I’ve always loved a cozy kitchen that just makes you want to hang out in it. I think it probably dates back to my grandparents amazing cedar home when I was a child. It had the huge wooden beams, was heated with a wood stove so it always had that wonderful cozy smell, and there was always fridges and freezers full of delicious food and a big pot of soup on the stove when we showed up! My kitchen does not really evoke the same feelings or certainly didn’t when we moved in anyways. It was bland, cookie cutter and in spite of the high ceilings it seemed dark and yet cold. If you’ve followed me for very long you’ve probably already seen when I refinished my cabinets which made a huge impact, then when I plastered and painted the walls which made another major improvement to the overall feel and finally the most recent project affecting my kitchen was the bar stools I refinished. I love having some of my kids pulled up to the counter while I work in the kitchen and that’s just what they like to do too!
Do you know what makes the biggest “cozy factor” in my opinion though? It’s the little things. The decor. The things I styled above my cabinets made a big difference and since many of the things up there were gifts or belonged to a family member, it makes me feel happy every time I look up there and not just as a designer! But even more than that….the little touches like the knife block I painted, the hand towels on my oven door reflecting the season, the little wreath I made that is currently hanging above my stove. It’s the knife and cutting board that I always reach for every time I cook and for me, it’s the little copper touches I have here and there. I’m sort of obsessed with copper. Seriously! I’ve always loved it! If I could I’d have a lovely hanging pot rack with some copper pots and pans hanging from it! Alas, my kitchen doesn’t really allow for that but I can dream, right?
One of my all time favorite touches of copper is my copper colander! Another one of my obsessions is italian food so you can imagine how often I reach for this colander to drain pasta and vegetables. The kids love snacking on fresh fruit and veggies in season as well so again, I reach for it. The great thing about this colander is that I can leave it sitting out on my counter with the washed fruit or veggies in it and it looks great! In fact I don’t want to put it away in the fridge or the cupboard because I like it so much! Another reason I need that pot rack!
I got this particular one off Amazon and I full intended to give you a link to it but it’s all sold out at the moment! Keep in mind you get what you pay for and if you get a really cheap one you will likely spend half your life cleaning it! This one may have cost a little more but its wonderful! It’s a german made one and very easy to keep clean and shiny.
I just got a sudden urge to make some fajitas while preparing these photos for you! Yum! Or maybe some fresh pasta with lightly sautéed peppers and tomatoes and tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs! Okay pardon me while I go cook! Catch you later…..
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Love your kitchen Tara! I agree, it’s all the little things put together to make our homes. Things that have significance are even more precious. ❤️
I absolutely agree!
Love the copper colander! Good point/reminder to get a high quality one so I’m not cleaning/shining it every day!!
It makes a huge difference!
Oh Tara I so Agree with you! It is the little things and those little touches that make the house a home. And You have such a talent for! Your home is so cozy and I love your copper touches too!
That’s such a sweet thing to say, Jerri! I appreciate your kind words.
Your kitchen is lovely. I can tell you put a lot of time and sweat. You made your kitchen so nice and charming!
Oh thanks so much, Terrie! It’s been a lot of work and a lot more to go!