Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour would be a great spot to host a big family dinner. Designed by <a href="http://www.wilsonkelseydesign.com/">Wilson Kelsey Design,</a> it features plenty of counter space, a variety of seating, and efficient work zones with top of the line appliances.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRROGn3HFHBziG2tQGSUyAIkru7Nz9ETN5wVKi75yfqtbsdmPMx2zdIRaz4-6tw5DcNKEjfL0NZovpZlWAAyFl6to9CmI2ZzQTmdTcAVIiGi7M6oN2O5iNKD8pjTf-Eh4RTq9eBTR2T_7-/s1600/table+WilsonKelsey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRROGn3HFHBziG2tQGSUyAIkru7Nz9ETN5wVKi75yfqtbsdmPMx2zdIRaz4-6tw5DcNKEjfL0NZovpZlWAAyFl6to9CmI2ZzQTmdTcAVIiGi7M6oN2O5iNKD8pjTf-Eh4RTq9eBTR2T_7-/s800/table+WilsonKelsey.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love a round table. Besides encouraging engaged conversation, it also breaks up the horizontal and vertical planes in a traditional setting. These chairs look super comfy, too. What a</span><span style="font-size: large;"> great spot to enjoy a home cooked meal, second helpings, dessert, drinks. The bar in the distance features black granite, while the center island and sink counters feature white and gray Calcutta marble. It is a very elegant combination tied together with crisp white cabinetry with frosted glass accents by <a href="http://www.thecabinetworks.com/">The Cabinetworks</a> of New Hampshire.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpdg35SWRgCqmwlltrNtxPj8TDinhWQA8dLZLa2ZnV-M2HrP_UK2MjNJdeq0SY05uZ-1CT9Ry8Mo-k4FndfPH4ZVnWXcXIJndyi8eLbvLLbP8vYjel6j0GiDNqp9EUnmCUZ3one5Tufko/s1600/SallyWilson+at+counter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpdg35SWRgCqmwlltrNtxPj8TDinhWQA8dLZLa2ZnV-M2HrP_UK2MjNJdeq0SY05uZ-1CT9Ry8Mo-k4FndfPH4ZVnWXcXIJndyi8eLbvLLbP8vYjel6j0GiDNqp9EUnmCUZ3one5Tufko/s800/SallyWilson+at+counter.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Designer Sally Wilson of Wilson Kelsey Design </i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLjfNBoBFCQlUgpHOD7C3Ct9voIM5nfLxSa3cDKLCA_zPM-PNWrQFUn2lX_AYLA-60rGrxNPVN_XQRTgvgyvSGB3hfElcs9iJkMjfFDs9B_Rj8K3BmP08QLk7BluAM_3akkdvfUJ9vo7g/s1600/JohnKelsey-mural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLjfNBoBFCQlUgpHOD7C3Ct9voIM5nfLxSa3cDKLCA_zPM-PNWrQFUn2lX_AYLA-60rGrxNPVN_XQRTgvgyvSGB3hfElcs9iJkMjfFDs9B_Rj8K3BmP08QLk7BluAM_3akkdvfUJ9vo7g/s800/JohnKelsey-mural.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>John Kelsey in front of the commissioned wall mural by <a href="http://www.zoe-design.com/intro.html">Zoe Design</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ4HXFTWIrMJdoa8womdXU-3mge4eWp1ABi2QgJvKww5MjaOjHkEUnfT-Yih0XGKBkLByblQkkmy4hF_mdX8P21OKosUkScMCx8NePLdUFga5kcD9PqeyCwji-WoscPLGg_w_LpfFLIiF/s1600/ZoeDesign-bar+sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ4HXFTWIrMJdoa8womdXU-3mge4eWp1ABi2QgJvKww5MjaOjHkEUnfT-Yih0XGKBkLByblQkkmy4hF_mdX8P21OKosUkScMCx8NePLdUFga5kcD9PqeyCwji-WoscPLGg_w_LpfFLIiF/s800/ZoeDesign-bar+sink.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A hammered metal bar sink with traditional dual-lever faucet</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JxpDLdeScmPl5pheGuh9pdYz_lg2eUbwujjhZ_h4VW4F_v6a_aFTLBZieqc2ZOdmwlBV_4_QUqzEMBT5jMQozOzjPrFnG7ruT0FYdnkAO5n10C7al5JPlFzBVaQ6fo4MRKH8HxwxuL3O/s1600/kitchen+sink+WKD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JxpDLdeScmPl5pheGuh9pdYz_lg2eUbwujjhZ_h4VW4F_v6a_aFTLBZieqc2ZOdmwlBV_4_QUqzEMBT5jMQozOzjPrFnG7ruT0FYdnkAO5n10C7al5JPlFzBVaQ6fo4MRKH8HxwxuL3O/s800/kitchen+sink+WKD.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A slightly contemporary single-lever faucet with pull-out spray at the main sink</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxHxUiqMzN7qdHP6di337LMpXWrL8IliauXKBdCzseMuCyYhe0JnTMzEDv3_sLs-SZMve60YsL7bVqX_iC945vnZI93cG4s9A4jmUxGF1cB8Gn6HcSyGn5D8sA556MbxjNkNWX9T2IVdT/s1600/powderroom+WKD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxHxUiqMzN7qdHP6di337LMpXWrL8IliauXKBdCzseMuCyYhe0JnTMzEDv3_sLs-SZMve60YsL7bVqX_iC945vnZI93cG4s9A4jmUxGF1cB8Gn6HcSyGn5D8sA556MbxjNkNWX9T2IVdT/s800/powderroom+WKD.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The first floor powder room is equally impressive with its black leather embossed wall covering, custom designed console, and stand-out-in-a-crowd fixtures.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9xDCSbg3fsXXzlJE_r6kfjNYE_uk8BWCxLr0ZTDLtzp2N2ahpMME2ZeBcOmdqzhQ4kdwmne9zafL8JA_jiFZvQCCnoBxtO1Pp014aLTuupK5iBgHwxM8vCZxrnhLw6JAbDVJ6ym72kJD/s1600/sitting+area+WKD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9xDCSbg3fsXXzlJE_r6kfjNYE_uk8BWCxLr0ZTDLtzp2N2ahpMME2ZeBcOmdqzhQ4kdwmne9zafL8JA_jiFZvQCCnoBxtO1Pp014aLTuupK5iBgHwxM8vCZxrnhLw6JAbDVJ6ym72kJD/s800/sitting+area+WKD.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A sitting area at one end of the kitchen provides additional room to gather, allowing guests to relax out of the way while keeping the cook company. The combination of gray blue fabrics with zesty pops of orange injects a subtle energy to the neutral palette of the surrounding spaces.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHnFuqPUoE0NDGRqKnSX8v94ByqyIRfXPNDvBNgxq4EjlVnCGC81jWlYyGprijcueBVP4Jh1Byy9JODGt4FRFOKgccDHRs9Ihxcxcs5Cwz-tBU61RAuP3f-luSlRiT8GZgygqfi8VtoVe/s1600/statue+WKD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHnFuqPUoE0NDGRqKnSX8v94ByqyIRfXPNDvBNgxq4EjlVnCGC81jWlYyGprijcueBVP4Jh1Byy9JODGt4FRFOKgccDHRs9Ihxcxcs5Cwz-tBU61RAuP3f-luSlRiT8GZgygqfi8VtoVe/s800/statue+WKD.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sally recently shared her bath remodeling expertise at the “Studs to Stunning: Remodeling Tips from the Pros” design seminar hosted at Designer Bath. <a href="http://designerbath.blogspot.com/2012/11/from-studs-to-stunning.html">Take a peek at her presentation here.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Come back tomorrow for the last set of kitchens from the Wenham Museum Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Kitchen Tour Week: Day Six

How was your Thanksgiving? I imagine that this next kitchen on the Wenham Museum Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour would be a great spot to ho...

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A few client “Afters”

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JcTaFeUdbxM6Uu_Qm_zY8RKuZAbfV3QVuq3H6Z8so5NX5lBOBmSHjpGutyLKhd1_cYhLZAoiS6fFW3Bt-a-o4LjxgACeaUESCiJuU2hnEHqUxdLzC0S41TbnC5xN75lW5-HwuvGQEmZ_/s1600/bathtub+w%253Aart.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270840216574002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JcTaFeUdbxM6Uu_Qm_zY8RKuZAbfV3QVuq3H6Z8so5NX5lBOBmSHjpGutyLKhd1_cYhLZAoiS6fFW3Bt-a-o4LjxgACeaUESCiJuU2hnEHqUxdLzC0S41TbnC5xN75lW5-HwuvGQEmZ_/s800/bathtub+w%253Aart.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >S<span>tep one: color consultation and linen choices</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> for the bath</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Step two: find artwork to hang over the spa tub</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I forget sometimes to show what I am working on with my decorating clients, so today I am featuring a few homes that I have helped transform with fresh paint colors, new art, decorative styling or design coaching. The spa tub above needed a piece of artwork that could fill the space and still make sense with the colors in the adjacent master bedroom. The bedding, which the homeowner chose, is a multicolored small print floral (scroll down below to see entrance to bath). I found this large canvas with tall flowers bordering a sandy beach. I like how it references water (i.e. being in the tub or in the ocean) plus the flowers in the painting are shown in the same rich colors that are found on the bed. </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBySYg_wBx0ko_ETS9pQFIsz4QYGH1ym7OB6x-RlbMHnvQFUI3ucnbGbMMjv3bb2fCMzo11t5IzZdoHCkC060y49R90eHLbkjpsdWOMDJ-pe-giVb7DQLGinRaERgUuBGu2ZKUcwRedwma/s1600/monogrammed+towels.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680275232548814610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBySYg_wBx0ko_ETS9pQFIsz4QYGH1ym7OB6x-RlbMHnvQFUI3ucnbGbMMjv3bb2fCMzo11t5IzZdoHCkC060y49R90eHLbkjpsdWOMDJ-pe-giVb7DQLGinRaERgUuBGu2ZKUcwRedwma/s800/monogrammed+towels.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I suggested monogramming “his and her</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">”</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> towels</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />to add a personal touch to the new bath.</span> </span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgOOX_zE0kF_LJig9e9LJcpS6OY6BzfOTN6i0DkYoD536SWijWamsyyt0lVKbZIBY-NsMFyg5c4Pk9lByv98MWyDRBWUbIF5VQdlJDqPVEDcDea5ZMIv-faxksLnWWvBuDceGgbKeW3tP/s1600/bedroom-tv-bath.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270852946980466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgOOX_zE0kF_LJig9e9LJcpS6OY6BzfOTN6i0DkYoD536SWijWamsyyt0lVKbZIBY-NsMFyg5c4Pk9lByv98MWyDRBWUbIF5VQdlJDqPVEDcDea5ZMIv-faxksLnWWvBuDceGgbKeW3tP/s800/bedroom-tv-bath.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A cool blue was chosen for the master bedroom walls to coordinate with the bedding and to add a contrast to the warm wood tones of the furniture and the sandy palette of the bath. On top of the dresser, I created a focal point that would also anchor the flat screen wall mounted television. I added a pair of candlesticks for a touch of romance and to help bridge the visual gap between the television and the bureau.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKPMgWcE6Q_JUDU1MLOXBCOlmEh1UlqZpleZXHilVePuexzFFmeStfENOeKIy_3A39yv568fljOgukzbE4mwGvgTmnwXUWtQDzvljgpr-ZqVTFWdc4Ly4dRoLVr2n7aXQRXQuCLNTXwPp/s1600/top+of+dresser2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680285010413061506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKPMgWcE6Q_JUDU1MLOXBCOlmEh1UlqZpleZXHilVePuexzFFmeStfENOeKIy_3A39yv568fljOgukzbE4mwGvgTmnwXUWtQDzvljgpr-ZqVTFWdc4Ly4dRoLVr2n7aXQRXQuCLNTXwPp/s800/top+of+dresser2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For this vignette, I chose objects that were a variety of heights, finishes and textures. A painted vintage box acts as a pretty catch-all for small jewelry boxes along with the odds and ends that typically end up being emptied from pockets at night.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2iU21tybpF0RjuoVv3iMLyrxpgXQVh9-Sdjp71ltHVYQfZwla-HdSMwYg5Jev7qUNljVTzpjpiZbk7_E6v9IzgfG-WOVvebX0EshiDuXBBDmHW61lrWzdZcHBsEKeXmwtHT5a6viU5RB/s1600/inside+box.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680275222393098978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2iU21tybpF0RjuoVv3iMLyrxpgXQVh9-Sdjp71ltHVYQfZwla-HdSMwYg5Jev7qUNljVTzpjpiZbk7_E6v9IzgfG-WOVvebX0EshiDuXBBDmHW61lrWzdZcHBsEKeXmwtHT5a6viU5RB/s800/inside+box.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />HOUSE NUMBER TWO:</span><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw6WzdauRB-ufqVCKBDtuY2GGuB9fUtY6TcvOiOC9wGFclFxJs19M5KqZmysRvr35X2yjkIiEHRN8OIMOTnRNK9FCSN-RW8B-ZqOD35RHjUfxtEgsHRmg1t22UeG0A2QveBWioKuuZ8jB/s1600/blue+wall+%252B+chair.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680275455118203186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw6WzdauRB-ufqVCKBDtuY2GGuB9fUtY6TcvOiOC9wGFclFxJs19M5KqZmysRvr35X2yjkIiEHRN8OIMOTnRNK9FCSN-RW8B-ZqOD35RHjUfxtEgsHRmg1t22UeG0A2QveBWioKuuZ8jB/s800/blue+wall+%252B+chair.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A modern light blue-gray wall color was chosen to compliment the more traditional slate covered floors.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEYXR0dN9dJ_0He24SNAGfioABvdKmyHU5eO0KPpiJvVxYcp2_SKuI6ONGztAvRKlUwf8403Es5jzbrLwh20GZZNmiMwtlllebpfPA8NdImqSKJhycvWvyKAl1qCCZolbF_zigducQQU8/s1600/long+hallway.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680271075321252562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEYXR0dN9dJ_0He24SNAGfioABvdKmyHU5eO0KPpiJvVxYcp2_SKuI6ONGztAvRKlUwf8403Es5jzbrLwh20GZZNmiMwtlllebpfPA8NdImqSKJhycvWvyKAl1qCCZolbF_zigducQQU8/s800/long+hallway.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />An extremely long hallway was given architectural interest by adding crown molding and wainscotting detail. Now the walls are ready for a gallery of family photos. By keeping the palette monochromatic, the focal point is on the master bedroom at the hall’s end, instead of drawing attention to the expanse of walls.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2pFnHSEDPKV3oT8s0f6V-4qbw1GYf4zNLckhwhoHRiEkB1aowO-TOEd5Z4i6VYKooiqHIclz7B5cTqgwn5XJf_Kthpno8br7Ism3hz4eI_TEheW4T0T0Nm93PsClZF273MWQUwBY9X25/s1600/brown+bedroom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680271085188145538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2pFnHSEDPKV3oT8s0f6V-4qbw1GYf4zNLckhwhoHRiEkB1aowO-TOEd5Z4i6VYKooiqHIclz7B5cTqgwn5XJf_Kthpno8br7Ism3hz4eI_TEheW4T0T0Nm93PsClZF273MWQUwBY9X25/s800/brown+bedroom.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The master bedroom in this home is a<br />rich contrast of chocolates and creams.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">HOUSE NUMBER THREE: BEFORE<br /><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwy7KV5GocnRqxlQPMwVCtkPTJqxXRbmo5UFmW5G03C8zMp97D4ME2HO2PvODsRgdYlUfvFFN286qXf-YnWVofffeJavQyjf1MzeUSfmv9pYXqhyVC_EVJTbNAZuIWEzc2DfmSQZDNmk3/s1600/counter+before.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270870073310306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwy7KV5GocnRqxlQPMwVCtkPTJqxXRbmo5UFmW5G03C8zMp97D4ME2HO2PvODsRgdYlUfvFFN286qXf-YnWVofffeJavQyjf1MzeUSfmv9pYXqhyVC_EVJTbNAZuIWEzc2DfmSQZDNmk3/s800/counter+before.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Existing cabinets in this home were refinished and given new hardware to match the new stainless steel appliances. By keeping their existing cabinets, the homeowners were able to splurge on a new granite countertop and tumbled marble backsplash ...</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">AND AFTER<br /><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtP2I-KzQNc5F5TFNYcTr9x3gMrWeaoRr8ZWivTPfD01bmOmiiK7dBX9egx3cK9Hrn7zFdoCiXqI6_lhGe4fkubli2EJBBNXmal3LzL0lEIXwU1RrHvzi-zA1D8aiAYkw6oGgmI8yaZPkX/s1600/counter+after.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270855050929010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtP2I-KzQNc5F5TFNYcTr9x3gMrWeaoRr8ZWivTPfD01bmOmiiK7dBX9egx3cK9Hrn7zFdoCiXqI6_lhGe4fkubli2EJBBNXmal3LzL0lEIXwU1RrHvzi-zA1D8aiAYkw6oGgmI8yaZPkX/s800/counter+after.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />We chose a cranberry, gray and cream colored granite that would pull out the colors in the stained glass door on one of the upper cabinets. The yellow pineapple plays the same visual trick. When you work with what you have, instead of fighting it, the final design looks much more planned.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Learn my decorating tricks ...</span><br />Could your home use a little “design coaxing?” Do you have decorating questions that you would like answered? I am going to be presenting a series of evening decorating workshops at <a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Schedule_of_Classes.php">TaggArt Studio</a> in Wakefield starting in January. If you would like to sign up, email me at yblacker@verizon.net and I will send you info.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Special holiday shopping event ...</span><br />There will be a holiday shopping open house at <a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Home_Page.php">TaggArt Studio</a> on this Friday night, December 2nd from 6pm to 8pm and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Along with <a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Portfolio.php">fine artwork</a> from studio owner Mary Taggart, jewelry, hostess gifts, and custom children</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">s</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> clothing and accessories, my friend <a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/">Beth Hylan</a> will be there with her always creative holiday trimmings so don’t miss out! For more details, <a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=g9l8wkdab&v=001750MJEUdJzMWX3_2uGLcWzCBijQl5h8OXokxA1-3TQQHZzIHhBgyP9KYwfepc9JKPxuOxHmj8D7mj71BKLjIFFJr6HAyeSF4WkP7VNUDu-oRuUwbPzg0jnWEIOGvTzJb">click here</a>. I will be sending over some fliers with the information about my upcoming classes, and you will be able to get on the class list by signing up during this weekend sale. Decorating consultations also make great gifts and I will have some discounted gift certificates available for those hard-to-buy-for someones on your list!<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JcTaFeUdbxM6Uu_Qm_zY8RKuZAbfV3QVuq3H6Z8so5NX5lBOBmSHjpGutyLKhd1_cYhLZAoiS6fFW3Bt-a-o4LjxgACeaUESCiJuU2hnEHqUxdLzC0S41TbnC5xN75lW5-HwuvGQEmZ_/s1600/bathtub+w%253Aart.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a>

A few client “Afters”

S tep one: color consultation and linen choices for the bath Step two: find artwork to hang over the spa tub I forget sometimes to show wha...

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What do you need in a kitchen?

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SKp81hPXmd4h5EweXe-ndtuZfFZ0OdZ2r3zpM5TpE_UA1PjdMe06F3rs7dYYX_tzyPsCd_RTU9Kmz9210a8cuHcr8ueOAieBdDRjoJ8_5BGPYucHJGfdVou4reVRoCjo0Cn0ogOYk2dl/s1600/coffeebarFK.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583998676681723554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SKp81hPXmd4h5EweXe-ndtuZfFZ0OdZ2r3zpM5TpE_UA1PjdMe06F3rs7dYYX_tzyPsCd_RTU9Kmz9210a8cuHcr8ueOAieBdDRjoJ8_5BGPYucHJGfdVou4reVRoCjo0Cn0ogOYk2dl/s400/coffeebarFK.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 235px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Would you like to start the day grabbing your cup<br />of coffee at a built-in coffee bar? My favorite part<br />is the cork backsplash. Very eco-chic.</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This weekend, my sister-in-law Susan and I went shopping for kitchens. We are technically now in a race to see who can put their gutted kitchen back together first! She and her husband (with the help of their sons) just dismantled their kitchen over a week ago. If you have been reading my blog, you know mine was hauled away during let’s just say warmer weather.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3nmO8d5JffHks-SUGmx97MB2sslvXjfanJ-3UfU_4n3zJycNHeZ8GJxVWla4FGXkLXiZgXNiKg_NrrdmW1UUoeXrrd30c5T4tXDOHrFhpAgZV6f8RqvtNdzR0Y8j6LxdVXSlw-jyU0ZJ/s1600/graygranite.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583998511337488738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3nmO8d5JffHks-SUGmx97MB2sslvXjfanJ-3UfU_4n3zJycNHeZ8GJxVWla4FGXkLXiZgXNiKg_NrrdmW1UUoeXrrd30c5T4tXDOHrFhpAgZV6f8RqvtNdzR0Y8j6LxdVXSlw-jyU0ZJ/s400/graygranite.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Can you fall in love with a piece of stone? I love the<br />water-color like pattern on this brownish-gray granite.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />While ours was barely hanging on by the hinges (in fact many drawer fronts had been glued back on repeatedly, some unsuccessfully), her big problem was an inefficient, dated layout (part of my problem, too) and not a lot of square footage (okay, that was also our problem). As they say, people always end up in the kitchen, so if the kitchen is small or hard to move around in without getting in the cooks way, then that can start to wear on you year after year, especially as our little ones become tall, hungry ones.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs07gGTsWzGbLu-SOKlZwvvROeeJlJgoPmoCLYtgRnlW0GU10Ddl2s45qITdAgKooe3Qx8hCRhOEHxmPY9TQuEaj_-yjt77FEqdBFz8k1pgYXjrH9Z3iAUT3ZeofPAdJ4EUIyUKUsBO-q/s1600/tilebacksplashFK.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583998362132506850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs07gGTsWzGbLu-SOKlZwvvROeeJlJgoPmoCLYtgRnlW0GU10Ddl2s45qITdAgKooe3Qx8hCRhOEHxmPY9TQuEaj_-yjt77FEqdBFz8k1pgYXjrH9Z3iAUT3ZeofPAdJ4EUIyUKUsBO-q/s400/tilebacksplashFK.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">This kitchen featured cabinets made out<br />of sustainable bamboo. By adding a<br />farmhouse sink with a mosaic tile backsplash<br />done in a traditional running board pattern,<br />this Asian-inspired modern space<br />looks more early-American in style<br />(and feels “like home” to me).</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />While my kitchen has been relocated temporarily into our dining room, Susan is fortunate to have a second kitchen located on the third floor of her home. Having to cook and serve meals by heading up two sets of stairs each day (for Susan) or preparing family meals in shifts because the toaster oven can only fit so much on the tray (that would be me) is hardly an inconvenience when you think of what is happening in Japan right now. Even so, I will be very thankful when I our modest sized kitchen is back where it belongs, and I can cook and clean without tripping over extension cords and we can all sit down to eat a home-cooked family meal at the same time.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4HT5K96ZCuNQd_Z_ok8N7T-NLrDx6Qt8vq_XG_CkZo_csUF1_b-a6tMsKosau_TWDsuhgr909vEto1UyJYFzk06qyQdgZNTTl53DUONMw_JHJ7Oq-Rc5m7qc1_ZPhzBEYnf4mJkL1ZNt/s1600/recesseddoorFK.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583998505942523394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4HT5K96ZCuNQd_Z_ok8N7T-NLrDx6Qt8vq_XG_CkZo_csUF1_b-a6tMsKosau_TWDsuhgr909vEto1UyJYFzk06qyQdgZNTTl53DUONMw_JHJ7Oq-Rc5m7qc1_ZPhzBEYnf4mJkL1ZNt/s400/recesseddoorFK.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >These cabinets look like they should be in my<br />100+ year old farmhouse. I love that they<br />are recessed, furniture-like, with a colorful<br />interior and vintage inspired hardware.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />As I said to Susan, even if you have all the time in the world to wait to get it done (she is thinking by the fall or the holidays) it can be very unsettling to walk past a room that is down to the studs. It just doesn’t feel like home. When I see the footage of the homeless Japanese who are now living, eating and sleeping together in shelters, are missing loved ones, and no longer have their belongings or a place to call home, it truly puts everything in perspective. I have everything I need, all I am missing is a full sized stove. But soon I should be able to get out and use the grill again, so that will add some variety to our evening meals : )<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />With that said, I hope the photos on this post taken during our visit to <a href="http://www.familykitchens.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Family Kitchens</span></a> in Salem are helpful to you if you are planning your dream kitchen, or are a virtual field trip if you are in the mood to daydream. I think the name of their business says it all – our kitchens are a sacred room in which to honor our families (and ourselves) through nourishment. While bells and whistles are nice, what we basically need is an efficient space to easily prepare the meals that keep us healthy – and comforted – in our homes.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsez30u_jCMlnr9jT6rZp6o9_eJ8dIPoDERz70BPmRSIGWsZt-xnY2l96YikJsAumTEkJnY9OJ_P7GWCJDefCT6arT3PR2vLN7_qVcMNjtnxq_qktx62hIcTAQs2mpl8DRe6rIrqARUbdt/s1600/martinibarFK.jpg"><br /></a><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27qh9VavgsuGhUxPNzej9Egeye0tMET8QrKg1EPBqi-QqJ3IKwK2qtfEGZ5OYUlSUmy05Ax4mCJ4ekTHcCk21TLRu_8Bbzxa_99hHPQZZnHtBkJNOsU4cK1EfXk9Spspd98beSucenDLR/s1600/corian%253ATVFK.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583998365297123122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27qh9VavgsuGhUxPNzej9Egeye0tMET8QrKg1EPBqi-QqJ3IKwK2qtfEGZ5OYUlSUmy05Ax4mCJ4ekTHcCk21TLRu_8Bbzxa_99hHPQZZnHtBkJNOsU4cK1EfXk9Spspd98beSucenDLR/s400/corian%253ATVFK.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Do you like to watch cooking shows or the news<br />while you prepare your meals? A built in television<br />(or wall mount) will free up valuable counter space.</span></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv75TY-PVilG7sXylLW2gc4xfAEYBBjgqoup4c5jczJ4eZ4wotmClx5QK8zDUswenVEptzNRL-dmTrUdibRwiLhPEpxDo29nVqLmsuzcznepw716vv6-tBXkulOyf8_K-4SxDq5Wb-scjB/s1600/mixerFK.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583998349541665650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv75TY-PVilG7sXylLW2gc4xfAEYBBjgqoup4c5jczJ4eZ4wotmClx5QK8zDUswenVEptzNRL-dmTrUdibRwiLhPEpxDo29nVqLmsuzcznepw716vv6-tBXkulOyf8_K-4SxDq5Wb-scjB/s400/mixerFK.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Do you bake a lot and need a place to store a large<br />mixer? If moving heavy equipment back and forth<br />is difficult for you, this might be a good option.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsez30u_jCMlnr9jT6rZp6o9_eJ8dIPoDERz70BPmRSIGWsZt-xnY2l96YikJsAumTEkJnY9OJ_P7GWCJDefCT6arT3PR2vLN7_qVcMNjtnxq_qktx62hIcTAQs2mpl8DRe6rIrqARUbdt/s1600/martinibarFK.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583998371443436786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsez30u_jCMlnr9jT6rZp6o9_eJ8dIPoDERz70BPmRSIGWsZt-xnY2l96YikJsAumTEkJnY9OJ_P7GWCJDefCT6arT3PR2vLN7_qVcMNjtnxq_qktx62hIcTAQs2mpl8DRe6rIrqARUbdt/s400/martinibarFK.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Is a martini bar a luxury or a celebration of the<br />unique design elements that are available?</span></div> <br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBmswQadzu0jWfmBGGq4CVcLATDExNRmr7CQbzC8kMh__lMVSPQvxuWlv1PdYs-Iy1uYvuE5RyEKTSHzvDb8RUcN-FbT-3pTlHjMsO5Ono-RyDe9PPbJpOJeELhdVKA-_JXTRFFS7g360/s1600/tinceilingFK.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583998511909740690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBmswQadzu0jWfmBGGq4CVcLATDExNRmr7CQbzC8kMh__lMVSPQvxuWlv1PdYs-Iy1uYvuE5RyEKTSHzvDb8RUcN-FbT-3pTlHjMsO5Ono-RyDe9PPbJpOJeELhdVKA-_JXTRFFS7g360/s400/tinceilingFK.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Do you have ceilings that have seen better days</span><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">or would you like more light bouncing around<br />in your room? Tin might be a nice solution.</span><br /> </span></div> </div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimxSJdGiquqK-psHbTPdSZkMuppbbKu2u-vKidgpuWTFd_cLBRcqDeGkYhPB8l7WPO6bcGNHOCnrQCS1W1_Qyn27AdJ2-F9vRpqr-JuxYQekDaQ_x69Qt-mLez5_LgSBxtafetfwR3XVq/s1600/stonerugFK.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583998350288126082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimxSJdGiquqK-psHbTPdSZkMuppbbKu2u-vKidgpuWTFd_cLBRcqDeGkYhPB8l7WPO6bcGNHOCnrQCS1W1_Qyn27AdJ2-F9vRpqr-JuxYQekDaQ_x69Qt-mLez5_LgSBxtafetfwR3XVq/s400/stonerugFK.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Does imagining a walk on the beach make you<br />smile? If yes, then this stone tile would be one<br />way to start your day off on the right foot.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv75TY-PVilG7sXylLW2gc4xfAEYBBjgqoup4c5jczJ4eZ4wotmClx5QK8zDUswenVEptzNRL-dmTrUdibRwiLhPEpxDo29nVqLmsuzcznepw716vv6-tBXkulOyf8_K-4SxDq5Wb-scjB/s1600/mixerFK.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.familykitchens.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Family Kitchens</span></a><br />262 Highland Avenue<br />Salem, MA 01970<br />978.745.7700<br /></div>

What do you need in a kitchen?

Would you like to start the day grabbing your cup of coffee at a built-in coffee bar? My favorite part is the cork backsplash. Very eco-chic...

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What makes a kitchen beautiful?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAm7lUqTrpywF-54BeBsOxiJBk7e8Y5pr_UfMfhLKLaqK32zRpD8IpAT0iTeHX7kd-JVWDEOszknnZtHiK8n8Rrsg6qAKKJkEpN_g_CMNUevkSS3jica2l1pJOUX2_R6ayhKq_mATf8rZ/s1600/hydrangeasonmarbleWKT.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4SF0Mz59JyPJZ1uh0K1Gp7RD83ZX2Kb39JpUvlhn-5DNcQdHUepj44Ns8J-H01vnC7QabLm1BIuNpUu0YiLEShNzSvJZU8-DAwMKTLBHraWE-PBv3sUYxcwoLwZEZQLyU8qbrgoeE_Wn/s1600/petitchateau.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655294317633586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4SF0Mz59JyPJZ1uh0K1Gp7RD83ZX2Kb39JpUvlhn-5DNcQdHUepj44Ns8J-H01vnC7QabLm1BIuNpUu0YiLEShNzSvJZU8-DAwMKTLBHraWE-PBv3sUYxcwoLwZEZQLyU8qbrgoeE_Wn/s400/petitchateau.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Personal touches add character<br />to any kitchen, large or small.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />This past Saturday, I spent the day touring some beautifully finished kitchens that were featured on the <a href="http://www.wenhammuseum.org/">Wenham Museum</a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour</span> while dreaming about finishing my own remodel-in-progress. All of the homes were in the Wenham, Manchester, Beverly/Prides Crossing area of the North Shore. Each was uniquely special in its own way. I did not get photos of every home on the tour, but I did get some shots that illustrate what I think makes a kitchen interesting, often regardless<br />of budget or materials chosen.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wqDyUE1prpB2yIFL1Aqi1G7OR2rC79AlkNK9_FgRhITk_EYEF9UmAAO-WcVzsqh6QUae7lArjmrctRy3IcS6mCoIZMVt-YfRI8gOQqqn6Du6m0D_VGEqvne6jRHJDfXkmokedwRRqXYu/s1600/stovehoodWKT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655870018666178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wqDyUE1prpB2yIFL1Aqi1G7OR2rC79AlkNK9_FgRhITk_EYEF9UmAAO-WcVzsqh6QUae7lArjmrctRy3IcS6mCoIZMVt-YfRI8gOQqqn6Du6m0D_VGEqvne6jRHJDfXkmokedwRRqXYu/s400/stovehoodWKT.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Artistic touches and pops<br />of color are engaging.<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEx0rZuqHBk_lFQu_q_OVybvGHX8jJIyWAcC-xkcCnC7WghKEC1nHKXhpi8SNDYVd3S0vE4gWwExy_Id2cs6edtn7df_5Yx0CSAcpvnqRPYsj52vvng63_koMr0wUMFUf_5oyeGiuKT4q/s1600/whiteceramicsHDP.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655053219731954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEx0rZuqHBk_lFQu_q_OVybvGHX8jJIyWAcC-xkcCnC7WghKEC1nHKXhpi8SNDYVd3S0vE4gWwExy_Id2cs6edtn7df_5Yx0CSAcpvnqRPYsj52vvng63_koMr0wUMFUf_5oyeGiuKT4q/s400/whiteceramicsHDP.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Displayed collections add personality.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_65J7SOadSYzqQkIBH87hgS6qCQ547_BEIYnRz_M1_8eJMTfAHU6UHwLwAU6g9mE8y06z5z4BFy2Q-EETQarkW16OmN34VY6aixOIU2wrQPKHQHbZmwEcHBI_Wc8Ytx8uNuO1OOg_15S/s1600/paintedcabinetHDP.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655052552646866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_65J7SOadSYzqQkIBH87hgS6qCQ547_BEIYnRz_M1_8eJMTfAHU6UHwLwAU6g9mE8y06z5z4BFy2Q-EETQarkW16OmN34VY6aixOIU2wrQPKHQHbZmwEcHBI_Wc8Ytx8uNuO1OOg_15S/s400/paintedcabinetHDP.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Painted cabinet interiors are a great<br />way to show off what is inside.</span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHncBubBbCthyphenhyphen-6XichyphenhyphenyJOYci_29ngfq6gr1WleTi7lNq6B645gMFXSKs3hbGtFpnGyPceke8VDSW_4w9oM9bX80N1In6dfS2BY0pRSDyr91jx0SDpd8JU0a6RlNF7ofBHmqqh07pRgi0/s1600/benchpillowWKT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG7PEIZYiPipDtUG0bQG2IzdEluy5c9IbYkfpwI1hMKzOQvARapaDxnwvEL-yiHECPX2HULDtuUrTLZvoaHJV7vtNQeT6rJaUZA5M6lBN6QBL2RAfHT60INV98Wr6r5a_t1JQYn5u92lb/s1600/pinkdiningroomWKT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrbgRhWWuNqbw7-7piQj4TLZfq_Ytx4DYnA8pbX2BVyykx4buY2zFBxmLrwv7Y5wYoddQqRduES8bVyecqm8N3t-F_jd43LDClhDBbqO4JWAFTxOPpU9Zco5zLXZIXw_gb9iCCYRKPVgw/s1600/surfboardWKT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655764627024802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrbgRhWWuNqbw7-7piQj4TLZfq_Ytx4DYnA8pbX2BVyykx4buY2zFBxmLrwv7Y5wYoddQqRduES8bVyecqm8N3t-F_jd43LDClhDBbqO4JWAFTxOPpU9Zco5zLXZIXw_gb9iCCYRKPVgw/s400/surfboardWKT.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Remember this </span><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-style-tips.html" style="font-style: italic;">custom surfboard island</a><span style="font-style: italic;">?</span><br /><br /></span><br />Creatively styled spaces that are bright and<br />cheerful make for great conversation.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAm7lUqTrpywF-54BeBsOxiJBk7e8Y5pr_UfMfhLKLaqK32zRpD8IpAT0iTeHX7kd-JVWDEOszknnZtHiK8n8Rrsg6qAKKJkEpN_g_CMNUevkSS3jica2l1pJOUX2_R6ayhKq_mATf8rZ/s1600/hydrangeasonmarbleWKT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvk0ZHs-tfL3uf3imtY7yaGVaEFZYGZbTB2hEzPvSw63UguOVurTXnbrx3T_PBiWDNYVWT3PWqEoPy5gh3KQzr_TAHqZDeVu3pUJuGj4qbeqKPDQkfLQ5mkR2s7f7cUFAbXp2LGd5JEx_R/s1600/glassesonshelvesWKT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655527597566562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvk0ZHs-tfL3uf3imtY7yaGVaEFZYGZbTB2hEzPvSw63UguOVurTXnbrx3T_PBiWDNYVWT3PWqEoPy5gh3KQzr_TAHqZDeVu3pUJuGj4qbeqKPDQkfLQ5mkR2s7f7cUFAbXp2LGd5JEx_R/s400/glassesonshelvesWKT.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A well-edited color palette plus open shelving<br />for everyday items are easy on the eye.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGe5OzyG8drM2tGXk5bPXRKyQXW85ph7Rc-am1sxh_-vL2GPtzacb-2RVCZCM-Vd91nR7HuSsDz_FqizDOOnah_qY_BsJ9AHaijx8PIDWWdfQan_es3Vgkg-iAqkoZdRl4v5E-cPqnjfX/s1600/garagedoorsWKT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655306068243650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGe5OzyG8drM2tGXk5bPXRKyQXW85ph7Rc-am1sxh_-vL2GPtzacb-2RVCZCM-Vd91nR7HuSsDz_FqizDOOnah_qY_BsJ9AHaijx8PIDWWdfQan_es3Vgkg-iAqkoZdRl4v5E-cPqnjfX/s400/garagedoorsWKT.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Exterior views that are pretty and thoughtful<br />can compliment a kitchens interior.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5xCU70K5lDRwm2NJxKW3w4sYl2C7XFEuWu29zLMNOGtofQqx9pbYfiBJrC0m3COJdM4gMptQNj8v3Fx8nqGACSMLCB7dhN9C3jZdxbhfREzUgM99_bGUYOq82hrzUGkQoVpVEh3UrGqO/s1600/modernkitchenWKT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655304505562674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5xCU70K5lDRwm2NJxKW3w4sYl2C7XFEuWu29zLMNOGtofQqx9pbYfiBJrC0m3COJdM4gMptQNj8v3Fx8nqGACSMLCB7dhN9C3jZdxbhfREzUgM99_bGUYOq82hrzUGkQoVpVEh3UrGqO/s400/modernkitchenWKT.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Great lighting plus room to entertain<br />will encourage large gatherings.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ0MfASJ2-jlBwe8DxTr4xrwYOeqTQf_k1WKldHfejHhvcoun4UmbGrni1pUl5LXdfYSra80fZnkhWgNljZne4haL2HPPlxA9b4V7N359R2GQEr4Ftty7E16sToh0j_NEqNF7utcbWKcX/s1600/openshelvesWKT.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655301995823026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ0MfASJ2-jlBwe8DxTr4xrwYOeqTQf_k1WKldHfejHhvcoun4UmbGrni1pUl5LXdfYSra80fZnkhWgNljZne4haL2HPPlxA9b4V7N359R2GQEr4Ftty7E16sToh0j_NEqNF7utcbWKcX/s400/openshelvesWKT.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Clutter-free counters and well-organized<br />storage both looks and feels good.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHO2lpkvFOceAnhUQHN9rHDlpyq0uWbNjuLxJXuUf8LoMSEbXF-glKnUj84BOgpm34vVb4Uh8UYiQLS38EpePRRxNlh4EpBpkZunwHtEVNyl3JsBRfjS0WlVYSSFXC8EnxLTh3-rIX2aEU/s1600/coffeemakerWKT.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655760818791602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHO2lpkvFOceAnhUQHN9rHDlpyq0uWbNjuLxJXuUf8LoMSEbXF-glKnUj84BOgpm34vVb4Uh8UYiQLS38EpePRRxNlh4EpBpkZunwHtEVNyl3JsBRfjS0WlVYSSFXC8EnxLTh3-rIX2aEU/s400/coffeemakerWKT.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAm7lUqTrpywF-54BeBsOxiJBk7e8Y5pr_UfMfhLKLaqK32zRpD8IpAT0iTeHX7kd-JVWDEOszknnZtHiK8n8Rrsg6qAKKJkEpN_g_CMNUevkSS3jica2l1pJOUX2_R6ayhKq_mATf8rZ/s1600/hydrangeasonmarbleWKT.jpg"><br /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Well appointed spaces with equally enchanting<br />adjoining rooms create visual continuity.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESyCr_aXsRWWyYQeotNmtLJE7AgIxYi_6s6ZR-On9XXP3eiB8qazAkOO-5UHrtRSQj9j7eFvvzPajbd_KGmACp1iceTbf57P8X8qkNX-EHaeYd1D-7OEjiXC5TZOg-8fK7M9-9S9xod3f/s1600/bowl:applesWKT.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655553949933490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESyCr_aXsRWWyYQeotNmtLJE7AgIxYi_6s6ZR-On9XXP3eiB8qazAkOO-5UHrtRSQj9j7eFvvzPajbd_KGmACp1iceTbf57P8X8qkNX-EHaeYd1D-7OEjiXC5TZOg-8fK7M9-9S9xod3f/s400/bowl:applesWKT.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Comfortable areas to entertain that are<br />filled with organic materials and natural<br />patina add warmth and charm.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAm7lUqTrpywF-54BeBsOxiJBk7e8Y5pr_UfMfhLKLaqK32zRpD8IpAT0iTeHX7kd-JVWDEOszknnZtHiK8n8Rrsg6qAKKJkEpN_g_CMNUevkSS3jica2l1pJOUX2_R6ayhKq_mATf8rZ/s1600/hydrangeasonmarbleWKT.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655538968599650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAm7lUqTrpywF-54BeBsOxiJBk7e8Y5pr_UfMfhLKLaqK32zRpD8IpAT0iTeHX7kd-JVWDEOszknnZtHiK8n8Rrsg6qAKKJkEpN_g_CMNUevkSS3jica2l1pJOUX2_R6ayhKq_mATf8rZ/s400/hydrangeasonmarbleWKT.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM2k6i81zCGCadA6HTeowUMee_TjGa0MHcTw7lguiiaIqzXDEHHcvy4PWm24Ckg37OhgX4gw1s34T9cANOqI2faDENI5Yf6pJIwezjJL5M8wC_ocpOUD9qcwCsIyMkpZ97R38Y-e-4jUe/s1600/lilliesWKT.jpg"><span><span></span></span></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Take home style tip:</span> a simple bouquet<br />of flowers will dress-up any kitchen.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpek4GKznUIaOW8JFk40xvSuiOhyphenhyphenF2JClMo7YulE3v5j64wjltDE4M6sZtCfzopzW2fWe4rLThfGQNUbn3Vsmp3douvJwVhAfkq0F2OCYUSkUAr7UhNMB7uAkLYYqi6nUmbG9tUS0Kt1PX/s1600/orchidvaseWKT.jpg"><span><span></span></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" >My favorite kitchen item seen on the tour?</span><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvewfjzvWvZsJnm4Tv1Is4Vw1lDBv-ShfUl9O4ZHFzKllHcwgDOUvkdu28ZtXYL5oxq0psIvOr1TYdZ3zEtMAHd2x32Cyxd2CvvokgNWF5Sanx7JOecXrgBba30kiwYJ1V5Iizgs3s30Y/s1600/farmhousesinkWKT.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523655298518900770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvewfjzvWvZsJnm4Tv1Is4Vw1lDBv-ShfUl9O4ZHFzKllHcwgDOUvkdu28ZtXYL5oxq0psIvOr1TYdZ3zEtMAHd2x32Cyxd2CvvokgNWF5Sanx7JOecXrgBba30kiwYJ1V5Iizgs3s30Y/s400/farmhousesinkWKT.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A large stainless steel farmhouse sink.<br />This tops my list as a must-have for my new kitchen.<br />What favorite items are on your list?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Read more about this event<br />(and see some professional photos)</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.salemnews.com/lifestyle/x1864895508/Counter-intelligence">by clicking here</a>.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></div>

What makes a kitchen beautiful?

Personal touches add character to any kitchen, large or small. This past Saturday, I spent the day touring some beautifully finished kitchen...

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Small change ... big difference

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFBlZ3z5zkjT-mmtvJMq3k83zeFIXV4P_QnsV78XLxC-l2M7KEY_ME21e7HdKJwr6uIztv5bQ9YWh_GTtZ-xfGyCrjPzJuAaBT7oD-0ttsf8nM95eQzkxpxoOefnffDTDEjXDJPESn2Y/s1600/benchafter.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407416463408010466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFBlZ3z5zkjT-mmtvJMq3k83zeFIXV4P_QnsV78XLxC-l2M7KEY_ME21e7HdKJwr6uIztv5bQ9YWh_GTtZ-xfGyCrjPzJuAaBT7oD-0ttsf8nM95eQzkxpxoOefnffDTDEjXDJPESn2Y/s400/benchafter.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">This sassy little bench is a huge improvement from ...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSUZflF2ljsbiZsfi9AagoHnEq6vHaHUFRODN1mSxrvBGOz66egpPBi5PMa4TvfdX7lgEmR0RUuwMGn1sfrZIsUFO2WrAWjzb9GQ7g75bgns0sK2DxzWPGtWoOQa5Z3UhV5cr2D9-zX0/s1600/benchbefore.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407416458681940514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSUZflF2ljsbiZsfi9AagoHnEq6vHaHUFRODN1mSxrvBGOz66egpPBi5PMa4TvfdX7lgEmR0RUuwMGn1sfrZIsUFO2WrAWjzb9GQ7g75bgns0sK2DxzWPGtWoOQa5Z3UhV5cr2D9-zX0/s400/benchbefore.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">its previous forlorn state (what was I thinking??)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />G</span><span style="font-size:130%;">etting ready for company is a great motivator for many of us to freshen up our living spaces. There is nothing like hosting a party for a couple dozen guests to want to start all over again somewhere (or everywhere!) With the holiday season just around the corner, I thought I’d share some great before and afters from my client files that show how easy it is to make a big difference by changing a few things.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO2INBEu2ZoPfvTqOfkZjQRHgOUMoIrfbQEzW0JIITM4lFGQ-zFYHSX4e28sBGwrMmoqgh8h_x2K5TAEogDSCU-K_R2RHHy2K-PWOW3RfDpbHKnp09ZjD71JIMIuy2phMsgJg-Ok2-p4/s1600/kitchenb4PS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407418215882768098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO2INBEu2ZoPfvTqOfkZjQRHgOUMoIrfbQEzW0JIITM4lFGQ-zFYHSX4e28sBGwrMmoqgh8h_x2K5TAEogDSCU-K_R2RHHy2K-PWOW3RfDpbHKnp09ZjD71JIMIuy2phMsgJg-Ok2-p4/s400/kitchenb4PS.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The main flaw in this good-size kitchen </span><span style="font-size:130%;">was a domineering set of outdated cabinets. Newer black appliances stuck out next to the lighter oak of the woodwork. My clients, anticipating a future renovation, wanted to spiff it up in the meantime.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM7_j8bT4U2DihG8YcTQ8S_Lr3UMM7FlSSzvgdhRzhiXkYXaPi2IN-TDshoQ3PTlLoWTuCCpMe0Qrq5hy2O-lncvFDMMVsVorFM_B7ue1TSwwMw7pAmSBU2Edbek4C9wT7vCgUFgelkg/s1600/kitchenafterPS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407418219847393442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM7_j8bT4U2DihG8YcTQ8S_Lr3UMM7FlSSzvgdhRzhiXkYXaPi2IN-TDshoQ3PTlLoWTuCCpMe0Qrq5hy2O-lncvFDMMVsVorFM_B7ue1TSwwMw7pAmSBU2Edbek4C9wT7vCgUFgelkg/s400/kitchenafterPS.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />By painting the long line of upper cabinets a light creamy yellow (closer to the wall color) they are not as heavy and boxy-looking as before. The bottom cabinets got a fresh coat of a bright colonial blue (self-priming <a href="http://benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=fh_findproducts&cachebuster=Mon%20Nov%2023%2018:36:34%20EST%202009">Aura</a> paint from Benjamin Moore did the trick) which is similar in tone to the black of the dishwasher and oven, helping them recede into the background. Shiny new hardware and a pretty toile fabric at each window helps to update this kitchen from “I am living with this</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> to </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“</span><span style="font-size:130%;">I am loving this.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Even the vintage stove top looks stylish now, as does the red sink (blue, red and yellow are a great, primary color combination).<br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXpFdk7pklICmqUNdTtW-LnV4cKQ7wbPS2i2qIa-3yuKyWh6EXkccXFiGMaTD9_f4aIPiB6rp5HBEf3PcQVvmiYJ1EPhaZLS9RPkx7L9a56WlqsY-ggEDs-OzAmoB31R73W_oKiqB1yI/s1600/roomb4CF.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407416455081921650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXpFdk7pklICmqUNdTtW-LnV4cKQ7wbPS2i2qIa-3yuKyWh6EXkccXFiGMaTD9_f4aIPiB6rp5HBEf3PcQVvmiYJ1EPhaZLS9RPkx7L9a56WlqsY-ggEDs-OzAmoB31R73W_oKiqB1yI/s400/roomb4CF.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 367px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The homeowner of this family room addition was looking for a pop of color. Her collection of red and blue glassware inspired my suggestion to define the space above the built-in bookcases with a deep, rich red. To get her visually on board, I provided a computer mock-up of the space with the new color ...</span><br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GyEI9R4d1rVvNVTFKU-C48BeBUUVr1D3mM_CYOpLWkkCf8wt4oNypOh-5xgc8-ST-0LEYtUif5-P9PV-zszl-_Bdnj0tR-vNKrj8-FPXz8reH4Gf-yAbRZX7q1BLsGML6_ci7HGKUsI/s1600/redwallideaCF.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407449092979092178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GyEI9R4d1rVvNVTFKU-C48BeBUUVr1D3mM_CYOpLWkkCf8wt4oNypOh-5xgc8-ST-0LEYtUif5-P9PV-zszl-_Bdnj0tR-vNKrj8-FPXz8reH4Gf-yAbRZX7q1BLsGML6_ci7HGKUsI/s320/redwallideaCF.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 305px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfAH6bwlEejTb3Aa1WyKc-PYx-bcvKAuZzLawPYSo2qu5YRUJHy4ObZiYAywZCF6rXw69UQijNZ61YuFzkyk1KI4mtiQzruOlLqdnncyYQsPDONPWjE5nqytyOgp6ZV9Xwfnd9pvLtT0/s1600/redwallCF.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407448787753416050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfAH6bwlEejTb3Aa1WyKc-PYx-bcvKAuZzLawPYSo2qu5YRUJHy4ObZiYAywZCF6rXw69UQijNZ61YuFzkyk1KI4mtiQzruOlLqdnncyYQsPDONPWjE5nqytyOgp6ZV9Xwfnd9pvLtT0/s400/redwallCF.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Here is the newly painted space which is pretty close to the visual I provided. With Thanksgiving company coming, we did a furniture shop to find the new sofa, chair-and-a-half and ottoman pictured in the after shot above (and at the store below).</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEph3c1AnKVp8d9_lwTnUKnLkIvUh3IzWecaEkdfh1V6w1xzdBUD4Oxng_pSAPHNQgR29DA7t-huN_e437PcgMjgy3HehZ-eRzaow5Gtul-fgiVy8OVRvfAtOI_bYRHhkJLuddrQoXFLw/s1600/chairandahalfCF.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407451994326373202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEph3c1AnKVp8d9_lwTnUKnLkIvUh3IzWecaEkdfh1V6w1xzdBUD4Oxng_pSAPHNQgR29DA7t-huN_e437PcgMjgy3HehZ-eRzaow5Gtul-fgiVy8OVRvfAtOI_bYRHhkJLuddrQoXFLw/s400/chairandahalfCF.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A chair-and-a-half is one of my favorite must-have pieces. It is perfect for curling up with a good book or snuggling with a little one to read a story. Two adults could also share the space (if they are in the mood, that is!) I actually have one of these love seats of my own that will be </span><span style="font-size:130%;">re-invented soon (it has undergone one-too-many transformations into a fort over the past few years). Check back around Christmas (?!?) to see my <span style="font-weight: bold;">master bedroom relocation,</span> which is where my favorite chair will be placed (out of harms way!)<br /><br />Here is my soon-to-be-new master before ...<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBY-vBr4udURFAeTKWHxymzh7U1Fb4wmVzm6h1TeCX7EPKyHrNPou2BpDPaka7p6_ex2lIZGTEiIqR8ImgPVDvf3P6lupQQEuJGa3_MgHI4YJxpnj4PyXKC7DQnp9gtQm61EU3x-uSlzM/s1600/masterphase1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407467552904754066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBY-vBr4udURFAeTKWHxymzh7U1Fb4wmVzm6h1TeCX7EPKyHrNPou2BpDPaka7p6_ex2lIZGTEiIqR8ImgPVDvf3P6lupQQEuJGa3_MgHI4YJxpnj4PyXKC7DQnp9gtQm61EU3x-uSlzM/s400/masterphase1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">And here it is just about ready to be insulated ...<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-fsbh41LU-uc_ByJdJ8e7Xetz02fS828On0AiQwxjI6areI6_j7pKHGJ9OIXiMxzsXTsKA-ZFfzWkHBx0F_XaAFzbsKfUbNdnzUmPXsc37wj79mhJefhYR4ymVq2wgy472vGeprJBNU/s1600/masterphase2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407469961658527746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-fsbh41LU-uc_ByJdJ8e7Xetz02fS828On0AiQwxjI6areI6_j7pKHGJ9OIXiMxzsXTsKA-ZFfzWkHBx0F_XaAFzbsKfUbNdnzUmPXsc37wj79mhJefhYR4ymVq2wgy472vGeprJBNU/s400/masterphase2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A note of warning to all of you out there lusting after old homes ... my husband and I fell in love with this 100-year old fixer upper, I think mostly for the “before and after” potential that we saw in it. If I had my chance to do it again, I would have bought it <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> having kids (not with 3 toddlers and a baby on the way, again what were we thinking???). Fixing it up with four little ones under foot hasn’t been the we-can-do-it adventure I hoped for! Although when this Cinderella-before-the-ball house is finished, I am sure we will forget all of the blood/sweat/tears/money that we poured into this renovation-without-end. Until then, I will have plenty of before-and-after-content to share with all of you : )</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div>

Small change ... big difference

This sassy little bench is a huge improvement from ... its previous forlorn state (what was I thinking??) G etting ready for company is a gr...

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