When a sweet client Shelly wrote in for help with her kitchen/living room space, we were more than happy to put our heads together to come up with some ideas to tie it all together. We decided to add a little personal character to her sweet eat in kitchen and cabinet spaces. So today, we’re happy to share some ideas for her kitchen to give it a little character, and organization.
Her home comes with a ton of charm, and she has an amazing start. Their family was looking for some organization solutions for a bit of a problem area when it comes to all things entry and storage.
Reality. I mean, who isn’t? Probably one of our toughest areas, as well… all things family and daily schedules can be a little overwhelming.
So without further ado, first up: The kitchen/eat in area: a few ideas we cooked up for a kitchen with character.
For their kitchen, we think it comes down to some clever storage, practical additions, and pieces to kick it all up a notch.
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1. The Rug –Â
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In their entryway by the back door, we’d love to see a nice, simple rug with a clean pattern for some fun character. We chose this sweet little rug for a nice, lasting piece and fun pattern.
• Storage – 2 + 10Â
We understand the whole crowded-area-used-by-the-family thing when you enter, and are actually in the process of planning solutions for our own home. So instead of the traditional bench and hooks, we thought it may help to keep a few of those things out of sight… out of mind, while still organized. We love the lockers for all things shoes and the sweet vintage feel they bring to the space.
We also thought that in their eating area, they could use an armoire to hang all their family’s belongings.
It’s still right there for coming and going, but now they have two useable, generous units to help with all the pieces. They also have a great charm about them too since they’re right by the kitchen. We love the idea of an armoire for all things jackets, backpacks, and all the larger items… even her husband’s work stuff since they mentioned he uses that area for his work space. They actually have one in white if they feel this would match their cabinets better, {we grabbed cream for the board}. Another alternative, is that they could even search their local flea markets for a great find they could refinish. We chose one that is a little off the floor, so that it makes way for that vent underneath.
3. TrayÂ
Pieces like this vintage tray would be really fun on their countertops, maybe even perched behind their oven {when not in use} for a pop of color. Love the sweet hit of deep vintage blue it brings to the room.
4. Cabinets
Their cabinets are absolutely charming. We’d love to see a shot of the unexpected in this great wallpaper on the backs, which would be fairly easy to do by attaching. If they don’t want anything permanent, they could even cut to size, and place with double sided tape. We’ve used this numerous times in the past, and it’s a great little sturdy piece in the back for a punch of character.
5. Clock
Over their kitchen sink, we’d love to see this clock. It brings a shot of color to the space, and it’s the perfect little piece for that wall.
6. Lights
Of course we love their lights they have now. There’s just something fun about pulling together the whole look with something that has more of a vintage feel. We couldn’t resist selecting some in case they wish to replace them later. ;}
7. Tea towel
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We couldn’t help but choose one of our littleÂ
tea towels to throw into the mix in a fun pattern. Of course we offer our clients their own exclusive code if they choose anything for their spaces.
8. BarstoolsÂ
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They mentioned needing some new barstools, and we love these in a simple, classic look. The fun wooden element contrasts nicely with the cabinets and countertops, and should last a very long time. We reheally like the price ;}
9. CorbelsÂ
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We’d love to see the corbels added to each cabinet end, around their kitchen. They wouldn’t be difficult to add with a fresh coat of paint to match their cabinets, and a small dab of liquid nails. They add a major piece of character to the kitchen, and the upper cabinets look more “attached” and built-in/customized this way. Theirs have a whole lot of character and are absolutely beautiful, we just think these would help give them some more of that timeless appeal in pretty white.
You can see the very same corbels in our kitchen,Â
here.
11. Plates
They probably have some of your own on hand that will look gorgeous in their glass cabinets. But we couldn’t help but throw in a little ‘vintage’ fun. Or any that they may find in their local flea market collected over time – This makes a great contrast in bright colors to keep the space fresh.
12. 3 Tier trayÂ
ThisÂ
little tray would make a great addition, and pull through the hints of green we see in the kitchen area.
13. Table, Chairs + ArtÂ
Saving the best for last, we grabbed up an image of a table to show their sweet little square shape they already have.
We think the existing table is great and a perfect size for that area. But we love the idea of freshening it all up with some lighter colors in these chairs with simple lines for a great contrast. They’re available in sets of two which would be perfect for the table.
For the art, we love this marble art to go behind the table and chairs in the eat-in area, but we believe this size may be too wide for their specific space. Here’s another smaller piece that may also work as an alternative. They could have it framed for the same effect. Another option would be to place it over the mantel, to combine that fun modern and traditional feel all at once.
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Next week, we’ll be discussing how we tied it all together with some existing pieces in her living room. And some specific requests for some great ways to display some new elements she wanted to add, as well as a warm family gathering area.
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Please note, out of respect for our clients we can no longer share all of our sources here, with the exception of an independent artist {because we love supporting small businesses!} Or something from our own site. We do hope this still inspires you to create, so thank you for your understanding.Â
If you’re interested in design solutions and sources for your very own space, please know we’re still running our spring fling of a special! Read more about our e-services here, or if you live locally in Nashville, our in-person services, here. An affordable, great way to work with us. We’d love to hear from you!
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What’s your favorite element?
Have an inspired day!
Perfection – I love all your ideas!
Where are the barstools from?
Where are the bar stools from?
Love the marble art, do you have the source? Thanks!
What a pretty color scheme! Love the way all these come together.
Where’s that wallpaper from?