Shades of Blue

Recently my eyes have been (re)opened to the classic idea of using BLUE in the kitchen. Maybe you're thinking what I would typically have thought of- an 80's style, blue with flowered wallpaper-type kitchen... in fact I am picturing OUR old kitchen. And I always assumed that when I finally had a house of my own I would probably paint it in shades of red, yellow or gold. (I learned in my first interior design class at BYU that these colors promote hunger and conversation, and also encourage you not to spend too much time in the room since they are not very relaxing colors. Think: McDonald's, who probably want to move their customers in and out fairly quickly, and also promote business in hungry passers-by!)

Anyway, I saw a makeover on HGTV in which they updated the kitchen using light blue, and I was surprised to find that I loved it. There are so many ways to do blue without being too "country," if, like me, that's not your style. See?

So fresh and clean! Very coastal

Even with dark cabinets the white accents really pop

More of a robin's egg blue... almost greenish. Still adorable

Not the blue I had in mind, but doesn't it look awesome with the white and red accents? So original

More red accents, and I looove that chandelier

And if you can really commit to the blue... why not get these adorable appliances? :o)

Dear sir, I do say that is a very nice wall.

After realizing that I just can't get enough of HGTV I decided something must be done. This is a blog celebrating my passion for home design... it will be mainly a wish list by definition but someday, when I own my own home, hopefully I will have the resources to put some of these ideas to work! And with any luck I will also be able to post some of my proudest design accomplishments. Isn't blogging great?

For this first post I have to share:

I found this picture on this HGTV website, but I have long been in love with the idea of wall graphics, being a renter who isn't typically allowed to paint.

And there are lots of options besides just plain polka dots. (I think the French script below says, "Dear sir, I do say that is a very nice mustache." HA! I love it. At least that's what the site said. Any French speakers?)

I originally saw the wall graphics idea at Ikea and haven't been able to find it there since, but after a little bit of online searching (you can find them under "decorative stickers") I found some. How cute are these? And for only $10.

To check out the silhouette frames in the above picture (AND more super cute options like the moustached Frenchman) look at Loxii. Brilliant!