Hello! Here are some easy kitchen counter styling ideas that include damage-free mounting of art to your backsplash and what to put on your island. There is also an outfit of the week for Paris in Winter (we are going in a few weeks), a good read, an app that helps you find things using a photo, and the darling baby shower that I attended last weekend.
It’s time for our Five Faves with Annie and Cindy!
1. Easy Kitchen Counter Styling
Keep your counters clutter-free but with useful items like fruit, vegetable, oils, and utensils. And perhaps a plant or two.
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Art
I like to hang small art on a backsplash to add some color but still be able to clean the counter. I have great luck finding small paintings on eBay. Search by subject matter like Seascape and size. Sometimes, they need framing, and sometimes not.
Enter Command Strip Velcro tabs for damage-free hanging.
Kitchen Island Styling
Start with a large tray, breadboard, or platter and arrange on top of it in elements of three. This tray is from Serena and Lily and EVERY thing is 20% off right now.
You can change the elements on the tray or breadboard as often as you like.
Accessorizing the Area By The Range
Did you ever notice that usually, only the wooden utensils are on display in photos (our metal and plastic ones are in the drawer below)? I try to disguise the outlets a bit but still leave them accessible.
Counter Charging Station With Stand For Reading Recipes
Howard gave me this handy charging station for Christmas. He thought I would keep it by my bedside, but it’s great for reading recipes (and now I know where my phone is downstairs 🙂
2. Photo Search App For Price Comparing With Google
Recently, I took a photo of two natural wood nesting tables in a home decor store. The price for both of them in the store was $425.
I could source it for less but I like the idea of supporting a small business and actually seeing the wood grain variation in person. It is a fun tool to use though. Have you tried it?
3. “Good Night Moon” Baby Shower
My friend, Joy and her daughter, Ana gave a sweet baby shower for their daughter/sister-in-law last Sunday. It was based on the “papa to be’s” favorite book as a child “Good Night Moon.”
We had a delicious brunch and a little craft of decoupaging wooden blocks to decorate the baby’s nursery. Fun!
4. What To Read
This was a feel-good book: Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel by Shelby Van Pelt
“For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty, and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.”
5. Paris Daytime Winter Outfit – What To Pack
Layers and walking shoes!
cashmere scarf • sunglasses • black straight jeans • classic wool coat with Thinsulate lining (I waited for this to go on sale. Size up since it’s fitted) • beanie (packable)• Rothy’s durable tote (it’s washable) • On Cloud 9 sneakers slip-ons (great for airports) • cashmere crewneck • thin turtleneck for layering
I will also bring comfortable Lug Sole Chelsea Boots and a thin down vest or featherweight parka. Note that Athleta has 20% off everything if you want to stock up on workout clothes.
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:
You’re going to Paris! How exciting … and I love your travel ensemble. I’m looking at those Cloud 9 sneakers for our trip to Italy in June. They look so comfy. Command strips are so great … I think I might hang my kitchen art. Good point about not having to clean around it. What a cute baby shower idea. Hope you had a great weekend! xo
Mary Ann, You are so lucky to go to Paris! Love the outfit ideas and that coat especially. I need that charger.xx
Love your new kitchen! The changes you have made are fabulous to look at and I am sure a joy to cook in. Also love your winter Paris wardrobe. Will you add more pieces for dining out? Look forward to your posts from Paris, final packing, where you stay, etc.
Every item in your Paris outfit is a winner for me! (It could also be a stylish outfit for a winter day in Boston for those of us who are not heading to Paris lol!) Love your style.
Thanks, Rose Marie! Stay warm.
Mary Ann,
I love oil paintings in the kitchen. Thanks for the lead on finding some pretty paintings on eBay. Lucky you to be going to Paris. Have a wonderful trip.
Karen B.
Thank you, Karen!!
Thank you Mary Ann for your lovely post. Your kitchen is so beautiful and calming l find it very inspiration! One day we will do our kitchen and l am saving your posts to remember what l loved!
Happy week:)
Thanks, Francesca!!
Your kitchen is looking fantastic, I love the variegated tile pattern, just the right amount of interest. How lucky that your coat went on sale in time for your trip to Paris, hope you make there in time for the winter sales, safe travels.
I think we will miss the January sales, Li!
Would you be willing to share what your kitchen countertops are?
Thanks!
Sorry, I don’t have that information.
Hi Mary Ann,
Your posts are always a joy to read. I’ve only lived in this community for a bit over a year. We moved to Atlantic Beach from Washington D.C. and were are enjoying the beauty of the ocean, the tree canopy and the climate, (most time). But I’ve encountered a new problem. I have an extensive collection of beautiful copper cookware but if found that it tarnishes extremely easily in this climate. Do you have any information, tips or tricks that could save me from this dilemma? I’m also enjoying your tips on places to shop in this area and beyond as everything is new to me. Hoping to meet you some day as we’re neighbors less than a mile apart.
Andrea
Hi Andrea! You probably know more than we do. We just moved here in March. I use Barkeepers Friend on the copper. It’s pretty easy.
I love this site
It gives me some great ideas!
Great, Maggie!
Mary Ann,
I love your new art and how your “still life art” pulls from your painting. It looks like you have tons of counter and island space; that’s so nice! Love your glass cabinets with your glassware too!
Your daytime Paris outfit is perfect! You will look so chic but still, be cozy and comfortable!
And no…I don’t think I knew about that iPhone sourcing trick from a photo! I must try!
xx
Annie
The google search is so easy, Annie.