Mary's ideas
Interior Lighting The joy of being able to actually see what you are looking for cannot be overstated. If your pantry is lacking in the lighting department, remedy the situation by adding an overhead fixture or wall sconces. Hiring an electrician is well worth the cost when it impacts your daily life for the better — and being able to easily find what you’re looking for while trying to get dinner on the table definitely counts!
Risers and Bins In a narrow pantry, shelf risers and bins are a big help in keeping your ingredients visible and easy to grab. Use risers on deep shelves to elevate the back rows of cans and jars. Sort ingredients into broad categories (such as baking, breakfast) and keep like with like inside open bins.
Structural Integrity Designers: Caleb Johnson Studio (architect), Krista Stokes (interior designer) and Woodhull of Maine (builder) Location: Cape Elizabeth, Maine Homeowners’ request. A contemporary yet classic kitchen that embodies a raw, refined, strong, quiet, rugged and peaceful aesthetic. White and wood. Raw wood posts and beams. Stained walnut cabinets. Painted white wood shiplap walls and backsplash. Wood flooring, handrail and stair treads. “This design feels clean and transparent,” architect Caleb Johnson says. “Every structural element is exposed. Everything you see does a job and serves a purpose.” Designer secret. “The black kitchen island countertop, when juxtaposed with the white cabinets, gives a sense of sturdiness,” designer Krista Stokes says. “When you have a view that looks out at the rugged Maine coastline, it’s hard not to have objects look fragile when compared with it. Everything in the house had to have weight, interest and presence to hold up to the landscape.”
Other special features. White tumbled travertine flooring. Cast-stone range hood. Soapstone perimeter countertops. Calacatta marble island countertop. Designer secret. “I think it’s important to make a space feel cozy, like home,” Blanton says. “Part of that is tuning in to what the client’s wants and needs are. With their love for the Texas hill country, I needed to find elements that spoke to those desires. I mixed stone, wood and other elements found in nature, including colors found in the landscape of Texas.” “Uh-oh” moment. “I originally wanted to adhere an antique butcher block on the end of the island,” Blanton says. “We had a really hard time finding one that was functional. The ones we found that fit were sagging and too beat-up. We ended up making a new one instead. I think it turned out just as fabulous.” Builder: Keith Wing Custom Builders; range: La Cornue; hardware: Lugarno and Gilmore, RH; range backsplash tile: Altalena Berry pattern on honed Durango, StoneImpressions; kitchen table: Bausman; chairs: Carol Hicks Bolton; counter stools: Maison Midi; sconces above windows: Grandview in polished nickel, Rejuvenation; pendants above island: bell jars with fluted gla...
Old-World in Texas Designer: Courtney Blanton Interiors Location: New Braunfels, Texas Size: 438 square feet (41 square meters) Homeowners’ request. “My clients are my parents,” designer Courtney Blanton says. “They had a history of love for overstuffed, brown leather Texas furniture and design. When we sat down together to find their style for their new home, they showed me beautiful Cape Cod interiors coupled with old-world Mediterranean style. I had to figure out a way to marry the two and still maintain a touch of their love for traditional Texas palettes.” White and wood. “I use Right White paint from Restoration Hardware on all my cabinetry and moldings,” Blanton says. “Mediterranean White paint from RH on the walls. The beams came from an old historical building that used to house a JCPenney in downtown San Antonio that was torn down.”
Traditional Kitchen with Black Cabinets The wood-topped kitchen island, black cabinets and marble backsplash are classic details in this traditional kitchen. The chandelier, paisley window treatments and covered bar stools add an elegant touch.
Traditional White Kitchen with Viking Appliances In this traditional kitchen, many details were incorporated to give it complexity since the surrounding cabinets, counters and backsplash were white. Polished nickel hardware and Viking appliances create a chef's paradise.
Contemporary Bedroom Retreat Serves as Live-Work Space A large laundry area and plenty of built-in storage form a uniquely functional space in this blue contemporary master retreat. The homeowner wanted a space to work as well as a space to relax. The design team accomplished both goals by creating this multifunctional suite that connects to the master bedroom.
White Transitional Kitchen With Two-Toned Cabinets A white farmhouse sink sits below a dark-framed window that opens and looks out over a garden area. White upper cabinets keep the space feeling bright and spacious while dark gray lower cabinets ground the room in a sleek design. A red-patterned rug brings a pop of color to the space for added character.
Modern Eat-In Kitchen A chef might feel right at home in this bright, white eat-in kitchen. Featuring an island with barstool seating, mirrored globe lighting and a farmhouse sink -- plus plenty of cabinet storage space -- this space welcomes families and festive gatherings alike.
Bright Yellow Laundry Room Quaint cottage accessories burst with color in this small galley laundry room. An oversized farmhouse sink is great for utility and helps add some character to the space.
Kitchen Opens to Mediterranean Outdoor Living Space The connection from the kitchen to the outdoor living area is an integral part of the design. The windows above the sink bi-fold to each side and completely disappear to seamlessly connect the spaces. Cream kitchen cabinets are paired with white countertops and a farmhouse sink for a clean yet warm look.
White and Brown Transitional Kitchen With Subway-Tile Walls Crisp white cabinets brighten dark brown subway tile walls in this transitional kitchen. A white farmhouse sink blends with the white cabinets and neutral countertops, while a kitchen peninsula provides a spot for quick meals without sacrificing space.
Country Kitchen With Wood Ceiling This adorable country kitchen features a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling and rough-hewn window trim. Granite countertops, a stainless-steel farmhouse sink and white glass-front cabinets make it a fun and functional place to cook.
Custom Tile in Green French Country Kitchen To give this beautiful kitchen a custom look, the porcelain tile backsplash was hand-painted. A plate rack over the farmhouse sink is useful and charming, while Craftsman cabinets incorporate a multi-pane window at the top.
Bay Window With Farmhouse Sink in Country Kitchen The farmhouse sink in this bright kitchen is flanked by the same columns used on the island and sits into the room's bay window. Details like the checkered valance and plate displays add country charm to the space.
Traditional White Kitchen With Subway Tile Backsplash This traditional white kitchen features an attractive apron-front sink, white subway tile backsplash, and stone countertops.
Metal Farmhouse Sink With Traditional Faucet A metal farmhouse sink adds a country vibe to this transitional kitchen with granite countertops.
Black, Green & Off-White Cabinets in French Country Kitchen Black, green and off-white cabinets pair with granite and cherry countertops for an elegant, eye-catching look in this French country kitchen. Large windows brighten the space, and a farmhouse sink adds a splash of country flair.
Symmetrical Gray Kitchen With Ample Storage Light and bright, this transitional kitchen features white Shaker style cabinets, gray stone countertops, a farmhouse sink and a white and gray glass tile backsplash. Symmetry and storage were important ideas for this stylish kitchen.
White Transitional Kitchen With Gray Diamond Backsplash This light and bright transitional kitchen incorporates super white quartzite countertops, a graphic stone backsplash, unusually shaped pendant lights and a farmhouse sink. Glass cabinetry continues the airy feel of the space.
Rustic Cedar Kitchen With Eat-In Island This gorgeous rustic kitchen features a cedar ceiling and cedar walls, an eat-in island with a prep sink and modern appliances. A large farmhouse sink works well with the family-friendly space.
White Country Kitchen with Metallic Glass Tile This country kitchen has delicate light sage walls, clean white cabinets, a granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, and a metallic glass tile backsplash. A white farmhouse sink completes the look.
White Farmhouse Kitchen Sink and Gray Countertop This farmhouse kitchen sink and stainless steel faucet shine against the gray marble countertop and gray cabinets. The top cabinets have glass doors for easy dish storage.
Clean White Kitchen Features Farmhouse Sink & Stunning Arched Window A beautiful half circle window is a worthy centerpiece in this sophisticated kitchen with a warm, updated farmhouse feel. A farmhouse sink, subway tile surrounding the window and coffered ceiling all work in stunning symmetry creating a stylish and comfortable feeling of history.
White Farmhouse Sink With White Moroccan Tile Backplash HGTV's Fixer Upper transformed a worn-out kitchen with Carrara marble countertops and a Moroccan tile backsplash. A farmhouse sink with its exposed front adds timeless character above gray painted cabinets.
White Farmhouse Sink in Cottage Kitchen The farmhouse sink in this green kitchen adds a unique element to the space but doesn't detract from the original charm of the house. This deep, white sink gives the homeowners plenty of space for prep and washing, and it helps keep the feel of the kitchen soft and inviting. The shutters just above the sink are a more traditional element of the home and help to block light in the evening or bring light into the space in the morning.
Farmhouse Sink in Mediterranean Kitchen The two-tiered island features clean white countertops, which flow seamlessly with the farmhouse sink, and an upper wood countertop. Brown Mediterranean-inspired tile creates a small backsplash. The island overlooks the open dining room and living room, making this space the true heart of the home.
White Farmhouse Sink in Kitchen Island A deep farmhouse sink adds cottage charm to this kitchen island, crisply contrasted by the dark metal fixtures.
Transitional White Kitchen Features Farmhouse Sink An apron-front sink is a stunning addition to this updated farmhouse kitchen. Choosing white flows seamlessly with the cabinetry, stone countertops, subway tile backsplash and contemporary fixtures.
Traditional Farmhouse Sink and White Subway Tile Backsplash A deep farmhouse sink with a brushed nickel faucet make washing dishes a breeze in this kitchen featured on Property Brothers . The black countertops pop against the white subway tile backsplash in the transitional space.
Farmhouse Sink Steals Spotlight in Bright, Open Kitchen High ceilings and crisp white walls create an elegant vibe in this open kitchen. A large farmhouse sink overlooks the dining area, while dark hardwood floors provide beautiful contrast.
Modern Kitchen with Large Corner Windows This modern kitchen features large corner windows, structural steel columns and a dynamic wallpaper behind a glass backsplash. Marble countertops and a farmhouse sink complete the look.
Farmhouse Sink in Transitional Green and White Kitchen A ceramic farmhouse sink with a brushed-nickel faucet anchors this serene transitional kitchen. Countertop topiaries and a green subway-tile backsplash create an earthy backdrop for crisp white cabinetry and an arched window.
Custom Farmhouse Soapstone Kitchen Sink This kitchen features marble-topped custom cabinetry, which houses a custom farmhouse soapstone double sink.
White Traditional-Style Kitchen With Farmhouse Sink The elegance of this traditional kitchen is carried over to the butler's pantry, which is tucked away in a niche across the kitchen. The butler's pantry features a built-in coffeemaker as well as a dishwasher and under-counter fridge on either side of the sink. Accented with lighted glass cabinetry and walnut tones, the space also incorporates a computer center.
Kitchen With Copper Farmhouse-Style Sink The copper farmhouse-style sink was the perfect accessory to complete this gorgeous kitchen by designer Rebecca Lindquist.
White Cottage Kitchen With Farmhouse Sink Fresh and bright, this inviting kitchen offers up professional quality appliances and a crisp white color palette. Beautiful hardwood floors bring a touch of organic warmth to the space.
No-Pantry Pantry No pantry? No problem. Repurpose a wall in or near your kitchen and deck it out with shelving. In an open space, neatness is even more important, so go ahead and splurge on cute pantry bins and a matching set of clear storage jars to keep everything tidy. Bonus points for adding some signage and a pretty rug.
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