Over the past few weeks, we’ve been fine-tuning some new art prints for the Etsy store. This weekend, we finally got a chance to hang some of the new prints in the kitchen! We wanted something fun and simple with a dash of vintage flair. And this is what we came up with…

We’re really digging the art and the fact that the dark frames (which are from Target) really help break  up the mass of subway tile – which brings us a bit closer to the look we’re aiming for in the kitchen. Just by adding the artwork, we killed three birds with one stone: added color (which coordinates nicely with our “stack of books color scheme“), broke up the wall of subway tile, and added a dark element to ground the otherwise all-white kitchen. We plan on adding even more dark accents to the kitchen by way of window treatment and the light fixture over the sink. By the way, noticed the clothespin herb planter on the counter? Yep, the herb died. Honestly, I’m not surprised. Until I get the nerve to try again, one of the planters is being used as a candle holder – which has been nice to have in the kitchen.

When it was time to hang the art, I was gung-ho about drilling a few holes in the grout (like we did when we hung the artwork in the hall bathroom). After all, grout can easily be patched up. Greg, on the other hand, wasn’t too keen on the idea. I guess he knows how I am about changing my mind down the road. Since the kitchen doesn’t get much humidity (like the bathroom), I decided to go along with Greg’s idea and see how it went.

As the directions on the package said to do, we first cleaned the surface with isopropyl rubbing alcohol (the package specifically says to not use any other household cleaners). We used five strips on the back of each frame. The package says you only have to use four sets for this size frame, but we did five just in case. Though now that we see how good they hold (which is like super duper well), we think four sets might have been just fine. The concept of the Command Strips is pretty smart when you think about it!

We really like how the art looks in the kitchen, and we can’t wait to add other finishing touches throughout the space. Next on the list: a window treatment and light fixture. We’re getting there… one day at a time.

Click on over to our Etsy store and check out the new art, including the kitchen series above. For 10% off your order, use the code “7thHouseReader” at checkout!