For some of us, the kitchen is a frightening place filled with sharp objects, alien ingredients, and hot surfaces. But for cats? It's a jungle gym of exploration. There are things to play with, sit on, hide in, nibble on, and nap in. If you have a surface, appliance, utensil, or container, your cat will find a novel use for it. Take a look at our favorite cats getting comfy in the kitchen.
We love a good collaboration, and our newest favorite is a line of dish towels (yes, dish towels!) between San Francisco Bay Area-based artist/illustrator Lisa Congdon and ultracool Downtown LA-based shop/gallery Poketo.
The 100 percent linen towels ($20 each) are covered with handprinted pyramid geometrics and herringbones in a range of colors that feel a lot like Summer. And while we would be perfectly happy with these towels just cheering up our kitchen, they would also be fantastic as place mats, eco-friendly gift wrapping, or as hostess gifts. What I'm saying is, get ready to buy them in multiples.
Whether you're planning a major renovation or just want to introduce a bit of luxury to your kitchen and bathroom design, we can help. After checking out the latest at the 2013 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in New Orleans, it seems the hottest doodads are a hybrid of futuristic technology, smart sustainability, and gallery-worthy design. Keep reading to see the seven new items for kitchens and bathrooms we want now!
Renters, rejoice! Hygge & West just launched its line of removable wallpaper tiles, and boy, are they are beautiful. 
Printed on a matte fabric, the tiles have an adhesive back that is strong but low tack, meaning that it doesn't leave any residue when removed or replaced. Plus, the tiles can be trimmed to size and are reusable. Are we blowing your minds yet? Thought so! Although they would be great used just about anywhere, we were particularly impressed with Hygge & West's wallpapered fridge project and can't wait to try it ourselves. After that, who knows? Our bedroom, hallways, and door backs could all benefit from a little pattern and color! The best part? Our landlord never has to be the wiser.
If you're looking to spruce up your kitchen for Spring but aren't ready to shell out for a costly renovation, consider transforming it with easy styling tips instead. It's possible to have a functional kitchen that still feels like an extension of your home. The key is to incorporate decorative details just as you would for any other room. Keep reading to discover some of our favorite tips for easy kitchen upgrades!
MARCH, a San Francisco home goods store, merges airy modernism with utilitarian craftsmanship for a space that has local foodies and designophiles in a tizzy. The lovely wares for the kitchen, pantry, and table, some of which are created exclusively for MARCH, aren't the only things this space sells. Even more covetable is the irresistible aesthetic. Flooded in natural light and covered in the brightest white from floor to ceiling, items like handcrafted ceramics by Victoria Morris meld with Brooklyn Copper Cookware, bespoke butcher block tables with Farrow & Ball-painted legs, and table linens from Boxwood Linens, to sell a lifestyle instead of just products. Take a tour of MARCH's inspiring space, and get tips on how to re-create the look in your own home.
Photos courtesy of Angie Silvy
