Reader Q & A - For Julieta (definitely a she)

Julieta writes:

Hi (Jules),

I only know you go by Jules because I read the Julian snafu. Since I
also go by Jules, I remembered the nickname.

So, I know the last thing you want is another kitchen, but I've been
in back splash/design purgatory for 1.5 years. We started the
remodel when I was practicing as an attorney. Mid-way through the
remodel I decided to stop practicing to stay at home with our son (we
now have a new baby, also a boy). Because of my sudden career
change, our plans/budget for the kitchen changed. Needless to say,
the cork floors we wanted were quickly replaced with VCT (commercial
grade vinyl tiles you see in supermarkets, Target, etc.), the window
treatments were what we could find at Target, and my decorative
corner cabinets remained empty. All this knowing that once we
regrouped we could finish these last pieces to our liking.

The back splash? We just can't decide. Any ideas? We planned on
subway tiles. This is an older home and we tried to keep the kitchen
fairly traditional to flow with the architecture of the house and
contrast that with modern accessories and fabrics. My goal was to
have a kitchen that looked like warm cookies and a glass of milk--a
place for our boys to create fond memories of their childhood.

The before picture is from the week we moved into the house. The
"after" picture was taken in the dead of winter, so it is darker than
usual. That said, we're still considering changing the wall color to
a simple creme to add more light due to northern exposure. The
vintage tablecloth we no longer use, and any other accessory you see
can be replaced.

I know you've already done kitchens, so my feelings won't be hurt if
you tell me to pound sand. Well, maybe they will be a *teensy* bit
hurt if you say it like that! :)

All the best,
Jules

First of all, don't let Julieta fool you. She's definitely creative in her own right as shown by the amazing progress she's already made on her kitchen (See the before and after photos below) not to mention her great way with verse via The Poem Company. A great source for original invitations with a little rogue custom poetry.

My backsplash suggestion was twofold. First, a simple white subway tile behind the stove area as shown here:

For the rest? Orla Kiely's Blossom Wallpaper available at Anthropologie for $88.00 per roll.

From there I went with this fantastic Butterfly Shadowbox at Anthropologie for $48.00.

For a dash of color and coordination I would pick up a couple of these Fantasia Butterfly Dishtowels, $18.00 each at Anthro.

I love the fact Julieta uses a tablecloth in her kitchen and wanted to find the perfect fit. This wasn't hard to do. Anthropologie has covered all the bases. I love this damask stripe tablecloth in neutral for $58.00.

For display in her cabinets, a set of these yellow Wild Cabbage Cups & Saucers for $18.00 each.

And last, but not least, this Green Owl Gocco Print from Sugar Loop for $12.00 matted and framed in a gold leaf frame with a similar finish to the Butterfly Shadowbox.