Lived-In Kitchens

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Why then do the kitchens featured in so many magazines give off such a steely vibe? You know what I mean: the granite, the stainless steel, the refrigerators void of family pictures and the countertops void of bills and letters. I love these kitchens for the simple reason that I'm convinced people actually live in them. 

{This might not be your average kitchen sink (filled with flowers in lieu of dirty dishes) but I love the attention to detail. Black counters are an unexpected alternative to granite or marble and they're stunning paired with white cabinetry and pale blue walls. Don't you love the flounce of the skirted sink and gardener's stool?}

{The equipment might be top-of-the-line but there's a very unfussy quality to this kitchen. The hanging pots are practical and pretty — especially with the splash of turquoise! I love the book shelves on either side of the hood.}

{I know people say they're tired of subway tile but to me it's a timeless classic. The open shelving contains an impressive cookbook collection and keeps plates and cups in easy reach. The styling — the potted plants, cut fruit, and phone on the table — gives it that lived-in look I love.}

{one | two | three}

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Why then do the kitchens featured in so many magazines give off such a steely vibe? You know what I mean: the granite, the stainless steel, the refrigerators void of family pictures and the countertops void of bills and letters. I love these kitchens for the simple reason that I'm convinced people actually live in them. 

{This might not be your average kitchen sink (filled with flowers in lieu of dirty dishes) but I love the attention to detail. Black counters are an unexpected alternative to granite or marble and they're stunning paired with white cabinetry and pale blue walls. Don't you love the flounce of the skirted sink and gardener's stool?}

{The equipment might be top-of-the-line but there's a very unfussy quality to this kitchen. The hanging pots are practical and pretty — especially with the splash of turquoise! I love the book shelves on either side of the hood.}

{I know people say they're tired of subway tile but to me it's a timeless classic. The open shelving contains an impressive cookbook collection and keeps plates and cups in easy reach. The styling — the potted plants, cut fruit, and phone on the table — gives it that lived-in look I love.}

{one | two | three}

Rue Hues {They're Baaack!}

I'm so excited to be blogging about two of my favorite spaces from the fourth issue of Rue today. Won't you stop by and share your thoughts?

I'm so excited to be blogging about two of my favorite spaces from the fourth issue of Rue today. Won't you stop by and share your thoughts?

How To Decorate A Small Space

Interior design is rarely easy, but those who live in particularly tiny quarters know that it’s even trickier to decorate without the luxury of space. As a college senior, I have lived in my fair share of dorm rooms... and plan to move into an equally tiny apartment wherever life takes me after graduation in May. Good things come in small packages, right?

{Lonny}

Mirrors provide an easy and inexpensive trick for making the most of what you’ve got. There’s no better way to create the illusion of more light and more space than what you’re really stuck with. We all know this trick works in bathrooms, but I think you’ll be surprised at what it could do for other small spaces in your home.

{Elle Decor}

Place a mirror over the bed or dresser in your boudoir to reflect artwork — or bring in a piece of mirrored furniture to do double duty!

{Mary McGee}

A strategically placed mirror lets you check your hair on the way out the door or, in the case of this dining room, multiplies your view of a vase of flowers or the glow of candelight during a dinner party. 

{Nuevo Estilo}

Mirrors need not be hung, though that’s a great way to maximize use of floor space. Doesn’t this oversized mirror steal the show in this glamorous home office? The combination of black and gold on both the desk and the mirror create a sense of continuity that small spaces often lack.

{Elle Decor}

Go big or go home, right? Channel the all-out allure of Versailles and hang square mirrors in a symmetrical grid on one wall. The effect here is that of a stately ballroom but would open things up in your home too. 

- - -

How have you used mirrors to open up your small space? What are your tricks for decorating a small space?

Interior design is rarely easy, but those who live in particularly tiny quarters know that it’s even trickier to decorate without the luxury of space. As a college senior, I have lived in my fair share of dorm rooms... and plan to move into an equally tiny apartment wherever life takes me after graduation in May. Good things come in small packages, right?

{Lonny}

Mirrors provide an easy and inexpensive trick for making the most of what you’ve got. There’s no better way to create the illusion of more light and more space than what you’re really stuck with. We all know this trick works in bathrooms, but I think you’ll be surprised at what it could do for other small spaces in your home.

{Elle Decor}

Place a mirror over the bed or dresser in your boudoir to reflect artwork — or bring in a piece of mirrored furniture to do double duty!

{Mary McGee}

A strategically placed mirror lets you check your hair on the way out the door or, in the case of this dining room, multiplies your view of a vase of flowers or the glow of candelight during a dinner party. 

{Nuevo Estilo}

Mirrors need not be hung, though that’s a great way to maximize use of floor space. Doesn’t this oversized mirror steal the show in this glamorous home office? The combination of black and gold on both the desk and the mirror create a sense of continuity that small spaces often lack.

{Elle Decor}

Go big or go home, right? Channel the all-out allure of Versailles and hang square mirrors in a symmetrical grid on one wall. The effect here is that of a stately ballroom but would open things up in your home too. 

- - -

How have you used mirrors to open up your small space? What are your tricks for decorating a small space?