Simple

Simple

A Cottage Kitchen


Here's a magazine worthy kitchen without massive stainless steel appliances and miles of marble. The countertops are the same material as the floor--earthy terra cotta Mexican tiles in a hexagonal shape.  This home is in California so the Mexican tiles work well here, but the French antique cane settee and English cricket table balance the Southwest look.  


The old Amana refrigerator is faced with mirror, which was an unusual choice even in 1993. The mirror would certainly keep me out of the Häagen-Dazs. Sure, the house has great architectural details and is filled with antiques, but the appeal also comes from furnishings added to and not permanently installed in the kitchen. The pediment over the window, butcher block island, antique prints, and plate rack all add character to the room. 


(Sorry for the badly spliced photo).

The chandelier is lit with candles.  I wish my ceilings were high enough to try this at home. I like the urn filled with shells too.  The chairs are English.

I still like kitchens with the newest appliances and latest materials, but it's refreshing to see a beautiful kitchen with old appliances and no stainless steel or stone for a change.

All photos from "Kitchens" by Chris Casson Madden (remember her from the early days of HGTV?). Photos by Michael Mundy and John Vaughn. Published by Clarkson Potter, 1993.
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14 comments:

  1. Acquired ObjectsFebruary 21, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    I wish I could put a canape in my kitchen, I love that look. Those windows above the sink are amazing but I couldn't live with the mirrored frig unless I wanted to starve to death and that isn't happening. I love how you bring back everything that once was and make it seem new again! Thanks Deb!

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  2. Sunday TaylorFebruary 21, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    How lovely! This is so appealing and cozy. I love the cottage look. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. quintessenceFebruary 21, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    I own this book as well and always loved this beautiful kitchen. So charming and inviting. A welcome respite!!

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  4. for the love of a houseFebruary 21, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    absolutely lovely.... I think this kitchen proves that "classic" never goes out of style.

    joan

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  5. Divine TheatreFebruary 21, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    So cozy and inviting. I love candelight but with six cats I have to settle for the battery operated flicker candles. They have the same feel, though!

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  6. the gardener's cottageFebruary 21, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    hi deborah,

    that settee and table, omg. i love coming here b/c i lost my magazine collection and you obviously haven't and always have the best of the best showcased. i love cris casson madden. her own home is so gorgeous too. thanks deborah for sharing.

    xo
    janet

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  7. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassFebruary 21, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Wow, so beautiful! So warm and cozy, and the texture and colors here are stunning.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  8. My Notting HillFebruary 21, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    I love seeing these images from years past! The second is a reminder of how beautiful rooms can be when photographed at night, especially when illuminated by candle. You feel like you're in that kitchen - dreamy.

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  9. Amber B (Simple Dwellings)February 21, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    Beautiful photos! I love the caned settee! Beautiful kitchens come in many different packages! :)

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  10. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    J'aime beaucoup ces cuisines qui ont une âme, c'est vrai que cela change des cuisines modernes. J'adore ce blog et le visite toujours avec plaisir.

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  11. The enchanted homeFebruary 21, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    So pretty, charming and authentic. I just love the colors used here, its so warm and magical looking...the kind of room that looks especially gorgeous at night I am sure, its a nice departure from the overly played out white kitchen and white marble look that is everywhere. Thanks!
    Plesae visit my newish blog..about the building of our home and my love for decor/design....love coming here!
    www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

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  12. shiree segerstromFebruary 21, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Love the kitchen. Sweet, charming, and loaded with character. Shiree'

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  13. LizabethFebruary 21, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    Interesting kitchen...the mirrored fridge looked like another room at first so I guess it worked in making the room seem larger! The pediment above the window is pretty neat and I love the character the dining table has from all the years of use...lots of charm throughout!
    Liz

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  14. MillieFebruary 27, 2011 at 4:20 AM

    Love the eclectic & very individual style of this kitchen Deborah. It has me really wondering about the person who lives/ed there.
    Millie x

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