Are you intimidated by faux flowers, wreath making and floral arranging, or are you an old pro? It was only in the last few years that I really started crafting and decorating with faux flowers, and I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed when I decided to start making wreaths on regular basis. One day, out of nowhere, I decided I was going to be a “master wreath maker,” so I headed to the craft store thinking I would just luck into some perfect combination of materials. I almost always find something amazing on my junkin’ adventures, so I thought surely the flower shopping would be no different. I normally avoided the “tacky-fake flowers” section however, so I was shocked at how gorgeous and realistic faux flowers had become. And there were too many to choose from! I realized I just needed to use a method of design that has always worked for me in the past, which is to base my creations around some sort of decorative item or accessory.
Interior Decor and Styling
Farmhouse Inspiration At Thursday Favorite Things
Hello and welcome back to Thursday Favorite Things! I am blessed to be joining Katherine at Katherine’s Corner and a wonderful group of bloggers as a co-hostess for this fantastic weekly blog party. I can’t wait to see what you have to share this week! If you are looking to grow your blog, make new friends, and be inspired each week, this is the place to be. If you would like a chance to be featured, please leave me a comment with the number of your link up. Before we start the party, here’s what I have been up to recently:
I shared a post on Elegant Kitchen Update Ideas as part of my Interior Decor and Styling series.
I also shared a tribute post dedicated to Reverend Billy Graham, which featured two of my latest junkin’ finds, a vintage Billy Graham book and the first peek of my beautiful antique church pew.
Peace With God by Billy Graham
Now for some beautiful farmhouse inspiration from
last week’s Thursday Favorite Things!
Jamie at So Much Better With Age shared the most amazing before and after of her French Vintage Living Room filled with French country and French farmhouse decor.
Mary at The Boondocks Blog showed us how to give a farmhouse chippy look to a mirror with paint.
Colleen at Life On Kaydoss Creek took us on an amazing virtual spring home tour filled with farmhouse decorating inspiration.
Michelle at The Painted Hinge shared DIY Farmhouse Tray from a repurposed cabinet door.
Joy at Artful Homemaking shared a beautiful chair makeover using fusion mineral paint.
Thank you to everyone who linked up last week. Now it’s time to share your Thursday Favorite Things!
Spring is not too far off, and that means that gardening time is fast approaching! Already my chives, oregano, thyme, and lemon balm are making appearances in the herb garden and containers right outside my kitchen door. Herbs are one of my deep passions, and I use them in all their forms. This post contains affiliate links.
It’s getting closer to spring, and I am becoming more indecisive about which direction I want to go with some of the kitchen updates we are planning. It seems the more I search, the more options I start to consider. While I love my cozy, homespun cottage, farmhouse style kitchen, there are also those more glamorous French Country and modern kitchens that seem to catch my attention on Pinterest and in magazines. While I probably would never go for a “high end” look (simply because I could never part with my vintage kitchen junk!) I am looking for easy ways to make some elegant changes to the kitchen. Since staying within our budget is always a priority, I decided to create a post to share some elegant kitchen updates that can work in any kitchen regardless of budget. Even if all of these updates cannot be made at once, just one or two can add elegance. And just for extra inspiration I have thrown in some gorgeous and elegant kitchens as eye candy!
Source
Elegant Kitchen Updates
Cabinet Doors And Hardware
Before ripping out fixtures or tearing the cabinets from the walls, you might want to think about simply upgrading the kitchen cabinets. You can update your kitchen without spending too much money simply by changing the cabinet doors. Rather than replacing the entire cabinets, you can resurface the doors, repaint them or even replace them altogether with doors that have glass windows.
If you choose to repaint your cabinets, consider a bold color such as black for cabinet bases. You can even remove upper cabinets altogether and use open shelves instead for drastic new look. You can then repurpose the upper cabinets for storage in the basement or a craft room.
By sanding down the cabinet doors and restaining or varnishing them, you can give them a completely new look. Adding molding and trim is another great way to achieve the look of high end cabinets for a fraction of the cost. For some great tips on sanding and varnishing wood be sure to check out: The Guardian. If you don’t want to repaint, resurface or repaint your cabinet doors you can simply change out the hardware for a drastic update.
Update The Countertop
If you new countertops are in your budget then you can certainly change the whole look of your kitchen and give it a designer edge by purchasing high end marble or granite from Worldstone . Either could give your kitchen a designer edge and ensure it looks absolutely fantastic.
If granite or marble isn’t in your budget, you can try DIY Giani Counter Resurfacing to achieve a high end look on a budget.
Add A Unique Feature
Consider adding a unique feature that will make your kitchen feel more elegant. An appliance garage can keep your kitchen cabinets and countertops clutter free while concealing appliances that are used daily and making them easily accessible.
You can also keep unsightly garbage cans hidden by installing a pull out trash can in an island or underneath a cabinet.
Update The Backsplash
While beadboard is perfect for farmhouse and cottage kitchens, consider tile or brick for a touch of old world elegance.
Add Glam Lighting
Adding a glamorous light fixture or chandelier in place of a pot rack or utilitarian light is a really easy way to add elegance.
Use Fresh Flowers
Last but certainly not least, displaying a bouquet of fresh flowers is probably the quickest and easiest way to add beauty and elegance to a kitchen. While flowers can’t be called an “update” they can certainly keep the kitchen looking bright and fresh.
As with any home renovation project or makeover, simple changes can have a huge impact. While I am still not sure which of these elegant changes I might want to incorporate when we start our kitchen makeover, I am certain I will be using fresh flowers as often as possible! I hope you have enjoyed these ideas and photos I have shared today. As we move forward into the makeover I will be sharing a few more inspirational kitchen round up posts as well. Now I am off to explore all the link ups at Thursday Favorite Things to see what fun ideas other bloggers are sharing. Be sure to come over and check out the party, it’s so much fun! See you there!
Amber
For more kitchen ideas check out:
Beautiful And Classic Kitchen Floor Options