Colorful DIY Kitchen Ideas
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In a Cook's Kitchen
In light of her profession, Melanie's explanation—"I find it hard to be serious"—makes sense, and so does the kitchen that she and her husband, Bill, a psychologist, built in 2011. Although architects designed the kitchen and contractors installed most of it, many details flowed from Melanie's imagination, resulting in the Siegels getting exactly what they wanted—a kitchen that's playfully styled yet highly functional.
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Pretty and Practical
The huge prep island creates extra workspace. Storage faces the sink and stove; seating and a recessed shelf for books inhabit the other side.
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Show It Off
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Prep and Wash
A farm-style sink by Whitehaus holds bushels of salad greens or stacks of soaking dishes.
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Bright Details
Melanie trimmed the window valance in ribbon (from ribbonjar.com) that mimics measuring tape.
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Colorful Coverage
A modestly sized hood from Kobe helps keep the kitchen in scale; larger hoods can become outsized focal points. This one protrudes from surrounding cabinets, which keeps them cleaner. A cupboard conceals the exhaust pipe and provides storage.
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File Under C for Clever
Also, installing cabinet and drawer pulls yourself is an easy money-saving project.
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Super-Practical Pantry
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DIY Wallpaper
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So What Makes This a Cook's Kitchen?
Spacious counters allow the Siegels to cook together, and tools and supplies are conveniently close to where they're needed: Pots and pans nestle in stove-side drawers, and baking sheets slide into skinny cabinets in the island.