Repurposed Antique Furniture

For the past two years, I was shopping around for an mid-century buffet  that I could repurpose as a kitchen island. However, so far I was not able to find one that I really like. As an inspiration, I pinned these pictures and hopefully, soon I can start working on this creative project.

Using an antique buffet or farm table as a kitchen island, would look great in an shabby chic or French Country style kitchen. The top can be replaced with granite, marble or a butcher block countertop.
Also, after some additional changes, these pieces could be used as a bathroom vanity.

For a dining room, a Rococo Sofa could be reupholstered and used for seating.

Also, instead of purchasing an expensive bar cart, you could use a vintage buffet.

Picture Source: 1/2/3/4

Paris Inspired Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Today's post was inspired by Paris and my love for kitchens. To decorate a Paris-inspired kitchen, use vintage  porcelain serving pieces, gold accents, high quality fabrics and antique crystal chandeliers.
I have selected several items on a budget which can help you create a vintage Paris-inspired decor for your kitchens.

1 Kitchen Towel  Flour sack Towel  Dish by MODERNVINTAGEMARKET, $10.00

12" Victoria Lantern from One Kings Lane, $45.00

Paris Clock from One Kings Lane, $149

Paris Photo Fine Art Photography Creamy Blue Lace by happeemonkee, $35.00

Pic 1 Source

Elegant Kitchen Styling Ideas

This kitchen was featured on House Beautiful magazine and what I love the most about it is the natural light and the homey feel.
Having open shelves in the kitchen, gives you so many styling options: from displaying some of your favorite serving pieces to paintings or antique finds.

The marble countertops are very elegant and go well with these dark cabinets and the wood flooring.

Reusing  a vintage furniture piece as a kitchen island is an original and budget-friendly idea. 

In my inspiration board, I have included items which can be used in your kitchen in order to get the same decorating style.

1. California Impressionistic Landscape Painting by jayraymondart

2. Luigi Bormioli Pitcher -Amazon / HIC Porcelain 32 oz Pitcher- Amazon

3. Art Print Horse Landscape Painting 16 x 20 inch by LynnFogel

4. Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker, 34 oz., Chrome -Amazon

5. Oneida® Chef's Table™ White Porcelain Dinnerware and Serveware - Bed Bath and Beyond

6. Pink Peonies Flowers fine art photography by BeverlyLeFevre

French Farmhouse Kitchen Decorating Ideas

 The simplicity and warmth of the French farmhouse decorating style reminds me of my grandmother's house. Her house was filled with items which were passed on from generation to generation and had a rustic charm to them.

Some of the signature French farmhouse kitchen pieces are: ironstone serveware, ceramic pitchers, copper cookware and wicker baskets for storage.  

You can display these items on distressed wood wall shelves or in antique cupboards.

For the wall decor, choose still life paintings or serene bucolic landscapes.

Burlap, striped or plaid fabrics can be used for chair covers and curtains. 

For the color palette,  the most popular choices are earthy tones like: cinnamon, autumn leaves and caramel inspired hues, neutrals like antique, tulip and vanilla blush whites and warm colors like honey, pumpkin and lemon hues. 

French Farmhouse Inspiration Board:

1. Flatware - TheOldRedHen

2. Paul Revere Copper Pan

3. Four Bin Mercantile Cabinet - sadieolive 

4. Regency Gold Napoleon Bee Soup Terrine - OlsenVintageMarket

5. Impressionist Style Still Life  by MeaghanArt

Picture Source: 1 / 2  / 3

Grey and Black Contemporary Glam Kitchen Design

I am very excited to offer you a sneak peek of my kitchen. They are only a few things to be done and soon it should be complete.
When it comes to interior design, I like the contemporary style...mixed with Hollywood Regency and this is what I wanted to create when designing my house.
The main color palette is dark grey for the flooring - we used 12 X 24 rectangular tiles, stainless steel appliances, light grey for the walls and kitchen countertops - Nieble Silestone Quatz, modern KraftMaid black cabinets, round kitchen table and white for the baseboards and upholstered chairs.
The mosaic rectangular tile backsplash encompasses all four neutrals. For a touch of 1920's glam, I used this crystal chandelier  I found on Overstock.
I am sure many of you recognized the  Ranunculus photograph by Jessica Nichols. The ethereal colors and composition of this piece made me fall in love with it. I needed art to bring colors into this space and this was perfect. Also, the yellows and pink mix beautifully with grey. I got this photograph in a large format: 16 X 24 inches and a modern black frame for it.

Please let me know what you think about my kitchen and what is your style?

Thank you,

Ali

 

French Country Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Source: shoredreamsandbeautifulthings.blogspot.com  on Pinterest

French Country Kitchens are designed using an elegant mix of rustic, antique, floral and decorative elements.
For the wall color, the most commonly used are faux earthy finishes, mellow tones of yellow, beige or robin egg blue.

Source: amazing-walls.com.au via AZCreativeStudio on Pinterest

The kitchen cabinets can be  white or have distressed finish. Having glass door kitchen cabinets is a good idea, as you can display your china, glasses or vintage serving pieces.

While white appliances go well with the white cabinets, the stainless steel ones can add a modern note to the space.

Marble countertops can add a luxurious touch. Also, the butcher block, white laminate or quartz would look amazing.


For the kitchen island, you can use a vintage farm table as an affordable solution.

Source: countryliving.com via on Pinterest

An antique chandelier would look amazing in a french country kitchen. If you purchase a new one, you can easily give it an antique finish.


As decorations, use copper molds, vintage ceramic roosters, ironstone pitchers filled with flower bouquets and brass candle holders.

Please let me know what style did you use or plan to use for your kitchen decor?

Copper Mold - RiverTownVintage

Antique Iron and Brass Candle Holders with Black Stone Base $98  - ModRendition

First hydrangea English ironstone pitcher by abbeyroadphotography, $28.00

Gourmet Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Source: dailymail.co.uk via  Pinterest

I must admit, I love the Food Network and Cooking channels, I buy cookbooks as often as possible and I would be very happy to spend days in the kitchen cooking and baking. 

Like many of you, I always wanted to have a chic kitchen which would inspire me and make me find my "inner Giada".

While the cabinets, counters, flooring and appliances you select for your kitchen are the main elements, the "smaller" things add the elegant touch.

When it comes to glamorous lighting, I love the way chandeliers look in a kitchen. Luckily, their prices are affordable and they can be found in a variety of styles: from shabby chic to contemporary.

Also, I love the luxurious note the vintage silverplated trays, teapots and other serving pieces adds to the space.

Source:thebookofsecrets.tumblr.com  on Pinterest

The above kitchen belongs to Lynn Bolton and it was my inspiration for today's post. I like the way the modern cabinets and appliances blend in with the vintage serving pieces. The antique silver bowls are filled with large seashells, which is a brilliant kitchen decor idea and  the chandelier adds drama and that romantic note to the space.  This is an inviting kitchen where not only that I would love to cook and bake for hours, but also entertain.

1.Crystorama Imperial Chrome 6-Light Crystal Chandelier from O.co
2.Paris Creamy Blue Lace from HappeeMonkee
3.Oxford Serving Bowl from Z Gallerie

What would be your dream kitchen?

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Purple Home Decor Ideas

{Picture via House&Garden}

Purple, lavender, aubergine, lilac, violet, amethyst and all the other variations are on my favorite list.

This color gives a space a sophisticated, luxurious and elegant note. It makes a space look very chic when combined with white, cream, gold, gray or silver. The greatest challenge is finding your purple hue.

The picture above was my design inspiration for my bedroom. This gorgeous space belongs to Gwyneth Paltrow, and since my budget is limited I was able to find some affordable solutions.

Since I did not want to use wallpaper or even an accent wall, I got faux silk curtains in a dark purple. However, if your would like an accent wall, I recommend you using  a wall stencil.

Damask Stencil Katie's Brocade-$19.95

Luckily, I was able to find an amazing white upholstered bed on Overstock and it is very affordable: $385.99 only!

Add caption

Sophie Tufted White Faux Leather Queen-size Platform Bed

This Z Gallerie vases are contemporary and I like using glass to bring color into a space.

Source: zgallerie.com via on Pinterest

Lithe Aubergine Vase

Source: apartmentsinteriordesign.com via on Pinterest

In addition to the purple curtains and vases, I plan to use pillows and artwork in my design.

Contemporary Purple - Throw Pillow Covers - 16x16 Inches Suede Pillow Cover in Deep Purple 

PiCCADiLLY CiRCUS original abstract modern painting

Using  purple as an an accent color for the ceiling is a brilliant idea.

Source: access.decorati.com on Pinterest

Did you use or plan on using purple when decorating? Also, please let me know what is your favorite accent color. 

New Blog: AZ Creative Kitchen

I am very excited to announce that I have created a Food Blog: AZ Creative Kitchen. This was something that I wished to start for a very long time and finally I have decided to do it.

Whenever you have a chance, please check it and let me know what your opinion is:

http://azcreativekitchen.blogspot.com/

I hope you will enjoy it and also that 2011 will bring you a lot of joy and success!

***New Item*** Large Gold Framed Venetian Chalk Board

I have recently listed this elegant blackboard:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56765730/large-venetian-gold-framed-chalk-board?ref=tre-4c96833526068eef70db97f5-5

This item is perfect for autumn wedding or parties! Also, it is a great addition to an office, art studio, kitchen or restaurant.

I hope you like it as much as I do!