A little chat about fabulous kitchen daydreams.

I am the queen of interior design daydreaming. Sometimes I find myself sitting in a room not doing much but in my mind I have already painted all the walls, changed the furniture, sewed new pillows, and even placed a few thrift store finds "just so" to complete it. Funny how that happens, huh?
One of the rooms I find this happening (more than once) in is our kitchen. It is by no means a terrible kitchen, but it doesn't completely fit into the vision I have for our home- light, calming, and cozy. We have a few design obstacles going on in the room: little natural light, low artificial light, and dated appliances and cabinets. A few things that the kitchen has going for it include: high quality wood cabinets (even though they are out of "style"), a great working layout, adequate storage, and of course, potential for change.
While the kitchen would be a room I would love to dive right in and change, one thing I do know is that kitchen renovations- even smaller scale ones- can add up quickly. Since Josh and I have decided to work within our means when it comes to purchases/house changes (i.e. no loans or financing), this is a room that will have to sit for a little while. At first I was kind of bummed about that but then I realized that this gift of time is actually a great thing because I am not entirely sure what I want to do with it! I've rounded up a few kitchens that I really enjoy and I think that I have narrowed down a few key elements that will be must-haves. Some of the details are still a bit foggy but at least theres time to iron all of that out. Here's the inspiration:

Eclectic Kitchen by Denver Interior Designers & Decorators Ashley Campbell Interior Design

Farmhouse Kitchen by Seattle Kitchen & Bath Designers Seattle Custom Cabinets

Eclectic Kitchen by Vancouver Interior Designers & Decorators The Cross Design

Farmhouse Kitchen by Washington Architects & Designers Donald Lococo

Farmhouse Kitchen by Chatham Architects & Designers KATE JOHNS AIA

Eclectic Kitchen by Rockford Interior Designers & Decorators Green Apple Design

Farmhouse Kitchen by Portland Interior Designers & Decorators Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Traditional Kitchen by Seattle Design-Build Firms RW Anderson Homes
I'm sure you can see why these inspired me so much- each one is fresh, simple, and somewhat traditional. I've come to realize that I rather enjoy a traditional kitchen. They are cozy and nostalgic. A few of the consistent aspects that I have been keeping my eye on include: adding wood (or wood-like?) floors, painted cabinets (although not sure on the color or colors?), white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, open shelving of some kind, an apron sink, and a wall mount range hood. I go back and forth between a white countertop or butcher's block, but alas, this is why having time is not a bad thing. And there you have it folks, a chat with me about fabulous kitchen daydreaming.

Image sources (the inspiration) can be found here.