I'm in love with this kitchen by Mary Evelyn McKee. IN LOVE:
It's what 90% of us strive for in a kitchen-
open, inviting, family-friendly
and yet she adds a contemporary element by using a bulthaup kitchen right in the middle of a very American cottage.
This is actually her current kitchen.
In the LAST issue (*sniff) of Southern Accents there's a Molly Pastor writes a lovely article about Mary Evelyn. At one point she reveals how to achieve a modern- but not cold!- kitchen:
Kitchens that invite cooking together seem to have more celebration about them. All of our boys cook, and we like to cook as a family, so in my kitchen I want plenty of air and multiple workstations so everyone can pitch in. For floors, I favor wood (Amen!!). For countertops I like natural stone, such as marble or limestone, or a combination of teak, stainless steel and stone. It gives the space a contemporary edge. As for my backsplash- stainless steel or tile with contrast grout that is hand-hewn.
I used to work for Mary Evelyn in Birmingham and feel that it was such a stepping stone in my career path. She is like a walking art history class- always tying in the story behind a particular fabric or an architectural element. It was fascinating to be around, and inspiring to say the least.
You've got to go get the lastest AND LAST Southern Accents- not only to read more from this article but because it also includes her favorite paint colors, fabrics, and a chart titled "In Mary Evelyn's Opinion". I want to share this with you because trust me- You want to know this woman's opinion.
(and it helps that I agree with almost everything she says)
In Mary Evelyn's Opinion...
COLOR
Love it: A One Color House Leave it: Unbalanced color intensity
ART
Love it: Conte crayon drawings Leave it: Excessive personal photographs
FLOORING
Love it: Wide-plank wood Leave it: Composite; man-made
KITCHENS
Love it: Dish pantries Leave it: islands that are too large
CURTAINS
Love it: Simplicity of Line Leave it: ruching or frills
LIGHTING
Love it: LEDs; dimmers Leave it: too many recessed cans and ceiling fans
If you are ever in Birmingham you should definitely go by her beautiful interiors shop...
Click here for more information on Mary Evelyn.
<all images from her website>
