Please help me put some WOW into my kitchen

15 years ago

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post, but I've been lurking for so long now and decided that I need to ask you all for help. The kitchen is contemporary, unfussy, and monotone. I'd like to do something to make it more interesting without being cutesy or painting walls (My husband would never agree to that.) I love colorful glass and art objects (pictures of that are included at the end) and would be delighted to add that kind of thing if it wouldn't make the area cluttered or make it harder to actually use the surfaces. I use every inch of the space including the stainless steel high part of the island. Any suggestions and comments would be so appreciated, and I thank you in advance for your help.

(ps I hope I've done the including picture stuff right.)

kitchen from family room

another view of kitchen from the family room

{{!gwi}}
http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=93283df0ad0ff6935b2f2841c4d4a52e

table area

{{!gwi}}

from hallway to kitchen

{{!gwi}}

from kitchen into family room

{{!gwi}}

Pictures of colorful things:

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Comments (21)

happygram
Original Author
15 years ago
I see that none of the picture came out, and this is what I did to link them:
I typed these symbols...
img src=
and then pasted the URL of the picture from where I'd put it in Shutterfly. After that was pasted, I ended with >

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=93283df0ad0ff6935b2f2841c4d4a52e

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=93283df0ad0ff6935b2f2841c4d4a52e

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=93283df0ad0ff6935b2f2841c4d4a52e

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=93283df0ad0ff6935b2f2841c4d4a52e

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=93283df0ad0ff6935b2f2841c4d4a52e

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=93283df0ad0ff6935b2f2841c4d4a52e

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=93283df0ad0ff6935b2f2841c4d4a52e

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=93283df0ad0ff6935b2f2841c4d4a52e
alisande
15 years ago
What you did was correct, assuming you began with a left angle bracket (However, I attempted to post one of your pictures using a URL from the list, but it didn't work. Usually a photo URL ends with a jpg extension.
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janepa
15 years ago
Wherever you have your photos uploaded you need to copy them, paste to the message space and use the following a at the end. I went to Shutter but it did not bring up your files. I tried to paste the file you first listed, but it just gave a red X.

I used the first file you listed but I couldn't see it. Take note the formula uses upper case except for the = sign.

I will check back. Good luck. Jane
ronbre
15 years ago
well I don't have time right now to look up your pictures but i'll check back tomorrow and see if you have them up on here..

generally what I like to do is to take a picture and look at it with a new eye..and see what I think would make that PHOTO look better..take this out..add that..move this..and sometimes i find that that alone will help me to upgrade a space..esp a kitchen..

pretend like you were looking at someone elses house in the meantime till you get your photos up on here..and think..how would I change HER house?
happygram
Original Author
15 years ago
I have no idea what I'm doing wrong, and I think it might have to do with how I'm copying the information about the picture in the Shutterfly album. I've right clicked on the image, gone to Properties, and then copied the URL (address) from the window that opens in Properties. There's no JPEG at the end of the address in the Properties window.

Is there somewhere else I should look for the correct "name" or url for the picture I'd like to show?
Thanks so much, and I'm truly sorry for being so clueless about this.
happygram
Original Author
15 years ago
The way I did it was to switch the pictures to Photobucket. I'm "computer disabled", and I was determined to post pictures so you can help me. As you can see, m kitchen is contemporary, unfussy, and monotone. I'd like to do something to make it more interesting without being cutesy or painting walls (My husband would never agree to that.) I love colorful glass and art objects (pictures of that are included at the end) and would be delighted to add that kind of thing if it wouldn't make the area cluttered or make it harder to actually use the surfaces. I use every inch of the space including the stainless steel high part of the island. Any suggestions and comments would be so appreciated, and I thank you in advance for your help.
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

I'm holding my breath and hoping this actually will work!
happygram
Original Author
15 years ago
I love this little lizard and wish I had more things like that to use for color and interest. I do love bright colors. Thanks again for your help and patience.

{{!gwi}}
mitchdesj
15 years ago
this previous thread says to copy the html code

Here is a link that might be useful: posting photos html code
ronbre
15 years ago
try using
www.tinypic.com
and then copy and paste the top url into the post and it will show up on your preview message.
ideamom
15 years ago
I use Photobucket.com
happygram
Original Author
15 years ago
I hope that this is right...finally...and thanks for any ideas and help you can come up with for the kitchen. The last 3 pictures are of decorative things already in the room, and I'd love to have more w/o cluttering the counter tops.

Below is one view of the kitchen from the family room.

This is another view from the family room. Oh, for a wide angle lens...
le lens...)

Below is looking into the family room from the kitchen

This is looking into the kitchen from the hallway.

This is taken from the kitchen table nook'

A cute lizard on the wall by the sink and window

A "thing' that we brought home from a trip:

A metal silly decorative something-or-other:

Again, thank you for ideas about making the place more interesting.
roobear
15 years ago
I love how simple and relaxing your kitchen and living room areas are. I can see what you mean by wanting a little more color and artistic flare.

Lumicor resin panels might be nice to go with the simplistic design -they're very artistic and somewhat durable with tons of different decorative uses-might want to check out the link.

I've seen them used as inlays in cabinet doors or as decorative wall hangings, they can be bent and shaped to create sculptural panels that can be hung from ceilings etc.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lumicor Resin Panels
mitchdesj
15 years ago
I think the wow factor is already at work in your kitchen, what was your other question, lol ???

an open weave alessi metal basket for your fruit would be a useful addition that you could move around ; a metal round container for spatulas and wooden spoons, oil and vinegar bottles on your shelf/ledge, a few wine bottles........... things that will be used or consumed plus the fun artifacts you already have.

glad to see your pictures finally showed up !!
your kitchen is a dream, I would not add much since you said it's a well used kitchen and you don't want to clutter.

I would sometimes add a clear glass vase with a bunch of white tulips at the end of the wine fridge counter, if you're feeling festive.
happygram
Original Author
15 years ago
Today I bought a really neat open bowl from Chiasso that looks like the Alessi bowl that was mentioned. As you can see, I'm VERY open to suggestions and am ready to implement any good ideas you might have.

Again, thank you for your patience with my computer "skills" and also, thanks for plowing through the earlier posts with nothing in them.
Ideefixe
15 years ago
I don't think you need much, frankly. It's pretty wow! as it is. But maybe that wall where your bulletin board/landing strip could use some color or maybe a great poster/art work?

WilsonArt laminate panels are also cool--you could just install one on that little wall. I always want the jellybeans one.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wilson art
Oakley
15 years ago
I think the wow factor is already there! I'm not into modern but I could live with your kitchen, easily! Maybe some vases of flowers? That's all I can come up with. lol.

I love that lizard! Totally unexpected and you're definitely doing a great job as it is!
nicole__
15 years ago
I LOVE your modern kitchen!!! Very nice open space. You "are" doing a great job! On your next vacation you can shop for something else to add, but for now it looks very "interesting"!!!!
deegw
15 years ago
I think your kitchen is great too! How about trying some area rugs? You could add some splashes of eye catching color or use the neutral colors of your kitchen to add another layer of interest.

Here is a link that might be useful: Contemporary rugs
nicole__
15 years ago
I also see you have an alcove to the right, above your fridg? How about adding a big urn there,with bamboo in it, maybe a draped rug under it? or a tribal mask display from a past trip...? or a carved animal?

I "love" your little brushed nickel halogen pendant lights! I've talked myself into adding them to my breakfast bar....:0)
squirrelheaven
15 years ago
Without highlighting any of the architecture with changing values or color, the only thing you can really do for more zing would be to add color and pattern in rugs and accessories, as you've been doing. Maybe look for some larger items with more overall impact. There isn't really much room for hanging artwork (would large art over the soffit at the ovens look odd? Could be those contemporary swathes of color rather subject matter. Huge kid art too : ). Looks like you might be able to get a some bands of vertical color or pattern with narrow panels at the nook's gang windows.

Very nice kitchen to work in!
mdev
15 years ago
I like your kitchen but agree that there are a few simple things that (could) be added:

1. Single easiest item would be a BIG vase of fresh cut, colorful flowers on the peninsula. Grab a modern square cut vase at Crate and Barrel or something...

2. I know you said this already, but paint would go an extremely long way here. You have very warm cabinets juxtaposed next to a lot of stainless steel. It does create a modern effect but the white walls make it look unfinished. To keep it modern you could do a khaki, deep olive, grey or beige/grey color.
Don't forget to paint the ceiling.

Feel free to shoot me down...but that's what I see. Good luck & nice kitchen!

Please help me put some WOW into my kitchen

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Please help me put some WOW into my kitchen

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