Cool as a Cucumber

After much deliberation, Rob and I finally settled on a refrigerator.

The decision took much longer than expected due to our ongoing conversations

on whether or not to splurge on a built-in model.

We realized that the kitchen as a whole needed much more attention and would

require our piggy bank to be as heavy as possible.

Spending $7,000 dollars on a refrigerator just wasn't in the cards.

While the free standing counter depth model we decided on was in no way

inexpensive, the money we would save with this model would give us

 more wiggle room when it came to choosing counter tops.

{which, we are currently on the hunt for!}

Here is the model we chose for the cottage.

{bosch linea stainless steel sxs refrigerator}

One thing I wasn't thrilled about was the exterior water dispenser.

I guess you can say I'm not a water dispenser gal.

I prefer a seamless look.

What we did like was the long doors and hidden hinges.

Glass shelves helped seal the deal for us.

There is nothing worse than opening up a fridge and smelling plastic.

I'm odd, I'm telling ya!

The final factor was having a side by side model.

As lovely as french door units are, we weren't willing to deal with

one again.  It was a bit of a hassle for us.

Our carpenter who completed our fireplace ensured me that it would look built-in.

We shall see.

Since we currently have a 42' built-in model in it's place,

 a lot of work is in order.

The new unit will not be as tall or wide.

Since we don't have much/if any open shelving in our kitchen,

 I'm leaning towards keeping the space above the new refrigerator open.

It could be a great place to store my cake dishes

or display ironstone pieces and milk glass.

I realize that some these spaces aren't above a refrigerator

 but they inspired me for our work.

{copper kettles both old and new look pretty snazzy!}

{white cake stands and pitchers look lovely}

{i'm digging the separation between the cake stands}

Cookbooks could be another option.

{canisters filled with an assortment of kitchen essentials}

{cake pedestals, tureen's and darling bowls}

During my search for a built-in look, I came across another idea I'm considering.

{especially since the carpenter will be around...tee hee hee}

This may be sort of tricky to see in the picture or explain well.

I'll give it a try!

I like the idea of adding crown molding even though there is a soffit that

separates the cabinet and the ceiling.

The molding really finishes off the look, in my opinion.

This may not work in our kitchen due to some of our unique ceiling angles,

but it's worth asking about.

I'm a little hung up on counter tops at the moment as

no one in the area carries quartzite.

I adore the look of marble, but being as ocd as I am, I'm not sure I could

handle the natural patina.  I wish I could say I was one of those people.

I'm considering light granites, like river granite, but I'm not sold.

Any suggestions would be appreciated more than you know.

Or those of you who have honed marble and can testify I'm good to go,

I'm willing to listen!

How do you clean those awful spots?

thanks for reading, friends!

*photos courtesy of bosch, country living, country living, martha stewart, all the things that make a house a home blog, pinterest {unknown}, cote de texas