Summer Farmhouse Kitchen Reveal, Part I

Here's a riddle for you. . . .
What's black and white and 'red' all over?

Do you know the answer? It's a very old one. . . .

This Summer, the answer is: Our Kitchen!!!!
(I'll give you the traditional answer at the end of this post.)

Or, I should say our Keeping Room. . . .the actual kitchen work area will be revealed in Part II next week. . . .I had so many great photos, it was hard to pick just a few. . . .so tune in next week again for another reveal! . . . . I've changed quite a few things in the kitchen. . . .you won't want to miss it. . . .

Today. . . .I'm showcasing the Keeping Room. . . .the heart of our home. . . .

What is a Keeping Room?. . . .Many of you have asked. 
A Keeping Room is an area off the kitchen of a home, dating back to Colonial times when families would sleep in that area because the rest of the house was cold. . . .It's now better known as a family or hearth room. . . .We prefer the age-old standard of  'Keeping Room'. . . .since we're 'colonial' at heart. . . .

During the Summer, there's no reason to fire up the hearth. . . .way too hot to cook in a fireplace. . . .I decided this year to turn it into a sitting area. . . .where we can easily entertain visitors while continuing to work in the kitchen. . . .or, for our own personal use for reading and relaxing a bit. . . .and a wonderful place to sit and gaze out the window early in the morning with a cup of coffee in hand.. . .no mosquitoes. . . .

I suppose you noticed that Fred (Ficus) moved from the bath to the keeping room?
He needed a little more sunlight. . . .I truly like him better here. . . .Along with fresh flowers, he brings garden style to the room, don't you think?

The doll house?. . . .Where is it?. . . .Moved to the living room where I can watch a little TV while playing. . . .You'll be sure to see it in later posts. . . .(grin)

Look at all the light coming in that window!. . . .I do love a bright room. . . .It gives me a little problem with photos but that's okay. . . .I'd rather have the light. . . .We don't curtain or drape the windows in this room. . . .Our nearest neighbor would need binoculars to see in. . . .One of the perks of living on a farm. . . .

 Another perk of living in an agricultural area is a constant food supply in the Summer. . . .Watermelon, apples,  strawberries, fresh veggies are abundant during this time of the year. . .Right now, it's harvest time for watermelon. . . .Fields and fields of them. . . .So, I pulled out the watermelon placemats, cut some limbs of raspberry color crepe myrtle and set the table for a watermelon-fruit fest supper. . . .that wouldn't be complete without. . . .

ice cream. . . .and. . . .

soda pop. . . .

tiny bottle aprons. . . .and. . . .

homemade oatmeal cookies. . . .Yum. . . .I do bake a 'mean' oatmeal cookie. . . .Maybe I'll share the recipe one day. . . .

I draped the table with sheer fabric. . . .and pulled out the printed feed bags. . . .farmhouse style all the way.

Another thing I like to do that brightens the room even more is to add the crockery pieces I've collected--and used--over the years. . . .Since Summers are filled with canning and freezing, I replaced the black cast iron pots with bowls and crocks.

I still keep the little sign 'Simplify' where I'm reminded each day of my goal. . . .added another thought to it for the Summer. . . .

'Bloom Where You're Planted'

Don't you love that phrase?. . . .Speaks words of wisdom. . . .Our Summer keeping room is a daily reminder of it with Fred and flowers and lots of light. . . .

What's black and white and 'red' all over?. . . .besides our kitchen?

A Newspaper!!!!

Be watching next week for the Summer Farmhouse Kitchen Reveal, Part II. . . .

Til then, here's a sneak peak. . . .

. . .from my farmhouse kitchen to yours. . .

Sharing this post with: * Feathered Nest Friday * Home Sweet Home * Be Inspired Friday * Simple & Sweet Fridays