Wednesday 16 February 2011

Kitchen of Serenity


First, let me apologise for my husband's disgraceful behaviour. Hijacking my blog? Who does that rascal think he is?

♥ ♥ *swoon* ♥ ♥

I felt such a lovely mixture of extremely embarrassed and extraordinarily happy. I'd say this would be an accurate portrayal:


Are you feeling it?

The blush? The giggling? The lurrrrve?

Anyway, ahem....moving swiftly on, now that V-day is over, shall we get back on track with a bit of Kitchen Delectability?

As a little reminder, here at Modern Country Style, we're going through, step by step, how to makeover a kitchen on any budget....with plenty of other delightful distractions along the way.

We've looked at:



and I do believe we're currently stopping off at:

Step 3: Colour Inspiration

I want the feel of my final colour choices to be calm and peaceful and this Kitchen of Serenity sums that up perfectly for me.


The Kitchen of Serenity has a very limited palette of white, pale grey and charcoal. So restful and gentle.

{L:O:V:E those pendants.}


The Kitchen of Serenity is spacious and airy. No clutter at all, apart from carefully placed objet de gorgeousness, as I like to call them, in an unbelievably pretentious fashion.


But, for reality's sake, I feel I have to ask 'Where's the kettle and the toaster?'

Is it a little bit *too* clean and clinical?


A bit *too* lacking in any colour or personality?

{What do *you* think?}



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68 comments :

Alison Agnew said...

i think it's lovely...but no kitchen of mine would ever stay so uncluttered for long...sigh. and it's huge! (that's what she said...;)

blessings,

alison
stuff and nonsense

Courtenay@Signal Hill Interiors said...

Well, first of all, that kitchen is huuuuuge! I'd say all the toasters and whatnot are probably put away in one of the gazillion cupboards. I do love the calmness of the space, but it's maybe just a teeny bit too modern for me. Or maybe not, I can't decide!

Missy K said...

First of all, I'm a new commenter and I love your blog.

Now, to this kitchen. I do love the gray and the calm, but it is too clinical, almost operating room-like for me. I would want some more color, even if in the form of fresh flowers, and some more "stuff of life" in it. But you know, as you're walking us through, this is part of the process, maybe taking a color scheme from a room while recognizing that we'd want a different overall feel.

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Oh Sarah, Sarah, Sarah, it's a lovely kitchen but I've said it before and I'll say it again - white floors - a definite no no in our house. And as for the lack of clutter, I live, breathe and, God knows what else, clutter, so I would say a little lacking in personality, could do better.

I do like having these discussions - sooo much fun! Byeeeee xx

Doda said...

Hee hee, your husbands a real keeper!!!

The kitchen - well I would love to have a space like that so I could clutter it with my toaster, the kettle etc. It certainly is serene. I think just to have all that space would be lovely. Unfortunately, my kitchen is a lot more cramped than that. I must post some photos of our before and after sometime, except my befores were before I thought to take many photos as I didn't have a blog then...anyhoo...I love your taste!

Gwen @ Gwenny Penny said...

Beautiful, but clinical. I do like the grays. I have a lot on my counter, and it doesn't bother me. Makes life easier. Toaster, knife block, stand mixer, crock of utensils/kitchen tools, coffee maker, wooden cutting board, dish drying rack. I'd hate to have to get them out every time I need them.

Julie Johnson said...

Both beautiful and clinical. Right now I'd love to have only my tulips on the countertops. Instead my girls have books and piles. :)

Michelle said...

In reality yes, where is all the stuff? The kitchen in the movie "It's Complicated" Is still my favorite ;)

theexperimentalyogi said...

Lucky you, a little romance for Valentine's Day! I'm currently thinking about a kitchen redesign and these colours were exactly what I was thinking!

Rhiannan xxx

Pamela Gordon said...

I think I could fit my whole house in this kitchen! For me it's too big, too white and too bare. I need some colour and warmth and personal things to make it feel lived in. I must admit, our kitchen is too small and we are planning a complete reno of it but we don't have the larger footprint to work with unless we add on to the house. I wish!

Brandi said...

I would be besides myself with all that counter space! I love the lighting too and the cabinets are my favorite!

Connie in Hartwood said...

Sarah, sweetheart, you're killing me. Every inspiration kitchen you show us is more beautiful than the last. This one is a gorgeous starting point ... a lovely setting for the owner to add accessories and bits of their own personality. My own personality is a bit too cluttered and all-over-the-place, so I could never survive in such a sparse environment. I'd love to give it a try one day ... if I can ever get the piles under control. :)
Connie

Roeshel said...

Big and beautiful and even though I love white, I think I'd love it more with a rich hardwood floor...something to warm it up a little. Of course, I could never have all of that white...just this morning I saw a trail of blueberry juice across our old white floor, coffee rings on the counter and crumbs on the table. lol However, if it was ALL white, maybe he'd actually see his breakfast mess? haha!

Have a great day, Sarah!

American in Bath said...

It's gorgeous, but I actually prefer a cluttered kitchen big enough to eat in but not so big that I feel like a wall is missing. I'd say I don't like all the white--it makes me feel like I have to clean right this instant--but I'm so glad it isn't magnolia! We have lilac walls with hints of gray. It's a rental. I'd never have chosen it myself, but I love love love it.

Nat at Made in Home said...

Love the space, love the storage space, but all that white...I am all for creams and calicos (wickes-speak)! I will post our new kitchen some time today...I hope (it is not finished yet)..

nic said...

Hello, and thanks for the lovely comment you left on my blog!

I'm very impressed with your home improvements. I used to have an Edwardian flat in London that someone had minged up with hideous tri-coloured skirting boards, door frames, and the like. K-man and I had it all stripped back and re-done, and what a difference. But I still miss my Edwardian fireplace every day.

It looks to me like you're doing a great job with your house!

Also, can I just say I FEEL THE LOVE for F&B Light Blue. I now have two large rooms in it.

Blondie's Journal said...

This is HUGE!! I'd love to have it but I would give it more personality...yes, by that I mean my clutter. Organized clutter, if you will. But I do love the colors and all of the counters space. Are you inspired by this?

XO,
Jane

ChRiS said...

thats the beauty of it you can change up your pop of colors....red...soft yellow....apple greens it just goes on

Alison from life and the little things said...

I think my whole house would fit in that kitchen too. I'm pretty sure that the toaster, kettle and all the clutter you find in a normal kitchen is thrown into one of the gazillion cupboards...i'm sure that's why there are so many of them!! I'm all for white, but with a pop of colour here and there for warmth and personality :)

Marlis said...

Loved your husband's hijacking! that was priceless.
Now to the kitchen.. way too clean for me. I like a bit of pretty in a kitchen too. after all I tend to spend a bit of time in there. maybe I am just wishing my kitchen was that clean. Great post. Cannot wait to see yours.

High Street Cottage said...

Sarah, your husband is obviously a hopeless romantic;)It made us all smile.
The kitchen: I am assuming with all that storage space in the pantry things are kept neatly there until needed. I'm not one for cluttery counter tops, but for my taste this one is a bit too minimal. They need a bit of a kick to show off the owners personalities. Other than that, it's gorgeous.

Laura said...

This is the exact opposite of my kitchen... and I like it that way. A kitchen is the heart of the home, and if this were the heart of the home, then it's stopped pumping and is on the slab... Lx

lisaroy said...

ok, first of all - your guy is adorable!!
I love the kitchen and the colour palette. I think it does need a few things to give it some personality - some pretty blooms, a few lovely accessories for a pop of colour - not clutter but more gorgeousness!! :)

Kathy said...

Funny!
The kitchen is gorgeous - love the white and the grey - a very large kitchen! Would LOVE that! But, you're right. It needs - flowers, more 'objets de gorgeous'
more warmth.
Lovely post!
Kathy

Anonymous said...

I don't remember you looking so furry...lol! You have a keeper!

I'm a fan of a neutral kitchen and I don't like clutter. This kitchen has beautiful features. I love the counterspace, lighting and cabinets. I think I'd want to inject a little more personality though.

Happy Wednesday!
Hugs,
Michelle
xo

At The Picket Fence said...

And where's the lunchbox and the school folders and the Legos on the counter?? :-) I think my favorite part of this space might just be the floor. It gives it that added character and charm. That definitely is one serene space but don't you want to just go in and put a big vase of colorful flowers in there...just to kind of be a rebel? :-)
Vanessa

michele said...

clinical is awesome when it's your doctor's office, but uncool where you want people to feel at home. for this reason i went with warmer linen whites for our kitchen and warm oak hardwoods. living things make all the difference too. throw some fresh flowers and herbs in that gorgeous kitchen and watch it begin to breathe.

michele

Rachie @ A Chi Chi Affair said...

I would always have a bit more colour but you can always add it in accessories - its quite a calming space! x

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

It's lovely but it has no 'heart'.

Sue
xo

Lila said...

Such a thoughtful hubby. I just love it when they get creative.

Lovely kitchen....makes me want to just look at it and probably order take out. haha

Anonymous said...

I don't like a cluttered kitchen so yes this is a great kitchen for de stressing.

I always wonder in movies like, The Family Stone how they function is such a messy, cluttered space and it drives me batty.

Are you doing your kitchen again?

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

It's really pretty, Sarah, but I'd add some color with some vases and fresh flowers. :-)


xo


Luciane at HomeBunch.com

Post of the Day: Rustic Modern Barn.

Anne said...

It is certainly serene...and though its a bit chilly for my own taste, I say, its your kitchen and you should listen to your gut instincts!!

Young Adventures... said...

Someone once said to me is your kitchen a showcase or a working kitchen?
This kitchen is big and beautiful, but not practical for me at this stage in my life. I also like my kitchen to be warm and inviting, so I tend to stay away from the cool colors.
I would say think about how you use your kitchen and how you want to feel when you are in that room, and make your decision based on that. :) Have a beautiful day!

Unknown said...

Oh yeah Sarah
This kitchen is a bit cool, clean and without clinical personality ... looks really!
And it's huge ... too big
Hugs
Mari

Unknown said...

It is lovely. But...
On a gray day in the winter? This kitchen would drive me insane. It is unrealistically clean and it does need a pop of color. I do like the gray, white, and black. But, For me I would need it to be WHITE, gray, and black.

michelle said...

It is a beautiful kitchen indeed! NO clutter! I think I would add some pops of color though maybe some sea-inspired color! :) I love the whites and the grays and the space....aaahhhhhh!!!!! wonderful!

It's me said...

Beautiful darling !!! lovely evening....love Ria.....xxx...

chris said...

I love it, but I couldn't live in it. Too sterile for my taste.

Jymbob said...

Far too clinical! Where's the love? The emotion? The coffee machine???

OK: essentials in our kitchen are as follows (apart from the obvious cooker, fridge, etc...):
Kettle, sandwich press (greater than a toaster in practically every way), microwave, coffee grinder, espresso machine, bread maker.
After that little lot, there's not much space left on our surfaces - sorry Mrs Scholes!

Olive said...

When does the operation start? Kidding...it is pretty but I need one more color just one!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi Sarah~ I do love white kitchens!! But I agree- sometimes a bit too stark... I like some color mixed in!! Your inspiration pictures are beautiful~ I am loving that arched door!! Lol!- go figure all the pretty cupboards, countertops, etc and I am loving the darn door!! :) Hugs to you! (btw- thought it was super sweet of your Mr.!)

WobiSobi said...

Beautiful! I love the simple elegance of this kitchen. Your so classy!:)

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarah, I don't know how I missed Mr. MC's post. That's just adorable.

The kitchen. I think it's beautiful. If you put your own stamp on it with the things you love, it wont look cold and sterile. So many colors would work in here if you wanted to introduce any colour. It lends itself to the french vintage look. And I absolutely love pendant lighting in the kitchen too.

I have a feeling it probably looks darker in the photo than what it is in reality, though the charcoal benchtops may darken it a bit in reality. On wintry cold days, some touches of red would look very warming, while you have your big pot of soup on the stove.

Cheers,
Lisa x

Lisa x

Cindy said...

Hello dearest Sarah,
Don't be embarrassed dear girl! I thought your husband was adorable! I even told my husband about it, I was so impressed! How sweet it is to be loved by our hubbies.
Okay, about this kitchen. I would LOVE to have this kitchen, the pendants are perfection, the counter tops too! The curved ceiling, the curvaceous door top, the floor tiles, what else can I say!? It may look clinical, but that's because it has been readied for photos, I love it and I could live in that huge thing. It wouldn't be quite so perfect if it was really lived in, I think. Btw, it's probably got as many square feet in it and the dining room as my entire house has! But, I'll take it~
Hugs, Cindy

Privet and Holly said...

I like the
uncluttered
look, as well,
but this doesn't
seem warm enough
to match YOUR
personality, Sarah!
Maybe with the righ
color injection...?
xx Suzanne

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

That is a wonderful kitchen..a little too stark but still great!!;) We are in the midst of a kitchen remodel over at 425!Hope you are doing great my friend!! hugs,Rachel

French Farmhouse 425

Romana said...

that kitchen is just fabulous...missing the toaster and kettle, yes...and also the crumbs under the bench...and kids cereal bowls in the sink..but let's not pop the bubble!
Romana

Leah - The Inside Story said...

I think the kitchen lacks a little personality and it is far too big. To me, it looks a bit to kitchen showroomy. The pendant lights are lovely. The tiles on the floor look to commercial for me and I think it looks as though it needs a little love. Anyway that's just my opinion. Hope you're having a lovely day,Sarah.

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

Hi Miss Sarah, yes I love that kitchen. Love the serenity and the colors and the size :) However, in the real world, I would need a toaster too. Can't wait to see how to do this on a budget as my kitchen budget is teeny tiny.

Sonya Badgley said...

I love this kitchen! It is HUGE! Fantastic for entertaining. You know what? The colors are perfect for decorating during all the holidays! Using different colors for every holiday! It would be great to have a backdrop like this! I would never get tired of it!
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Sonya

Unknown said...

This huge kitchen looks like a new house build before the owners have moved in - doesn't look like anyone actually lives their so, for me, rather lacking in heart and personality. Pretty colours though and so vast!xx

Letitia Linke - The White Shed said...

Hmm I think the point of this kitchen is how understated and uncluttered it is. Whether or not I could live with this....I am not sure? Letitia x

Meera @ firstsense said...

So how many people use this kitchen? 20? Then the size would make a bit more sense.

The colours are really lovely, and I too LOVE those pendants. All this kitchen needs is a big vase of flowers, herb pots, and every kitchen appliance you can think of (won't repeat as most have already been mentioned).

Meera xx

One Shabby Old House said...

I just discovered your blog and so enjoyed the linky party that you had on the gardens. Yours is wonderful!! Will you be hosting that again? It really was so much fun going through all of the wonderful blog posts and gathering so many wonderful ideas.
Today, I chuckled at your hubby's actions. I have one like that. He makes life so much fun with all his cute surprises. We are blessed my friend!
Oh and yes....I love a white kitchen.
You have a fun blog and I like your spunk.
Becky

Rachel Rose Mercantile said...

Oh thank you Sarah! You are so awesome!I actually just started taking Real Estate Classes 3 nights a week.Between that, a 50 hour a week job,Julia(12) & study time, I have to add blogging to my planner.I miss it.I am already thinking of things to post.I loved Mr.MCS posting!
I really like this kitchen however I know I would start adding black hardware with a touch of red accents.

Marie Söderberg said...

this is a very elegnat kichen with a perfect touch that takes you back 100 year back in time..I like it a lot..it very huge..haha but I guess thats waht kitche should be, have a lovely day/Marie

Amy Kinser said...

I think this kitchen is gorgeous. When you add all of your touches, it will be perfect, I just know it.

Lydia said...

Take it from someone who owned a white kitchen.

If you like to cook. Drop in some color.

But the bones of this kitchen are mahhhhh-velous.

Magali @ The Little White House said...

Where's the kettle was the first thnig that crossed my mind when I saw the first picture!!! It's a real nice kitchen, but it just look like no one lives there, which is a bit sad. I like the very faded palette chosen, but I like my space to look messier actually. Or at least, it's safer for me to think so,as my place is always a little messy!

LindyLouMac said...

I think it was a fabulous gesture, true love no less :)

Carla @ Hammers and High Heels said...

I love the colors, but yes, it doesn't look like a place someone lives in, crazy!

Joan's Good Life said...

I must say, it doesn't look "livable". It's too stark for me and it doesn't feel comfortable. But I do like the general color scheme and style. I agree, where is the toaster and the mixer and the desperately needed tea pot? ;-)

. said...

Sorry, it's too sterile for me. I like more personality. I can see where it could be looked at as calming though.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sarah, Perhaps it is just me but this kitchen remids me of a hospital. I can quite imagine someone coming through the door with a face mask and sterile gloves.Making a cup of tea would be an operation rather than a happy event!

Unknown said...

What an amazing space...like a number of other people, I think my whole house would fit in there! I would love to see some more colour and a huge comfy sofa to squish into with a hot choc and maybe some cake...it certainly has enough space for a sofa or two. I do love kitchens big enough for cooking, eating and living. (Although mine is tiny!)I love the colour palette, but could never stick to it myself, I like too many bits and pieces...and dare I say, clutter?!!
Take care, Sarah. I do love your posts xx

Sunray Gardens said...

Really lovely and really big, but I really like it. :)
Cher
Goldenray Yorkies

Audrey Pettit said...

Hey there, Sarah! I'm so glad you had a lovely Valentine's Day with your sweeties. I think he's adorable to high-jacking your blog.
I can see why you're drawn to this lovely kitchen. I think the colors are very peaceful and soothing, too.....but maybe just a bit too stark. Too sterile? I think if it was warmed up just a bit,it would be heaven on earth.

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