Hello and welcome to my favorite things this week like a remodel to create a big kitchen island for classic casual dining, washable doormats, a good read, and my outfit of the week! Annie and Cindy have their “always good” faves, too, with links at the end of the post!
1. Washable Door Mats
We have two different washable Ruggable runners in our kitchen (that way I can switch them out when one is dirty). So I was intrigued by the new washable doormats (you know how dirty they can get this time of year).
The bottom layer stays stationary and you simply peel off the top to put in the washer. 15% off right now.
Seems like a good idea! Here are a few…
2. Remodel: Big Kitchen Island For Classic Casual Dining
When my client, Melinda in Atlanta contacted me regarding finishes for her kitchen…I set about understanding her preferences. She prefers curves instead of angles with lighting and wanted comfortable seating at a large island in her new kitchen designed by Nancy Evans.
Notice how the black and brass chandelier and flush mount have smooth edges? I love the Agnes flush mount over the sink (and the name reminds Melinda of a beloved doll that she had as a child).
Caned back stool from Crate and Barrel. This has a retro feel with the caning. Since this is classic (my grandmother had caned furniture) this is also timeless. The cushion is finished in high-performance linen-blend fabric and a brass-finished metal kickplate protects the wooden footrest.
The kitchen hasn’t been styled yet. But notice how the window shades are hung near the ceiling to make the windows appear larger. They are natural woven shades by Smith and Nobel.
Shop the post:
3. Hair Salon Diaries: Black Jeans and Cheetah Print
My hairstylist, Inna accommodates me by taking my photo after she has done my hair. So, this is the fifth photo in my “Hairstylist Diaries” showing what I wear on just a regular day.
similar stone pendant necklace • brown tunic, a gift from Cindy Hattersley from her local store, Tancredi and Morgen • Anthro readers these are new and sturdy • gold x earrings • Lightweight black turtle neck good for layering • Nars Lip Pigment • $10 Everyday cheetah print tote from J. Crew • Comfortable Birdie Loafers (LOVE) • J. Crew stretchy black jeans (petite 28 — actually darker than shown)
4. What To Read: The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowan
Just so you know, I only recommend books that I like here. That’s why I like the free Libby app from the public library. If I’m not crazy about a book, I just turn it back in early…no guilt. And you won’t see it mentioned here.
This book takes you to two different time periods in Paris, France during World War II and then to 2017.
“Set seventy-five years apart, against a perilous and a prosperous Paris, both Estelle and Lia must summon hidden courage as they navigate the dangers of a changing world, altering history—and their family’s futures—forever.”
5. Graze: Inspiration for Small Plates and Meandering Meals: A Charcuterie Cookbook
This was a Christmas gift from family and it’s fun. Those are my new reading glasses below. The linen indigo pillow is from Pottery Barn (on sale).
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
I love the wood floor color in your kitchen remodel! I also found some of the new trends so interesting! If you ever have the desire, I would love to hear your opinion on cabinet hardware (knobs vs handles), under-counter microwave drawers, and also kitchen (as well as bathroom) faucets and finishes.
Thanks for your great pictures and entries!
Thanks for the suggestion, Sam!!
The kitchen turned out so gorgeous, I happen to love a white kitchen, it’s so clean and refreshing to look at. It just spells happy and always a current look to me.
The brown tunic that Cindy Hattersley gifted you is so pretty on you. You look adorable, styled to the nines. I am
sure your hair stylist looks forward to your visits.
Hi Mary Ann,
Nice post, what a pretty kitchen! The light fixure especially. I’m not a fan of islands with seating but those stools are really good.
You look super as always, such a nice outfit and colors look great on you! I’m going to have to try a pair of Birdies soon!
Have a nice week!
Xo Heidi
Wish you would do a more in-depth post on your wardrobe. I believe you said recently you don’t have a lot of clothes. Do you have a capsule wardrobe? Tend to stick to certain colors? How often do you purge your closet? I am one of those who have a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear.
Thanks for the idea! We don’t have much space. I wear a lot of black leggings and denim with t-shirts, button-downs, and sweaters. Often when I bring in one new item, I will donate one item. I brought home a lot of my mom’s cashmere sweaters…but they don’t really fit. So while sentimental, some will have to go.
I will do a post on what works for me…thanks!
Hi Mary Ann,
I asked you once before and now have forgotten! Where do you have your hair done in SF? I live in Marin and love your hair!
Thanks, Ellie
D’Arti on Greenwich…its near Union St…so you can go to the Birdies store and lunch too. Tell Inna that I sent you!
Mary Ann,
Your hair looks great, and I love the outfit you’re wearing. The kitchen you designed is great too. The cookbook looks like a winner.
As always, I love Sunday posts from you three talented women.
xo,
Karen
Thanks so much, Karen!!!
I love the tunic top, great color for you and looks terrific with basic black pieces. That is a very nice gift from Cindy.
Cindy is such a great friend.
Your hair looks fabulous. Love the cut and color.
Thanks Beverly!!
I absolutely love your outfit for the hairstyle diaries. I love leopard and black so much especially on you. I have the cheetah birdies but don’t love the color. I just bought Talbots leopard flats and I like them better than my birdies. I love your birdies with just the tassel in the leopard. I will be copying this look although I don’t look great in browns near my face (pale Irish coloring)!
The kitchen is gorgeous! Wish I could copy that too! Will you be styling it? If so I hope you will share it then.
I love your five favorites on Sundays!
Thank you so much!!
We’re on the road up to visit family in Sacramento, Davis and Livermore and I just read your post. Love the doormats, I need a new one badly. We don’t have a protective covering over our porch so with sun and rain they always look old and worn. Think these might be a good option.
The kitchen is beautiful and I’m in love with the chandelier. Hoping I can find a less pricey knock off for my dining room.
Your outfit is so great and I had to laugh when you said it was a “regular” day outfit. I want those glasses for the frames. I need prescription glasses so not sure they’d work for that.
I’m ordering The Paris Apartment on Libby today. Hope it’s available, I need a book to read on this trip.
Thanks for always brightening my Sunday morning.
THANKS, Gail!!!
I love your hair salon diaries. I agree with Wren! That kitchen looks fabulous! Your clients must be thrilled!
I love the shirt you gave me!
The cabinet hardware is beautiful. Would you mind sharing the brand and model?
The Harlowe from Rejuvenation!
Thank you so much. I’ve been struggling with my kitchen hardware. This project is beautiful. You’re the best.
You are welcome!!
You’ve tuned your hairstylist diaries in a thing! I think it’s a fun idea and maybe someday, Inna will let herself be revealed. Kudos to her for keeping your hair such a beautiful color!
Enjoyed the whole post-
Thanks, Wren. I will see if Inna will let me! I’m not coloring the gray…just lightening the rest to have. it blend more