Our daughter and her husband have decided to embark on the journey of a kitchen renovation. I will purchase this book for them. What a lovely idea to think about your kitchen memories and it’s such a great idea to look at your own closet for inspiration and a color scheme. Thank you Mary.
This book really was full of great ideas. I think my favorite part was when the author highlighted some of the mistakes or regrets people have after they design their own kitchen. I'm excited for your daughter!
I’m so excited to know about this author and her books! We’re venturing into a master bath remodel. 😮 I ordered Barbara’s books of baths and already have more ideas about how to dramatize our space. Her “Waterworks” fixtures are exquisite and they have a showroom right here in Dallas! Yea! Thank you, Mary for introducing me to this wonderful designer! ❤
Fortunately, I LOVE my kitchen!! We dedigned & installed 10 years ago...since we live in a small log cabin...umber cupboards, Monogram Appliances, antiqued glass door inserts that hubs made brass poultry wire inserts & "Rushmore" quartz counters...rustic retreat!! franki
Okay- that sounds dreamy. I'm not sure why, but even as a child I loved the brass poultry wire. I think it could have been the pie cabinet my grandmother used. It had wire instead of glass and behind that wire was always the best looking pastries and confections!
We have been renovating our kitchen in our home a 1940’s beach cottage.It’s almost near completion and this couldn’t have come at a better time. We are discussing where the spices will go. I did allocate a drawer for the spices and was going to use a spice organizer with the original containers they come in. This idea of decanting them into the jars is perfect. Thank you for sharing. Another wonderful book and video ! Looking forward to next week.
Wow!!! Lovely kitchens, It brought back memories, in the mid 1980’s, I worked in the drafting department of a company called Regal Wood kitchen cabinets, a company in South Florida. We never design kitchens that look quite like that. Just plain kitchens for subdivision homes. I do like my kitchen, although I must admit, if it was a little bigger, I’d be a little happier. Thank you Mary :)
I look forward to your review of books, garden tours and inspiring projects! Can’t wait to see what you will surprise us with next week. Wishing you many blessings and good health❤
We are in the middle of remodeling our kitchen. Everything you mentioned as far as updating the electrical , plumbing, and functionality of the space was the start of our journey. I am so happy with the results and it is truly my dream kitchen. It just takes time but so worth the wait! Thank you for everything! Love the spice organization!!! 🙋🏻♀️
Susan-' this is such an encouraging message. "It just takes time, but so worth the wait", this is perfect. It does take time. I'm so glad you have your dream kitchen! Can I ask what colors you used? I'm always curious about that.
@@thetartantopiary So excited to hear from you! The house was built in 1954. When I met my boyfriend he had lived here for 30 years and had never done anything to the house. Together we began the process of creating “our home”. The kitchen was the first thing we tackled. Complete gut job. We chose white cabinets, white walls and we are planing to use a slate grey countertops and backsplash with slate grey veinings. The whole house got painted a Valspar paint called Soulful Grey. The house is calm, peaceful and bright and airy. I’m so happy!
Great kitchen book! We renovated our kitchen about 6 years ago, we love it. I was so focused on staying within budget, I wish I had added more storage. 🤷♀️ I do love your spice organization project! Fabulous idea to use clear matching spice jars. Nice job Mary!😊
Thank you! Staying within budget is a difficult task, but always (for me) necessary. Is there anything you would have done differently with your kitchen remodel? I had 2 ovens installed and I thought it was a bit extravagant, but during Christmas, Thanksgiving and large family gatherings I am so happy I did it.
Hi Mary, Wonderful and useful book showing gorgeous kitchens. Julia’s kitchen was one we admired and wanted “back in the day.” Compared to kitchens now, hers seems dark, crowded and in need of a revival! I have often remarked to others how I couldn’t figure how our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers cooked the very best meals without counter space, dishwashers, gadgets and things I consider essential. I love my kitchen now with the new quartz countertops and backsplash replacing Corian counters and tile backsplash. I wish it could be larger but that’s not going to happen. Really like your spice drawer and the jars. Organization does take time but it is so worth it and in the end, saves time and frustration. Thanks again Mary and can’t wait until next week!
You are right about organization. It takes time to get it right, but it really pays off in the end. Julia's kitchen reminds me of my childhood, but I remember watching Martha Stewart in the late 90s and being envious of her kitchen. She took organization seriously, and still does!
I also had spice problems - they took up way too much space and were not used that often. So I designated a drawer in the butler's pantry, a shallow one, to spices and bought one of those inserts that look like they have little steps, 2 of them were plenty enough to take the bulk of the spices, the ones that came in the standard size. Perfect solution, also alphabetized.
I enjoy your channel and appreciate your choice of books... You have beautiful fingernails/polish (I know that sounds silly) and love your jewelry. Thank you for sharing.
Yes- those sinks are in demand now. I visited a home last week that was built in 1928. The kitchen had been recently remodeled but the original sink remained and it was beautiful.
I just finished this video and have just ordered those jars for a “new spice drawer” too! My spices are organized on plastic turntables up high, however they fall down on the counter too many times! So thank you Mary! BTW - in your backyard pool area, what is your striped tent for? It looks nice by your pool.
Great! The satisfaction you will feel after completing this simple spice organization project is astonishing. I kept walking by the drawer and opening it. The little cabana by the pool is used for storing towels, sunblock and during parties we have used it as a (no glass) bar.
I must say storage is my nightmare!! I love dishes That spice drawer is amazing. I wish I had a nickel for every time a spice came flying out of the cabinet...I could pay for a kitchen remodeling lol lol Love the book and you are right...my best meals came from simple kitchens
Storage really does seem to be the issue for most people. I understand the love of dishes. I'm not one to be jealous, but when I see photos of homes with an entire room devoted to the storage or display of china, it hurts me! That is a dream of mine.
I do love my kitchen,I could do some minor things but that’s another day ,and yes your husband does have a big collection of spices 🤣 I rarely change anything out of original containers because of the expiration date ,I know it looks wonderful but mine is in a walk-in pantry and no one sees it but Me . I got tired of going through my pantry twice a year and looking for expired dates now I write with a sharpie on anything that goes in there ,it only takes a couple minutes,and it works for me ,not to say that a few things,like rice is not taken out of the bag etc ….it’s very organized. Gorgeous Book 🍃
All good points! I just found myself frustrated at the spice cabinet one too many times. It was such a simple solution. My daughter is the pantry police. Her favorite thing is to find an expired item, so I leave that to her.
It is a fabric by Schumacher. I can't remember the name of the pattern. I purchased this remnant at a fabric store several years ago. My countertop in the butlers pantry is just painted wood, so I folded this fabric and placed it on top.
Once in my lifetime did I have the opportunity and privilege of totally gutting a kitchen, from foundation, to studs, to rafters, and including pulling out a wall, to create a new kitchen. It took 3 months to complete, and was the most perfect for my needs at the time that I could imagine, but sadly, 3 months after it was completed I had to move and give it up. :( I did have the opportunity to adjust and complete the next kitchen, probably the last one I'll ever own, into something I can use, but I am never satisfied with it. It had brand new custom made knotty alder cabinets already installed when we bought the (partially completed) house and the practical side of me just could not remove them. (Ever do that? Live with something you don't really care for because you can't justify taking it out because it was new?) I did have some minor adjustments made, but they're still not perfect. So, I still dream of making changes. Drawers!! I DO NOT understand installing roll out trays installed behind doors, when a drawer is so much better and allows full use of the space. That's my biggest complaint, all the lower cabinets have shelves installed or they have very inefficient pull out trays. I also hate the lazy susan in the corner--there has to be a better way! I did get to make the choice for the countertops and I chose butcher block for the island and quartz for the rest of the countertops. I love them both. I will be looking for this book. Advancements are always being made and I love seeing new kitchens. Maybe someday, I'll get the courage to make those really big changes that I desire. Thank you for sharing this book and all your ideas too!
Giving up a perfect kitchen after just 3 months of enjoying it must have been painful. I had to laugh when you mentioned your "practical side", as I struggle with my practical side more than I care to mention. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Now that I'm 72, with a bad back, the trend of having no upper cabinets is a nightmare for me. Bending over to get something out of a lower cabinet is out of the question. If I were to design a new kitchen, I'd have wall ovens and lots of overhead storage.
I just can’t believe you use PAPER NAPKINS……you are toooo classy not to use CLOTH napkins…wish you had that spice drawer closer to the stove….I just had one cabinet taken out and built in four drawers by my cabinet man….worth every penny…..only $200……hugs carolyn from Columbus GA…love you darling
You have such a sweet and calming voice and your videos are always so informative. Thank you. Connie Shull
Hi Connie- I'm so glad you enjoy them. Thank you for letting me know.
What me happy about my favorite kitchen was my mother❤
I have been binge watching since I found you a couple of weeks ago. And spice drawer here I come. Love you're channel so much.
You are a sweetheart! Thank you for letting me know that. I'm so glad you enjoy the channel.
Looking forward to next week 😊
THANK YOU FOR SHOWING THE PAGES OF THE BOOK ✨👍🏼✨ ITS WAS VERY HELPFUL ❤️
Wonderful book and I love the spice drawer! Organization is definitely worth the time. Thank you, Mary🌺
Yes- those are words of wisdom. Organization is definitely worth the time. 👍
Our daughter and her husband have decided to embark on the journey of a kitchen renovation. I will purchase this book for them. What a lovely idea to think about your kitchen memories and it’s such a great idea to look at your own closet for inspiration and a color scheme. Thank you Mary.
This book really was full of great ideas. I think my favorite part was when the author highlighted some of the mistakes or regrets people have after they design their own kitchen. I'm excited for your daughter!
I do like your napkin drawer Mary
I would change my countertops
I’m so excited to know about this author and her books! We’re venturing into a master bath remodel. 😮
I ordered Barbara’s books of baths and already have more ideas about how to dramatize our space. Her “Waterworks” fixtures are exquisite and they have a showroom right here in Dallas! Yea! Thank you, Mary for introducing me to this wonderful designer! ❤
Fortunately, I LOVE my kitchen!! We dedigned & installed 10 years ago...since we live in a small log cabin...umber cupboards, Monogram Appliances, antiqued glass door inserts that hubs made brass poultry wire inserts & "Rushmore" quartz counters...rustic retreat!! franki
Okay- that sounds dreamy. I'm not sure why, but even as a child I loved the brass poultry wire. I think it could have been the pie cabinet my grandmother used. It had wire instead of glass and behind that wire was always the best looking pastries and confections!
This is one of my favourites,thanks for sharing!😊
Thanks for watching.
In the throes of a kitchen reno, so this week's book review was especially inspiring. Thank you & enjoy the weekend, Mary.
Oh wow- you are busy. Has it been fun or stressful? I hope you have a peaceful weekend!
Dear Mary! Thank you very much ❤. I really like your video and I love your kitchen. Have a great day and all the best! ☀️🌹🌸
Thank you for your compliment. I appreciate you watching, you have a great day also!
Mary, your topics are very informative and entertaining. Just listening to your soothing voice calms the soul..
Wow- I appreciate that. Thank you!
Best wishes for you and yours. I find these videos calming , informative and joyful. Thank you.
We have been renovating our kitchen in our home a 1940’s beach cottage.It’s almost near completion and this couldn’t have come at a better time. We are discussing where the spices will go. I did allocate a drawer for the spices and was going to use a spice organizer with the original containers they come in. This idea of decanting them into the jars is perfect. Thank you for sharing. Another wonderful book and video ! Looking forward to next week.
Wow!!! Lovely kitchens,
It brought back memories, in the mid 1980’s, I worked in the drafting department of a company called Regal Wood kitchen cabinets, a company in South Florida. We never design kitchens that look quite like that.
Just plain kitchens for subdivision homes.
I do like my kitchen, although I must admit, if it was a little bigger, I’d be a little happier.
Thank you Mary :)
I look forward to your review of books, garden tours and inspiring projects! Can’t wait to see what you will surprise us with next week.
Wishing you many blessings and good health❤
Love my spice drawer! And of course, I alphabetize my spices
YES- I can't believe I almost didn't.
We are in the middle of remodeling our kitchen. Everything you mentioned as far as updating the electrical , plumbing, and functionality of the space was the start of our journey. I am so happy with the results and it is truly my dream kitchen. It just takes time but so worth the wait! Thank you for everything! Love the spice organization!!! 🙋🏻♀️
Susan-' this is such an encouraging message. "It just takes time, but so worth the wait", this is perfect. It does take time. I'm so glad you have your dream kitchen! Can I ask what colors you used? I'm always curious about that.
@@thetartantopiary So excited to hear from you! The house was built in 1954. When I met my boyfriend he had lived here for 30 years and had never done anything to the house. Together we began the process of creating “our home”. The kitchen was the first thing we tackled. Complete gut job. We chose white cabinets, white walls and we are planing to use a slate grey countertops and backsplash with slate grey veinings. The whole house got painted a Valspar paint called Soulful Grey. The house is calm, peaceful and bright and airy. I’m so happy!
Love your channel-always inspires a new idea to try
I'm so glad. That makes me happy. 😁
I enjoyed this book review, especially seeing Julia Child's kitchen. My Mom always watched her program when I was growing up. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, there is something charming and magical about Julia Child's simple kitchen.
Great kitchen book! We renovated our kitchen about 6 years ago, we love it. I was so focused on staying within budget, I wish I had added more storage. 🤷♀️
I do love your spice organization project! Fabulous idea to use clear matching spice jars. Nice job Mary!😊
Thank you! Staying within budget is a difficult task, but always (for me) necessary. Is there anything you would have done differently with your kitchen remodel? I had 2 ovens installed and I thought it was a bit extravagant, but during Christmas, Thanksgiving and large family gatherings I am so happy I did it.
I love your comment at the end. So true, you could have the most beautiful kitchen in the world and nothing but fast food comes out of it.
Wow. Nice 👍. Thank you for sharing, my namesake. I am inspired 🙏🏾❤️.
I am glad you were inspired. That is why I love these books. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Mary, Wonderful and useful book showing gorgeous kitchens. Julia’s kitchen was one we admired and wanted “back in the day.” Compared to kitchens now, hers seems dark, crowded and in need of a revival! I have often remarked to others how I couldn’t figure how our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers cooked the very best meals without counter space, dishwashers, gadgets and things I consider essential. I love my kitchen now with the new quartz countertops and backsplash replacing Corian counters and tile backsplash. I wish it could be larger but that’s not going to happen. Really like your spice drawer and the jars. Organization does take time but it is so worth it and in the end, saves time and frustration. Thanks again Mary and can’t wait until next week!
You are right about organization. It takes time to get it right, but it really pays off in the end. Julia's kitchen reminds me of my childhood, but I remember watching Martha Stewart in the late 90s and being envious of her kitchen. She took organization seriously, and still does!
I also had spice problems - they took up way too much space and were not used that often. So I designated a drawer in the butler's pantry, a shallow one, to spices and bought one of those inserts that look like they have little steps, 2 of them were plenty enough to take the bulk of the spices, the ones that came in the standard size. Perfect solution, also alphabetized.
Lovely book! I wish I had that when I was doing my kitchen! Thanks for sharing!
Great book,love the spicy jars ❤
I enjoy your channel and appreciate your choice of books... You have beautiful fingernails/polish (I know that sounds silly) and love your jewelry. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for the sweet compliment. I do love jewelry and a good book. I'm glad you enjoy the channel!
Is that a table runner that you are using to cover your counter? It is SO beautiful, and makes the counter space elegant. What a magnificent idea!
Yes it is, (I folded it in half) thanks. I love tablerunners and I place them more often on other things than an actual dining table.
Love your vlog, great tips and the spice draw is wonderful idea.
I am so glad you enjoy it. Thanks for letting me know.
The last picture looks like the kitchen in our first home! Ready for an update but what a beautiful old sink.
Yes- those sinks are in demand now. I visited a home last week that was built in 1928. The kitchen had been recently remodeled but the original sink remained and it was beautiful.
Thank you for your inspiration
I just finished this video and have just ordered those jars for a “new spice drawer” too! My spices are organized on plastic turntables up high, however they fall down on the counter too many times! So thank you Mary!
BTW - in your backyard pool area, what is your striped tent for? It looks nice by your pool.
Great! The satisfaction you will feel after completing this simple spice organization project is astonishing. I kept walking by the drawer and opening it. The little cabana by the pool is used for storing towels, sunblock and during parties we have used it as a (no glass) bar.
Oh, my...such beautiful kitchens. This book is cause for a very jealous & lustful heart! 🤣💚☺️
YES- but it's the best kind of jealousy. I work very hard to turn the envy into inspiration. 😜
New house definitively needs a facelift. Thanks for the information and suggestions.
I must say storage is my nightmare!! I love dishes
That spice drawer is amazing. I wish I had a nickel for every time a spice came flying out of the cabinet...I could pay for a kitchen remodeling lol lol
Love the book and you are right...my best meals came from simple kitchens
Storage really does seem to be the issue for most people. I understand the love of dishes. I'm not one to be jealous, but when I see photos of homes with an entire room devoted to the storage or display of china, it hurts me! That is a dream of mine.
I do love my kitchen,I could do some minor things but that’s another day ,and yes your husband does have a big collection of spices 🤣 I rarely change anything out of original containers because of the expiration date ,I know it looks wonderful but mine is in a walk-in pantry and no one sees it but Me . I got tired of going through my pantry twice a year and looking for expired dates now I write with a sharpie on anything that goes in there ,it only takes a couple minutes,and it works for me ,not to say that a few things,like rice is not taken out of the bag etc ….it’s very organized. Gorgeous Book 🍃
All good points! I just found myself frustrated at the spice cabinet one too many times. It was such a simple solution. My daughter is the pantry police. Her favorite thing is to find an expired item, so I leave that to her.
I have a spice problem….. Thanks for the inspiration.
A job well done
What is on top of your counters where your spices are? I love the print!
It is a fabric by Schumacher. I can't remember the name of the pattern. I purchased this remnant at a fabric store several years ago. My countertop in the butlers pantry is just painted wood, so I folded this fabric and placed it on top.
Once in my lifetime did I have the opportunity and privilege of totally gutting a kitchen, from foundation, to studs, to rafters, and including pulling out a wall, to create a new kitchen. It took 3 months to complete, and was the most perfect for my needs at the time that I could imagine, but sadly, 3 months after it was completed I had to move and give it up. :( I did have the opportunity to adjust and complete the next kitchen, probably the last one I'll ever own, into something I can use, but I am never satisfied with it. It had brand new custom made knotty alder cabinets already installed when we bought the (partially completed) house and the practical side of me just could not remove them. (Ever do that? Live with something you don't really care for because you can't justify taking it out because it was new?) I did have some minor adjustments made, but they're still not perfect. So, I still dream of making changes. Drawers!! I DO NOT understand installing roll out trays installed behind doors, when a drawer is so much better and allows full use of the space. That's my biggest complaint, all the lower cabinets have shelves installed or they have very inefficient pull out trays. I also hate the lazy susan in the corner--there has to be a better way! I did get to make the choice for the countertops and I chose butcher block for the island and quartz for the rest of the countertops. I love them both. I will be looking for this book. Advancements are always being made and I love seeing new kitchens. Maybe someday, I'll get the courage to make those really big changes that I desire. Thank you for sharing this book and all your ideas too!
Giving up a perfect kitchen after just 3 months of enjoying it must have been painful. I had to laugh when you mentioned your "practical side", as I struggle with my practical side more than I care to mention. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Now that I'm 72, with a bad back, the trend of having no upper cabinets is a nightmare for me. Bending over to get something out of a lower cabinet is out of the question. If I were to design a new kitchen, I'd have wall ovens and lots of overhead storage.
I can’t be running to the pantry for spice when I’m cooking!
👏👏👏👏👏❤
I hated my spice drawer. I ended up moving them all back to the cabinet.😂
Just be careful what door pulls you use. You don’t want to get snagged when passing by. Upper cabinet’s can be anything that appeals to you.
I just can’t believe you use PAPER NAPKINS……you are toooo classy not to use CLOTH napkins…wish you had that spice drawer closer to the stove….I just had one cabinet taken out and built in four drawers by my cabinet man….worth every penny…..only $200……hugs carolyn from Columbus GA…love you darling