nutmegxo- I have the embroidered coverlet and a duvet cover whiched I alternate using for my main covering and the euro shams also in the embroidered pattern. My dust ruffle is the satin in champagne, but I will honestly tell you, I did not like the way the dust ruffles are attached. They are attached by a strange type of straight pin which were very difficult to attach. Not only that but the part that was attached to the box spring, tore in several places. The dust ruffles themselves are beautiful, but they way they are attached is not a good idea. Even velcrow would be better. The wallpaper that I was looking at was F&B and the minimum order is 3 rolls, making the price around 900.00. Way too much for one wall! I love yours and may start looking again. It really does make a statement! I love the direction you are going and the color is great!

Hi magpie, you could always fool around with some crafty stuff too. This is a $1 garage sale buy; it had an ugly picture print and a nasty brown frame. About eighteen years ago on a whim I poured a few shades of double pigment paint on Cling Wrap and zapped in an old microwave in the garage. After priming the picture I poured some metallic paints on and blended. I then glued on the Cling Wrap and stitched everything in with stitch craft paint. I wasn't actually expecting much out of the junk but I ended up liking it. The picture now lives in the game room; it took no time, money and little experience to make. Although this would not be exactly right for your space I hope I have inspired you to try and mock a few canvases like those cool panels in your inspiration picture. http://s1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/?action=view&current=picture017.jpg" target="_blank"> http://s1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/?action=view&current=picture015.jpg" target="_blank">

Your builder will probably say no because he's a builder working with stock, and is afraid if you don't like it you'll claim he damaged your perfectly good brand new cabinets. But any carpenter, handy fiance, or even the guy doing your trimwork should be able to take it out easily and sand the edge. But really, you could just remove the door altogether and get the same effect. The builder doesn't even have to know!!! (shhhhh...!) Also, there are tons of people in blogland who remove doors and drawers and replace with baskets. One example to help you: go to "The Lettered Cottage" blog and in the search box type buffet table and see one of millions of tutorials on this kind of thing. Layla (at the Lettered Cottage) does cottage-y country and beach cottage looks but it could translate pretty easily into French Country with different fabrics.

My first thought was to go with a darker color -- black, chocolate brown or maybe green since the OP says some greens. I'm not a huge fan of oak, but these have more character and the only thing I really don't like about them is the hardware. Unfortunately, changing that and placing it properly will probably require painting. Going with white or a lighter color is more of a challenge because of the grain in the oak. Paint and grain seem to look better in deeper colors. I don't see the glazed look you are talking about looking good with your white. I also think it would replace one dated look with another and you might tire of it quickly. You probably want a brighter feel and thing dark cabinets will be darker. There have been a number of kitchens done with black or cocoa cabinets -- some in combination with white or cream uppers, that looks so bright and fresh. The contrast is so crisp and fresh that it creates a different look. Accent it with brushed stainless or something similar in your hardware, appliances if or when you replace them (or look into painting or getting panels for them if you prefer that over white), and possibly even in your small backsplash (it can be an inexpensive, designer look). I think it would feel a lot crisper and brighter, even though the cabinets might actually be the same or darker. When you do paint, I would think about taking down the valances over the sink and fridge. Take the shutters off and put a fabric or woven shade at the top of the opening. paint the area above the vent to match your cabinet or create a chalkboard there and put a fun saying on it -- but carry that color all the way to the ceiling. If you want the area above the fridge lower (a new fridge some day might be taller, but for now....) use a simpler piece of trim, no scallops. Consider a hanging rod for utensils in that little niche you have behind your cooktop. Update the accessories a bit and add a splash of function and/or color.