Do you remember this kitchen from House Beautiful?
It is small and quaint, but chock full of yumminess. Two images from Cottage Living sparked my use of the Walker Zanger tile and the see-through over the stove, but this kitchen ignited my love of limestone countertops.
(Let's do analyze above, shall we?: the mirror, the shelving without brackets (that rebar ain't cheap), and I do love the small TV...it is just a cozy space. A chef's kitchen.
I love the art on the shelves and the mix of materials. This helps to make the kitchen warm.
But I really loved this shot--the softness (and neutralness) of limestone counters.
No, they are not perfect (and many designers will tell you to "never" recommend these to a client). And I get that. If you love super-clean spaces...it is not for you.
After almost a year of being here you will find a few red wine stains we forgot to clean before we crashed into bed. But it is worth the price of beauty.
(There is a price, people. Can we say Jimmy Choo.)
Loved that HB kitchen so much we got another slab for the boys' bath.
(Again, behind on my crockpot recipes. I have learned I am definitely not a food blogger, thank goodness.)
Go & tell someone they are beautiful today.....Julie
images via Brad Crosby
I love limestone... it has a softness granite and marble do not have. Great images! And I always love your kitchen! I know what you mean about behind on the crock pot.... umm have I done the pumpkins.... no.... this week though.... hopefully.... ha ha....
ReplyDeleteOne of the big reasons I am in love with your blog is that you keep it real!
ReplyDeleteThese are all lovely and of course...It's always a treat to see your kitchen...but you tell it like it is...and that is so amazing!
As always...you have inspired me!
Have a wonderful day!
Donna
I love the look, too! But when it came to my kitchen, I chickened out. I am a type A kind of girl, and I cook alot. So, I knew that the stains would make me crazy or just down right mean to my family :) So, I went with in the complete opposite direction (absolute black in a honed finish - it feels a bit like slate). So, when I see the limestone I think, "I love it, but it just cannot be for me!" Love reading your posts! Mandi
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your kitchen Julie!!! I've been living with dark cabinets for the last 10years...dreaming of white,ha! Oh, some day!!!
ReplyDeleteYour kitchen is so lovely and I love love the limestone. I have wanted white honed marble forever and everyone and their mother (including mine) says I shouldn't do it- I just can't let it go though and I think the stains along the way would just become part of our homes story; it might drive me a little crazy but I would be more crazy with something I didn't really love- might have to switch to white wine only in the kitchen though:)
ReplyDeleteyou came so close! I LOVE yours better though :)
ReplyDelete<3Cara
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You are beautiful! ;)
ReplyDeleteI adore your kitchen and actually love it much more than your inspiration photo. And since when should you listen to other people when choosing your countertop material? Everyone told me not to dare choose honed carrara marble for my island and I ignored them all. THE. BEST. DECISION. EVER. :)
Your kitchen is just gorgeous. I love all the different angles you show.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous kitchens! I LOVE limestone too, but it is so porous and I know that any stains would drive me crazy. Did you seal yours? I've seen it used for fireplace surrounds and that is also very pretty.
ReplyDeleteyou're right Julie, the art and the mirror make it so much more like another 'room' and I like that. I like the limestone, too. Have never been a granite fan. great kitchen and you did a super job of pointing out the highlights, like the unsupported shelving...
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration pic! I too love limestone. Wish I had sprung for it!
ReplyDeleteYou have the most amazing kitchen, love the backsplash! Janell
ReplyDeleteI love both the inspiration and your kitchen. The open shelves have me swooning!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the limestone as well. Not for people with OCD but I love the look! It's so warm and cozy.
Oh, and you are beautiful!
Beautiful inspiration kitchens. I would love to try that mirror on the backsplash idea - but I am a messy cook!
ReplyDeleteI never tire of seeing your beautiful kitchen! I love the tiny HB kitchen too. I prefer a small kicthen any day and I love to cook. I find them more efficient & cozy.
ReplyDeleteand you're beautiful! :)
I love the open shelving and would die to have at least a small area in my kitchen.
ReplyDeletexx
Love the HB kitchen, love your kitchen and love your suggestion to "tell someone tell are beautiful"! Can't wait to see your mag spread and am cheering you on all the way, Julie!
ReplyDeleteLimestone is my favorite stone, yes, the look comes with a price both monetarily and time it takes to care for the porous stone, but its so worth it. I used it everywhere in the Showhouse I am working on.
ReplyDeleteYOU are beautiful, Julie! Your authentic, sweet spirit shines through each and every post. So excited for you!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Love Limestone and the way you used it through your house. I am such a fan of a natural patina.
ReplyDeletelove it. I'm a fan of everything in that kitchen but the TV. TV in the kitchen? Really? It doesn't invade our lives enough?
ReplyDeletePS - thanks for the love prodding! xo