White | It's Great To Be Home

Today I’m feeling very snowy, probably from the combination of all the fabulous snow and ice I’m seeing while watching the Olympics and the foot of snow that Dallas got on Thursday.

{This is what it looked like outside my front door}

Isn’t it just gorgeous? I know a lot of the country has been dealing with too much snow, but this snowiest day on record made our neighborhood glow and the sound of snow falling is so incredibly peaceful – in short, I loved it!

I thought I’d share with you a few beautiful spaces that make me feel like snuggling up in front of a crackling fire. Touches of sparkle through silver, glass and mirror add an icy glitter, while soft grays, snowy whites, and dreamy blues evoke the calm feeling that follows a snowfall. You’ll notice that all of the cool tones in the spaces are kept from feeling cold and unapproachable through the use of warm woods, dashes of bronze and gold, and soothing tans.

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Do you have a favorite? And have you been as glued to the Olympics as I have? I can’t wait for some of the alpine events to start tonight . . .

For pictures of even more inspiring spaces, be sure to check out the Inspiration tab under the header.

Oh goodness, I just love a great kitchen makeover!! When Tiffany wrote in for a little advice in pulling her kitchen together, I jumped at the chance to whip up a design board for Tiffany and her hubby. Here’s what she had to say:

Hello! I just found your blog and I must say, your home is gorgeous! I love love LOVE your kitchen and den! My husband and I are actually in the process of redoing our kitchen, we just purchased new countertops and are in the process of picking out paint colors for our walls and cabinets. My question is, where did you get your backsplash, or, do you have any advice on a backsplash that would look nice with these color countertops . . . Also, if you’re so inclined, I’d love your advice on paint colors (our appliances are white and the floors will be a dark wood). Thanks SO much! ~ Tiffany

Before I fill you guys in on all the design quickie-goodness, here’s what this lovely couple is currently working with (minus the scalloped trim, mismatched trim and tired flooring):

Eeek, I’m so excited!! Talk about great bones, with oodles of ceiling-height cabinets – I’m drooling!! The look that Tiffany is going for is sophisticated yet comfortable, kind of a Restoration Hardware feel. You’ll notice that most of the designs that I’ve come up with incorporate mosaic tiles, which add a layer of texture and interest to the kitchen which is really a nice contrast to the flat cabinet fronts. Okay, here we go!!

Tiffany initially suggested this burnt orange paint color for the walls with off-white cabinets, but was at a loss as to what do to for the backsplash. Take a look at this warm and inviting kitchen that I whipped up, taking into account her suggestions:

[FYI: the paint colors may vary slightly due to your computer monitor, so be sure to check out the paint chips in person!!]

~ Wall Color: Onandaga Clay, Benjamin Moore

~ Cabinet Color: 1812 Swiss Coffee, Behr

~ Backsplash: SOHO BLEND ™ – Kaleidoscope ® Colorways ™ Mosaic Blends, $9.95 per 1.15 square foot

~ Drawer Pulls: Liberty Satin Nickel Stepped Pulls, $34.99 for 8 pulls

~ Cabinet Knobs: Liberty Satin Nickel Stepped Knobs, $27.99 for 8 knobs

Tiffany’s next option has a completely different feel and is chic, sophisticated and airy, with white cabinets, a shimmering glass backsplash and sleek hardware. This look would be fabulous with glass canisters on the countertop and silver accents. While the glass tile is a tad on the expensive side, the effect that it will give the kitchen is priceless.

~ Wall Color: 700E-3 Contemplation, Behr

~ Cabinet Color: W-B-600 Luster White, Behr

~ Backsplash: Easygoing; $15.95 per 0.949 square foot

~ Drawer Pulls: Amerock Manor Pull; $5.97 each

~ Cabinet Knobs: Amerock Manor Knob, Raised Square; $3.97

This stunner incorporates a lot of the same elements as the second kitchen design – white cabinets and sleek hardware, complemented by glass tile. But in this scenario, the glass tile is much more earthy and is set off by olive walls, and also picks up on the wood tones in the flooring. I like to think of it as a more neutral, yet equally interesting, version of the very first design.

~ Wall Color: 760D-5 Shortgrass Prairie, Behr

~ Cabinet Color: W-B-600 Luster White, Behr

~ Backsplash: Ivory Iridescent Glass Mosaic Tile; $8.99 per square foot

~ Drawer Pulls: Amerock Manor Pull; $5.97 each

~ Cabinet Knobs: Amerock Manor Knob, Raised Square; $3.97

And last but not least, Tiffany’s final option is casual and understated, with a backsplash in a classic (and totally affordable) white subway tile, updated with black grout for a little pop and interest. The neutral walls will complement the sand-colored countertops, and the steel blue cabinets provide a great contrast with the more subtle colors in the space. Finally, the sturdy satin nickel hardware will add a little oomph to the flat cabinetry.

~ Wall Color: 730C-1 White Clay, Behr

~ Cabinet Color: 740E-3 Prelude, Behr

~ Backsplash: 3 x 6 glossy white ceramic tiles; Home Depot has them for 21 cents a piece

~ Drawer Pulls: Belwith Satin Nickel Bungalow Pull; $4.97 each

~ Cabinet Knobs: Hickory Hardware Satin Nickel Bungalow Knob; $4.97 each

Thanks to this Design Quickie, Tiffany has four fabulous options that would look dynamite in her kitchen – all she has to do now is choose!! I can’t wait to hear what you guys think (especially Tiffany), and go ahead and fill us all in on which plan is your favorite.

Click on the following link to snag some design advice of your very own – Interior Design Services.

This post is shared with DIY Day on A Soft Place to Land.