Wednesday, April 17, 2013

MY 'Happy' Kitchen


Last October, I entered a contest on the very popular blog, Hooked On Houses, written by Julia. The contest is aptly titled, "Hooked On Your Kitchens", and we were asked to tell Julia what we loved about our kitchens and submit a few photos. I was intrigued, and so I did a little styling, snapped a few shots, among them some 'before and afters', and sent in my entry. I wrote, (and I quote) - can I quote myself - how surreal is that?


'This may sound strange, but, what I love most about my kitchen is the fact that it took four (!) years to build and thus, I appreciate it so much more. My husband, who is a contractor, got his carpenter to work on the kitchen whenever our funds allowed.


'Although frustrating, this condition not only taught me patience, but more importantly, appreciation.  It’s funny, but, sometimes I think it’s true that the longer you wait for something, the more you cherish it.'

BEFORE

Closed shutters, still to be delivered appliances and an absence of necessary knickknacks made the space feel cold, dark and uninviting, despite it being brand new.



Then, with sunlight streaming in through the windows, classical red and white checks for texture and bright and bold bric-à-brac  lining the white shelves, you suddenly have a room that shines!


'Rich, earthy colours that echo those of the French countryside are used as sunny accents to complement the creamy white cabinetry and curvy open shelving, popular English country features.



'A little bit of whimsy thrown in for good measure, (the Mediterranean in me- can’t get too serious!), and voilà, you have an eclectic, custom made kitchen that personifies its creator, a Greek Canadian expat, living on the island of Crete.


'And lastly,' I said, ending my description, 'It’s just a happy space that I love waking up to every morning!'. And just like that, I pressed 'send' and hoped for the best. Interestingly, about two months later, my kitchen was featured on Julia's blog and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Julia and her readers commented on how 'friendly' my kitchen looked, and for me, this was the nicest compliment I could have ever received. After all, who wouldn't want to be greeted by a cheery smile first thing in the morning?  And a cup of steaming hot coffee...And something sweet! And fresh flowers. A bouquet of happiness, indeed!


Well, that's my 'happy' kitchen. Hope you enjoyed the 
little tour. What do you love about your kitchen?

Thanks for visiting! xx
Poppy

Van Gogh, "Still Life: Red Poppies and Daisies"


99 comments:

  1. Poppy, your kitchen is so worthy of being featured and so worth the wait!! It is absolutely beautiful, bright and cheery. I'm glad you shared it for everyone to see :-)

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  2. You have a wonderful kitchen and I would love to have a steaming hot cup of coffee there. Love all the colors you used there and throughout your house.

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  3. Your kitchen is so beautiful, Poppy. I love all the vintage touches. It looks so welcoming.

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  4. Gorgeous Poppy -and I couldn't help but smile looking at the photos - it REALLY is a happy kitchen -
    XOX

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  5. Oh Poppy, I love your kitchen. It's so bring and sunny with beautiful vintage touches throughout. Love your roosters also. There is a saying "All good things come to those who wait" and you waited. Congratulations.
    Mary

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  6. Poppy, wowee! That's a gorgeous kitchen! Looks like many lovely meals are cooked there..
    What I love about my kitchen?....I love that it is easy to clean, I love the slate, I love that I have space,and I love the cabinet space...

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  7. Oh, Poppy, it IS a happy kitchen. It is, it is. I LOVE it. Did you make that rack to hang pots and pans from? That's so adorable, too. Absolutely fabulous job. Susan p.s. Saw your entry on Kathy's blog.

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  8. It sure looks happy & well thought!! Worth all the wait.

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  9. What a cheerful, inviting kitchen.Love the way you combined so many flavors:))

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  10. Hi Poppy,

    I love, love, love your kitchen!! It's is gorgeous and cozy!! I would love for you to link up at my party. Just follow the link....http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/2013/04/saturday-show-licious-craft-showcase-27.html.

    Marti

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  11. I am so in love with your kitchen, Poppy! I even showed it to my husband and he loved it, too! It is so bright and cheerful and yes...happy. Where did you get that gorgeous clock?

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  12. Your kitchen is delightful!

    and this is from "Poppy in Santa Barbara's Granny!)

    How I have loved connecting with you and your house in Corsica! It is one of the very few places I want to visit that I have never been!!

    XXOO

    Penelope..Granny of "Poppy"!!!

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  13. What a delightful and happy space you have created!!! Very friendly indeed...nice job!!!

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  14. I'm one of the lucky few who has seen this kitchen, ate there, and sat for hours soaking in the atmosphere. It's the best kitchen I have ever seen - not because it is the most expensive, or lavish or sophisticated. It is not. It's because it is the most cosy, warm, happy, inviting and giving kitchen I know. Every item is lovingly chosen on a budget. Poppy has meticulous taste and thinks carefully about colour, arrangement and suitability. She has chosen a charming country theme with a gorgeous collection of chicken ornaments and display plates.

    Every year I travel from my home in England to where I used to live in Crete, and I look forward to my time with Poppy. Visiting her stunning house is the highlight of my vacation. Poppy and her husband always prepare a delicious barbecue, followed by her speciality - coconut-cream pie! This is now an established tradition and I can't wait for the summer to see her again and sit in that enchanting kitchen watching her busily prepare the meal.

    Maria xoxox

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  15. I love your kitchen. And your house, period. Your choices of color and arrangements etc is just extraordinary. So bright and cheery....happy indeed! :)

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  16. I love your kitchen, it's adorable! And I love how bright it is...Christine

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  17. Good Afternoon Poppy, Your kitchen is beautiful.... I agree, I believe that if you have to wait for something you really do appreciate it more.
    Your kitchen is bright, cheery and full of lovely details. I especially love your hanging rack, it is really lovely.
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful kitchen.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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  18. Oh I love your kitchen too. Such great attention to detail. It is gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

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  19. Poppy,

    You do have a happy kitchen and deserve the mention. Good things are worth the wait and patience pays off! I love your touches of color and whimsy..it all works to create a welcoming feel. Gorgeous and thanks for sharing!

    xxleslie

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  20. How could you not be happy in that kitchen. It's soooo charming.

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  21. I love your open shelves and the fresh happy feel of the kitchen. I'm living with drab old oak cabinets, which we hope to paint white come a longer stretch of warmer weather (and you know how long that can take in some parts of Canada ;))
    Warm greetings from NB,
    Sue

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  22. This is definitely a friendly kitchen and one that was well worth the wait. You did a marvelous job making it bright and cheerful. Thanks for sharing. ~ Sarah

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  23. Just so bright and cheery! I would love to drink some coffee in there with a game of Scrabble and some tasty treats :)

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  24. Poppy, I love your kitchen! It is beautiful, happy and bright! I love the yellow, the chickens and the gorgeous white cabinetry. A fabulous place to bake and cook and spend time!

    Cathy ♥

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  25. Great meeting you Poppy! I did a little tour around your lovely blog and I'm lving all I see and also the Island of Crete. I'm sure you live in a beautiful village. I love your warm, pretty and inviting kitchen. All the china I see in that lovely hutch I'm swooning... Thank you so much for dropping by. I wanted to follow you, but couldn't find the link for it. Big hugs,
    FABBY

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  26. Wow! It's a gorgeous and happy kitchen!

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  27. Hi Poppy. I agree with everyone else that you have the most happy kitchen. It is so bright and cheerful and colorful, but not over done. I just love the open shelves, one thing I regret not having in our kitchen remodel last summer. How enjoyable to sit down with a cup of coffee in the morning, among the chickens and the checks..Happy Friday..Judy

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  28. Your kitchen is delightful!

    Big Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  29. You DO have the most awesome and up lifting and bight and fun kitchen!! Bet you spend a lot of time in your kitchen!!

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  30. Your kitchen is so beautiful! I love the cheerful colors and your decorating style. What an inspiration !

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  31. Very nice kitchen indeed. Thanks for the tour. I might copy one or two things ... :-)

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  32. Hi Poppy! What a terrific kitchen. I enjoyed looking at the pictures and happy colors. I love red and use it in my kitchen as well. It is so cheery. I bet you enjoy spending time in there cooking. What do you keep in the two pull out drawers in the left side of the kitchen? There is a glass cabinet above the two drawers. I especially like that arrangement to the cabinet. I am sharing my homemade chicken pot pie recipe so stop by for a visit.
    Blessings from Still Woods Farmhouse

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  33. Poppy, your kitchen is warm and welcoming and beautiful. I can imagine sharing a cup of coffee at that table and having a nice chat. Congratulation on being featured on Julia's blog. What an honor!

    Thanks so much for joining in this week!

    xo
    Claudia

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  34. Oh your kitchen is adorable! I love decorating my kitchen with vintage kitchen items. I love old canning jars, advertising tins and chickens.

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  35. My goodness! I LOVE your kitchen. It's so filled with light and is so cheery. You can tell it's loved. Thanks for sharing.

    Clara
    Redeemed Junk and Stuff

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  36. Love your cozy kitchen. And yes, it looks so inviting and pleasant. Love your white cabinets. Am getting ready to start painting my kitchen cabinets and know I will love them but am getting really anxious about starting. Love the pops of red.

    Judy

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  37. That is certainly a happy kitchen. :) Deb

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  38. Your kitchen is darling, Poppy, and very cheerful! It truly would make a person happy to be in it preparing food, etc. Thanks for dropping by my blog! Have a wonderful week. Bess

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  39. What a delightful and charming space your kitchen is! I would never want to leave! I loved this post!!
    XO Kris

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  40. This truly is the most happy kitchen - I can truly understand that you really have enjoyed the process - I will be Pinning your kitchen to my inspiration board! I do appreciate you sharing with A Return to Loveliness! Please do share with Home and Garden Thursday,.
    By the way, I did check on the comments - the plugin I used thought your comments were Spam. Now I know I need to review each comment put in the Spam folder - I had to clear out over eight comments. I appreciate you letting me know.
    Kathy

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  41. What a wonderful and "friendly" kitchen. The process of waiting for the completetion of the kitchen was worth all the patience. I love the curves, open shelves and glassed in cabinets. The red and white checked curtains are so homey and perfect for the sunny windows. I really love all your decorations and please do a posting on the china cabinet in the dining room so we can view your lovely china. Have a great time in your gorgeous kitchen!

    Pam

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  42. Hi Poppy,
    What a sweet lovely kitchen you have! I can see why it was featured! It must be a joy to get up first thing in the morning and make your coffee or tea! I really like the round table in the center of your kitchen. So cozy! I am so glad you found me so I can be your newest follower! Have a wonderful week!
    Nancy

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  43. What a cute and cheery kitchen! Love the use of color against the white backdrop. Perfect!!

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  44. What a beautiful kitchen!! It is indeed friendly:) After looking at your kitchen, then at my own, I think it's time for me to brighten up my kitchen. Congrats on being featured on Julia's blog!

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  45. Your kitchen is gorgeous! Magazine worthy! I have a new weekly link party which is live now and I would love if you stop by and link up this wonderful post! Hope to see you there! http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/ Hugs, Maria

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  46. I am your new follower! Thank you so much!

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  47. Your kitchen is adorable and filled with your personal style.

    - The Tablescaper

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  48. I love your kitchen, Poppy! Thanks for sharing your post on The HomeAcre Hop! Hope to see you again this week!
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/04/the-homeacre-hop-16.html

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  49. I found myself smiling as I looked closely at each picture. This is a kitchen that would make me happy to see in the morning too.

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  50. Hi Poppy, thank you for taking us on an inspiring tour of your beautiful kitchen. How I wish my kitchen is as beautiful! But I think I'll just keep dreaming : )

    I can see you like roosters, I do love them too. I have a collection of two.

    Have a good week.

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  51. I'm love the transformation of your kitchen! Great job! ~Angela @hickorytrailblog.blogspot.com

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  52. Hello Poppy - thanks again for letting me know about the comment problem - I hope it is fully fixed now, and I will be monitoring Spam better :)
    Your post was most viewed on Home and Garden Thursday, I will be featuring your post - I appreciate you,
    Kathy

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  53. Love, Love, Love it. Everything in your kitchen would fit right in at my house. Your happy colors are just beautiful.

    I am your newest follower.

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  54. Your kitchen is definitely happy and it looks so welcoming too. Your home is beautiful-thank you for sharing it with us! Thanks also for linking up your post to the Say G'Day Saturday party. I'm featuring this post this weekend!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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  55. Poppy,

    Your kitchen is stunning, happy, and looks cozy for a wonderful chat with good friends! It makes me extremely jealous too! Just beautifully put together, and makes a statement about the wonderful lady you are!

    Bev @ http://givemeapaintbrush.blogspot.com/

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  56. Such a friendly and happy space! You will be one of the features tomorrow at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Pop on in and grab a Sunday Showcase feature button for your blog. Hope to see your prettiness again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  57. This is one of the prettiest kitchens I have seen...you have inspired me to do something like this with mine. I love all the open shelving.

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  58. You know~ we are sisters at heart! I also wanted my kitchen that would make me smile when I walked into it each morning. I LOVE your kitchen so much!

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  59. This is absolutely darling! Please come re-do my kitchen!!! LOL

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  60. Such a cozy inviting kitchen. I love it so very much!!

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  61. I LOVE your kitchen!! It's a happy space. I have just about the same color scheme in my kitchen. Even on the worst days it's cheery. I agree I appreciate things more when it doesn't come too fast. Hmmm I think your on to something. Hence childhood celebrities that crash and burn. Anyway with time I'm sure you changed things a bit the more time you had to think about it.

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  62. Positively delightful - you AND your kitchen!! I totally agree with you too. When we were having our house built about 14 years ago, we had to live in a tiny apartment. It took 3 months longer than scheduled, which doesn't seem like a long time now, but at the time, we were desperate to move in. I believe that I cherish my home so much more because of it.
    xoxo,
    Kim

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  63. Your kitchen is indeed a happy one! The makeover it amazing, so many wonderful touches I can't pick a favorite. Thanks for sharing, visiting from BNOP.

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  64. Thank you for stopping by and commenting on my post - so glad you did because I love your blog and all the gorgeous photos! And I'm completely in love with your kitchen!

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  65. Hi, I'm loving the 'all white' concept in the kitchens. Very crisp and clean looking. visiting thru Create with Joy party.
    JoAnn

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  66. Your kitchen is gorgeous!!! Love the red checks, the roosters and the green hutch. It's so bright and cheery I could probably be there all day lol :)

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  67. Oh Poppy, your kitchen is not only "friendly", but cheerful and happy, too. It just says "home" to me! I LOVE it!! xo

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  68. Oh, what a lovely kitchen! It's so beautiful & inviting :) I followed you here from the Brag About It link party! :)

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  69. Your kitchen does indeed look like a happy place to be, Poppy. I really like your pop of red. Thanks for sharing at my HOME and enjoy your weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  70. Hello Poppy,
    I am happy to visit your blog today! It is vibrant and inviting. Your post about your happy kitchen. I think a happy kitchen makes for a happy wife! lol! The kitchen is the hub of our homes. You have created one that really sings!
    Your hutch full of china is very lovely to look at. I enjoyed looking around your rooms to find all the tea cups!
    Thank you so much for joining in Tea Cup Tuesday. : )
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  71. You DO have a very lovely kitchen! And it gives me a little hope for mine...I have white cabinets, bead board, and white square tile backsplash, too. I'm still hoping to switch out some of the other stuff, but at least I'm on the right track :)

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  72. Poppy...I adore your kitchen and the story behind it. I featured it on my FB today. Diane
    www.facebook.com/pages/13-Canadian-Cottage/212948478842264

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  73. That is quite the makeover! It looks great!

    Allison

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  74. yes, I have seen your kitchen before and it makes me soooooooooo happy--love everything about it.!

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  75. I have seen your kitchen before, but I still love it.

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  76. my friend just sent me this picture as I am trying to redo my kitchen
    Do you remember what yellow you used? I LOVE the color and need a color for my kitchen! :)

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    1. Hi Elizabeth,

      Tried looking for a blog or email, but couldn't find one, and you're also a no reply-comment blogger, so I hope you see this here. The yellow on the walls is a Benjamin Moore yellow, but I can't recall which one, and it's also been lightened with some white. Our painter created the mix, so unfortunately, I can't really help you. Hope you find something you like!

      Thank for your comment!

      Poppy

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  77. Hi Poppy! Julie here, from redheadcandecorate.com. I wanted to give you the good news that I will be featuring your lovely kitchen at Inspiration Monday this Sunday @ 2pm EST. I hope you can stop by! Congrats!

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  78. Can I move in? I LOVE your kitchen! I wish I had one like that. Mine is just in the middle of everything, no walls to hang anything on, no space for much of anything! But it has big floor space! Fantastic job! Found you on Artsey Fartsey Linky!

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  79. Oh Poppy, I love this kitchen and only wish we were going to be closer in proximity so that you could help me transform 'the stone house on the hill' which will soon - I hope - be ours to decorate and bring to life! I am printing this one out and bringing it with me. Thanks - and a big hug!

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  80. Happy is a perfect description of your kitchen!! I love everything about it.....I think I love the red checks the best.......or is it the green hutch.......or maybe the open shelves.....did I mention I love everything about it...lol. Thanks for sharing!!

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  81. Well, I don't know how I managed to miss this post unless I was not following your blog back then. Anyway, I noticed it in your side bar this morning and just had to take a peek. Your kitchen is so lovely, Poppy, and full of warmth and charm that just invites you in to sit and have a cup of coffee. It is so very welcoming!

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  82. I love your cupboards...what a wonderful husband you have to build them for you. It is so inviting an makes me want to site down with you for a cup of tea! Thanks for sharing. If you would like to visit my kitchen here is a tour of mine. http://oursimplelife-sc.com/a-walk-through-my-kitchen/

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  83. You have a beautiful new kitchen Poppy - so inviting. The red and white gingham is so pretty in this room too. Your green dining hutch is stunning and so perfect with the red accents. This is a room where I imagine ourselves enjoying a pot of coffee and eating steaming slices of freshly baked apple pie while talking for hours about our homeland, Oh Canada!
    Hugs,
    Marie@The Interior Frugalista

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  84. I will always love how red and white check adds to a room and with gorgeous hens on top? Perfect!! Love your mix of styles which all work so perfectly. I would love a cup of coffee in the morning in your kitchen!

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  85. Lovely! Your kitchen does look very friendly and inviting. Thank you for sharing it and for linking up at Wake Up Wednesday!

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  86. OMG Poppy!! That kitchen is to die for!! I love the use of small paintings behind plates and cups. I might use the idea in my own home :)

    Thank you for linking up with us on Wake-Up Wednesdays. I am Tanya from Kreative Korner, a co-host for the party.
    http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/

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  87. what a gorgeous, happy kitchen with such beautiful light!! i adore the open shelving!!!!

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  88. Your kitchen is lovely! You have the patience of a saint to wait four years for it!
    All your decorative touches marry so beautifully together!

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  89. Your kitchen is lovely. So bright and cheerful. I stopped by from The Enchanting Rose. Have a wonderful day, Heather

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  90. I love you kitchen. What a great place to spend time.

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  91. I see why you call it a happy kitchen! It would certainly life my spirits to spend a few hours cooking in such a pretty place. Visiting from Roses of Inspiration; thanks for sharing!

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  92. Oh Poppy, your kitchen is happy! I love the open shelves and have often mentioned to my husband that I would like to do that - it looks lovely!

    You have a wonderful eye for making a place beautiful. Thanks for sharing at ROI. Hugs to you, my friend!

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  93. Poppy, your kitchen is just about as cute and happy as you are! I love everything about it. Who wouldn't love waking up to this cheery space every morning?? You and your hubby certainly have created a wonderful space together :)

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  94. So true, the things we wait for do mean even more to us, what a wonderful and cheerful kitchen, love how you have pictures on the shelves

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  95. So pretty! And I love all your colors! It really is a 'happy' kitchen!
    Shelley

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  96. Thanks for sharing such a useful information. It is very useful and informative kitchen remodeling.Kitchen Remodeling Toronto

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Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate hearing from all of you! Have a great day!