Kitchen Love

I cook a lot more in the fall and winter, so I'll be spending a lot more time in the kitchen.  I imagine that in some homes, the kitchen is the most popular room in the house.  Our kitchen is a small galley kitchen, so it's not suitable for hanging out in, but one day I hope to have a kitchen that opens up to the living room.

This kitchen is simple, but white is my favorite cabinet color, and the light is really nice.

2 above via Apartment Therapy

If you are very good at keeping your items tidy, open shelves can be really attractive, and the open backs don't hide the eye-catching backsplash.

via Hus & Hem

Talk about amazing kitchen design, all those windows would make you feel like you're cooking outside year round.

via ?

via Heart Home

via House of Fifty

I like this unique kitchen layout.

via Home Designing

*disclosure: this post brought in partnership with thegoodguyskitchens.com

Mid week musings..........

Hi there, how are you? Hope you are having a great week...any exciting Labor day plans coming up? We are supposed to be heading to my sisters beach house, and I cannot wait. I am looking forward to a few days of total relaxation and some summer fun. No time like the last weekend of summer to start enjoying it:)  Today is as always a random post about a few different things, so lets get started!!OK I am seriously in love, in love I tell you with my new window seat! Makes me do  my happy dance every time I walk by it......I had done the cushion but just got some of my pillows made, I had them cut out scenes from the Brunschig and Fils window seat fabric and added trim to the velvet and had bolster made and am waiting on the other blue and white vase pillow. Now that these are in place, I can figure out what I am doing for the window...I am inclined to go simple as to not take away from the beauty of the window seat and pillows....so here it is! (still experimenting with different sized pictures....hence the different sizes here) Most seem to like the enlarged pictures.

I think the pillows and what I did with them have a very "Charles Faudree" vibe going on!

Got the pretty faucet installed on my vanity in the powder room....slowly one thing at at time, its coming together. Waiting on the Chinoiserie mirror we ordered and chandelier, then we are done!

Dough bowls......got in my first order, seriously gorgeous. Worth naming each and every one and calling them my own, and don't you know I wanted to keep them ALL! I did keep one for myself and there are so many wonderful ways to use them, I put some flowers in and it looked so pretty. For those of who waiting for me to get more,  I promise working on and hope to have more fingers crossed, next week!

Finally finished my little DIY project, with my mirror rosettes. OK, OK I know this is not a huge DIY like some who tackle entire pieces of furniture or other big projects..but this was a victory for me because I had such a hard time finding this darn rosette and lo and behold found it in such an unsuspecting place. Armed with a glue gun, I got to work and love the result! Decided on the originals, after trying several different ones. Funny how we often go back to the first, isn't it? So here it is all done.....only waiting on my sconces and chandelier and its a wrap! 

A  few taken later that afternoon...love the late day light.

Barstools.....finally decided on this one from Vanguard. I am wavering between a few fabrics, I know I want something simple Becca's remember the blue and white Brunschwig fabric going up on my kitchen window has a lot of pattern. I see something simple and fell in love with this grain sack French fabric from Kravet. I don't at all want it to feel gimmicky but at the same time KNOW it will look fabulous, it will understated and beautiful on this chair....and i love the way the natural color goes with my floors and the mix of cools and warms. Here it is and the chair...

Draped it over the current chair so you could get an idea, its absolutely understated but think it works...thoughts?

Remember how I was thinking of switching the hardware on my island? Well I think I made up on my mind. Here's one of the cup bins in the ant. brass to give you an idea. It definitely pops against the black whereas the oil rubbed bronze gets lost. The big handle is on top of the countertop that I would use for towels to be hung off the island...thoughts?

Taken with the iPhone, so the quality is so so.

Store biz......the kitchen/bar towels have arrived! Many of you inquired about them...they will be up for sale next week. Here's a sampling......

When we were in the city over the weekend, we were near our old stomping grounds and I was shocked to see the most beautiful Food Emporium (my old regular supermarket when I lived in NY) transformed under the 59th st bridge. I mean seriously it would make supermarket shopping a royal treat, the architecture alone is worth the trip. Took these two pics with my iPhone.

Also visiting a friend yesterday, look at her view from her living room patio. How gorgeous is it! I told her I feel like I am in Lake Como every time I visit her...only thing missing is George Clooney:)

Tonight I am trying this recipe (from Bon Appeit), sounded too good to not make. Heard the lemon gives it that refreshing zing to make this a winner. I used to have the recipe for something very similar that was out of this world...so here it is just in case you want to try it too!

Fettucine with peas, asparagus and pancetta

yield: Makes 4 servings

active time: 40 minutes

total time: 40 minutes

Pancetta (Italian bacon) is available in the deli section of many markets.

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ingredients

• 12 ounces fettuccine or penne
• 3 ounces pancetta or bacon, chopped
• 1 1/4 pounds asparagus, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups shelled fresh green peas, blanched 1 minute in boiling water, drained, or frozen peas (do not thaw)
• 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced, white and pale green parts separated from dark green parts
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, divided

print a shopping list for this recipeview wine pairings

preparation

Cook pasta in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot.

Meanwhile, cook pancetta in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 teaspoon drippings from skillet. Add asparagus to drippings in skillet; sauté 3 minutes. Add peas, white and pale green parts of green onions, and garlic; sauté until vegetables are just tender, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Add vegetable mixture, 1/4 cup pasta cooking liquid, dark green parts of green onions, 1/2 cup Parmesan, cream, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon peel, half of parsley, and half of basil to pasta. Toss, adding more cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls if needed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to large bowl. Sprinkle pancetta, remaining parsley, and basil over. Serve, passing additional Parmesan cheese

So...that's what new here, whats on your agenda for Labor day weekend? Is it going to be a chill weekend at home, are you entertaining or are you being wined and dined? I think we are headed to my sisters beach house and I am looking forward.  I am also hoping to head  off to Brimfield Antiques fair for a few days next week....cannot wait! Wishing you a fabulous day.........

Beautiful belljars.......

Notice I changed the pictures in my header? I figured why not change it up to reflect summers light, airy vibe with a blue and white touch. Hope you enjoyed a relaxing and happy, safe Memorial day weekend.Hard to believe summer is officially here, we ended up having a lot of fun, it was more action packed than I originally was hoping for but once in the throes of all the activity, gotta admit we had a darn good time!

Before I begin, I was so honored to have been featured in a really fabulous online magazine spread, Belle Inspiration. If you arent' familiar with it, you are missing out, its a wonderful online magazine created by tastemaker Mimi, and is wonderful treasure of all things French. I was so honored when they asked to feature me and The Enchanted Home shop! Click here to visit (click on May/June issue) . It begins on Page 79-80. Its worth heading over! It is such a beautiful spread....thank you Belle Inspiration!

One of my favorite kinds of lighting is bell jars. Just like the ones I have in my kitchen which is what prompted me to even start carrying them in the first place. They are classic, elegant, don't detract, just enhance and are always such a perfect choice when in doubt. They also provide a nice soft lighting, nothing too strong but a definite room enhancer.  I have seen them work their magic in the most traditional spaces to very light airy modern/transitional ones.  So today a look at them in all their beautiful glory...what do you think, do you like belljars? Have them? Would want them? Would love to know!


So first my own belljars, funny for lanterns that were supposed to be "temporary" I think they are now staying. For good. They literally look perfect here, and for anyone who has seen them, they have thought I am crazy to consider switching them....so looks like they are home sweet home. These are the "tulip etched" design........

I love the etching, gives it such an old world appeal

Belljars hold their own in the most spectacular and formal of spaces, Barry Dixon

Love the way the belljar was used in this showstopping foyer, Intrinsic Designs

Love the belljar in this super chic bathroom, Jennifer Eisenstadt

They are the perfect choice for a bathroom, House Beautiful (Same line as I carry)

This pair in nickel by Dana Wolter adds just enough tradition to a somewhat transitional feeling kitchen

Love how Barry Dixon used a belljar for this beautiful girls room

Rinfret chose a beautiful etched glass belljar for this beautiful and stately dining room (Same line as I carry)

Even for dramatic spaces, JMA

Rinfret used a collection of four (these are the line I carry) to create an interesting lighting design

Belljars are perfect for hallways and gallery type spaces, James Michael Howard

A pair of belljars is like a sure thing above an island, Deborah Lehman 

Belljars to me, are always the perfect choice for baths and smaller spaces too (same line as I carry)

Adore this closet by Barry Dixon......the belljar is a perfect accent here to not detract from all the fabulousness in this space!

Adore this space by Mary Evelyn, the belljar is a great compliment but does not detract from the beauty of the room

A trio of pretty belljars work perfectly with the scale of this long island

This is the cut star design, used beautifully in this stunning bath, Rinfret (same line as I carry)

A pair of belljars with a bronzed finish looks beautiful in this kitchen, James Michael Howard

The pretty and "go with everything" starburst design is a perfect compliment to this pretty dining room, Kristin Panitch

Belljars are my favorite lighting for hallways, both big and small, Bacco (same line as I carry)

Belljars can hold their own even in the most formal of spaces, as executed by Barry Dixon

This is the diamond cut pattern and reflects light beautifully (Thes are also from my line)

For a cleaner crisper feel, the polished nickel finish gives a nice gleam and adds to a crisp aesthetic

I think they are perfect for transitional spaces like small vestibules, Intrinsic Designs

Love the oversized scale Thomas Hamel used for this cozy elegant breakfast nook

Love the mix of styles here, the belljars with a highly polished nickel finish were a great choice, Downsview

Homey Design shows that even in more transitional spaces, belljars are a great choice

Love the way the belljar here adds the effect of lighting against such beautiful window, Barry Dixon

Another pretty example of why these always work for above an island! Alexandra Luhrs (From my line sa well)

Ralph ( as in Ralph Lauren) yes we are on a first named basis, uses belljars in his personal closet! Smart man that he is:)

For tall ceilings, they do a nice job of anchoring the volume of the space, Doma Architects

Barry Dixon chose a tinted belljar for this elegant bath

Even in a more formal room like a dining room, belljars look fabulous, prefer the ones with the metal tips for dining rooms, Rinfret

I think belljars are an ideal lighting option for foyers and vestibules, Barry Dixon

So....do I have you hooked yet on belljars? What do you think? Do you like the subtle way they add interest to a space yet don't compete with what else is going on in the room as some light fixtures do? I think thats one of the most redeeming qualities about them, besides their versatility is that that they add interest, beautiful soft lighting but do not detract from what else is  happening in the space.

Reminder for anyone thinking about belljars from my shop, my approx. 20% price increase is effective tomorrow June 1st. They, even with the increase will be still be considerably less than my competitors, but right now they are as low as they can go! Thanks for stopping by and would love to hear your thoughts on belljars! Wishing you a wonderful day.