I stumbled upon an inspiring photo in Elle Decor a few years ago when we were in the process of renovating our kitchen. It was just the corner of a room, but unlike a lot of the spaces featured in shelter magazines, it looked like someone lived there. There was childrens’ artwork on the refrigerator (tastefully arranged), some raffia wallpaper covering a small desk area, and a round table surrounded by red Eames chairs. The Eames part of those red chairs was not in the budget, but I stuck that photo to my bulletin board and it got the ball rolling on the designing. Nevermind that I didn’t pay an ounce of attention to the dishwasher door blocking the cabinets (forcing us to put away our glasses in two steps) or the fact that it will be the year 2029 before my children will be able to reach to the ice tray in the freezer or be able to open the 200-pound pull-out pantry door by themselves. I got my red chairs and I love my kitchen to this day.
But I love the kitchens featured in Design*Sponge’s at Home — the book based on the blog that everyone except maybe two people in the world are obsessed with — even more. Grace Bonney, the founder and author, takes the concept of inspiration to a whole new level here with page after page of gorgeous personal spaces along with personal stories that explain how the lucky owners managed to execute their visions. The kitchens, of course, were my favorite. For instance, if I had stumbled upon the photo above a few years ago, there is a 100% chance that I’d be sitting in a yellow kitchen with a painted checkerboard floor right now.
Artisan was nice enough to send along a sneak peak of some of the kitchens featured in Design*Sponge At Home and to celebrate its publication, DALS is giving away a free copy of the book to one lucky commenter below*. Winner will be chosen at random next week, but special consideration goes to anyone who shares a cool family kitchen design idea. Even special-er consideration goes to any commenter who follows DALS on facebook.
I love the red on red here. It’s the 2011 answer to Julia Child’s museum-worthy pegboard.
I have white cabinets, subway tiles, marble countertops, and yet…my kitchen does not remotely resemble this one. It must be the floor — would you look at how cool those tiles are? Well, the floor and the wine. Mine is always much more accessible.
Can you see the chalkboard panel attached to the side of the refrigerator? How fun would that be for a kid?
My favorite detail in this one: The little reading nook. Phoebe would lose her mind.
*Thanks for playing everyone. Lori wins the book.
Looks like a great book – thanks for hosting!
I’ve been in my townhouse 11 years, and did a minor kitchen renovation a few years ago. The best thing I did was some interesting paint, so I don’t have much to share, but it is on my to-do list to move. I only just recently finished getting this place in shape, so I’m hoping that if I do move, I’ll accomplish the same in far less than 11 years. A book like this would help …
This is the second time today I’ve heard of this book. My interest is peaked!
We keep the coloring books, crayons and ‘crafty things’ in drawers by our kitchen dining table, so the kids can be near by while I’m cooking or doing dishes (and so I can recruit them to help me with both!)
I currently have my dream kitchen, but we’re house shopping and I’ll soon be starting from scratch again. This would help!
I am starting to use my labelmaker in my pantry so i actually put things away where they go. I usually have soup in 12 different places so I never know how much I have.
We overhauled our kitchen last year, but still need to complete a backsplash and the details that make it home. It’s time to finish this project once and for all 🙂
I need this book — more to show me what to get rid of or salvage than what to buy. I love D*S for that.
love your blog & design sponge too. we have a 1939 kitchen in need of a remodel & you can’t have too much inspiration. as far as design ideas go – in my new/dream kitchen, i will move all tableware to be accessable so my kids can set the table without scaling the cabinets.
Hello,
don’t suppose you can tell me where the gray kitchen floor tiles are from please? I am fixating on them!
Cheers,
Kate
This may be random– but I am wondering how you like your marble countertops. We are doing our kitchen and I love the look of marble (who doesn’t?!) but I have been been little (well, a lot) spooked by all the warnings out there….the etching! the staining! the worry! And then I thought I remembered reading this post long ago, and figured your kitchen clearly isn’t just for show- those countertops are used!
Any insight?! Thank you!
Kitchen design is the most desirable activities by any home-owner. The information you have shared is very informative.
Design A Kitchen Remodel