It’s nearing midnight here in the South, so you know what that means? Barb is in one of her “moods” to decorate and re-design. As part of my on-going “In-Home Shopping” excursion, and in conjunction with my After-Holiday Clean-Up, I decided to try a few new things on my kitchen countertops. Because I love to cook, I like to keep my oils and vinegars and such at close hand. They sit right next to my cooktop. I have olive oil, canola oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, a pepper mill, dried bay leaves, fresh herbs from the garden – and, course salt and freshly ground pepper in the little, red crocks. I am out of a few items, so generally there are a few more bottles not seen here. This chopping block works okay, but I wanted to try a few different things sitting around my kitchen – just to liven things up a bit.
First I tried a pretty woven basket. I usually plant primroses this time of year in this basket, but thought I’d give it a try. I like the look, but it doesn’t hold near enough of my bottles et al. So, I guess it will get planted with primroses after all.
Next I tried one of my beautiful hand-painted Portuguese plates. Loved the burst of color it provided on top of my black granite, but again – just not enough space. I also cringed whenever my bottles were placed on the plate at the sound of glass on glass.
I could see myself sitting a bottle down a little too hard…and oh my! Let’s get this collectible out of the way and back where its safe. 🙂
I unloaded my plates from my plate stand, and left a single plate on the bottom tier. I even added in my hand-painted Portuguese plate as an alternative. (I wanted to see what a plain white plate vs a colorful plate would do.) I loved the look – and was tempted – but again, it just didn’t yield the space I desired. When it comes to decorating, I will sacrifice function over form – but not when it comes to cooking. So, even though this was one of my favorite looks….
Next, I spied my copper bowl I purchased a few years back through Southern Living at Home. I thought this would work well, because I have a hand-hammered copper farmhouse sink from Mexico which closely resembles this bowl. Not only was it way too bulky, but it provided very little storage space. Nope – back to its normal space above my hutch.
I unloaded my plates from my plate stand, and left a single plate on the bottom tier. I even added in my hand-painted Portuguese plate as an alternative. (I wanted to see what a plain white plate vs a colorful plate would do.) I loved the look – and was tempted – but again, it just didn’t yield the space I desired. When it comes to decorating, I will sacrifice function over form – but not when it comes to cooking. So, even though this was one of my favorite looks….
…I went back to the chopping block. I like that I can fit most everything on top. So, until I run across something that works better…I will keep this look for now.
I would love to hear what you use and maybe you can inspire me. Just make sure it can hold lots of stuff! 🙂
Happy Improving Your Home….Barb
prof en retraite says
No clue how to help you here, Barb. Mine stay put up…especially since the Tassimo arrived and became the new counter hog!!!…Debbie
View Commentmarty39 says
Wow Barb, this looks wonderful. I just keep everything in a cabinet near the range, all I have out is a container of olive oil and the ground peper and ground salt. Your selection looks fabulouw. I’m still so excited about your good new and your son and daughter-in-law coming home. Very exciting. Hugs, Marty
View CommentChrissy says
Hi…. thanks for coming by and your lovely comments, isn’t blogging fun??
View CommentStacey says
Way to go! I like the chopping block and the basket.
View CommentCarolina Mama says
Love your site and this post today makes me want to eat Italian food. 😉 Well done. I wanted to invite you to my Carolina Girls rollcall going on. 🙂 It’s fun.
View CommentCami @ Creating Myself says
Like you, I keep my oils & vinegars close at hand. I always keep them on my island but I switch up what I keep them on. For Christmas I had them on a sled. It’s not a very good pic but you can see them here in this post. http://creatingmyselfcreatively.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-home-tour.html
I’ve also kept them in a wicker suitcase….the tall bottles propped open the lid. But most of the time, I keep them on a silver tray. Again, this pic doesn’t show much of the oils & vinegars, they’re hidden behind the other stuff but you can get the idea. http://creatingmyselfcreatively.blogspot.com/2008/11/little-touches-of-fall.html
The chopping block is my fave of your set-ups. They look like they belong together.
View CommentTracey McBride says
Hi Barb…another great post! Sorry to overwhelm, but there’s an award awaiting you on my blog!
View CommentWarmly,
Tracey
KD says
BARB where did your oil post go on that other board? It won’t let me PM you……don’t take my Barb away.
View CommentKathysue says
I am glad you went back to the original look.I thought it was perfect.It is always fun to try something new but the original got my vote from the get go.You are our late night decorating Diva.Miss talking to you, Hugs Kathysue
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