Welcome to my Cottage / Farmhouse Kitchen!

You might have noticed that my kitchen has been absent from the blog. My only excuse is that I wanted to wait until I had things a little more put together. It took me a while to find a rug that I liked, and to get up a few prints. But as I was taking some pics of the Patriotic Hearth Room, I realized there would never be a "perfect" time. It's not a showhouse, or really even styled; it's my working kitchen. I'm not a fan of "the Reveal" because that's too much pressure to be fabulous.

I have to tell you I really LOVE this kitchen. There's plenty of room to move around and it's easy to cook in and clean up. I was very concerned about the gas stove because I haven't had one since we first got married. a. long. time. ago. But we're getting used to it and realize it's much easier than the glass-top ones I've had previously.

As you can see, the Hearth Room is just a few steps away from the kitchen, so it's super easy to take a minute away to sit down and put your feet up.

We had the family here this last week, and we all casually gathered around the island and had dessert and talked and laughed and it was so nice. We haven't had a gathering spot in a kitchen for years. It really blessed my heart.

Everyone that walks through this space comments on how cozy and homey this house feels. We agree and I had that in mind when we were visiting here the first time. Even though I wasn't sold on this house from the get-go, I knew this was where family memories could be made.

I really don't know how to label it... Kind of "Farmhouse" basically, but with some French and English Cottage thrown in. I love a Cottage vibe, so instead of going full on "Farmhouse" here in the kitchen, I've kept my Black Tole trays and prints which lean to a more European Country look. Changing the cabinet handles is on my list because they're a little retro looking to me. But since there are over 60 of them including the Mud Room and Laundry, I'm looking for the best price and quality without breaking the bank.

As I mentioned, this isn't styled so you might notice there are two microwaves. That may seem weird and redundant, but the one above the stove is difficult to open and close, and since I'm short, I can never fully see what's happening. I refused my husband's idea at first, but then gave in when I realized how much easier the second one made things. Beside the 2nd microwave, my husband wanted a counter top toaster/oven. He ordered it without asking my thoughts, but we use it constantly instead of heating up the big gas oven. So I didn't fuss about the looks of things.

My only complaint is that I don't have an electrical outlet on the island, which makes it difficult to have it fully functional. We need to do some electrical work soon, so we're going to have at least one outlet installed then. Also, I thought I couldn't live without ice and water in the door, but since we have a built in water filter at the sink, I just keep a large container filled with that water in the fridge. I'm surviving with that.

For months we had covered the island butcher block counter top with a large piece of cardboard while we did renovations, so when we moved and took that off it was a real celebration. The island was all too easy to use as a workbench and catch all, so the covering saved it's life many times, I'm sure.

 Wow, it feels better to have finally gotten this post out. 

Now the pressure is off!

I'll share the Patriotic Hearth Room pics on Thursday.

 Hope you have a wonderful week!

*(please do not comment negatively on my use of my old retired vintage flags.

 They were found at flea markets, many times crumpled and in disrepair.

 I honor the flag, the military and our country)

joining in here:

 Celebrate Your Story at Celebrate and Decorate

Dishing It and Digging It at DIY180  

Tips and Tutorials at Home Stories A to Z

Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Homestyle Gathering at Serving Up Southern  

Keep in Touch at Let's Add Sprinkles 

 Talk of the Town at Knick of Time

Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode 

Share Your Style at French Ethereal 

 Style Showcase at Shabby Fufu  

Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home

 Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur 

Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home

Grace at Home at Imparting Grace

Farmhouse Friday at The Painted Hinge