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Saturday in the Kitchen

Julie in Her Kitchen

There is lots that I would have done differently if I had had a say when my current home was built - but I didn't, so I had to take it 'as is'.  I was delighted, however, that the most important room for me - the kitchen - did have almost all of the things that I look for, and what it didn't have my handy husband was able to build for me.
Would I love new appliances or  granite counter tops?  Sure! But those are not inexpensive and I am content in my kitchen - happy to spend time in it, which I do!

On my list of 'must haves'  in a kitchen are ...
I like the kitchen to be a 'room' in itself, which mine is ...
It must have lots of cupboards,
a window over the sink,
a working island



I also love an 'eat-in' kitchen ...
with lots of  windows,
the view must be of trees and wildlife ...
Which I have as the photo below shows.


I also love a kitchen to have lots of interest ... detail ... a room that I like to 'look at'.
Here is what I see from the entry arch before  I enter my kitchen ...
and yes ... my fridge door is my 'display wall' !! Sorry!
.

Below is a closer view of the corner ... it was an empty space when we moved in. A space not big enough for a sitting area but too big to leave bare - so my husband added a pantry section to the cupboards beside the fridge and then built in the corner desk/cupboard shelves unit. A better view of it in the photo below. Second photo shows my decor accents in the high space above my cupboards.





There is a German word that describes something I enjoy doing in my kitchen and because this is a MENNONITE girls' blog, I will share the word with you ... maybe you are familiar with it. The word is Schmengen.  There is no English word to translate its meaning, so if I was to describe what the word 'schmengen' means I would say  it is to sneak tempting morsels that might spoil your appetite. Taking that extra chocolate from the candy bowl, licking the beaters, sampling the cookie dough ... or tasting one (or two!) cookies as they come out of the oven, even though you aren't at all hungry, would all come under that word 'schmengen' ...  For those of you familiar with the word, would you agree?

My kitchen may not be a kitchen you would like.
Do you have a 'must have' list for your ideal kitchen?
What is your favorite feature of your kitchen?
 or
What is the one thing you would change in your kitchen  - if money was no object?

22 comments:

  1. Your kitchen is just LOVELY, Julie. I especially like your curtains, as they add a feminine touch to your little haven. Did you make them? If I could change something in my kitchen it would be new cabinets and counter tops, but I will be satisfied with them until "money is no object". :)

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    1. thank you, Elaine, yes.. I did sew the curtains ... I still like fabric at the windows, contrary to the 'modern' bare look! smile

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  2. If I could change anything in my kitchen...where would I begin?? I like the look of white cabinets so would probably get the cabinets changed. What kind of flooring do you have in your kitchen? It is a very inviting room!

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    1. Thank you ! The floor in the kitchen is laminate - a fairly light colour in the golden shades.

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  3. Your kitchen is beautiful Ellen! I like your desk corner/nook. My old kitchen was renovated 14 years ago and could use some updates (i.e. new counter tops and the addition of an island). It also needs some fresh paint. My favourite feature is that we left room for my mom's antique Hoosier cabinet which gives it the country feel that I love.

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    1. I meant to say Julie - not Ellen. Don't know how I made that mistake - sorry!

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  4. Your kitchen is beautiful--looks like a room I would enjoy spending time. Love your Mennonite word--

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  5. I would have a "Kitchen Table" or failing that a bar with stools!

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  6. Very inviting and homey kichen! I thots schmengen was sneaking a kiss or hug from your partner which you could also do while sneaking that chocolate. My kitchen needs a new stove and someday new cabinets but I am satisfied with everything else.

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  7. I love that wooden sign hanging close to your fridge "Gott Kann".

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  8. I loved your post Julie. I have had the chance to sit at her kitchen table and Julie is exactly who she describes herself to be. I have learned so much from Julie....thanks for sharing your life.

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  9. I love your kitchen, Julie! I'm lucky enough that when my husband and I downsized we built new and I was able to have exactly what I wanted. One is higher counters for tall me and a place for everything. I hate clutter on the counters. But I don't care for the money is no object idea. Bigger isn't better IMHO.

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  11. I love the pantry that you built into the space beside the fridge. You can not have enough pantry! An important part of a kitchen to me is having drawers that pull out and bring the items to you rather than ankle height shelving behind doors is my favorite part of a kitchen. I have had this in the past, but do not have this now. It makes so much sense. I do not like standing on my head to get my needed item, my reading glasses fall off my head when I stand like that.

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    1. Heather, you have me laughing because you are so on the money ! I totally agreee.. I hate standing on my head to look for something 'ankle deep' in the back of a shelf .. Its only my lazy susan that is like that, but that is one too many!

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    2. Totally agree! A similar problem is standing on one's head to get vegetables from the crisper that is at the BOTTOM of the fridge, down near the floor. For us tall girls, we practically have to do a jackknife every time we want a piece of lettuce.

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  12. I LOVE your kitchen, how cozy and pretty it is, love white cabinets, how it is laid out, how useful it is, the wonderful place to eat and see outside, your desk still being able to see outside. it is just about perfect in my book. thank you for showing it. from Iowa take care.

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  13. Great looking kitchen and very functional! Mine is not quite that big. I'd love to tear out the existing computer desk (came with the house) and put a buffet there and put computer in another room. I need the space to serve with our growing family. I need to find a cabinet builder and get an estimate, but not in the budget right now sigh...

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  14. A window over the sink, to look out and contemplate on life while doing dishes. Mandatory.

    Sharon

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  15. I love your kitchen. I love the idea of the kitchen being a separate room. I wish that were the case in my current home, but sadly it's part of the open concept look. With my current kitchen, I'd change the color of the cabinets to white since I like light and bright.

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  16. I am happy with my kitchen. My favorite features are 1) a 5 burner gas cooktop and electric wall ovens, 2 of them and 2) a large back entry that serves as laundry, pantry and contains a wash sink for those coming in from the outside and 3) a summer kitchen in one end of my garage for large canning/cooking family projects.

    I like a lot of windows too, but I would go for the bare look, just mini blinds.

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  17. We brutch off and say schmang.or schmangat

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