Kitchen Cupboards~Something Is In The Air

January is a perfect month for new beginnings. The time of year when we look forward, starting over, make promises to ourselves. I decided that this month would be the perfect time of year to clean the tops of my cabinets! Crazy? Probably, but it's something that needs to be done, doesn't it?
It's not the cleaning that is difficult for me, it's the decorating that has me stumped every time. You see, I am not a natural, it's very hard for me and on me. I think we all know someone that can walk into a room and put everything in it's place to perfection........not me!!! I can study books, magazines and someone else's work, but that doesn't help me at all. So, with that being said, I started my chore and finally got it done. I must admit that I am pleased with the outcome and I am smiling.

When hubby and I bought this home about 7 years ago, we bought it new. I was asked the question, "do you want staggered tops or flat tops on your cabinets?" What?, I really had no idea what the question meant. You see, I am married to a military man, and he has served his country for a proud 30 years. We have lived in many places, but I never had anything but flat, or straight cupboards. This was not something I ever thought about. When given the chance for something new, I grabbed it. The different heights and widths, bring it all on, what a great chance to display collectables and just have some fun.

To be honest, it wasn't fun, it was work. I didn't have a clue what the heck to put up there or how to go about making it look like anything but a dropping off place for unwanted items.

I figure that I finally made it happen, I like the look and am happy. The one thing you need to realize is that what goes up there, isn't coming back down for another year!!! At least, not in my kitchen. So, I had to find items that I not only wanted to look at, but items that I didn't need during the year. This is what I came up with. I hope you enjoy this tour of my kitchen.

Over the fridge, a couple antiques and some greenery. I find that greenery in the kitchen is a must, brings in a freshness and some color.

I loved this pig picture, but really didn't know what to do with it, now it's perfect and even has a friend. The copper on the right is a lunch box from Turkey, not something you would use everyday, so it fits right in up here.

I love roosters, and have a couple along with some bird houses. Grouping them together just seemed like the natural thing to do. It's a hint of what is to come.

This is a joy to see. Some of the items had to be heightened and so I just used empty food boxes, they can't be seen and they get to be repurposed.

Though the years, I have collected lots of copper and brass. The lights above are also from Turkey and work great in this space.

I don't think I would use them for their intended purpose, so up here I get the best of both worlds. Two of the lights hold oil and have wicks, the third holds a candle.

You can see one of the boxes from up here, but down below you can't.

This is one end of my cupboards, I am happy, everything is polished and clean, ready for another year.

This is the opposite end, love the pig!

A tiny space gets a little tweats house. I really had no where to use this sweet home, now I do.

I have no idea if this look will be one that will last more than this year, but it was worth the work and the time it took me to achieve. Don't be afraid of simplicity, it's a clean, natural look as well and can be very calming.

None of these items were something I was ready to get rid of. I love them all and now they have a place of honor and can be seen.

I hope you have enjoyed this little tour of my humble kitchen. Don't be afraid to think outside the box, have some fun and enjoy your treasures everyday.

Everything has it's place, and now on to something else that needs some attention....to be continued for sure!