The Heart of the Home

As a southern woman, I grew up helping my mother in the kitchen. It was the heart of our home and much love was shown through the food created in that kitchen. I am definitely not the cook that my mother is, but I consider myself a work in progress. I love to cook and bake, which you have probably noticed in reading my blog. I also love to day dream about my future home and my dream kitchen. The house we live in now has served it's purpose for a couple without children. However, now that our lil' man has come along, we are trying to find a way to make our home more kid friendly. The kitchen is the perfect place to start! 

I have always wanted a kitchen nook with bench seating. We have the perfect space, but since we are planning on moving in a few years, we don't want to spend a ton of money. I have always been in LOVE with the upholstered bench seating from Ballard Designs, but it is out of our budget. Plus, I know whatever we choose will need to clean up easily because Jack is quite the messy diner. I am also torn on the type of table, and should I go for a rug or no rug with a little one? My friend said she is not even considering a rug with her two messy kids, but I think an indoor/outdoor rug could be a great option. I originally wanted a round pedestal table, like those seen in Ballard Designs. However, my dear Nate Berkus may have changed my mind with a recent renovation he featured on his show. Now I'm considering a rectangular table with our space to accommodate more people. Below are some of the ideas I have found that seem to fit our needs. Now, if I can just talk my hubby into attempting this DIY project. Wish me luck!!! 

My Inspiration



http://search.har.com/engine/dispError.cfm?ErrMsg=0&DetailMsg=25611724%20not%20found


http://pinterest.com/pin/274930752221826731/


http://www.homebunch.com/celebrity-kitchens/


http://www.houzz.com/photos/264805/Kitchen-traditional-kitchen-san-diego


http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/search?updated-max=2010-09-20T07%253A36%253A00-04%253A00&max-results=7


http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/kitchen-details.html


http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/decor-we-adore-french-inspired-design-ideas/pictures/index.html


"The Nook"  

http://zachandaleasha.com/?tag=breakfast-nook

http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/p/112

http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2010/11/29/today-im-loving.html

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/

http://www.caitlincreer.com/2011/08/dining-nook.html

http://nycremodeler.com/Kitchen-Breakfast-or-Dining-Room-Banquette-Bench-Booth-Nook-Seating-Custom-Made-Built-in-NYC-New-York-City-Brooklyn-NY.php

My heart was set on the classic round pedestal table for my kitchen nook, until I saw the Nate Berkus renovation below. Now, I am trying to decide between a round pedestal or rectangular table. His kitchen nook design was the first that I have seen using this type of table. I love that Nate...he's a genius, but my heart still loves the round pedestal table like the Paula Deen design below. So beautiful!

http://www.thenateshow.com/episodes/detail/nates-best-reveals

http://www.wayfair.com/Paula-Deen-Home-Paulas-Round-Pedestal-Dining-Table-in-Linen-PDH1135.html