After writing my last post about kitchens, I tried to quickly collect some images to inspire me. You see, what I’m hoping for here is that seeing them will kick my rear into gear as I embark on putting mine together before the big move.

Truth is, kitchen design intimidates me so I need to see some nice (affordable) ideas that can help put me in the You Can Do This mood. I want stuff I can’t afford! My husband wants me to do it in one day and just be done with it! I want to spend 3 months finding the perfect solution! The things I love are too expensive here! I don’t know where to find vintage cabinetry and old farmhouse sinks! Eek, eek and more eek. Well, I think I’ll do what I always do when overwhelmed… run screaming towards a pile of neatly stacked magazines (like Livingetc where I grabbed the images you see in this fine post) and books and try to see what my options are.

Love me some open shelving but could not live with it under the counter because I’d always be dusting and washing everything. I currently have open shelving over my sink and I’m not such a fan of the dust so I’ve only placed things on it now that I use daily. Wine glasses are in the glass cabinet now — those little dustaholics!

More inspiration that makes me swoon. I love the toaster and blender…. and the counter is just grand. I can see myself plopping toast onto that beauty, buttering it, sipping a big glass of OJ as the morning sun streams in… Wait! What happened to the cookies in my clear glass cookie jar!!!!

My new kitchen is no where near this size so having a bar with stools will remain a dream. BUT I don’t like this as much as I dig the more rustic kitchens, it’s a bit too sleek for my taste. What do you think?

This is styled so nicely. And that tilework is full on rad. But could I ever commit to tile that is so bold and graphic? No way. I sometimes envy people who can make long term decisions, and be happy with this, like the folks who own this kitchen. I just don’t have THAT gene. You know, the completely organized I always know what I want one.

Maybe this is a bit wonky, I don’t know, but the idea is cute. I just don’t know about the frame around it, it looks too fancy for me. I’d dig this frame-free and mounted on the wall. I love the thought of having all of these perfect squares to put things in. I could waste hours rearranging and arranging these babies.

How delicious is that tile? I think there is just too much white in here for even me though. I need some natural wood. But hey, if someone gifted me with this exact kitchen I would be such a show off nah nah nahhhhhing it to everyone. Nah, nah nah nah my kitchen is awesomerrrr….

So yes, kitchen design. I know about the triangular work flow thing that all kitchens must have, I know where I want my sink, oven, stovetop and fridge… but what I don’t know is how to find what I see in my mind’s eye over here. Back home, I’d know exactly where to drag my patient husband. I guess it’s time for me to stop whining and start working. I have a long way to go…

(images: livingetc)

I’m convinced. Martha Stewart is definitely going for world domination. She has now jumped into kitchen cabinetry design with her new line of cabinets, countertops and hardware at The Home Depot. My goodness, she is unstoppable.

I’ve never been that big on overly posh, shiny kitchens, but I did find some nice ones that I thought you may enjoy too in Martha’s collection. Now that I’m on the topic… I’m wondering what kind of kitchens you dream about because I don’t show/feature them much on this blog. You’ll have to tell me!

When it comes to kitchen design, I guess I’m more of an industrial Scandinavian kitchen type if that is even a design style for kitchens, or something very laid back with cabinets from flea markets, a big vintage farmhouse sink, old Belgium tile on the floors (some on the walls too) or a reclaimed antique hardwood floor, and a creamy white SMEG fridge. I get excited to cook just thinking about that arrangement of beautiful things!

Can you put into words how you imagine your dream kitchen? I’d like to hear your thoughts. I just so happen to be in the process of designing one for our new place (we move in 22 days but I’m not counting!!!) so it would be fun to get your input — I need some kitchen inspiration right now, badly! It’s NOT my favorite space to design…

(Images: Martha Stewart Living at The Home Depot)

This is a great freebie item to begin a new week because it is pretty and can potentially keep you healthy! I came across this lovely meal planner created by graphic designer Alma over at Ollibird and have to share it because I think lots of us working peeps (especially those with offices at home) can get into some major food ruts!

Eating the same things, grabbing whatever is there, eating too much of one food group, snacking too frequently, nervous eating… I could go on and on. And while this meal planner won’t give you self control to step away from the Häagen Dazs (LOL) at least with something like this you can plan nutritious meals for the week and post it proudly on the fridge because it’s just soooo pretty. Win win.

I like the idea to laminate it and reuse it over and over again… To download a full size of the image above, click here for further instructions.

Via: Birch & Lily

Love to cook? Looking for some inspiration in the kitchen? In need of a few good recipes? Well let me tell ya, I sure could use some action in my kitchen because I’m stuck in a cooking rut these days. I’ve been eating lots of the same things over and over again (poor husband!) and I feel like my menu is a bit like groundhog day! I could live on watermelon and ice cream all summer… Do you get in these cooking ruts too? I feel like I’m the only one sometime… and that I’m being a bad wife which makes me feel kinda sad. That’s why when I came across a lovely food blog today called What Katie Ate I felt like my eyes have been opened to a whole new world of inspiring yummy things to whip up at home. Go Holly, go Holly, go! go! go!

I hope that you enjoy this pretty blog, it’s special because all recipes and food photography are produced by the blog author herself, Katie in Sydney, who is a professional food photographer. Nom, nom, nom!

If you love art and design, you may also enjoy Katie’s other blog called What Katie Saw. Enjoy!

(images: what katie ate)