The art of cooking with art around...

Since I've been choosing photographs for a small show ( I know, exciting!) that I will be in in October, someone made the suggestion that some of my food photography would be great for a kitchen. It really got me thinking of using art in kitchens in general. More often than not we are paying more attention to the appliances, the subway tile or hand painted tile backsplash, and the lighting over the island, am I right? When is it okay to put a painting in the kitchen? Is it better to keep it simple? Here are some pictures of art in the kitchen that I found particularly intriguing.

Nancy Boszhardt. What an amazing and clearly functional kitchen. If that found painting was not there, the kitchen would still be beautiful but it definitely adds a focal point and some interest.

Even in a super industrial kitchen, it doesn't have to be all modular pieces. This painting is amazing and adds much needed color to the space. From Living Etc.

Delson Sherman Architects placed a painting off to the side. This painting helps to transition the space from the kitchen to the dining/sun room.

Another striking painting made into the focal point of the room framed by two amazing sconces. I really love those sconces. By David Kleinberg.

Even in this mini kitchen (Anna Sui's apartment from Elle Decor), there are two works of art; one leaning and another in a niche above the sink. The painting only adds to the gracefully controlled whimsy in this space.

So, I guess you can have it all! Subway tile galore, amazing lighting and art. I have a framed piece of fabric with an elephant on it from India in my kitchen. It helps to define the space as my kitchen is technically kitchen slash living room. I'm sure a lot of you have situations like that. I placed the fabric right over my breakfast table instead of centered on the whole wall and it breaks the room into two parts.

In other news, I had my class tonight and it's not as scary as I thought (fingers crossed), but it will take up a lot of my time so please be patient with me! Thanks for your encouragement, too!


Alicia B.