Ok y’all, I’m a little nervous to show you my kitchen today. It’s not renovated or updated in any way (we hope we can do that one day!). I’m sure many of you are in the same situation. Just because our kitchens aren’t “new” doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy of being decorated and enjoyed. We spend so much time in here and it’s important to surround this space with items that bring joy and add personality to it. So I’m making mine feel more like me by making it a blue and white kitchen.
I’ll link everything I can at the bottom!
Display a Collection Together
As a collector of all types of vintage (blue and white, chinoiserie, silver), I tend to add a piece here and there. Over the Christmas break, I noticed I had a mish mash of several collections in the kitchen. Some of the pomegranate temple jars with yellow cabbageware on the shelves by the sink and then blue and white by the shelves at the end; and chinoiserie plates on the small plate shelves. Then it hit me–why was I not displaying ALLLL my blue and white in here? Time to get to piddling!
Its so much more impactful when a collection is displayed all together. It certainly didn’t appear disjointed before, but it feels cohesive and collected now. I have always loved the way the blue and white pops against the coral.
The End Cap of Blue and White
I’ve always placed a focus on my “end cap” because it’s what is seen when entering the kitchen from the garage and from the family room. Let’s start at the top.
I’ve had several styles of plates on the these top shelves but recently switched them to blue and white to complete the aesthetic in the kitchen. On the counter, I added a plant and two bowls. I usually keep our fruit, avocados, potatoes, etc. in these bowls. I love when something can also provide storage!
The plant adds some height and life to the vignette. I like that it distracts from the old outlet in the back. And the two little birds are salt and pepper shakers!
On the bottom shelves, I display my collection on ginger jars, vases, and more. The tall vase grounds the top shelf while the other pieces add balance. Symmetry is repeated below with a pair of square jars and a vintage small casserole dish.
The Sink Area
I am so glad our sink overlooks our backyard with a big window. The little shelves definitely add a bit of vintage home flair and I display more of my collections. I love a teapot; they are just so adorable. These crisp white teapots bring the eye up with added interest while the blue willow plates repeat the theme.
On either side of the sink, I’ve got some deep corners on the countertops. Because I don’t keep a KitchenAid mixer on display or store any other pretty appliances, the deep corners always felt like a a dark hole. Seize the opportunity to display more of a collection!
To the left of the sink is our coffee station. I keep it on a tray so that we can easily slide it out from under the counter to fill up the water tank. This turquoise tray went very well with my previous accessories but I’m hunting for a new one that suits the blue and white theme better. Maybe one of these:
To the right of the sink, I have another display of vessels. I love how deep the bowl is; this is another spot I add bananas or produce. The large coral ginger jar in the center anchors the corner and adds a bright pop; furthermore, it brings in just a touch of my coral cabinets to this level. The square jar give balance. I like how each of these items feel harmonious together, yet they are all different shapes.
The Catch All Counter
Newer kitchens have a designated zone to be that command station of the kitchen. Older homes just don’t have them so this counter top ends up being the catch all zone. I am in a constant battle trying to keep it orderly!
I’ve always wanted items displayed across the back here. We use that little open counter space so infrequently, but it is nice to have it set things from the fridge so it needs to be open. The tray is an attempt to gather the mail, calendars, etc. I love this little lamp but I’m currently hunting for a blue and white one; something squatty that can repeat the girthy shape of the happiness jar and planter on the left. That will give balance to the overall space. I almost got rid of the lamp altogether, but it’s very nice to have a lamp in here at night for those midnight snack runs.
The shelves on this side display more blue and white and keep my cookbooks contained. I forgot to take a picture of the top shelves over here. They are right by the door and still a work in progress. Whatever goes there has to be secure from all the opening and closing of the door. I guess I need to go do some more blue and white shopping!
Blue and White Forever
I’m so glad I finally put all my collection together to create a blue and white kitchen! It truly makes my kitchen feel decorated even if it’s not a swanky new one. I’ve linked some blue and white ideas for you below. I’m thinking those lamps need to go on the buffet in my breakfast room to transition from the kitchen to a new space.
Love, love, love! After I took down the decorations, I pulled all of my blue and white out to mass it in the kitchen, living room, and dining room. I never tire of it. My guest bath is painted SW Dishy Coral and accented with more B&W.
Love your top too…tres French!