Indian Arts and Crafts-Making of a Kerala Mural

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Kerala mural paintings are frescos (strictly using naturally available materials), depicting mythology and legends,which are drawn on the walls of temples and churches in Kerala. They stand out for their emphasis on beauty, clarity and symmetry.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443266157223573458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvn66OfebmrF6G7UV8EI2Z40JbJNyXvqejdfI4AUOTefu4gB1CYuH8FBCJ72WJCUWQvC8O5qzu4WDkgPgT_yDyNLXBNCGzNc76SUkCh0IrymeziaBbdK9ZBS8XYcFw3WvuQhkw3t_z4o/s400/2238994436_cd7978f69d_o.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 308px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Preparation of the walls</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The walls have to be first prepared before one does the murals. The walls are given a rough plastering with a mixture of lime and sand, the juice of kadukkai or the juice of a creeper called chunnambuvelli and dissolved jaggery. Then a smooth plaster is applied. The ingredients are the same as in the case of the rough plaster, except that at this stage, cotton is ground together with the other ingredients.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After 10 days, 25 to 30 coats of a mixture of quicklime and tender coconut water are applied.  Its features are the lime medium and technique in which the prepared walls are painted only after it gets completely dry.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Colours</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Five basic colours are used in mural painting — <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">white, yellow, red, green, and black</span>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Preparing the colours</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">yellow and red,</span> stones such as laterite are ground and the powder is cleaned to remove impurities. The pigment residue is collected and dried. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">green,</span> the leaves of neela amari(<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Indigofer</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">a</span>) are dried and powdered. This powder is bluish in colour. Eruvikkara is a herb whose leaves are crushed to get yellow powder. The blue neela amari powder is mixed with the yellow Eruvikkara to get green, the proportion of the two powders being varied to get different shades. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">black</span> colour wicks are immersed in sesame oil, and then lit. The smoke is collected on the inside of a mud pot. The soot is then carefully scraped out and used where black colour is needed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The outline is drawn in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">yellow</span>, and then again in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">red.</span> The colours are then filled in. Once the painting is finished, the outline is done again in black.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Brush</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">es</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Brushes for painting on the wall are made of the blades of certain types of grass and the roots of some trees. Sharpened bamboo pieces are used to draw the outlines of the murals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Making of Krishna and Gopis</span></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443263633880116786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37BI2Ms87viGWWRMUroCbdkKIe8ZZ_cQjLFQ9bf4y-jzcXA09JjYXMJfnw-ZbsanEhMXidh26qsONOPE4tWzx8NmrKuDfFiSoAqLtJC5yFWOplE-3cH8ak2N2yRU-x9DBNWhg2iRB6z8/s400/krishna_gopis0.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />Sketches are made and yellow is been filled<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJNj1KEaxEERU36dXiGf62HZM3b1Qcn9kDZCFxLI1IqLL4DcgquW0orwwiVnnQ_GszK6-32763nFPogBUPXSeNWWXvOUPwK_yFfHduJdIdB_m1oiTF5l1RmVPid8XhywQJ0zghFru5As/s1600-h/krishna_gopis1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443263652507176946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJNj1KEaxEERU36dXiGf62HZM3b1Qcn9kDZCFxLI1IqLL4DcgquW0orwwiVnnQ_GszK6-32763nFPogBUPXSeNWWXvOUPwK_yFfHduJdIdB_m1oiTF5l1RmVPid8XhywQJ0zghFru5As/s400/krishna_gopis1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Next comes red<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443263644300190354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb_JaOigE_PNoj2yAgylb6bEl37cNFF9fg4mJsNfBvrZIMdB-xl2KmICBdnIJEmH97N49xi8gjQF2NUxu3j_0055ho4hCUhB_nSrvGCNpm5lzWbohHzUw7DBs0uvMgJVQrsfEcE2kh4k/s400/krishna_gopis2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br /><div>Characters emerge layer by layer,most painstaking process</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t0onHJ8tIkYQVjJOcfpsfOA4Q5RbPzVCJf3Ug37mLusKRnfnyHaZ7Cnyd_SKtVpRtw2Ax1KTu2XN6a6btoL8JfQkHAZ4lWHREfmMHAlggQ4Vw9SRatbBSJINjjMC-nAFBmnEeS4lsj8/s1600-h/krishna_gopis+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443212416867499954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t0onHJ8tIkYQVjJOcfpsfOA4Q5RbPzVCJf3Ug37mLusKRnfnyHaZ7Cnyd_SKtVpRtw2Ax1KTu2XN6a6btoL8JfQkHAZ4lWHREfmMHAlggQ4Vw9SRatbBSJINjjMC-nAFBmnEeS4lsj8/s400/krishna_gopis+4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCKnokMxJkqEvnRrYCqXzzt9lGEENGcrg96SMumNqa_P0PiNIcMDLZzr5l6W6Qw6VGXZCKOP21uew5MajdxA_2YuTdBGTmIgJxPE7DmV5V-jFTvmpWFcFTKoUWWZwwVZIQ7_h5LsJDgo/s1600-h/krishna_gopis5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443212409663139090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCKnokMxJkqEvnRrYCqXzzt9lGEENGcrg96SMumNqa_P0PiNIcMDLZzr5l6W6Qw6VGXZCKOP21uew5MajdxA_2YuTdBGTmIgJxPE7DmV5V-jFTvmpWFcFTKoUWWZwwVZIQ7_h5LsJDgo/s400/krishna_gopis5.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>After yellow is the turn of green,characters come to the forground with green<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4HXBj9w631csMTbDcYV-ZTGRDmku6Ymkn1GyYZeZ_fEJcxqJiO0gBfEoqEmEIJm4vpQnkqDb1FJ2X8MxbL3ypZ3edFOwxV5qBStDIQpMJDsU2ryRaNV5j5yIfu29vlMv2d1HilTV5fQ/s1600-h/krishna_gopis6+(1).jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443212401479077906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4HXBj9w631csMTbDcYV-ZTGRDmku6Ymkn1GyYZeZ_fEJcxqJiO0gBfEoqEmEIJm4vpQnkqDb1FJ2X8MxbL3ypZ3edFOwxV5qBStDIQpMJDsU2ryRaNV5j5yIfu29vlMv2d1HilTV5fQ/s400/krishna_gopis6+(1).jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Then comes blue<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPfxOTG5BKMwxMzTkdH_idcbQii29HYLHMs7OzO8pOByk_i3YJf-Bd6lihZWWnq9xr3c4FxoToB1u3cV_LMP9M0FiA88Jul2efqLbOa_hyphenhyphen_eibp-CVYUDkLgelZ4kQ2Udr55OKFTQPcY/s1600-h/krishna_gopis7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443212391040655346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPfxOTG5BKMwxMzTkdH_idcbQii29HYLHMs7OzO8pOByk_i3YJf-Bd6lihZWWnq9xr3c4FxoToB1u3cV_LMP9M0FiA88Jul2efqLbOa_hyphenhyphen_eibp-CVYUDkLgelZ4kQ2Udr55OKFTQPcY/s400/krishna_gopis7.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The gopis begin to take their places,charming and coequittish and full of life<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iEUoHOzPLtW0zu73rrOV3uf9EKWcllh3ab1LHeAoc-QFjXaOALHbxw4qqJ2d0i48oAmYTniNhf6MeyxxqkpZl75Cybqko5_w2oLsmUI94No3okyLk9Ymzwy45OXsHVdiWkiRB8T4rW4/s1600-h/krishna_gopis8+(1).jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443212375895902658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iEUoHOzPLtW0zu73rrOV3uf9EKWcllh3ab1LHeAoc-QFjXaOALHbxw4qqJ2d0i48oAmYTniNhf6MeyxxqkpZl75Cybqko5_w2oLsmUI94No3okyLk9Ymzwy45OXsHVdiWkiRB8T4rW4/s400/krishna_gopis8+(1).jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Finally in life like glory<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Making of Ananthasayanam,Lord Vishnu </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443205711590876834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFnV_n9xybHTHIWPLUgg05EI9UeTJ5U3cJHig6HmFztq_1SyfKFtfcZDitAhbC3SQn4pjhWgBX3YUtnx_Cr0dBkmDsY-toLE1umpSJiwsfE41iZo4RL6HV4g_1AHPIEnQNJgdOBJ8KVc/s400/ananthasayanam0.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></div>Making of Yellow<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Yellow central character<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443205718806890354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnl3oLt5_3Gjbof15qLweB_2K0fPyNm4qKQWBp9Ap6mSFd-1VjY-x8aUaDFJ5XlgxBwni8vjLvqB3zbhQVjfUUQ64bX_E0i7chPL-OyMjDTs_Nm2U6b3fu3d1G62epuvPScol0ohOAWY/s400/ananthasayanam1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443205727410784770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzmUjgLD8f8StYd5hjZ0vu0Pv-i48FtvXQW49z3plvJSWY8_zvFwMTzDdZplSWcEEjvB3B7n1MHgzuYXyholVTbDpJPD7L2-UBZwO1PgsYDRjK1Z7IzwgjealasV9Q7uPjO6t8oaQAuU/s400/ananthasayanam3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Vishnu Emerges</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443205732512986642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bFsp9W60QJcI4FZaOKxyzXy0oDfbqgZSiU1_0iuJkNkDsjxafmufwgA7uu6WqHjf1qv9m0KANpZH99eJhWmWQ2gNOQ8quYKFw_8YKO9peONSsKejly18OzCZsLuTnMXAmUb4mqnnLmM/s400/ananthasayanam4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Lakshmi emerges in yellow</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443205741740364306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFshpazU5Wr4jdTjfz0w-EYTF6wiL-7VJrFAzH5cwRn7RLtUYYpCpx9pEIsQ_8i0Bady0_ReA7HSVtOOfzTaQNKUm01qLs5faPhXG0eH8WAfMOB7bVy6j7zme-zLMPnYd2tuZhJXF-TcU/s400/ananthasayanam5.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />Still it is Yellow,All characters in yellow<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443206065052568882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiD6BRu5ea894AA3AnYjNXXeF_zPmPe7bqLODUa2o4BSzvscPpEiMXK27cdZ4XM28W7Ddg3-2Qm7ld_HqNAAC3iPp6Tpm-uEuDCaeRefkSJ5SCESPQuQuq_Z0lyWGktEbJ9vVb0Fiyks/s400/ananthasayanam6.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Supporting characters emerges</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443206073042572626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V6XQ0s9Jxmhd1TLRpKA2ka-E7Vx_yDWJNuxxBlQ1AiYr1dLphHM8blHmUQpWIyS1UR9L2A4HggnstZcM_cOinfLO1RvPXnDwNMOf4B2ZoSHUCgroaYrBkRrsbmLWfdbdiwndBFwSfGQ/s400/ananthasayanam7.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Red emerges</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443206076681448946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOVHiW_IOrLJbEIHvd-WjBOX1FG42OFKOibtBaZuVW-duhvZRkSaCKKCleZ4CTwK-P_3aFkvX100N7UXeC5JOLusaS2ajBD7HiN4A6IBfhRh2Xvf7PhnxvMXd_JAcOyM1tFD8Fh4F5hk/s400/ananthasayanam8.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />Central characters becomes red<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443206095469123858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrDfs_BdVXSmuDicLA0-njFhnbCs7m8lBFkz8dk8McpM-mUJL7hrxULD34H6Ln_rfEQW8AEpD359nh_B-gr1ugWYtpam6cc_7XLNVYY7y1lHdbi-aqUgHkIrhqnOFrmGWRQPQlwPW3no/s400/ananthasayanam10.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />Supporting characters gets their share of red<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443206087891220658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj7u4k4QyHH_8cAN0y5NabqynJVHyBXSrWqxspgaTwVUONx1dgoPb5_yFdEEUAtjbPknhflhBZynBdZbPFvno4Sr5PvEiU8nrle1PKBAzJTLebKyWel4ndiey9bz1xDLWwM2cBzc1Xdc/s400/ananthasayanam9.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443206393737948674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCw6zrP_vV2VodUh2pBZ-nESEzlf9-4PO1cFqrOg3nulW9RCtBRKtJw6fBPTRoCLE9fNfvso90KLCWPReYHlv7cBoDDftRWJvbl7qx47MJrSXMHBE_F_5pW6Di8Wo3JVAjJko1xKmbR8/s400/ananthasayanam11.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Green is the other colour which emerges<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443206398916777586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZD4P7bFmncxfQWjdXnd5j15MbmrGTnF1qIBHDzI147fZ2DZN-YiM0dhByG24C31gkDsvbnX2sHes6cW1u3IXwpvMLZ2UEdAvbcijoDlzkfP9ozPU4odb7RtxDRPVrJyGsdTtbWuumNQ/s400/ananthasayanam12.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />After green comes blue<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443206414617145634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgK9EImQ90kwceEDdVFrlmGqLlCjwjj2jh7zFVb_u08-S4zXypsFg_F4WjyGGyi_gGJe048eVVikXRqdk-zs5FNRT-1NLXhWpoe3k7Zs9FxLyYOZSeq56qZS6K-4zexhCEp4fvd6zi8Zg/s400/ananthasayanam14.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />The outlines are filled with black<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443206407852172738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJSaDZCBjYpJtbihq_mQmLGOZqK7-BI5E7xpdyRdm3TOjk2yXPdGHEc040zUDeEAoqNuMF7meYvCj9ORbGoOAQhU2Db9VUGJ1Jsr0Xq1yjXaNCKodxS_kTh0ClItTzVhLEofDleRePrw/s400/ananthasayanam13.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />Outlines almost done,image done almost</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443206426111792578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHz7RtGckCCoz_Ryqd4_M7OmGHMZFk20irkSvNxsEI3iukPDUzZO5Bw7RzoetDvC5p4eCBN03qEqw95vhGNVmibxO9jTeykk9m1FR1X6Gsgyjv4c4ynvdWVhF6zreEDPb9hZJ4hcJDPWM/s400/ananthasayanam15.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></div>Lord Vishnu in all its glory,a piece of adoration<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Image courtesy and Informationcourtesy:aptclasses.com</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Image courtesy:keralmurals.in,Artist Naveen,Text:A.Menon</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>

Indian Arts and Crafts-Making of a Kerala Mural

Kerala mural paintings are frescos (strictly using naturally available materials), depicting mythology and legends,which are drawn on the wa...

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HOME DECOR: WHITE KITCHENS

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">WHY I LOVE COUNTRY KITCHENS</span></div><br /><br />Country has changed a lot since the 80's.  Today's country is clean lined, crisp, neutral and beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.  If the word 'country' still conjures up visions of heavy oak furniture and cluttered counters, let me show you what today's country looks like.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzr3VYFnaUiXdqGOD4VNlfwIIOzg5pll__fP-K1oh8HGq_zLYN0WWQcVWjMDzDy2WTBBtfT3Gl69j67UOjH6La1hO-U5dZhX0B-btt1Xvyt-hKcTM5Pfa8kvkUHG0Kc9aP6tuQbNLkTHT/s1600-h/70b3b586-0a12-4fea-b1ec-e574373324c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzr3VYFnaUiXdqGOD4VNlfwIIOzg5pll__fP-K1oh8HGq_zLYN0WWQcVWjMDzDy2WTBBtfT3Gl69j67UOjH6La1hO-U5dZhX0B-btt1Xvyt-hKcTM5Pfa8kvkUHG0Kc9aP6tuQbNLkTHT/s640/70b3b586-0a12-4fea-b1ec-e574373324c9.jpg" width="467" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I admit, I like a white kitchen.  This country kitchen features simple doors, a country farmhouse sink, hardwood floors, honed granite countertops, bin pulls and glass front cabinets.  The coffered ceiling as an architectural element gives a feeling of elegance and age - like an old country farmhouse - but truly this is a very efficient kitchen.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYTe2F0daNlp37ixl0zDRA02R2OrqJy5lNwUPpOHQTB7Autd1XaI8olME2AkgFxIzcerjOom0G1l0z1GzJFeo3ieBqSVXOHYDczKmU6BQUcVsv7DkRiLzLqhBE4nXbFIbpO_3AfCmhdRM/s1600-h/p_countrykitchens_ss6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYTe2F0daNlp37ixl0zDRA02R2OrqJy5lNwUPpOHQTB7Autd1XaI8olME2AkgFxIzcerjOom0G1l0z1GzJFeo3ieBqSVXOHYDczKmU6BQUcVsv7DkRiLzLqhBE4nXbFIbpO_3AfCmhdRM/s640/p_countrykitchens_ss6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clean lines, minimal accessories - warm wood floor.  I love the beadboard ceiling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JK46coNvZQGbeoKLN1xP8_bBTjvdZJJIsq4TIwXwS3O93c91FEBx90QpuqKeGPOooWYPeOE7fWO1R54aBpFi425grQ9guv1-e6P1sqihTpfDG2jlzDrLh3Vw6BzaCX5tbuMFJVerl2mv/s1600-h/ss_countrylg_ss3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JK46coNvZQGbeoKLN1xP8_bBTjvdZJJIsq4TIwXwS3O93c91FEBx90QpuqKeGPOooWYPeOE7fWO1R54aBpFi425grQ9guv1-e6P1sqihTpfDG2jlzDrLh3Vw6BzaCX5tbuMFJVerl2mv/s400/ss_countrylg_ss3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Butcher block topped island with big chunky country legs, a stone floor, simple lighting and the almost industrial look of the stainless appliances </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdACL2XVKL2ywp1dGB0n_grw3MBx4ItKE14JrUd0T0B-FP8eMID0h-G-CrQuJ7Vw5M0dSUB_4uHjqgCdpzmGmOtlCk7tnzWFNZaSVfmSyzmZ0U4I-sesT9aE-fpJ7yRGMG9_DZsrcjryC/s1600-h/ss_traditionallg_ss6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdACL2XVKL2ywp1dGB0n_grw3MBx4ItKE14JrUd0T0B-FP8eMID0h-G-CrQuJ7Vw5M0dSUB_4uHjqgCdpzmGmOtlCk7tnzWFNZaSVfmSyzmZ0U4I-sesT9aE-fpJ7yRGMG9_DZsrcjryC/s400/ss_traditionallg_ss6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Country kitchens should have a little of the rustic thrown in - like the weathered beams on the ceilings and  the washed brick backsplash.  The polished granite contertops provide a nice contrast to the weathered finishes - and I love the lantern styled lighting</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIDkBR4rBRUYPbqEwEVCq9SDtIe1mBxckS8bIyYyTs_T8lZXUTXtgpDFj8UZjfBHLcNSpDr_Lbp47nDYs3yUBpLtpIm8XZ0zwfF2tbf3F47G68FHbMahoI3scz040sY6nte3zMcEAIOur/s1600-h/chinois.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIDkBR4rBRUYPbqEwEVCq9SDtIe1mBxckS8bIyYyTs_T8lZXUTXtgpDFj8UZjfBHLcNSpDr_Lbp47nDYs3yUBpLtpIm8XZ0zwfF2tbf3F47G68FHbMahoI3scz040sY6nte3zMcEAIOur/s400/chinois.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An in-kitchen eating area and slipcovered upholstered chairs and checkered flooring are wonderful country elements.  I love the addition of the industrial style lighting and the stainless range with the steel backsplash.  It's all about the contrasts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyKGXLqPir9AvJ-Mp1ZGeW0Wm-yJ6OTp5Hl7uHWqKqC20BJI5xx5BZwxXXRaHXThIfLbfmuLsQo3NMUfhZdopVya0P0LnWuIO6SJ5XAfHeOg6ScozFR_tkBKeKWePe0FBsIwV5W1Sjkjb/s1600-h/p_100022336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyKGXLqPir9AvJ-Mp1ZGeW0Wm-yJ6OTp5Hl7uHWqKqC20BJI5xx5BZwxXXRaHXThIfLbfmuLsQo3NMUfhZdopVya0P0LnWuIO6SJ5XAfHeOg6ScozFR_tkBKeKWePe0FBsIwV5W1Sjkjb/s400/p_100022336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hardwood flooring with white cabinetry and wonderful columns and millwork.  The upholstered checkered barstools add a little fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec5u-KaAJaPPw7AoBdoguY4wLH2Zdlurw2q3ocw4fSxWFbsKkMLkisj1jUd3wyOU29uuzUJpat23O4oeui74laShdtvEzhEUsqotkLQOElBI2OZibVAjqj9CcVzMs5TvofpUA56BFqf1q/s1600-h/slipcovers.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec5u-KaAJaPPw7AoBdoguY4wLH2Zdlurw2q3ocw4fSxWFbsKkMLkisj1jUd3wyOU29uuzUJpat23O4oeui74laShdtvEzhEUsqotkLQOElBI2OZibVAjqj9CcVzMs5TvofpUA56BFqf1q/s400/slipcovers.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today's country is all about the feel of vintage without the inconvenience.  Vintage style subway tile creates a country backsplash in a slightly modern way.  An antique country table in this kitchen works double duty as a work space or an in-kitchen eating area.  Architectural vintage style range hood and simple cleaned line cabinets - it looks fresh, clean and uncomplicated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMjJNj9-wr7tY392pIEvyiD9dK8UOzX7QA5pX1yZMdyj2r8n9Xf442bs5MOOtOWKdEdXuW32Dtory7vIJd6P8eA1l2ftOC2_H72FxItM0WSkA1_E74Kw9L_4UvC-2F5YI7KRIURFQ3rwP/s1600-h/ikea+butcher+block.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMjJNj9-wr7tY392pIEvyiD9dK8UOzX7QA5pX1yZMdyj2r8n9Xf442bs5MOOtOWKdEdXuW32Dtory7vIJd6P8eA1l2ftOC2_H72FxItM0WSkA1_E74Kw9L_4UvC-2F5YI7KRIURFQ3rwP/s400/ikea+butcher+block.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the alcove above the range.  It creates a great architectural focal point and brings in that country vintage feel, as do the butcher block counters, beadboard and warm wood flooring.  The island features a curved seating edge - perfect for friendly conversation.     </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7EHcowNS-22KPJnlkX_akKVrGISffN9bqKi5RPq6G4XRNyGPpVYRmpOPxgJgIYQgPM7lxGW0qEX3G2PStpQm77hLXWBHYQ27cEbdLsmiYYzC5z_mXTB-tTJ6tG918q0B8gFbQbX3ThyphenhyphenR/s1600-h/ArchKitch_LeadBD09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7EHcowNS-22KPJnlkX_akKVrGISffN9bqKi5RPq6G4XRNyGPpVYRmpOPxgJgIYQgPM7lxGW0qEX3G2PStpQm77hLXWBHYQ27cEbdLsmiYYzC5z_mXTB-tTJ6tG918q0B8gFbQbX3ThyphenhyphenR/s640/ArchKitch_LeadBD09.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Todays country - the elements remain the same:  farmhouse sink, simple hardware, simple lighting and simple cabinetry with a vintage feel, clean lines and no clutter.  Adding a little black brings a little drama and elegance to the table, but keeps the palette neutral</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXU4GryK1zau874gN83cA-wkahQdpY5ACMUcg0gwc2_mi5nHDwz4aeebRgO0ImR0f0z3kEpLuhgbytcMMoqDbawTCRGlmN4CaHgxfOW5F3RX2diPeeoXtiKzLwlz3bT7zJPVVw_Z42Vc2/s1600-h/peacockkitchen3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXU4GryK1zau874gN83cA-wkahQdpY5ACMUcg0gwc2_mi5nHDwz4aeebRgO0ImR0f0z3kEpLuhgbytcMMoqDbawTCRGlmN4CaHgxfOW5F3RX2diPeeoXtiKzLwlz3bT7zJPVVw_Z42Vc2/s400/peacockkitchen3.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This country kitchen has a rustic feel - but at closer look is a kitchen for a very serious cook with double ranges and double sinks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oyCX4PpsSvQFLDkxjyngGoF1NiK8uCoC6Ru3ZQInstCIfT8ZlBCkfdMRRWeNNi6v5akTg_XhuvckjA0UQACHejQS1K66bpueOwBhEJDNmXe-GBUjHhUmPljqxW8pqHKoTrSChkMNRtPR/s1600-h/platerack.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oyCX4PpsSvQFLDkxjyngGoF1NiK8uCoC6Ru3ZQInstCIfT8ZlBCkfdMRRWeNNi6v5akTg_XhuvckjA0UQACHejQS1K66bpueOwBhEJDNmXe-GBUjHhUmPljqxW8pqHKoTrSChkMNRtPR/s400/platerack.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Its so easy to change the mood with a neutral palette.  Add a soft pop of color and you have a whole new look.   Floor to ceiling plate rack in this kitchen adds vintage country flavor, as do the rush seats on the stools.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRQGqhEbS7Ggp4oRnMMf9haNvFX8Enbg39FPUqNO94HfYnedA2Uy0fhCMF_ACBt4ybTNVJ2GFBJrRR-m1d9x9nYaG14-Ob4o8kQe7OsnJgoqCNyVphyphenhyphenvztLTulQCX4_QqZPR9VbLnna24/s1600-h/pritchard-cooke-0508-8_lg-39420313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRQGqhEbS7Ggp4oRnMMf9haNvFX8Enbg39FPUqNO94HfYnedA2Uy0fhCMF_ACBt4ybTNVJ2GFBJrRR-m1d9x9nYaG14-Ob4o8kQe7OsnJgoqCNyVphyphenhyphenvztLTulQCX4_QqZPR9VbLnna24/s640/pritchard-cooke-0508-8_lg-39420313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Elements of a country kitchen are timeless.  A stone cooking alcove, stone flooring, honed granite counters and vintage styled lighting are set off by an island that looks like a piece of furniture was set in the middle of the room.  That was a common practice in a country farmhouse kitchen back in the day, and adds a true country element to this kitchen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0k946bu66-iJ_6YKIewYWdsQ2ak88eF2eyPSnEep0KRYLpWkkvQUAg_E4mqhnLi19ZDzmOELrAm7NiRAOwbgEB0CfVwFGUJTmHFoly7gzh5tAO7UyobFAh8uWQDPToNg0VxvwSsWBxdf/s1600-h/4a-backsplashes-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0k946bu66-iJ_6YKIewYWdsQ2ak88eF2eyPSnEep0KRYLpWkkvQUAg_E4mqhnLi19ZDzmOELrAm7NiRAOwbgEB0CfVwFGUJTmHFoly7gzh5tAO7UyobFAh8uWQDPToNg0VxvwSsWBxdf/s400/4a-backsplashes-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Modern convenience combines with rustic travertine in this cooking alcove</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another country element - painted upper cabinetry and wood toned lower </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I098pxHlXwCpKfi_QStuoGzic17JeNAKOT3XD0z58hfUBtvtyFoWe2Cu6hKYTdWEXtCqe0B0MbKqYcFHw8lrWKdQfgUnz10kjwDlDvP4jg3dCp-LUaRyviG5q2NIUDQoAnlufD8f9FUE/s1600-h/kirchen.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I098pxHlXwCpKfi_QStuoGzic17JeNAKOT3XD0z58hfUBtvtyFoWe2Cu6hKYTdWEXtCqe0B0MbKqYcFHw8lrWKdQfgUnz10kjwDlDvP4jg3dCp-LUaRyviG5q2NIUDQoAnlufD8f9FUE/s400/kirchen.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Still keeping in the neutral palette, this elegant kitchen has a dramatic backsplash and simple honed granite countertops.  Rustic beams, vintage styled lighting  and beadboard add more country elements, while modern styled steel barstools add a playful element.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAYUvLh-XuXueTGSkC1C477hIYmkNWQW5HN_FYAz9PYOtCYB1IsZQ5P9T5e5hKaW5ZvFJ1oUTkrZ7EkzqtZ0XJ7hKLv9mI1xILvwZPYgqMarkntKsM2Jn68TfSQ8YJG-ZW0ZxXjHP4OVA/s1600-h/c92dab65-cb2c-4d6f-95c3-ecf0ae134c1f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAYUvLh-XuXueTGSkC1C477hIYmkNWQW5HN_FYAz9PYOtCYB1IsZQ5P9T5e5hKaW5ZvFJ1oUTkrZ7EkzqtZ0XJ7hKLv9mI1xILvwZPYgqMarkntKsM2Jn68TfSQ8YJG-ZW0ZxXjHP4OVA/s640/c92dab65-cb2c-4d6f-95c3-ecf0ae134c1f.jpg" width="435" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again, simple vintage styled cabinetry, simple hardware, and serious appliances</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92kCEIq1XRXRQ5skS-b7_R9dUFyy5HcaBUmdznIQ7bKrSHQocsNbzJgHjnZQNr4DscCGMpypMZ6lk1zHIgo5IpN4JRI5pEUzSTkSZI8vCe8HD1pHEnEFTADfC4MpCjSwdkWfDkhioZ0wu/s1600-h/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92kCEIq1XRXRQ5skS-b7_R9dUFyy5HcaBUmdznIQ7bKrSHQocsNbzJgHjnZQNr4DscCGMpypMZ6lk1zHIgo5IpN4JRI5pEUzSTkSZI8vCe8HD1pHEnEFTADfC4MpCjSwdkWfDkhioZ0wu/s400/13.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This kitchen makes me smile.  Even without the cow.  Industrial stools and light fixtures combine with rustic table, beadboard and stainless steel.  This is NOT your mother's country-style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0IL1vBOyKqtXWXJODUET5a_Ki1MCepy03HM_R8TLy78y5hsMIZkWrvRu-cJtRGgENT_vKckGbqGKtn38NgweHQ34tmNMPeDQKV52ney2Kfi0OUFpESLkCodpNGuND9Llrj42ht4yI1Jc/s1600-h/catalano-architects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0IL1vBOyKqtXWXJODUET5a_Ki1MCepy03HM_R8TLy78y5hsMIZkWrvRu-cJtRGgENT_vKckGbqGKtn38NgweHQ34tmNMPeDQKV52ney2Kfi0OUFpESLkCodpNGuND9Llrj42ht4yI1Jc/s400/catalano-architects.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love these light fixtures and highly polished floor, subway tiles, country vintage style barstools</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8mz3dptxmhgOtOnFADcl4qF3AVND5ZxSKJevNRHGwZc-kp4T9JzVNhUayWEuDy3i_cZZbvE2lDAGBqusJloTD1vRF3OS19THGIuwvkUbabwUtI9rU-Qhj3nZjSQ6hyphenhyphen0rOAFn4f4Ox01g/s1600-h/Kitchen+I+want+glass+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8mz3dptxmhgOtOnFADcl4qF3AVND5ZxSKJevNRHGwZc-kp4T9JzVNhUayWEuDy3i_cZZbvE2lDAGBqusJloTD1vRF3OS19THGIuwvkUbabwUtI9rU-Qhj3nZjSQ6hyphenhyphen0rOAFn4f4Ox01g/s400/Kitchen+I+want+glass+front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LOVE the top cabinets </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz3o0BsGBIeVIQXD3z3m6UE4dlHhe_q3pc7OalITKFNM0piPdnRf416KTlYdpD7cnE2IjMKM0XNrXc-zHlplkZBfKxeXk-JgKfJ4F98hFwP950C7WcsnT5IKvRGgSuVxf1bp2pdsB_Gbe/s1600-h/Kitchen-Kristen-Buckinham-Interiors-Photo-Credit-Mudrick-21-269x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz3o0BsGBIeVIQXD3z3m6UE4dlHhe_q3pc7OalITKFNM0piPdnRf416KTlYdpD7cnE2IjMKM0XNrXc-zHlplkZBfKxeXk-JgKfJ4F98hFwP950C7WcsnT5IKvRGgSuVxf1bp2pdsB_Gbe/s400/Kitchen-Kristen-Buckinham-Interiors-Photo-Credit-Mudrick-21-269x300.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great cabinet - store your dishes and display treasures</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKvgiVa9rQDYY5TDGhkM4TryxotFYxX-f_FZfWh-NIX0OFais8205jo7YN5Zhb8-5kVnLfO9fgcdDZ_kCGbqd-c9ny8ic-sEjOTtLmUzvyQqp3594YdDIR5IbR9idKoYsSoItx7q0s5el/s1600-h/Peacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKvgiVa9rQDYY5TDGhkM4TryxotFYxX-f_FZfWh-NIX0OFais8205jo7YN5Zhb8-5kVnLfO9fgcdDZ_kCGbqd-c9ny8ic-sEjOTtLmUzvyQqp3594YdDIR5IbR9idKoYsSoItx7q0s5el/s400/Peacock.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rustic island with stainless steel counter - a little bit of a contemporary backsplash with vintage styled cabinets and great lantern style lighting - contrasts - they are wonderful aren't they?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSPywMAzAY_I76NWAuR0d12b9UdFw310AhIZXMEik6Fon8Jrri3LJ3-16xQiTTHPFfSbxdbrJGUqE3q3DDtgO5xJYGaLKGBMe5LiKUU8I3_dcdF3NHQQLRjHjC-aRYMih3I1OAsVLsjht/s1600-h/Kvanum+Kitchens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSPywMAzAY_I76NWAuR0d12b9UdFw310AhIZXMEik6Fon8Jrri3LJ3-16xQiTTHPFfSbxdbrJGUqE3q3DDtgO5xJYGaLKGBMe5LiKUU8I3_dcdF3NHQQLRjHjC-aRYMih3I1OAsVLsjht/s400/Kvanum+Kitchens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meet the master cabinetmaker - Christopher Peacock.  This is inspired by Swedish country - light wood floor, dove grey painted chairs, rustic vintage table, black granite counters -  wink to the Swedish with the candle ring styled lighting fixture</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWS6zLMtAaMiKineSBDHNI1Q1WE6kv34Rahomuej8oiAn9NNPbdWnXOO9K7F2-fbhduQ_Zx-LMajiioLLfM0_7yoROKLdOXYVSWQAwQcwwpmAZ2RQz7db3Uhez8A6hsEmO7_TohuxKhePa/s1600-h/p_countrylg_ss7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWS6zLMtAaMiKineSBDHNI1Q1WE6kv34Rahomuej8oiAn9NNPbdWnXOO9K7F2-fbhduQ_Zx-LMajiioLLfM0_7yoROKLdOXYVSWQAwQcwwpmAZ2RQz7db3Uhez8A6hsEmO7_TohuxKhePa/s400/p_countrylg_ss7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A stone floor and stone wall surrounding the stainless refrigerator - and a pop of color.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjONcuRp9S1EP30i4fS9Ld6UUAsMooBRvhk0X2Gmcc4hKimvYI84jBRZnb8A_Eo_n_ox6aWaxCUTnNUXFDLGQesPlLRZPqeD-rPhz9LA-DoPB9YuobT9V53M25dYRSg58RGVechzAGWd5/s1600-h/ss_100512475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjONcuRp9S1EP30i4fS9Ld6UUAsMooBRvhk0X2Gmcc4hKimvYI84jBRZnb8A_Eo_n_ox6aWaxCUTnNUXFDLGQesPlLRZPqeD-rPhz9LA-DoPB9YuobT9V53M25dYRSg58RGVechzAGWd5/s400/ss_100512475.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So todays country - NO clutter, NEUTRAL palette, INDUSTRIAL/MODERN elements, EFFICIENT appliances, VINTAGE STYLED cabinetry and millwork, CLASSIC wood or stone flooring, SIMPLE lighting.  It all adds up to comfortable, usable, family style living</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-dmypvhZupbNgwKpJuEkIHHHnuwUB_qqBVOWNhyphenhyphenLqy-GBDJjGEdLYtNtqXLUK9zXJV7RvTBFSDrHm-xnxcExR4UVSwuSGN4a9C7dp-i7a8yQkANm9N_qwAIdAo2pnr0zy69YyY4VlNte/s1600-h/peacockkitchen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbNwqhkRp5lOtc97c8KiGPcMAQR2Z4q0VEWG9w9iXUXuW_BayrEt5nUiHSWjWRezh1lzvO-x6uoorNiP3AABcKSPX4K5KDfAfZp-qYpr3Kt-RAtOiy3WuEPe2UWerYkCNRCpNffN1oV3Z/s1600-h/ss_REN604492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbNwqhkRp5lOtc97c8KiGPcMAQR2Z4q0VEWG9w9iXUXuW_BayrEt5nUiHSWjWRezh1lzvO-x6uoorNiP3AABcKSPX4K5KDfAfZp-qYpr3Kt-RAtOiy3WuEPe2UWerYkCNRCpNffN1oV3Z/s400/ss_REN604492.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A neutral palette doesn't mean just white</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sk0mIMt8qV2QgIOneh_s9moeG-2W2eQw9NrzX5NEM-_kBJS3Pf71xuw7KZ7MrWTxAMgRMeyi95zJ0NxbMlDGAgbJVMlKVxrPAa0-qlrAvq1eJzP3EnH29o-JjVfwzhJiYO3AecBxYMdy/s1600-h/ss_SIP904594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sk0mIMt8qV2QgIOneh_s9moeG-2W2eQw9NrzX5NEM-_kBJS3Pf71xuw7KZ7MrWTxAMgRMeyi95zJ0NxbMlDGAgbJVMlKVxrPAa0-qlrAvq1eJzP3EnH29o-JjVfwzhJiYO3AecBxYMdy/s400/ss_SIP904594.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I couldn't resist one more by the master:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBGiEWNEkhSqvOhPDDh_ohi1pDxqD0xb2Ueb1MU7NJ52A8__FUMAeuV0la3A_nGzWq5NQ9KmqbIrgpfixC8VB-HMJRmE9DYm8q_pxt1k4SpVcdnUkidmGSyi5oyd7GdGDn1uNc9o4j4cy/s1600-h/peacockkitchen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBGiEWNEkhSqvOhPDDh_ohi1pDxqD0xb2Ueb1MU7NJ52A8__FUMAeuV0la3A_nGzWq5NQ9KmqbIrgpfixC8VB-HMJRmE9DYm8q_pxt1k4SpVcdnUkidmGSyi5oyd7GdGDn1uNc9o4j4cy/s400/peacockkitchen2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christopher Peacock.  Beautiful cabinet details.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">what do you think of country now?????</div>

HOME DECOR: WHITE KITCHENS

WHY I LOVE COUNTRY KITCHENS Country has changed a lot since the 80's.  Today's country is clean lined, crisp, neutral and beautiful,...

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