Save and Splurge

A little online bargain hunting helped this kitchen's owner find a less-expensive alternative to the pricey tiles she'd seen in a showroom - from the very same company, Waterworks.

"The Viking range was our big splurge," says the homeowner. "But instead of a brand-new dishwasher, we simply had a $78 stainless-steel panel put on the old white one."




Butler's Pantry

This butler's pantry is located just outside the kitchen. To create a visual connection between the two rooms, the homeowners painted the piece (and entryway walls) one shade lighter than the kitchen wainscoting. The shelves are painted pale blue to highlight the dishes stored there.




Retro Touches

Little things imbue a room with personality. Pick up retro-style items - which, like the new toaster don't necessarily have a vintage pedigree - when you see them.




Playful and Pink

The working refrigerator was a "horrible brown" when the kitchen's owner nabbed it for $30 at a yard sale. Then how did it turn shell pink? "Take it to an automotive painter!" she says.




Early American Kitchen

Rich colors and hand-hewn textures define this Early American kitchen. Handcrafted cabinetry hides dinnerware and appliances. Soapstone counters, a tin backsplash, and an antique island complete the look.




Eco-Friendly Decorating

The homeowners wanted to incorporate eco- friendly materials in their new kitchen and did so by installing cork flooring and using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint.




Aged to Perfection

"We like everything old, so we framed the fridge and microwave in dark wood so they wouldn't look new," say the homeowners. The arched 'Texas Gothic' kitchen cabinets and the island were built and hand-stained, then carefully weathered with steel wool. Above the kitchen cabinet is a frieze of real dried maple leaves alternating with yellowed pages from a child's workbook.





photo credit: Robin Stubbert