Hill Country House Kitchen Update

 You may remember when I posted about my frustration with my kitchen here.

I was contemplating painting our kitchen cabinetry and asked for thoughts and opinions.

I sure got some! Most people screamed messages loud and clear like :

"Paint them!! It's your house - do what you want!!"

Others scolded me for even thinking of painting the rare and cherished antique long leaf pine.

My issue was, and still is, that all of the cabinetry is long leaf pine - I mean ALL of the wood work all over the house; the doors, the kitchen cabinets, the bathroom cabinets, the upstairs built in desks and shelving, the built in dressers in the closets, the frames around bathroom mirrors all over the house - all perfectly lovely and custom designed and expensive. 

One problem - it's just too much wood for me.

It's no secret that I am a color girl. I love color. I can appreciate all of the gorgeous designs in creams and putty and grays, and can always see the beauty in all white decors.......lots of shades of white and cream can be just beautiful. But, when I get right down to it, color is what makes my heart beat a little faster!
These kitchens just speak to me, make me happy and feel like me.

Does that make sense?

All kitchen photos from my files and my apologies for not having the proper credits.

I considered a look like this for my kitchen.
While I might not choose black granite counter tops, the fact is that I have them, and painting the cabinets would have really brightened up my kitchen with a whole new look. I also love the painted floor and may still do that at some point.

I am crazy about the feel of this kitchen, and it is rather a compromise between neutral cabinetry and color added in the chairs and rugs.


Oh well, all dreaming aside, I realized that I needed to do something in my kitchen that would brighten it up without compromising the integrity and specific design of a Texas hill country house.

There are those who worship the limestone, the old wood floors and the long leaf pine.The house is for sale and someone will love all these indigenous materials.

I had to do something purely decorative that did not change materials permanently.
Painting cabinetry, changing tile back splashes, changing granite counter tops - all out of the question.

Adding some color and softness to the room using fabric, brightening the room with a new fixture and better light......these were do-able!

I have long been a fan of this pattern - Joseph Frank's Vegetable Tree, as well as some others like it.

I found my fabric at Calico Corners and at several online shops.

It is a close look to the more expensive ones, (which I adore, but too pricey for a house we are leaving)  and fits my budget for this house.
And, it is very colorful!

I also like the white linen background for the light to filter through.

I knew, too, that changing out the light fixture could add more light and give the space a fresher, updated look. The original fixture was a very nice custom iron piece, but the light shone straight down on the island and did not add light to the entire space at all.

Here is a really close shot of the new fixture. It like it because it is not too contemporary for the house, but has clean, modern lines, and gives my kitchen a ton more light!

The light shines up and down, illuminating the island and the ceiling beams, while brightening the overall kitchen.

I added Roman shades to the large window above the sink as well as to the two smaller windows flanking the stove alcove.

 Finally, I changed the fabric on the window seats and cafe curtains in the morning room. I like them - they tie in to the kitchen nicely.

  

So, there you have it. My fix for awhile.....at least until I can design my new kitchen, which might just look something like this:

Yummy blue....... or this fun green.............

 or this barrel ceiling, with this amazing and gorgeous design!!

 I like the French favorite of so many bloggers out there.......it's just plain pretty.

This is nice and fresh looking.....

 as are the red and white tile in a checkerboard pattern.....

a little modern for me, but great color.............

Last but not least by any means,  I absolutely adore this one - love the tile work all the way up and the blue background to the cabinets. Move me right in!!

The last 8 images courtesy of House Beautiful

"Home, At Last", with artists Liz Steving, Julie Sawtelle, John Austin Hannah,Sandra Hulse, and Allison V. Smith

A friend of mine made an astute observation about our town about ten years ago and I think it may still hold true today.

She said  "You know, ours is a funny town. You can buy a fine bottle of wine, beautiful clothing and the perfect wedding gift, but you can't find a decent bra or good pair of pantyhose anywhere in town."

Well said.
For the record, you can find a Playtex bra and L'eggs hosiery at Walmart, in a pinch.

One of the institutions in town, where one can get a fabulous meal, and buy the best in home decor, clothing, greeting cards,

and gifts is The Peach Tree Gallery and Tea Room

Known for their fabulous food and wonderful cookbooks written by owner Cynthia Pedregon, the Peach Tree is a must stop in town for many, many tourists, and is a favorite among locals.

To say that the Pedregon family is talented is a huge understatement.
Cynthia's mom, Enid Collins, was the designer and creator of the legendary "box purses" many of us carried years ago.

Cynthia's brother, Jeep Collins, is known for his classic and lovely jewelry designs.

Jeep's daughter, Lara Bobo, is a young creative force with a shop called Enid, after her grandmother. I wrote about Lara and her talented husband Tim, here.


Yet another of the Collins descendants, Cynthia's daughter, Tina, has opened a chic new shop next door to the Peach Tree.

Home, At Last
is fresh, young and classic.

Peeking in the windows I already wish I had a spot for these bird lamps.
Upon closer inspection, they have beautiful oval shades. Love them!

 Tina's mix of classic furniture styles, some modern and some traditional, with warm, handmade pillows and current art make for a fun and interesting place to shop.

I love so many styles and this shop is right up my alley.

I spy a classic Eames chair and ottoman in cream leather, piled with colorful pillows.

Art by Liz Steving,

Sandra Hulse,

local artist, Julie Sawtelle,

John Austin Hanna,

and books by Jerrie Smith, and daughter, Allison V. Smith,

and Cynthia Pedregon - what's more to want!?

a take on old band boxes, in fresh, current patterns.....

Industrial furniture with contemporary lamps .........

Upon closer inspection, fun and colorful dishes, and great looking wicker pieces!!

Fabulous pillows in a Hans Wegner wish bone chair. Do you love it?

Oh, did I mention jewelry? Really good looking, unique necklaces, earrings, bracelets.....I will take one of each, please.

Some of my favorite Design-Legacy linen pillows. Love those butterflies!!!

Did I mention Dash and Albert rugs? The list of great design here is endless. 

 Source

Just know, the next time you are in the Texas hill country, a stop at

Home, At Last  

will be a real treat for you! 

Oh, and you really should eat at the Peach Tree - there is no other like it. 

You won't be sorry....promise.

Comfort Antique Show - Part 2

Although I am a color girl - can't help it, always attracted to it - I LOVE old

 architectural pieces and any good old crusty paint, regardless of color!

Nancy and Mike, at House Wren, are most creative when it comes to pulling together the best of old white paint, lots of natural materials like homespun and vintage lace, and tons of natural wonders like bird nests, wasp nests (and I do mean WONDERS - I truly believe these things are miracles of God and nature, but that's another conversation)

Then there is the lighting they create from stuff, really, just stuff - old cans, baskets, scrap metal, ribbed metal roofing - you name it, they can come up with the most clever way to hang it and light it.

These pieces fit in an industrial looking decor or in a cottage look, or even in a most contemporary setting.

They usually set up at Fredericksburg Trade Days and were trying out the Comfort Show for the first time.
Unfortunately they did not have access to electricity so they were not able to light their fixtures. I sure hope they give the show another try in the Fall and get a space with power.

Wouldn't it be fun to see the light shining through all their wonderful pieces!

Amended Version of Sneak Peek - Comfort, Texas Spring Antique Show 2011

Folk art by Wayne Ayers

Wayne is my neighbor at the show and is an amazing craftsman and artist. He knows his antiques as well as makes reproduction folk art.

 It is very early Sunday morning and I have been awake since 4:00. I am set up at the antique show in the quintessential small town of Comfort, Texas this weekend. 

Oh how I wish I could rest, but I am not a believer in lying in bed fighting insomnia - might as well get up and do something.

Here are some shots from the show - information to follow later.

Booth of my friend, Robert Barrett, always a great mix of antiques and style.

LOVE this green trough. Fun with flowers and wouldn't it be cool filled with ice and drinks for a party! In Gracie's booth, another one with great style!

Dealer Ann Sams, always has the best looking tins, textiles and unusual things.

These green garden chairs in Jack Henson's booth just make ya want to sit a spell, don't they?

OHMYGOSH! Love, love, love this old Mexican pot.
 Belonging to friends, John and David, I covet it so, but alas, cannot afford it!

Lisa from the Plaid Veranda in Frisco, Texas had this cool advertising eagle which I just loved!

Beautiful furniture and unusual, large accessories filled Lisa's booth - wish I could have bought it all!!

Hector has the best industrial shelving , baskets, tables, bowls, and eek....doll head molds......

as well as tons of antique and vintage religious art pieces.

I sold my folk art church to another dealer who will take it to a show in California.

I loved having it for the last ten years, but it was time for it to move on.

That's the way it is in this business. Hunting for treasure, the thrill of finding it,  loving it, and  then letting it go so we can hunt for more!

I am addicted to the entire process of it - hunting and gathering the treasures, of course, but most of all, the people I  meet, work with, laugh with, and learn from, all along the way!