Is butcher block in the kitchen a good idea?

Is butcher block in the kitchen a good idea? A lot of people would be concerned that wood is high maintenance. Others would argue that wood bring warmth into the kitchen.  They would both be right. Yes, it is true that wood does require maintenance, but you can seal with a oils. Just be aware that not all oils are food safe, so make sure you get one that is.

I'm not a big fan of using butcher block on all my kitchen counters, but I am a big fan of using butcher block on an island. They gives you the best of both worlds. The warmth of wood, but in a smaller area, where it's easier to maintain.

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How about using just a portion of your counter top as a butcher block? What a great idea. Easier to clean and maintain a small area.

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Butcher block are beautiful, and they do bring warmth into a kitchen. Especially in today kitchen where there is so much cold stone, (granite or quartz) being used. As far as maintenance goes, you can use oil, (like tung oil or raw linseed oil) to maintain it, and you should have no problems. In the event that you do have stubborn stains that won't come out, you can simply sand it down, bringing back the beauty of the wood!!

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Creating vignettes.

Creating vignettes isn't as hard as you may think. As a decorator and home stager, I often see my clients creating this decorating mistake I call, "ducks-in-a-row". You know, when you go to the county fair, and they have the game that lines, "ducks-in-a-row" where you shoot and win a prize? Yes that one!! I often will see that style of decorating in a client's home.  But vignettes are more about grouping then single lines! There are guidelines you can use, to help you get started.

1. Assemble. Go corral  items you want to display. See what jumps out at you.

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2. Anchor.  It's the first thing you see and it sets the tone. Anchor objects tend to be larger in scale. They can be a painting, a sculpture or even a lamp.  In this case it's the Juju hat.

3. Scale & shape. Use odd numbers when creating vignettes. Why? Because they are more harmonious and pleasing to the eye. Also, make sure all your pieces aren't the same height. So if one of you items is 2", pair it with another item that is 1". This creates variation in height, which create symmetry.  Notice the two flower arrangements? One half the size of the other.

4. Create a theme. Some of the most striking and interesting vignettes have some sort of theme through them. Themes can be color, elements - like wood or metal, or collections - like nautical. The key word here is assortment. Just remember when using collection, ex..elephants, don't use ALL you elephant pieces together. Why? Because you don't want it to look like you're in a zoo gift shop!!

5. Create depth. Place your items from back to front, instead of a straight line. Remember ducks-in-a-row? This create dimension and interest.

6. Vary the texture. Mix rough with smooth, shiny with dull, wood with iron. This will offer an array of texture.

7. Edit and admire. Take a step back and look at your work. Is it "working" for you? Something not quite right? Edit it until you feel it, "works" for you. Have fun and enjoy the process!!

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