La Belle Époque’s Kitchen Tour

It’s time to share the kitchen at La Belle Époque.  

I consider it a French Country style, even though I realize I don’t have any open shelves for upper cabinets nor a butcher block console island like the real French would have!  I guess it’s an American interpretation. 

The kitchen is a “floating” plan without being attached to any outside perimeter walls.

This is the view from the breakfast nook.

This is the view from the butler’s pantry.

View from the garage foyer.

Below is a view from the music room hall looking toward the door to the garage.

The refrigerator is considered a cabinet depth because I didn’t want it sticking out too much.  I wanted it to blend in almost seamlessly.  Besides, we have two other refrigerators and a freezer downstairs and I didn’t need the cold storage.  I know stainless and industrial are all the rage, but personally I don’t like to clean fingerprints off stainless.

Sorry about the inconsistent photography lighting.  This is one of the most difficult rooms in the house for me to photograph.

Now for some specifics.  The cabinetry is custom made right here in Kentucky by the Mouser Cabinet Company.  The painted pieces are solid maple in eggshell with a chocolate glaze. The island is cherry in a finish they call American.

The knobs are cut crystal with oil-rubbed bronze fittings.  I had seen these in an inspiration kitchen years ago, and I carried a picture of that kitchen around with me in my style file when we were building the house.

All of the special moldings, including the island end panel, were made by Enkeboll Designs and sent to Mouser to be finished.

You can see the small butler’s pantry to the left leading into the dining room. There is a walk-in pantry across from that.  The leaded glass transoms were made in Louisville.

I really like this section of the kitchen because of all the extra storage.  You can see some of my French Quimper and pewter through the glass.  The backsplash has a clear glass tile accent running through it and I had furniture details (in the way of feet) added to the bottom of some of the cabinets.

The granite is beveled and the color is Gold Leaf.  Ever so often a “gold leaf” shows up naturally in the pattern.  You never know when they are going to occur or how often. I think we were lucky enough to find 3 gold leaves in our run of stone.  (Which actually look like gold blobs!)  I know, I probably should have gone with black for more contrast, but I guess I thought the leaf thing  was cool at the time!!!

Two sinks:  Porcelain veggie sink on the island and a double bowl main farmhouse sink.

Notice the Keurig?  We love it so much better than a traditional coffee carafe.

The farmhouse sink is Corian with custom tile on the front.  All the fixtures are oil rubbed bronze.

We had matching cabinet panels put on the dishwasher and the refrigerator.  It sure makes the dishwasher door heavy!!!

Double ovens and a warming drawer make up the right side of what I call the “cooking” wall! LOL  The warming drawer comes in handy during big family holiday meals.

I hand- applied the saying to the range mantel.

I change décor on the range mantel periodically.

Two of my favorite features are the European pot-filler (which I use all the time) and the spice cabinet drawers on either side of the range.

Don’t let the range top fool you. Nope, it’s not gas, although the style looks like it would be. I searched and searched until I found an electric range that mimicked a gas top.  I know, I know, it would be more gourmet if it were gas.  But, alas, I’m not a gourmet cook!

The microwave is built in on the left side of the cooking wall.

Below is a picture of the front of the shop where we purchased our cabinets.  The photo above the door is our kitchen.  It was chosen by Mouser for their authorized dealers to use in advertising and marketing!  We were definitely flattered.  

We have different bar stools now. The first set came from Frontgate and were made in Italy and featured gold rubbed accents.  I replaced them with another set from Frontgate because they didn’t swivel. 

These bar chairs have a carved rooster motif and swivel.  I think Frontgate still sells these.

You may not be able to tell it, but I actually used a couple different door styles to compliment each other. Flat panels on the hutch area and raised panels on the rest of the kitchen.

Okay, a couple of thoughts.  The house was built in 2005. This fall will make 7 years since we’ve lived here.  Overall, I love my kitchen. But being a designer, there’s always something I would change, do over, improve upon, update…..you get my drift.  Especially after 7 years.  Geez, that’s like a lifetime as far as décor goes! LOL

I think it’s time for new paint. I was obviously in my yellow phase when we built, so it’s time for a fresh palette.  This is SW Blonde.  I’m just not sure yet which direction I want to go in.  I know gray is popular NOW, but…..

And, I’m thinking a cool chandy over the island with pendants over the sink. Oh, and white Carrera marble on the island to break up all the granite.

Below is a view to the gallery from the kitchen bar.

Hope you enjoyed the tour! It was fun showing you around!

Happy Decorating!

Kim

Linking up to:

Newbie Party at Debbie-Doo’s Blogging & Blabbing
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Tuesday's Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Cowgirl Up! at Cedar Hill Ranch 
Show Me What You Got at Our Delightful Home
Swing Into Spring at DIY By Design
WOW! Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
{Primp} Your Stuff Wednesday at Michele Raven Designs
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants