Scandinavian Kitchens - Beamed Ceilings

There are many Scandinavian kitchens which have beamed ceilings. There are many old buildings, both apartments in the city and old farm homes, which have beams used as structural timbers in the home. Of course, as said before, Scandinavians beautifully mix their contemporary design aesthetic with these old beams, (or in this one case, contemporary styled beams) and they do it with style and confidence. Thus, a home with truly rustic elements does not have to continue this look of "country", even if the floors are old, the walls are textured stone, as well as the ceiling with ancient beams. Some old structures have low ceilings. In these homes we will see beams too, but they may be closer to the ceiling, more shallow, and perhaps painted a light color, looking into blend in, another great look. Enjoy these images, and please look through the previous images in this category in the sidebar to see other great beamed kitchens. Top image is from Tidens Bolig, second image from Bo Bedre. And, again, here's a great Scandinavian blog: Min Lille Veranda.

A blog bonus for today is a recent blog entry by Holly at Decor 8 on Scandinavian design blogs. 

Retro Kitchens - Kitchen Fencing Ideas

Hi kitchen fans, the latest installment is here of 60s-70s kitchens, and the last entry of this type for a little while. I think I've made the point, to show examples of kitchens that we can't believe we really either lived in or were designed, in our recent history! I'll put one up every now and then for another laugh and "yikes!" I'll be replacing this feature with a regularly scheduled Saturday "New/Cool Product." It's important to be aware of what is in the marketplace, and so much is in the marketplace in the world of kitchens. And, having attended 3 design shows in May, I have lots of great material to go through, and I'm really picky too.

So, back to the kitchen of today. It sort of looks like iron fencing, doesn't it? And, the aquamarine? Hmmm, not sure I have an explanation for that! The curtains REALLY give away the time period here, don't you think? But, what really bugs me is the typical cabinetry to the left of the image. I think something there could have had a curve to it. Maybe just curved open shelves between the two tall items. It's just not working for me over there. Oh, and the floor, I can't even go there. Have fun!

 

Seen at KBIS - kitschy kitcheny kolors from SMEG

SMEG is a hugely popular appliance manufacturer in Europe. I know I see it all over Denmark, when I go there and visit the kitchen showrooms, so that's MY sharp eyed reporter's factoid!

SMEG is introducing its line of appliances in the USA now, after having received all the various certifications. The line, aesthetically is very interesting, and I mean that in the most positive way. They're bold, they're sexy, they're highly functional and stylish. And, they do not only show retro appliances, like this beautifully simplistic retro refrigerator we see here. They have many modern appliances in their line too, custom designed by an architect, as you will hear in my podcast.  Look to SMEG for BOTH modern and retro appliances. They will be introducing a refrigerator with a larger freezer section soon.

I know Scrappy Girl from Domino has a possible retro fridge fixation in her future kitchen plans. With Scrappy Girl in mind, I sought out a bit more information via my podcast. I'm glad I did...there's not too much information on the website!

Scrappy, I gotta tell you, though, I DID see another booth with colorful retro appliances, the only other booth I saw with them. I was looking from afar, taking a needed rest at the end of the second day, feet up, pointing weakly to that area, (all for the cause and dramatic effect) and then it left my mind and I inadvertently walked in another direction! Of course, I remembered much later what I missed. Maybe I'll find it in a press kit!

SMEG REFRIGERATOR INTERVIEW