White Kitchens

White kitchens are all the rage right now. They are completely elegant and timeless. Plus, a white kitchen can blend into any home type whether it be farmhouse or contemporary. My home is sort of a mixture of the the two.

Really though, I am IN LOVE with white kitchens! I can't even find words to describe why... I guess they just take my breath away! ;) Someday when I have the opportunity to have a bigger kitchen, I'll take some inspiration from these fabulous designs.

This is a Candice Olsen special. I love the sleekness of the island and the brown tones of the wood. If a kitchen can be sexy, this one is it!

Isn't this one fabulous too? I love the nod to classic design details such as the dentil molding and the pilasters in the cabinetry. The sconces speak to the classic style while keeping the space modern. So beautiful.

To me, this is like the Audrey Hepburn of kitchens. The molding is carried up the cabinets to the coffered ceiling which is accented by a gorgeous crystal chandelier. Although the flooring in this kitchen is kept white (looks like marble) balance is achieved with the the dark painted island and contrasting stone top.

I absolutely adore this kitchen because it is so simple but has delightful details. I love the use of the drum shades over {both} the islands. However, I think this only works because the architecture of the room - if the ceiling wasn't so tall, the fixtures would crowd the space.

This kitchen is great because it is very traditional...except that the cabinets are white instead of a deep wood tone. Most people would probably love to have this kitchen but not think to do it in white. I don't think the white takes away from the traditional feel, but rather is a modern take on traditional kitchen design. Elements such as the lighting fixtures, moldings, and the upholstered stools sing a traditional tune while the white keeps everything fresh.

Here's another more transitional kitchen. It still has many elements that today's home buyers are looking for, but in a more elegant and current way. I love the upper display cabinets and the crown molding that finish them off. The white in combination with the wood tone island and butler's pantry acts as an element of surprise.

See. No need to be scared of white! Just take little steps. You can still have the more traditional style you love while keeping things fresh and current.

Mixing Masculine with Feminine

Sometimes it can be a challenge for a couple to agree how to decorate their home. If you're lucky, your husband may not care. But if you are one of the luckier ones, your husband will care, and the whole experience will be a chance to learn to better communicate (among other things) and you will both be even more pleased with the end result.

Usually, men tend to lean toward heavy or more massive pieces, darker colors or neutrals (blacks, grays, whites, browns), as well as clean lines and maybe even geometric prints. But when it comes down to it, they just want to be comfortable.

Women on the other hand, tend to like the opposite. For instance, they don't mind as much if the living room sofa is not optimum for nap-taking. Of course, women tend toward color, curves, prints, textures, etc. The more interesting, the better.

My husband and I recently moved and designed all the rooms in our home. Let me tell you it was definitely more of a task than I was expecting. I thought decorating would be a sinch because I didn't think he cared to much. He is a very "as long as you are happy, I am happy" sort of man. However, I was surely mistaken.

Exhibit A:

If my husband were to have his way, this is what type of sofa he would choose. A sofa plagued with puffiness. You see, this is optimal for afternoon nap taking. And for video-gaming. And for hours of sports watching. The nice leather makes it easy for cleaning spills and crumbs.

Unfortunately, this is what I call a "fat lazy bum sofa." Maybe this style of sofa is why American's are so overweight. Just kidding. But it sure seems as if it enables lazy habits doesn't it? To me, it just doesn't have "style."

Ok. Exhibit B:

Now, if I had my way, I would have chosen something more like this. Luxurious velvety fabric, pretty color, accessorized with silver nail heads on the arms, and set off on a clean-lined base. This type of sofa lends more to chit-chatting, lady-like sitting, and maybe even drinking sparkling lemonade. Doesn't that sound nice?

Well, when you are married, you don't always get what you want so you have to compromise. Here is the actual sofa we compromised on.

It has the more tailored lines that I like, and the cushions that meet my husband's puffiness standard (although now he is saying it is too puffy and not as comfortable as he thought. Poor guy).

Here is an example of a room with both masculine and feminine touches.

The balance of light and dark are equally balanced, keeping the room warm while still bright and airy. The furniture has tailored lines and is very practical. The textures are not too fussy, but rather clean and simple. The draperies have a more feminine quality to them and help prevent the room from being too sterile. Also, the greenery and flowers are a feminine element, but because they are branches, trees, and white flowers, it's not overly feminine and speaks to the masculine love of the outdoors.

There are so many ways to merge these two seemingly opposite styles. The trick is to simply communicate and compromise. It may take more time, but it will certainly be worth it. When all is said and done, accommodating for male and female styles can lend itself to something truly unique and original, something you both can take pride in.

Cutest Baby Room EVER

Ok. So I found this photo and just think it's probably the cutest most luxurious baby room I've ever seen. I'm not really into the cartoon-y, graphic-y stuff like they sell at Wal-mart or Target. I mean, that stuff is ok, it's nice... but really, this is way better design right here. Of course my taste tends to to be expensive... so unless I get lucky, I probably won't have this type of room for my babies... in fact, it will probably end up being baby target, but you can dream right?