One Door Style, Five Looks

This is a continuation of the last post. Here are a collection of five contemporary kitchens, all with a recessed panel door style. Sometimes this is called a "shaker style". But when I refer to a shaker cabinet, to me it also implies a more traditional feel and a very different overall look. Like the last post, I wanted to point out the other differences and options available after selecting the door style.

1. I like the style above. Notice how much more wide the edge is than the kitchen below. Also notice the different stain, species, and hardware make a totally different feel.
2. A natural finish and abundant use of stainless steel give this kitchen its flair.
3. This kitchen has some glass, like the kitchen above, but notice how the upper glass is not a separate door, but rather a split door- with a wood panel on the bottom and glass on the top. You might not always want a separate door, for a variety of reasons, but this split style can give you the look.
4. This kitchen has not only an interesting glass selection, but also a design created by changing the stain on the center drawer. Also notice the different hardware than we have seen previously.
5. This bathroom is very similar to the kitchen at the top of the post. Even a few subtle changes like wood species and hardware style can give a unique look all its own.

So- there you have it- five kitchens, all with a contemporary flat panel design, all with a different look. Have a favorite?

Photos from Great American Kitchens vol III and Kitchen Trends.

Friday's: A Few of My Favorite Things

I love flowers and greenery in my decor. The feng shui folks will agree- it's a must. It adds an element that is irreplaceable- an absolute necessity. These above are from Botanik.

I love beautiful doors. Not just the exterior front door- I love homes where all of the interior doors are beautiful as well. My old college friend Staci once told me that when she gets tired of a car, she just buys a new car stereo, and then she loves it again. Are you tired of your house? Maybe you just need new doors. This door is from Portera Doors in Pasadena. Don't have $ for all new fabulous doors? Go watch Adam Sandler in Big Daddy this weekend. His loser girl friend who dumps him for the old guy has a fabulous black doors in her apartment- maybe you could just paint your doors...

One of my favorite things is incorporating the old in with the new. This is a 1940's vintage surveyor's lamp. I find it fabulous! From Factory 20.

What else are my favorite things? Rascal Flatts, running and frozen yogurt. What are your faves?

The Antique Door

I am looking for a set of antique doors for a client- like the door in the photo above from Country French Spring Summer 2009. I found the set below- which are great- however- they are in Italy. I am sure that shipping would make them out of control expensive. So- have any of you seen any? They do not have to be real antiques. They do, however need to be full size. Help!