I have written before about how one decor item can change the entire look and feel of a room. Sometimes, it's a deliberate purchase. You are searching for the perfect accent and that one piece completes the look. Other times, a new addition causes a stir. You find something fabulous when window shopping, a total must have, but it doesn't exactly go with your existing decor or in my case, you receive a gift and it forces you to make a lot of kitchen decorating decisions.
This beauty is the culprit.
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I have always had a covered cake plate on my kitchen table/ island...and not simply for show. I use it. I keep snacks on the table for the kids and their friends to munch on. Plus, my teens treat baking like a sport around here, apparently the intense dislike I have for cooking has skipped a generation, so I like to have a place to display their edible art, too.
Enter the cake plate.
Well, long story short, I broke it. I have actually broken a few of them over the years. Apparently, it's not just soap dishes that suffer around here. Anyway, this one broke right before my birthday, fortuitous timing I guess, and hubby presented me with this this brand new gorgeous crystal one
over the weekend.Now. It is very different from anything I probably would have picked out for myself. I am a decidedly simple girl who's going for a cottage style, farmhouse feel in the kitchen. Cut crystal doesn't really scream basic.
And yet I love it. I love the elegant feel it brings to the room and I love it because my guy picked it out just for me. So I'm keeping it, but...
...but things have to change in the kitchen to make it fit.
Well, according to me anyway.
My husband thinks it's just my way of justifying a little redecorating.
Who me?
Ok, maybe, but either way, I decided to start with a window. Every time the seasons change, I swap out the valance over the sink. In fall and winter it's red, once the leaves start to bud, it's white lace.
This spring I wanted a different lace, so I hit the fabric store and found something that caught my eye and some dainty trim. The trim was .69 a yard. No kidding!
Here is where the decorating decisions come into play.
Do I want a straight valance? Or should it be swagged? Do I want a rod pocket or should I hang it on rings? Maybe I should add panels that drape down the side. I've never done that before! Or maybe I should go with no curtain at all.
Ok...but which?
Well, I don't know. So, I loosely mock up several variations and leave them there for a day or two at a time to see how they feel.
I'm trying on the sign above the window, too. It's clearly too small, but I like the rustic colors. I am making a change for sure, the old rooster sign has been up there for over a decade, but is this the right style and color combo for the space? Am I going to miss the red up there? Will I like words instead of pictures as a focal point?
The only way to know is to try it out.
Whether it's curtain choices or signage, I do not want to make the effort to construct something I am going to hate. I am a lazy crafter, I want to do these jobs once and then love them for a really long time ~ hopefully several seasons!
I can't just keep the price tags on these lovelies until I decide if they fit, so I take these custom kitchen decorating decisions very, very seriously. I don't rush into them lightly, that is for sure.
I take pictures, I live with my "maybes" for a few days and when I am pretty certain what I want, I start to craft.
I'm already getting a decent idea of what feels right and I am hoping to dig into my projects this weekend. I'm not planning on making too many changes. I'm going to shake things up just enough to update this room for spring and craft a few fresh accents to make that fabulous crystal stand look a bit more at home.
Exquisitely Unremarkable, if you will.
In the meantime, I have treats! Who wants cake?
Looking for more kitchen decor ideas?
You have to make the beautiful cake stand work because your guy picked it for you. The end. :) I can't wait to see the little tweaks you make here and there.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I've broken a few over the years too.
Isn't it pretty, Stacey? He said, I know it's different from your usually style, but I just thought you would love it...and I do! :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful gift! The lacey curtains fit very well I would say. Your hubby is a very thoughtful guy it sounds...and likes the treats too I bet!
ReplyDeleteWe’re both guilty of loving the treats, Lynn. I don’t want to be the one making them, but I have no problem eating them! ;)
DeleteHow great that your hubby picked something so elegant for you! I think it looks great in the kitchen, changes or not. I vote for a straight valance....maybe with ring clips...
ReplyDeleteThanks AnnMarie! That's what I've got mocked up there right now. Still thinking... ; )
DeleteI'll take a big piece pkease, preferably chocolate or coconut or lemon. I'm not fussy ; ).
ReplyDeleteI love the cake stand as is, but if you're in the mood to redecorate, it's as good a reason as any.
XXX
My thoughts exactly, Doreen!! :)
DeleteI love the cake plate! I use mine in so many ways, not just for serving food. I often use it in a centerpiece or to display Christmas decorations.
ReplyDeleteI have two. One was my grandmother's. It's small, clear cut glass with a bird pattern etched into the plate. I love it! The other I found at Salvation Army. I found the plate for $5 & a few aisle’s over I found the dome for $3!!!!. I was so excited. I don't know for sure if they actually go together. The base is etched glass & the dome is plain, smooth glass but the sizes fit & they look beautiful together.
Wow, that sounds like a great find, Jenny! I have a few, since people have seen it on my table for years, they think I collect...which apparently I do now! ; ) I only have one with a dome though. I seem to break the domes. So I have a lot of bottoms which I also use for display and for desserts at holiday time.
DeleteOh! I love it, Kim. I think cut crystal goes with ANY decor - lol. It is beautiful and hubby did a good job. I do the same thing- fuss around and 'gauge' how much I like something before I marry it permanently into my decor. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI agree, crystal does go with anything…but he doesn’t know that! Shhh! Just kidding. Maybe! ; )
DeleteI think it works in your kitchen. Its elegance speaks for itself. I like to change things up. And like you, I typically do something and leave it a few days to see if it works for me.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I like a test run, Brenda...and thanks....I think it's super elegant, too! :)
DeleteLOVE your new cake plate stand and the .69 trim is perfect! I can so relate to testing decor changes before committing ;) Can't wait to see what's next!
ReplyDeleteThanks!! That silly .69 trim is my favorite part!! :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful gift from your hubby! I like how you are tying in lace curtains in your kitchen to go with the decor of the cake stand. I think the lace adds a beautiful softness to your kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melanie. I really do like the look of lace, too. I just needed a lace change this year. I love the new pattern!
DeleteKim, your new cake plate is lovely. I am a big fan of cut glass and pressed glass. I don't know that I have ever seen one with a patterned dome. Just beautiful. You are very lucky to have a husband who puts forth that much effort into shopping and recognizes what your style is. Good job Kim's husband! I think your lace and trim is very pretty. I am not the best one to give curtain advice as most of my windows are naked. I would say tho, that if you decided that you needed a little bit of color on your curtain, you could add a little ribbon right above your trim,perhaps covering the solid part of your trim. You could probably even use fabric glue and glue it on. I like the sign above the window. I don't think that it is too small. I wonder if the scale would look different depending on if you choose a rod pocket or rings. Is your curtain rod attached or a tension one? If it can be moved perhaps one of your trials could be to lower the rod to in front of your trim so that it does not stick up higher than your molding which might make your sign look a little more prominent. I know that it will be lovely whatever you decide. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorri!! I am loving the plate and it is different. Even my kids' friends noticed it and one of them said, "Is this new? I remember being able to see the food inside with the old one!" Ha! Kids are so funny. I am still working on that curtain. It has me on the ropes. Yes, it is a tension rod mounted between the cabinets. I have mouldings to contend with and I am not sure I love the exposed rod look. I would need a better (prettier) rod and I have tried two and I am not a patient girl! Sometimes, it's easier to just buy what you want and be done with it. Now, if I could just figure out what I want!! ; )
DeleteKim, I think your hubby and mine must have been hatched out of the same egg! Mine says I see too many blogs and travel on Pinterest way too much. Well, I love that new cake plate and don't you see all the blingy chandys in all the farmhouses? It will go in no matter what you come up with. Anxious to see the final change..Happy Weekend..Judy
ReplyDeleteYes! Judy I love those crystal chandeliers in the farmhouses. This is my ode to that look! ; )
DeleteI want cake, yes please! :) It's a lovely thoughtful gift and the fact that a GUY chose it is simply amazing in itself :)
ReplyDeleteHe's a keeper, thanks Deb!
DeleteBeautiful little cake stand, I have a few crystal pieces that I bring out during family get togethers, my way of adding glam to my very simplistic decor:) your kitchen is just so pretty, I love that you change things for the seasons!
ReplyDeleteIt really is a pretty piece and very different from my normal, everyday style. I am enjoying it!
DeletePretty cake stand! I like lace curtains, and like your mock one. I get restless and like to change things up too, but usually nothing major. xoox Su
ReplyDeleteI’m like you, Su, I like frequent change, but nothing major!! :)
DeleteCake plates are so awesome and this one is a great one. It is really special since your sweet guy picked it out for you. Makes that much more pretty. I like the lace curtains. Change ups are good. I cannot wait to get into my new kitchen and start to change it into a sweet cottage kitchen. Have a great week end.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
Oh Kris, I can't wait to see what kind of decorating magic you whip up in your new place!! I am certain that it will be filled with inspiration! :)
DeleteOoooh me! I want cake!!! Lovely cake stand and so sweet of your hubby to pick it out all by his baby self! Can't wait to see the updates - no doubt they will be lovely....like you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie!! You are always so sweet…just like cake!! And I know you can make an awesome cake! ; )
DeleteI would love a piece of cake especially if it comes from your beautiful cake stand. I have been looking for some window treatments for my kitchen so I can't wait to see what you do. The lace and trim you chose are really pretty!
ReplyDeleteI am still trying to settle on a style, JoAnne. Sometimes I think buying is easier! ; )
DeleteSuch a thoughtful gift from your hubby, he has great taste. The lace window treatment will definitely compliment the cake stand. Looking forward to seeing the other changes you will be making. Have a fun weekend decorating:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen! I am enjoying the process! :)
DeleteOh my, what a wonderful hubby! That cake stand is sooo gorgeous and elegant, and feels right at home in your beautiful kitchen! Lace and crystal go hand in hand in my book and is perfect in your kitchen:) I also adore that rooster sign above your window, one of my favorites! Hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeleteThanks Poppy!! I think that lace and crystal are a perfect pair, too. Now if I could just settle on a curtain style, I’d be in business!! :)
DeleteThat is a beautiful cake stand.....such a sweet gift, Kim. I think hubbies sometime choose a gift for us because, consciously or unconsciously, they are hoping we will change things up or go in a different direction. I know it's true for my hubby. I think you will figure out something that works perfectly for you and your family. I know what I'd do, but I'm anxious to see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
Carol
Carol, what would you do?? I am feeling a bit stumped. Input is welcomed...I could use some inspiration!!!
DeleteOh I do so love the crystal-cut cake holder, it is a gorgeous beauty, and I know you will make it work! It is a treasured gift from your sweet husband for sure! It is always fun to change things up, and whatever you decide to do will be awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks!! I love a decorating change up and a new cake plate is just as good a reason for it as any other!! :)
DeleteBeautiful crystal cake plate . . .
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the new lacy maybe not sure how/what look.
Softens the kitchen into a clean, fresh, springtime updo!
Happy Birthday . . .
(Careful now . . . Hope that Crystal BD GIFT doesn't get broken!)
Thanks for the birthday wish, Lynne!! I am stumped with the lace curtain...Still working on it and tip toeing around that cake plate! I don't want to break it either!! :)
DeleteI love your beautiful kitchen!
ReplyDeleteRight back at you, Carol!! :)
DeleteI love your pretty new cake plate and the curtains and sign. You have such a bright and cheerful kitchen.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful weekend.
Julie xo
Thanks Julie! The sunshine and spring weather help to brighten the place up!! :)
DeleteI love your new crystal cake plate! I think you're smart to live with changes for a few days until you decide exactly what you want. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on it Lisa! The curtain is holding me up. Of course, the cake plate has been filled with treats for days! No problems there!! ;)
Deletewell. you know me. I always love less.
ReplyDeletebut I love your lace and crystal. it's a perfect counter balance with the warm wood.
lovely dear bean!
xo
I agree, Tammy, I love them against my wooden table!! :) Thanks!!
DeleteI love everything you wrote, Kim,---we are so much alike. I tend to dip my toes in the water before I jump in. I love that you use lace. It's something I used a lot in window treatment 10-15 years ago. I must admit...they are light and country~ish and romantic. Window treatments can and do change a room a lot!
ReplyDeleteJane
Hi Jane, thanks!! I had a lot of lace in my old house about 10-15 years ago, too!! In this home, just in the kitchen on that window. I needed a lace change though. Still working on the style…making is different than buying. Ugh. I should be buying! ;)
DeleteI love the thoughtful gift your husband gave you! Your kitchen looks so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela. I hope I don’t break this one!! ;)
DeleteSuch a sweet hubby you have! Your kitchen is beautiful as is, so I know whatever you decide will be equally gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brandi! I am still stumped with that curtain. I need a little more time! ;)
DeleteA most beautiful gift...
ReplyDeleteSome of my friends do like you - and live with an idea before actually deciding.
Having said that I think your kitchen looks lovely ...
All the best Jan
I like to test the waters when it comes to design...unless it's a gift. Then I'm all in from the start!! Thanks for the visit, Jan!
DeleteKim I love your cake dish. I too have a baking teen in the house so I recently unearthed a dish like that and put it out after it had been hibernating for so many years in the cabinet. Looking forward to your spring changes and hoping all is alright with you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! A baking teen is a good thing to have around the house...except for my waistline...ugh! ;)
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI love how your sweetheart picked it out himself. xx oo
I like the idea to keep snacks in a cake dish. What a great idea, simply to make it look nice. :-)) I do not have a cake dish. I will have to put that on my list.
Carla
The cake dish is gorgeous Carla, thank you, and very functional. Of course, it's a dangerous little item, since it always begs to be packed with treats!! ;)
DeleteHa,ha. I'm in the process of moving back into the masterbedroom after a drastic remodel/repair. New walls, a lovely warm blue...not turquoise but definitely not my usual cobalt or navy I have as accessories in the rest of the house. Everything I put in there now...looks different, because I have never worked with this blue before...dilemma....
ReplyDeleteI agree with your decision--to try out the lace and see, live with it awhile and then, let the look you are going for, whatever it may be, evolve.
If I had done a storyboard, my husband would have simply have said, let's see what it looks like. LOL...I think I agree with him on this. Sandi
Hi Sandi! Oh I know how you feel, change is not easy and it's impossible for me to tell what things will look like until I see them come together in the actual space. I bet your new blue is beautiful! Enjoy your new master!!
DeleteThe cake stand is gorgeous. Your guy has great taste, Kim. I just changed out the cotton valance in our dining area to lace. I love the look of lace hugging a window. Can't wait to see all the little changes unfold in your kitchen. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy…and I bet your lace looks lovely! :)
DeleteI love lace curtains in the spring/summer, they provide a sense of privacy while letting in all the gorgeous light. The cake is gorgeous and I can see the light flickering on the walls as it shines in.
ReplyDeleteLace curtains are my favorite Cathy...especially in the summer when a breeze hits them through an open window!
DeleteGood morning Kim! So much beauty here and inspiration, truly. I am in the process of planning a major transformation in my kitchen with just paint and wainscotting. How fresh and gorgeous is your kitchen!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for coming by to visit my post. I am so busy these days, I'm barely seeing the comments; to see yours made my morning! Happy day, Anita
Oh a transformation in the kitchen?? How fun!! Enjoy the process, Anita! :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful and welcoming kitchen! I love the new cake stand, and it is a gorgeous addition to your counter. The changes are wonderful, and it is fun to mix things up seasonally. By the way, where did you find your sign, "It is what it is"? I like the colors in that particular version. I always enjoy your inspiring blog. Hope you are enjoying your spring. Kathy
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy. Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I bought the sign in a small shop years ago, but on the back it says that it was made by Jones Rustic Sign Company, Dayton Ohio! I hope that helps!! :)
DeleteI too enjoy having lace or even gauzy type fabric for curtains, the way the light filters through them or a soft Spring breeze feels so enchanting. You are so wise to tweak and think about it before actually cutting and committing to the project. I am going to remember this. I tend to get in rush and thats really not a good thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI do love your cake stand:)
Jemma
Thanks Jemma! I do enjoy playing with my decor and I am a one and done kind of girl...so I like to be sure!! :)
DeleteDid you say cake? ;) Love your new cake stand. What a thoughtful hubby you have. Can't wait to see what you do with your kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristi!! Right now it’s filled with chocolate chip cookies…mmm…my weakness!! :)
DeleteI know you will figure it out! I am trying out a new change on my kitchen window and as of yet I am still just experimenting. I find it helpful to do the same process that you are doing.
ReplyDelete