This is the story of designing the perfect new kitchen for a condo in Atlanta, Georgia …
One of us has had a wandering eye. It all started a few weeks ago, when a friend introduced me to a spectacular, one-of-a-kind condo that I fell in love with. Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only one, and this beauty got away … but not without my being bitten by the bug to go condo shopping again. It is a favorite activity (unfortunately for my husband) which usually consists of my spinning out of control for a few weeks, visiting everything I can, having crushes along the way, measuring pros and cons, consulting spreadsheets and doing countless analyses … until I often end up back at home, happily staying where I am until the next crazy idea comes along.
This time, I’m in the spinning phase and have found a cool condo, in an intriguing part of town that has a lot going for it, but it lacks a good kitchen. Of course I look at all design flaws as OPPORTUNITY! And this one has gotten me thinking … how would I redo the kitchen?
If this little fantasy becomes a reality, I’ll pull in our design divas, Sam and Colleen, because I know they could make anything beautiful. But since it’s just a dream, and I get to study and be inspired by some of my favorite designers ( like Suzanne Kasler), the sky’s the limit and I’m going to have some fun!
Let’s look at it from a different angle now:
To open-shelf or not: That is the question. Years ago, when we lived in France and rented a house for a year, the kitchen consisted of a big, thick farm table and an armoire, along with a cooktop, dishwasher, sink and fridg. It was so simple, but it worked so well, and we cooked some of our best meals there. When we renovated Les Murets, we took a page from the same book, and removed all the cabinets from the walls.
And when we renovated our house in Atlanta a few years back, again, we removed the cabinets and hung paintings on all the blank walls. Not only was it lighter and prettier, it was very functional (having all the dishes stored in one place) and put a smile on my face every time I looked up and saw a favorite painting.
So I’m torn: Which kitchen do I have the biggest crush on? The gorgeous, elegant, French inspired kitchen like number one, below? Or the super contemporary, clutter-free design from Gaggenau?
Oooh, I think I have a big crush on Number 2! What about you? Do you, too?
Ta ta,
HH
