Friday, October 17, 2008

Upper Cabinets


I would LOVE to rip out all my upper cabinets and install windows all the way across the wall in my kitchen.

I mean, this is what's on the other side of the wall for pete's sake!



Just look how cool having no uppers looks in this picture:



Here's another view of the same kitchen...isn't it perfect?



If I could have any floor, I'd have this one. (sigh)
The light fixtures above the island capture that perfect combination of industrial meets traditional, that I love so much.
And get a load of the horizontal wood boards on the back wall!
I must install them in our Master Bedroom...I am absolutely crazy about the look of it.

Well...back to work on the final paperwork involved in auditioning for HGTV. I'll post a link to my 5-minute final audition video here soon...I really tried to push myself and my passion for design to the limit. Hopefully it will pay off and I'll at least get a shot to appear on that first nerve-wracking episode where people wig out, and start bawling or throw tantrums because they can't handle the pressure of standing in front of Vern, Cynthia, Martha. :-)

21 comments:

Allison aka Half of VAMH said...

That kitchen is amazing -- you could totally pull that off! Once you become the next HGTV Design Star you can!

Suzann said...

Great inspiration photos. You would have the perfect kitchen to do that wall of windows in!!
You'll be the next design star for sure!

Nancy Hood said...

tear them out. follow your heart. and finish the paperwork!!

Anonymous said...

Layla,

Great kitchen, just have to make sure you have enough storage before you take out cabinets! The look is terrific however. Good luck on "DS" - I look forward to seeing your audition tape. I have really enjoyed reading your blog - you are a bit younger than me but share the same passions. Due to my husband's job taking us all over the country I have "done" what you are doing to your house to MANY houses in many states - it was always beneficial at sale time and was such a fun process. For the last 6 months we have lived in what I am calling our "forever*cottage" - I am looking forward to starting a blog devoted to my love of decorating, homekeeping et... You have definitely inspired me. Keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing more. Look for "forever*cottage" soon!

Leacayoungart said...

gorgeous kitchen, yours too.

good luck with the audition video. you will do great.

Vanessa {Bloom Right Here!} said...

I have always wanted a checkerboard wood floor. Another one of the "someday" things. Good luck with HGTV!

Kristi said...

Why can't you have that floor? You're almost there. You have a wood floor, you just have to paint on the diamonds. I think you could tape it off and use a dark black stain. Come on, you can do it!!!

I agree on the windows. We also have a great view out back and we are looking for the right person to expand our double sliding doors into 4 wide! It will be awesome.

Good luck with the paperwork.

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

You...My dear...will NOT throw a tantrum. You have far too much finesse and grace and poise.

Expecting to see you on the silver (or plasma/led) screen soon.

You are perfect for this.

Your kitchen is already the bomb....but I would love to see that view everyday too...

Sarah said...

Go for it! (The wall and the show). You are good!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you...you are a very talented lady and it would be lovely to one day say,"I knew her when..."
As for the cupboards..get them out! and get that window in!...just think you could create a duck pond in that wilderness and have that to inspire you everyday. One of my friends has a view of a duck pond from her kitchen window in the middle of the English country side and it is to die for!

Sunny said...

I love the turquoise cabinets. If my Mr. would let me, I would paint ours to turquoise or that vintage-y green blue...or red maybe? But alas, he won't and so I stick with what I have. I would go ahead and do it if I knew I would be in the house for many more years to come. I won't and so don't think it would be good for resale value. Hey, that would be a good post for you...what to do or not do for resale?!?

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Oh I love that kitchen, yours would look so good that way!
Hugs~Kelly

Flipperdelph said...

We also just bought an old country house, to be renovated, and you give me plenty of ideas, a great inspiration ! Thank you !

Twice as Nice said...

What color are your cabinets. Are they a dark brown or black? What paint did you use? They are beautiful and make a huge statement for a small kitchen.

SeaWorthy said...

I have no uppers out at the beach cottage and adore it. At home I have one small bank of 4 on the top and over my stove top just one shelf for all my white dishes. I think it makes all the difference in the world and opens up the kitchen soooo much. Have to be a clutter free kitten, to keep it looking nice, tho, and a pantry for all the not so cute things we all NEED in the kitchen.
Love the blog, sister.
Lisa
coastal nest

Anonymous said...

Good luck with the audition!!!

Kris

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

I keep coming back again and again just to look at that kitchen. It's stunning!!

You're soooo going to make it. :) And I'm going to claim to everyone that I 'know' you, even though I really don't . haha! Hey, a fellow blogger equals some sort of relationship, right?!

..{{bliss in the city}}.. said...

I checked out your blog after you left a comment on mine...so cute! I love everything. Good luck at Design Star! I have secretely wanted to audition myself!

:) Jen Kitches
Bliss in the City
www.blissinthecity.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I also love the floor in this kitchen, and the fact the the checks are extra large. You have done so much great work on this home.

I just found your blog today and its wonderful!

Anonymous said...

You have, and will have a fabulous kitchen no matter what you do! I have no upper cabinets in my kitchen on the outside of the wall so I can look into the back yard. I wouldn't change it for the world...although it was a little scary as the question "will you have enough storage" is a stopper. BUT, how much storage does one really need and because you are so creative, you will find some!

Desiree said...

I have this same picture saved on my computer. I could never put my finger on why I loved it so much, now I know. I love that there are windows where all of the upper cabinets "should" be.