Restaurants are great places in which to get bursts of inspiration for your own kitchen. You may not necessarily replicate the inventive idea, but maybe it sparks another project that adds a similar functionality or aesthetic to your own kitchen space.
When we saw the cheese grater chandelier featured on The Kitchn, we knew this would go straight into the inspiration file. Located at a new grilled cheese restaurant on NYC's Lower East Side, the chandelier is an architectural marvel. Who knew cheese graters could be so chic? So modern? So eye-catching?
If you're the daring DIY type, you could likely replicate the cheese grater chandelier in your own abode. Your biggest problem would be collecting enough cheese graters, although perhaps a day spent thrifting would yield enough supplies. And your in-home version would likely be smaller than the one featured in the restaurant, meaning you wouldn't need quite as many graters.
Sharpies are such a versatile item. Sure, they're an ideal office supply (and a must-have when it comes to preparing for a garage sale.) But Sharpies also have nearly unlimited DIY potential. Just ask my husband who, after becoming inspired by a C&H post I wrote a couple years ago, decorated one of our loft walls with a Sharpie mural of the NYC skyline. Three months and four boxes of Sharpies later, the masterpiece was complete. I contributed by drawing a few lines, then my attention span disappeared.
When I saw the Sharpie floor featured on Apartment Therapy's round-up of bold kitchen floors, I knew I had to post it for you! You could certainly attempt your own Sharpie masterpiece. From my (extremely) limited experience? Make sure you really, really want to finish the project. Or have my husband's discipline. Because it takes quite awhile, especially if you're doing a detailed design!
How amazing is that floor? And can you imagine the conversation it must inspire when people come over? I think I could stare at it for hours! You'd have so many options, too, when picking your Sharpies. Black and white is classic, but you could also inject pops of color--or maybe even go metallic?
A few days ago, I spent some time touring a model condominium in downtown Kansas City while on assignment. Not only is the building a towering historic landmark (the tallest residential building in the Midwest, outside of Chicago) but it also houses some beautiful, modern condominiums. (Note: the below photo isn't of the condo, sadly enough, because I wasn't savvy enough to snap a pic while I was oohing, aahing and drooling!)
It seems like a minor detail when compared with the rest of the features and amenities, but one of the things that struck me most in the condo was the kitchen's stainless steel backsplash. We've talked before here at C&H about using metal tiles to add a dose of oomph to your kitchen's walls, but this was a solid sheet of stainless steel--and it made for an impressive, functional look that seamlessly blended with the kitchen's stainless steel appliances and the home's modern surroundings.
I've quickly realized that touring open houses and model condos/lofts can be a great way to glean inspiration for your own space. They typically display a variety of features, including upgraded options, and are so perfectly decorated that it's like stepping into the pages of your favorite shelter magazine.
When you're creating colors for kitchen surfaces, what better inspiration is there than food? DuPont's new color collections in Zodiaq quartz surfaces and Corian solid surfaces are inspired by spices and ingredients, respectively. Think of a kitchen infused with the warmth of chicory, or a fresh burst of cilantro.
Zodiaq Quartz Surfaces
Five new colors are available in the quartz surface, a versatile material that DuPont says "can be used in a variety of residential applications, including kitchen and bathroom countertops, backsplashes, wet bars, fireplace surrounds, tub decks and tub and shower surrounds."
This year's collection, inspired by spices, includes Coarse Pepper, Caraway, Poppy Seed, Chicory and Sage.
"We wanted to capture the spirit of crafting a well-seasoned meal in a finely appointed kitchen, including the anticipation, creativity and satisfaction that naturally emerge," says Lori Alzamora, North American marketing manager for DuPont Building Innovations.
And in response to increased consumer demand for quartz surfaces, three of the collection's most popular colors--Antique Pearl, Vela Brown and Abyss Black--are now available in the lowest Zodiaq price point, making the material an affordable yet stylish option for all.
