After writing my last post about kitchens, I tried to quickly collect some images to inspire me. You see, what I'm hoping for here is that seeing them will kick my rear into gear as I embark on putting mine together before the big move.

Truth is, kitchen design intimidates me so I need to see some nice (affordable) ideas that can help put me in the You Can Do This mood. I want stuff I can't afford! My husband wants me to do it in one day and just be done with it! I want to spend 3 months finding the perfect solution! The things I love are too expensive here! I don't know where to find vintage cabinetry and old farmhouse sinks! Eek, eek and more eek. Well, I think I'll do what I always do when overwhelmed... run screaming towards a pile of neatly stacked magazines (like Livingetc where I grabbed the images you see in this fine post) and books and try to see what my options are.

Love me some open shelving but could not live with it under the counter because I'd always be dusting and washing everything. I currently have open shelving over my sink and I'm not such a fan of the dust so I've only placed things on it now that I use daily. Wine glasses are in the glass cabinet now -- those little dustaholics!

More inspiration that makes me swoon. I love the toaster and blender.... and the counter is just grand. I can see myself plopping toast onto that beauty, buttering it, sipping a big glass of OJ as the morning sun streams in... Wait! What happened to the cookies in my clear glass cookie jar!!!!

My new kitchen is no where near this size so having a bar with stools will remain a dream. BUT I don't like this as much as I dig the more rustic kitchens, it's a bit too sleek for my taste. What do you think?

This is styled so nicely. And that tilework is full on rad. But could I ever commit to tile that is so bold and graphic? No way. I sometimes envy people who can make long term decisions, and be happy with this, like the folks who own this kitchen. I just don't have THAT gene. You know, the completely organized I always know what I want one.

Maybe this is a bit wonky, I don't know, but the idea is cute. I just don't know about the frame around it, it looks too fancy for me. I'd dig this frame-free and mounted on the wall. I love the thought of having all of these perfect squares to put things in. I could waste hours rearranging and arranging these babies.

How delicious is that tile? I think there is just too much white in here for even me though. I need some natural wood. But hey, if someone gifted me with this exact kitchen I would be such a show off nah nah nahhhhhing it to everyone. Nah, nah nah nah my kitchen is awesomerrrr....

So yes, kitchen design. I know about the triangular work flow thing that all kitchens must have, I know where I want my sink, oven, stovetop and fridge... but what I don't know is how to find what I see in my mind's eye over here. Back home, I'd know exactly where to drag my patient husband. I guess it's time for me to stop whining and start working. I have a long way to go...

(images: livingetc)