Thos. Baker

I ran into chookchook on a "Deck Reno" thread a few days ago. She's said she's been "roaming the UK, French and German sites for Houzz eye candy and saving drool worthy pics to her ideabooks." Chook's gone global!

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Monday was the last I've seen her post anywhere.. And I've been looking and asking and worrying. This is Saturday so 5 days or actually could be 6 days bc Oz is a day ahead. Hoping she and family are ok. So worried. And I miss her.

Auntie....She's FINE!

She's just having internet problems and having to go to the library to sign on!

It's hard to make a suggestion since I don't see the rest of the room. Stainless steel tiles come in lots of sizes and will be a clean looking solution.

If you want a design that won't date, look into artisan tiles. Designs and [some] materials have a shelf life based on circuitous trends, but artisan work never loses it's uniqueness. The only drawback: you'll pay more.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/products/artisan-tiles

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Yes, it's a shocker alright, the prices.
Pretty fabric, and thank you for the offer. Can you tell why I love the Gaston y Daniela? It's as if the drawings have come from a botanist's sketch book from 200 years ago. Makes my heart sing!

rosebayrenovation -- the reason I suggested glass was a way of capturing one or two of the "bright" colors of the grasshopper's wings that you mentioned you are drawn to above -- should you decide to keep the curtains. Also, to help manage costs. But, it sounds like you've got your comparative shipping costs down pat and it's more affordable to ship than shop in the Land of Oz!

I too, live on an island (not as large as Australia) and understand the increase in expense, need to ship and lack of local resources. My time here is nearly over, so will be heading back home soon.

As beautiful as the fabric is, my thoughts are to go with the stoneimpressions Nicolo Lilac tile for one reason and one reason only: it complements the caesarstone and the cabinets more than the curtains do.

You face some difficult decisions, but I'm confident it will all turn out fabulous!

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Hi barrowp -- those fabulous pulls can be found on a fabulous site called Forms+Surfaces! Here's the link:

https://www.forms-surfaces.com/orion-door-pulls

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Hi ifwallscouldtalk -- glad you like the ideas! The back splash on the top right is Travertine and Brown Glass tiles, which would lighten things up. Here's links to both back splash concepts and the fabulous pulls!

https://www.forms-surfaces.com/orion-door-pulls
http://backsplash.com/brown-cabinets-with-travertine-glass-backsplash/
http://www.hgtvremodels.com/kitchens/metal-tile-backsplashes/index.html


Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Hi ifwallscouldtalk -- forgot to mention that you can use brown glass tiles with another primary tile in a light color and in any configuration you like. A good tile installer is like an artist who can help you design it in a way that is best for your kitchen layout.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

I decided not to do a backsplash in my kitchen.
It seems to me that busy backsplashes are what is going to date a lot of kitchens in a few years.
I am painting mine in a color that blends with the cabinets and I hung a collection of blue and white transferware plates along that area.

Beautiful! Love the star pendants! As alex said...you must have very happy owners!

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Thanks Tirage Gallery for the great art! You always have just what I need. CN

You are so kind -

Yes! Need suggestions on materials and colors! Thx

Wood for the island stained in a Dark Walnut, Jacobean or Mahogany. White granite with subtle, delicate patterns of gray and brown/beige (top left photo). I think the juxtaposition of the dark wood against all of the fresh whites is striking.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Even put empty wine bottles up there and then love the suggestion to put cook books on the bottom with a little more touches of the wine. Larger wine glasses as long as the cookbooks would not fall and knock them down. A wine bottle chiller/container could also work.

Thanks abbyjean...the OP asked what to put in this space and it looks like that's what the previous owner built it for -- wine. I figured wine and cookbooks would at least be decorative! Most of us store stuff above the frig that we rarely use because we can't reach it!

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

The cottage collection has fall written all over it. The orange is striking with the dark colors used.

Color selection is not a "Season" but an "Environment" based decision. The same season can be dramatically different on the mountain, forest or the seaside. Even the orientation of the house can change things. A color may be perfect for the North side of the house but a disaster on the South side.

Anyway, to provide an answer, I would pick the "Hampton Java" (my vote) for a rock/mountain backdrop as their colors are of my favorite Earthly tone, the "Audrey" for seaside as they're more pale to not contrast the blue water and everything else (i like the "Craftsman") for a forest location, especially if you have red/orange/yellow leaf trees at close proximity.

I agree with rocketjcat -- the bench looks too big. I would put it against the wall and hang art above it.

One more chair on each side would help keep things relaxed and spacious. Benches or settees would make it look crowded and scrunched up and it already looks like a pretty tight fit right now! Beautiful room, by the way!

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

without back support eating at the table is very uncomfortable.
People tend to slouch which results in a sore back.
As carolins suggest 4 chairs but without the armrests would be more suitable and infinitely more comfortable.;-)
BTW very nice space.

Beautiful Place!
I was thinking just one more centered chair for the other side. That's usually for the host/you. Most important is you don't want to feel cluttered during dinner time.
Consider maybe a painting without a frame (below) They add nice design.
Possibly a tall fate tree in the corner for some added color until you decide what additional colors you want to add.
Plus, maybe a nice rug?
Some sample photos below I found online.