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Monday, April 9, 2012

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. 

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

This is the view from the breakfast nook.

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This is the view from the butler’s pantry.

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View from the garage foyer.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!!!

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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!!!

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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.

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I hand- applied the saying to the range mantel.

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I change décor on the range mantel periodically.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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


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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.

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

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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

37 comments:

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Kim, what a gorgeous kitchen!! I just absolutely love all of your attention to detail! Nothing was overlooked!! Thanks so much for the tour!

Four Marrs and One Venus said...

Umm.. can I come over and drink some coffee and maybe wine with you? Pretty please in that Gorgeous Kitchen! Kim! I love this so so much! Amazing Kitchen, it's really stunning!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Your kitchen is AMAZING!! I love all the custom molding.

Sarah @ Imperfect Patina said...

Your kitchen looks amazing! I really like the backsplash and cabinet knobs!! Sarah

Maureen Wyatt said...

Your kitchen is so well thought out and beautiful, too. I'd definitely start the update with a great hanging fixture! ~ Maureen

Roxanne Reinhart said...

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your kitchen. What you don't like anymore - send my way....and I'm in Louisville so you wont have to send far..lol...It's beautiful and I'd share it every week if it were mine. Really! I'm your newest follower!!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Kimberly, Your kitchen is so beautiful and I am in love with the cabinets. The gallery is gorgeous too. What an amazing home you have created.
Hugs, Sherry

Olive said...

Kim, it is a delightful kitchen. One I dream about. Every detail is well thought out. When I grow up I want a farm house sink. I am going to hit that follow button now. Thanks bunches for all your comments, hugs, olive

Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista said...

Wow, thanks so much for sharing! I love the spice cabinets that pull out on either side of the stove in the "cooking wall" and the saying above the range mantel.
Even when you design your own kitchen, it's nice to know that you can still go back and makes changes as the years go on and you get other inspirations!

Jessica
stayathomeista.com

pam {simple details} said...

It's gorgeous, Kim! My eyes went straight to the transom, so unique! I can tell you had a wonderful time designing every inch of it, you put such thought into every detail!

Anonymous said...

Kim, Your kitchen is so well thought out and GORGEOUS! So what time is dinner? :-) Looking forward to following more of your beautiful blog!
Sharla

Debbiedoos said...

Whew...you had me at the rooster chairs...then you had to go and show me the rest. WOWZA, you have a gorgeous kitchen. Love it. Thanks so much for sharing with the party.

Crafty Texas Girl said...

You have fabulous taste! I love all the details. Thank you for sharing at Cowgirl Up this week. Love having you at our party!
:) Samantha @ Crafty Texas Girls

Sarah said...

You certainly have a gorgeous kitchen. I'm loving those rooster chairs. Beautiful!

My Dream Canvas said...

This is gorgeous! You have a lovely blog. I am visiting you via Tuesday Treasures. I look forward to seeing you at My Dream Canvas.

momto8 said...

wow...lucky you!!!

Shannon Fox said...

You're kitchen is stunning. I adore so many of the thoughtful features you included. I would pick your fabulous fridge face over SS 7 days a week! I was so happy to ahve lots of pictures too, so I could really soak it in. Gorgeous!!

Sharon @ mrshinesclass said...

I love your kitchen. I think the transoms and plate rack count as open shelving! I always love seeing an island that contrasts with the rest of the cabinetry...that's on my to do list for my kitchen. I'm a fan of SW blonde, but totally relate to being ready for change....what about blue with gray undertones? Or, I can also see green complimenting your countertops and cabinetry.
Love you ideas for the new lighting and island counter top. Can't wait to see what you decide to do.
Sharon @ mrs. hines class

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous kitchen! Love the color choices and those beautiful rich wood floors. The flooring just makes everything pop!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Oh..one can only dream of a kitchen so beautiful...you did a wonderful job designing it...Love every detail.

Gorgeous, gorgeous!

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

It looks wonderful. You did a great job! So inviting. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Rooms by Ann said...

Your Kitchen is gorgeous, I love all the custom finishes. Great details. Thanks for sharing.

Karena said...

Kim I am just amazed at how gorgeous your kitchen is!! All of the thoughtful details make such a difference.

I hope you will come and see my new Annie Sloan Chalk Paint projects!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

DIYbyDesign said...

What an absolutely gorgeous kitchen. I love all of the wonderful details. I would love for you to link up to my Swing into Spring party that opens at 8pm EST tonight. Hope to see you there.

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

Oh my, that's the kitchen I want in my next house!! Wow!! It's stunning. We are going to move to a new city house in two years so I'm looking for a kitchen similar to yours. Love it!!

chateau chic said...

Kim, your kitchen is gorgeous down to the last detail.
Mary Alice

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Beautiful kitchen. Love the cabinets and all the detail. That was an interesting photo of the bar chairs with the rooster motif, they are great looking chairs. The corbels have beautiful detail too and like the shot down the hall to the gallery. I love columns, that was the whole reason I bought my current home, I remember opening the front door, stepped in and saw columms. Thanks for sharing.

Sooner Laura said...

Your home is amazine and very beautiful and that's the best farmhouse sink I have ever ever EVER seen! Most are only one bowl - I could never get by with a one bowl sink. I have black granite and seriously wish is was gold, you made a good choice. In that kitchen you should be a gourmet!

Doug Shomette said...

Your kitchen is one of the prettiest I've seen! I love all the details and beautiful woodwork. Wow! Can't wait to snoop around a little more. :)

A room with a view said...

Beautiful kitchen, Kim, and well-planned. I do like a cabinet-depth refrigerator if the space allows but I have all stainless steel appliances and yes, not fun cleaning! Gorgeous mantle and by the way, love those gleaming floors!

Pamela said...

Kim what a charming kitchen! I of course as you know love anything french country!:) All the detail in your cabinets has me drooling. Love your rooster seats too!

thistlewoodfarm said...

What an incredible kitchen! I love all your attention to detail and those cabinets....*sigh* Truly, truly amazing!

blessings,
karianne

arrielle_p said...

Beautiful, peaceful colors. The kitchen is often the heart of the home and a place where friends and family seem to gravitate.

condo Philippines

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Your kitchen is beautiful, Kim! I love all the detailing on your cabinetry. I know what you mean about stainless. When we moved to Ohio this past Fall my hubby got all new stainless appliances. I've never wiped appliances down so much in my life!

Bliss said...

I enjoyed my tour, yes, now I have pot filler and farm sink envy.

~Bliss~

Tabby said...

Where did you get the mimic gas top

Unknown said...

Kim, could you share the brand and make of the electric stove top that looks like gas? Thank you!

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