5 months into our new life here in California, my husband and I both had a laugh when one evening over a glass of wine, we each reluctantly shared that we’re both feeling slightly disappointed with the location of our new house. Between all of Ian’s travel and my auditions and appointments, spending more time in the car than we are at our home was not what we envisioned. And although our neighborhood and home are beautiful, we city-folk are longing for a little more LA buzz. After breathing a mutual sigh of relief, we did what any crazy couple like us would do: we put the house on the market this week!
We’ve been looking in several different areas of LA and we have seen some lovely homes as well as some serious disasters. One house in particular has a very nice kitchen with brand new appliances. The cabinetry is dark though, and would I love to get my hands on it! I’ve been lying awake at night, dreaming about it. The broker overheard me talking “white” to my husband. She told me it would be a “crime” to change the cabinets. “People in California prefer dark wood!” Really? Well, um…okay. Not for me. Here’s the kitchen:
Now, I know some of you might like these cabinets. They actually are very nice. However, my heart flutters when I see kitchens that look like this:
It would be great to take out the big island and the kitchen table in the brown kitchen and make a huge island like this:
Nothing says California to me like an open, airy kitchen with clean white cabinetry and lots of sunlight flooding the room. It just makes me feel happy. And you can bet, that the dark cabinets in the top photos will look just like the rest of them by the time I’m finished. And hey, maybe we’ll even stay awhile this time. We don’t ever keep things simple around here, but we do have a lot of fun! Have a great week! xoxo Jennifer
I agree with you 100% about white cabinetry in a kitchen. It’s timeless. Plain and Simple. Timeless and elegant and happy.
i love the white…it is welcoming and gorgeous….give me the light…
Gorgeous photos!!! I can’t wait to see your kitchen when it’s complete!!
Have a lovely night.
Sincerely,
Melinda
I love the white. As a native Californian I would recommend the Pasadena area. It has enough of a residential vibe but it a GREAT location and is literally 15 minutes from downtown/Hollywood. Also it has a wide variety of activities/restaurants/shopping/museums/parks/sports etc. Great city…wouldn’t get bored. And most of the homes are not new cookie cutter homes. They have great character and charm with mature tress and landscaping all nestled up against the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains. Have a look before you buy. You might really like it. I don’t know your price range, but look in the Linda Vista, Madison Heights, San Rafael, Arroyo Seco & Cal Tech areas. Good Luck.
I love receiving your posts as they are so well done and I am very picky! I have been professional interior designer for 30 years and I know and appreciate talent when I see it and you my dear, are one talented lady!
My kitchen is white also and I love it more every day for how it lifts my spirits with lightness and cheerfulness. My blog, http://www.lifesizinglady.com will eventually show more of my kitchen as I work my way through topics.
Thank you for your excellent work. You inspire a new blogger like myself.
Mitzi Beach, ASID CAPS NCIDQ
Oh I would have to paint those dark wood cabinets white too!
I love a bright white kitchen anyday!
love
Alison
x
Jennifer, That kitchen is so dated. Definately white, classic, timeless and never dated. I was born in So CA 50 years ago and no way are brown cabinets the way it is here in CA. Actually it is quite the opposite, white is the probably the preferred color, then any other color other than brown, stained or au-natural. You sand and paint to your hearts content, you are living there, not her!! Hope you find exactly what you are looking for.
Tracy Donner
You are going to be a professional mover & re-modeler by the time you are done! Hope you & Ian find the home of your dreams! Good luck with the wonderful journey you’re on!
Paint!! There is no comparison between your gorgeous inspiration kitchens and the dark, dated one.
I need an EKG! Loveeeee the white…especially the last few!
It would be beautiful with all the wood painted white!