A Historic Wilmette Kitchen Makeover
Sometimes I fancy myself an Ina Garten protege, other times a party planner, and occasionally a decorator. {One of the hazards of being a stay-at-home Mom! Haha!!} I don't think I could do it as a profession because I'm so picky and have a limited range of what I like, I'd probably drive clients absolutely bananas. But recently I had a chance to play "pretend" decorator for the ideal "clients". Ok, maybe not "ideal" because I worked for free, but ideal in the sense that they pretty much do whatever I suggest! My brother and his wife and two young boys bought a big, beautiful, old home in charming Wilmette, IL, an old suburb right outside of Chicago on Lake Michigan. I was honored when they asked for my help with their kitchen and living room. Here is a peek at my ideas + inspiration and some preliminary pics of the kitchen. We are going up to visit them in July and I plan to take my sister-in-law shopping so we can accessorize and warm it up a bit. I think the few changes they've made already have a HUGE impact though. They wanted to keep their current cabinets, floor, counters, sink and appliances.
Before:
The Plan...
STAGE 1
paint cabinets a warm darker gray + brass hardware
remove wallpaper and paint walls a lighter gray
add fabulous light fixtures over island
add a bamboo blind over sink
STAGE 2
add ironstone plates and platters above the window
add wooden cutting boards, ceramic crocks for utensils, baskets to corral supplies on counters
have washable slips made for counter stools
add a little greenery with topiaries or plants
After {STAGE 1}...
I'll share more as they finish it up.
Amazing what paint and a couple new accessories can do, right?