New Kitchen Stools and Wall Art

It’s no secret that I’m not a winter person. I really wish we skied or snowboarded as a family because I think it might make the winter months more fun! I seriously have the winter blues so I thought I’d liven up our house with new kitchen stools and wall art.

Do you guys have the winter blahs too? If so, it’s truly amazing what some small changes can do to a space.

It all started when I was confined to the kitchen with Max while he was sick. I shared a bit more about that on social media (thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers) – he’s better now. Phew!

But sitting in the kitchen made me realize I wanted to make a few changes in here. It’s been a while and my back was aching from sitting on stools with no support. I did love our previous stools but really wanted something with a little back.

As for the artwork in our kitchen we had some pressed butterflies which I love and think I’ll put on a built in with our old books, but wanted something a bit lively in here.

Here’s a peek:

New Wall Art

First let me tell you about the beautiful paintings hanging in our kitchen. They are by Joanne Papandrea and I found them at a multi-family yard sale last June.

First I need to tell you the special significance of Joanne and her paintings. I took watercolor classes with her at the senior center and she was such a wonderful teacher & she made everyone feel that they were able to create art. I learned so much about composition and watercolor from her. Sadly, Joanne passed away from cancer right before the pandemic. I miss her so very much.

I wasn’t aware that they had an art sale in her honor but stumbled upon her home in this multi-family yard sale. I was able to chat to her sister and I actually bought a number of her prints, acrylics, and watercolors. I honestly can’t believe how long I’ve waited to put them up. I don’t know if that ever happens to you guys. I had the best intentions but they’ve sat unframed waiting.

I brought three pieces up to The Frame Center to be framed last week and I’ll share those once they’re ready but I have these two in frames that were made by a local carpenter and I bought at Joanne’s home. I think they have a nice rustic look.

These paintings have so much life and texture in them. They add so much life and color to our kitchen.

It means so much to me to have Joanne’s artwork hanging in my home.

Why You Should Consider Hanging Original Art

• It is completely unique
• Your supporting an artist’s life / dream
• For texture, light, color

As you can see Joanne’s work is so expressive.

I love the brush strokes and her use of color. There’s so much movement.

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New Stools

These new stools are so comfortable.

Since moving into our home we had the same kitchen stools which were wonderful and our very sturdy. You can see the old stools here. I craved something a little more modern and something with back support.

The older I get the more I want our home to reflect our style but also be functional.

Previously we had 4 stools but these came as a set of two and thought we would see how two go as we don’t have a huge kitchen.

You may spot our dining room and Cornishware collection I shared last week.

The stools actually stay on the other side of the peninsula but I thought they photograph better on the other side. Here you can see how they are in our every day life:

What I love about these stools

• the height – they’re 26″ and that’s what we needed for our 1960s counter
• the color – the tan picks up other warm hues in our home
• the durability
• the price – we got two stools delivered for $200!!!!

Contemporary Comfort

These stools are faux leather but have a padded saddle seat and clean lines. It’s the perfect size for kitchen which isn’t huge.

I love the stitching detail and the black accents. Here you can see more of the detail. The faux leather is so warm and it was pretty simple assembly.

I love that I can sit and have a glass of wine or coffee while we’re preparing dinner or breakfast. It’s also a great spot to catch up on emails. The radiator is under the counter so it’s nice and warm.

Small Changes, Big Impact

It really is funny but these small changes have made me enjoy our kitchen so much more. It is a dream to one day possibly combine the kitchen and dining room and have it feel more like an entertaining room.

What do you think of these new changes?

More Kitchen Ideas

• Stick on Subway Tile
• A Pretty Stool
• Brass Hardware
• Bright White Cabinets

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