Landon and I have been talking a lot about kitchens. We’re in the midst of planning some updates to ours, and have been swapping inspiration points, weighing matters of functionality and frivolousness, and flagging one another for scope creep. The main thing is: it must, first, be practical. Landon probably spends half of his life in the kitchen — brining, breaking down chickens, basting. Preparing the coffee, emptying the dishwasher. He is a seasoned and talented cook, and master of the kitchen. He notices everything that comes in and out and keeps ruthless tabs on the produce so that it’s used before wilted. He knows the provenance and expiration of every onion and potato in the pantry. So any changes we make must amplify or ease his efforts. (For example, this has led to extensive conversations about fridge/freezer — he could probably make use of a full-on, restaurant-grade walk-in solution. We won’t actually explore this, but it has made us think about wanting one of those top-bottom fridge styles so you can slide entire baking sheets in lengthwise. So, too, with a new sink: the bigger the better so you can actually get enormous trays and platters and cutting boards in there, and a tall, swiveling faucet that enables more manipulation…how big a sink is too big?)
As I’ve been thinking through the updates we want to make, I’ve noticed the things that jump out at me as incredibly stylish (and functional) in a kitchen. These are:
Brass hardware and faucets
A splattered, dog-eared cookbook in a wooden stand
Morning sounds: the coffee beans decanted into a porcelain dish and then ground; the scrolly open and close of familiar drawers; the toaster ping; the tick-tick-tick of the burner lighting beneath a fry pan
Sinks as big as they come
A bowl of citrus, some partly peeled having been called into recent cocktail service
Copper cookware
Proofing dough covered by a dish towel
Post-it note reminders — “bake at 350” and “$2 for bake sale”
Persistent, ambient music
A drawer full of clean, tightly-folded side towels
Salt cellars and pepper mills
Hedley and Bennett aprons hung by the door
Gracious crocks laden with warped, well-loved wooden implements
A neighboring potager or herb garden
Quart containers containing brines, fats, and rubs, labeled with Sharpie on painter’s tape
Specific (recherche) knives for specific (recherche) uses
Friends who fare la scarpetta around its island — nibbling on leftovers, pouring a last glass of wine, unfazed by the late hour or the dishes collecting in the sink
A slow boil stew on the stovetop
Kerrygold in a countertop butter bell
The way everyday forms of love — the cut sandwich, the covered plate — humbly collect here
Post-Scripts.
+A delicious, easy weeknight dinner recipe.
+Other chic things related to food.
Shopping Break.
+Majorly trending among Magpies this week: this tee dress. It is SO good. Feels like a t-shirt, but looks so polished thanks to a really high-quality cotton with structure and that great belt. As we’ve discussed extensively, I love any clothes that barely touch my body and that just move with me.
+Currently wearing these pants and reminded of why they are one of the best pairs of pants I’ve ever ordered. Insanely comfortable, do not wrinkle, and so flattering. They’re currently offering $55 off with code SS26. Come in a petite inseam! Start with the black or navy — so useful!
+A great $29 upgrade to your office, child’s room, bedroom, etc! The patterns are so charming. I have one of the navy ones in my son’s room.
+Recently picked up this scallop-edged cardigan at Ann Mashburn. Love the color and detailing. A good look for less option here. I love the styling suggestion on the latter site, worn over a simple white tee, and maybe paired with some wide-leg white cropped jeans like these or these. (Sizing notes: I find the VB Taylors run a tiny bit snug, but would generally advise taking your true size unless you’re between sizes — in which case, go up. La Ligne denim generally runs a bit big. Take your smaller size in them.)
+Other J. Crew Factory gems: this Doen-esque dress, these pointelle tees, and this Staud-like embroidered number! (Compare with the Staud Wells, which is, incidentally 20% off right now in wear-forever black! This dress is magic. Looks so, so good on.)
+Two other great Shopbop sale discoveries: this fun and on-trend cord necklace, which I’ve been wearing a ton this season (honestly, any of the jewelry from this brand is fab — just so joyful!), and these Weezie coated toiletry bags, which make fab gifts. (Also come as a set — this is the exact trio and pattern I have. The big size is enormous and can fit an entire hot tool / brush / full-sized cosmetics / etc.)
+Speaking of chic kitchens: we got my children one of these Teamson kitchens a few years ago and they are so adorable. They’ve now basically outgrown it but I’m having the hardest time giving it up…this brand also makes adorable playhouses and sandbox systems for outdoors. Just in case you’re thinking ahead to summer!
+A gorgeous, semi-sheer luminizing bronzer. I just dug this out of my summer makeup arsenal. It looks so pretty layered over bronzer in the warm months.
+Fun cutlery for outdoor dining.
+This tote in the strawberry print is such a cute gift for a girl this summer! She can use for camp, pool, day trips, visits with friends, sporting outings, sleepovers! I actually put together an edit of cute finds for 9-10 year old girls here. We’ve had a flurry of birthday party invitations and I simplified by ordering a bunch of these brushes with the matching hair clips and will put in a cute little toiletry bag.
+While you’re there: pretty spring sheets at a great price. Apparently Nancy Meyers loves this exact set! I’m also a big fan of the Target Threshhold sets — insanely well-priced relative to hand feel and wear in the wash.
+This sweatshirt cardigan! Love!
+You know I’m into the botanical motif on this dress…!
+This brand makes the most gorgeous platters and bowls.
+Super chic outdoor bistro dining table.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation. Image by DC Collab Collective.
