My dear friend Florence, a wonderful writer of stories for young people, asked me a little while back if I would write a post about a place I thought would suit her...
I haven't had a chance to come up with a whole house or apartment for her, but when I stumbled upon this kitchen, I thought of her. It's a little bit bohemian and girly, and even though she might protest the girly label, it's just her style, I think.
The pink on the window frame, the old Hollywood glam chandelier in such a utilitarian room, the warmth and texture of the many wooden drawers and vintage pulls on that piece (not to mention the playful scale of it in the room); the somewhat flirty, sheer curtain under the sink, the easy comfort with which mismatched chairs and plates and pottery accumulated over the years all coexist in perfectly inspiring harmony.... Yes - it all speaks of beautiful Florence to me.
Wouldn't you agree that this kitchen belongs to a wonderfully warm, interesting, and creative person...? I think so. And such a person is my gorgeous friend - my dear Florence.
Do make time to visit her little corner of the world, Cate's Folly when you have a moment... You'll find a little taste of a mid-grade comedy she's been working on called Gas for Pluto, a wicked recipe for tomato-nut soup, musings on being a writer and how to get published, and an inspiring post on the need to create picture books tailored to the specific needs of kids with autism, among her many wonderful entries.
(image: marie claire maison)
I haven't had a chance to come up with a whole house or apartment for her, but when I stumbled upon this kitchen, I thought of her. It's a little bit bohemian and girly, and even though she might protest the girly label, it's just her style, I think.The pink on the window frame, the old Hollywood glam chandelier in such a utilitarian room, the warmth and texture of the many wooden drawers and vintage pulls on that piece (not to mention the playful scale of it in the room); the somewhat flirty, sheer curtain under the sink, the easy comfort with which mismatched chairs and plates and pottery accumulated over the years all coexist in perfectly inspiring harmony.... Yes - it all speaks of beautiful Florence to me.
Wouldn't you agree that this kitchen belongs to a wonderfully warm, interesting, and creative person...? I think so. And such a person is my gorgeous friend - my dear Florence.
Do make time to visit her little corner of the world, Cate's Folly when you have a moment... You'll find a little taste of a mid-grade comedy she's been working on called Gas for Pluto, a wicked recipe for tomato-nut soup, musings on being a writer and how to get published, and an inspiring post on the need to create picture books tailored to the specific needs of kids with autism, among her many wonderful entries.
(image: marie claire maison)
love it....the pink window frame and chandy are so fantastic.....oh and the open shelves with the sweet dishes!
ReplyDeletehappy monday!
xo
i LOVE that kitchen! my favorite piece is the old wooden drawer cabinet...and i do love the juxtaposition between it and the chandelier!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gift, Maria, thank you. I am honored down to my toes.
ReplyDeleteEveryone reading this post should know how uncanny and psychic are Maria's design talents. She brings so much emotional depth to her aesthetic eye.
I mean, I'm definitely not ALL THAT, but the space she picked for me is one where I'd feel completely at home. The person who lives in that space is comfortable in her skin in a way I ASPIRE to be.
So I think Maria sees the better self we can't always get to but are reaching for.
I've tried to talk Maria into doing this kind of virtual design as a kind of therapy -- don't we all want someone to do this for us? It was like Christmas morning when I pulled her blog up and saw this. Or like someone just painted a sign across my wall that says "I believe in you." Don't we all need this?
Maria's gifts of insight and design and friendship are all as huge as her huge heart.
She's made a bright spot here where we all can gather and have a cup of tea and imagine our better selves.
xoxo
Florence
P.S. What would you put in all those apothecary drawers? It's tantalizing to imagine.
great room! I love it too.
ReplyDeletei especially love the old drawers and would love to fill them with all sorts of goodies.
Yes, this is the perfect kitchen for a creative person!
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely drooling over the old drawers! It reminds me of the old card catalog drawers I used to see as a child in the New York public library. Thank you for the post and the wonderful trip down memory lane.
ReplyDeletecheers!
Great space! I love this post and thanks for introducing me to Florence!
ReplyDeletei'm gonna go ahead and ad 'pink wondow' to the list of things i need.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great room. Love the little table with the mismatched chairs.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this kitchen! Especially all the sweet little wooden drawers, and I think this makes me happy because of my inner dream to be a librarian!
ReplyDeleteIf Florence won't have it, I will. I'm already planning what to put in all those little drawers, which remind me of the ones Laura Ingalls Wilder had (made for her by her husband) in 'The First Four Years'.
ReplyDeleteDear Maria,
ReplyDeleteFlorence is lucky! I'm so jealous. What a treat to have "Maria" find a special space suited just for you. You definitely have a knack! When I read Florence's thought "So I think Maria sees the better self we can't always get to but are reaching for." I was so in agreement. I thought, yes yes...that's Maria--exactly. This room is wonderful! I like the pink window frame, the chandelier, and those sweet sheer curtains beneath the sink. Of course, I love the pottery crowded shelves. I too, being a library lover, thought of a card catalog while admiring the large piece with all of the little drawers. Fun fun fun!
xx,
Denise
I'm waving my hand for therapy. I need Maria's design therapy. Please oh please help me out. And can I add that the detail with which you chose this room for your friend Florence is truly inspiring. Lucky are those that can call you a friend.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the kitchen! And the poetic way you describe it is really something!!!
ReplyDelete:) T
What an adorable kitchen. I would love a little space like that.
ReplyDeleteOh, how beautiful....your friend must be very special indeed and what a unique and beautiful space you found for her! I love it! And the way you describe it?....perfection. Thanks for sharing this hun...
ReplyDeletexo
Melis
I love this kitchen! It is a bit eclectic and quirky, but still very warm and cozy. The wooden drawers are amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful space!
ReplyDeleteOoh, that would suit me too! Love your post, and your blog. Will read more when i return from holidays.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
this is such a cozy little corner. i love all of those drawers. your friend florence is so lucky to have you and your eye for design! i'm marking her blog so that i can stop back by when i have more free time. thanks for the introduction (i'm really intrigued by tomato-nut soup).
ReplyDeleteThat chandelier is such marvelous. I need something shimmery & girlie just like it for my bedroom. Superb.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine anyone not being enchanted by this place. Completely charming. I'd love to explore every nook and cranny.
ReplyDelete