Monthly Archives: December 2011

While the following kitchens may be beautiful, I would like to point out what I think is really not very practical about them. Do consider not doing these things when designing your kitchen if it makes sense to you. In my opinion, practicality, above all else, is always key when designing a kitchen. Think about how you use your space and what is most important. Only after that, should you start to think `pretty`.

While this kind of fridge is pretty cool, unless you are always entertaining and only have beer, wine and juice in there, it is not very practical for your every day, messier looking things. Not to mention that many of the commercial fridges are quite noisy.

This kitchen is gorgeous and was just featured in the latest Style at Home, but wall sconces with fabric shades above the gas cook top? And that little glass shelf is sitting very close to that cook top too and will surely get very greasy and dirty.

Unless you are a neat freak or keep very little on your counters, consider that mirrored backsplashes will double what you do put on your counters. The other mistake I see here is that while those XL handles look awesome, they stick out quite a bit, and as you can see at the bottom of the photo, the room is not very wide (and I’m not sure, but will the ones up on top bang into the glass if you open those cupboards?)

Another really amazing kitchen, but do you want to be cleaning the grease that may accumulate on all those pretty things that will no doubt accumulate if you cook at all? Open shelving is very trendy and can be quite practical for your everyday things, but not right above the stove.

There are other impractical things you can potentially do to your kitchen, and there are no doubt very impractical kitchens out there that already exist, but if you are starting new, be smart and think convenience first!

For other practical living ideas, join me at my other blog for periodic tips on simplifying your life. Practical Living 

Isn’t the option of installing an area rug made out of tiles brilliant? It’s so much cleaner and neater, and not any more expensive than a good rug of equal beauty.

I love this particular way of setting these beautiful Italian tiles. It is laid in a trendy patchwork kind of style, reminiscent of many of the trendy/traditional rugs out there right now. But note that these same tiles can be laid in a more traditional looking pattern too.

Have a look through their entire collection here – Fap Ceramiche.

Layering your whites is the perfect way to make an all white space work. You can layer in textures as well as shades of white. Now that’s making an all white space simply divine!

I was inspired by the latest Country Living magazine out on stands now called The White Issue – February 2012. The house they showcase that starts on page 75 is to die for!

Have fun with your whites! I know I always do – it’s my favourite!!

Have you ever wanted to live somewhere where your view was this?

Or this?

Or even something crazy like this?

Well, it’s possible! At least in some sort of way. Check out this super easy to install (and even remove when you are tired of it) wall mural company that can do anything you dream of. And most will be under $1000 for a full wall depending on the size. Less expensive than original art… and way more fun!

Click here for hundreds of examples: Customized Walls
Super easy ordering on-line too.

I love the graphics, height and use of space in this tiny kitchen. If you can spare the walls of cabinets, floor to ceiling photographs is fantastic in its place.

Blue in a tiny kitchen is awesome – any colour for that matter! It really makes a statement, and why not when space is limited.

This tiny kitchen is so unique. I love the mix of stainless with the white uppers and Carrara marble walls, not to mention the fantastic sink and surround.

These are just a few of the whimsical and colourful bedrooms I loved from many. Want to see over 1000 of these  inspirational bedrooms? Go here! Take your time and have fun.

Have a peak inside this adorable cottage in the city to see how personally they have decorated. Love it! (click here)