Uncommon Kitchens + other favorite things this week
My friend told me about this new book, Uncommon Kitchens, and then Kim posted about it yesterday! I love it! Designing with purpose and soul.
Source: Remodelista
Haven’t we all grown a little tired of the predictable all-white kitchen with the oversized glass lanterns above the oversized island? I mean, who thought glass lanterns in the kitchen were a good idea? The maintenance to keep them sparkly clean is overwhelming. It would make you think twice about making sole meunière, that’s for sure.
When we moved into our current home, we made what was already good just a little bit better. It’s cost-effective and creative. And that’s what Sophie Donelson’s book does so brilliantly.
Uncommon Kitchens is all about the thoughtful kitchen. Not a one size fits all that we pretend to think is “good for resale.” I recently read something about the concept of making home design decisions based on resale that resonated with me. They said it’s like renting back from the new owners.
This kitchen by Sophie Donelson featured in Apartment Therapy is called the Gucci-inspired kitchen. But what I love about her approach is that it’s not all about demoing a kitchen or even remodeling. It’s about making simple changes that you can do to personalize your space.
Source: Apartment Therapy
Source: Apartment Therapy
Uncommon Kitchens makes me think of the movie Julie & Julia. Julia Child’s kitchen in France and in Cambridge was certainly uncommon. As well as Julie Powell’s kitchen above a pizzeria in Queens. I just rewatched it, as it is about to leave Netflix on August 1st.
This book had us brainstorming about making a few changes in our kitchen. Nothing major, but change is always a good thing. But not until fall, after a month in France, to restock Shop Most Lovely Things.
Other favorite things this week…
Setting a colorful table with a bit of help from Terrain. Medallion glassware, beautiful linen napkins, pretty votives for tealights, and blue floral plates. Somehow it all works together beautifully.
I’ve never liked things too matchy, and this assortment is just that…an assortment of pretty things that all look lovely on their own or all mixed together on our new Terrace Teak Dining Table and chairs.
Kim joined me on Tuesday to share her California plum tartine. I love the colors! You can read her post right here.
The Max Shirt from Sézane. A striped shirt that’s perfect for summer right into fall. I’ve seen it on so many women lately. I walked into Sézane in New York, and there it was.
Let’s see what Cindy and Mary Ann found this week.
Cindy is on vacation, and Mary Ann just got back, so I’m sure travel will be among their favorites this week!
Do I dare buy any more colorful glasses? Thanks for the temptation, Annie 🙂
We put glass lanterns over our kitchen island when we live in Fort Lauderdale. What a mistake…steam and smoke and splatters. I always recommend an obscured glass.
You are going to have such a great trip, Annie.
Mary Ann, all your beautiful glassware is what inspired me to choose colorful glassware! I love how you set a table with glasses and flowers in the same hue. x
Hi Annie,
A friend has mine has apple green glass countertops in her kitchen and it just looks amazing. Love the post thank you and happy sunday!
I had not heard about The kitchen book. I am behind on my blog reading! I must check it out!!
Annie! I ordered Uncommon Kitchens on Kim’s recommendation and it already arrived. Love it and its message. So glad I threw caution to the wind (resale angst) when we redid our house. I spent yesterday pouring over the book … it’s so so good. Also love those Terrain medallion glasses. I’m very tempted by the rose colored option … and all the pretty colors! xo
p.s. thank for the tip on Julie & Julia … I’m going to rewatch it tonight before it vanishes from Netflix! xo