We all do it. We live vicariously through those beautiful rooms we see in our favorite magazines, which for me are Cottage Living, Coastal Style, Southern Living…you get the idea. So many pages dog-eared or with Post-its attached with notes for that “someday dream.” Well, let the construction destruction and renovations begin in Kelly’s Kitchen! Ann Kelly, beyond thrilled at what Floor and Decor is going to be creating for me. But it has to start with taking away what’s old and outdated. So, take a look at a few before shots to gaze upon, and to remember the old kitchen by. Personally, I can’t wait for it to leave.  Like so many older homes, mine came complete with a linoleum floor, Formica counter top and the cookie cutter back splash of basic white tile that have all seen better days.

   Where to begin? By taking advantage of the invitation from *Floor and Decor to create the Kelly’s Kitchen of my dreams. It’s my version of a kid in a candy store. It was well worth taking time to check both Floor and Decor locations in Clearwater and Tampa. Mickey O’Sullivan in the Tampa Store, on Adamo just to the west of 75, gave me an eye opening tour of his store, as did Jamie Keller at the Clearwater store, just off 19 at Drew. I learned so much just walking around and talking with them and that helped me focus on what would work for me. That vision is being finely tuned with the help of Eileen, their in-store design consultant, who is available to anyone who comes in. How can you not love free advice! That was one of the most important items about Floor and Decor for me, having someone help me make sense of what I was dreaming about, and making it work for my needs and budget, of course. Everyone in the store makes it a personal experience, so you’re not just shopping, you’re creating a new space just like I am that you’ll fall in love with. I knew that when it came to my floors, it made sense to work with Floor and Decor, since they are specialize in hard surface flooring from hardwoods, to laminates, tile and so much more. They make sure to have something to fit your budget, give you a fantastic selection, and have it available! 

   Eileen and I have spent time in the Tampa store picking out what I know is going to create a new and fresh look for Kelly’s Kitchen. What’s on the list right now? I want tile for the floor, and Floor and Decor has an Exotica Oak that looks just like wood but has the durability of what I need for the kitchen. On the counter, I’m learning toward the Giallo Fantasia Granite, and the backsplash is going to be simple, but special. An Ultra Bright White Ceramic Tile, with a beveled edge that gives it an almost quilt like look, laid subway style. But then, the really special touch; we’ll use a Butterfly Mosaic Mother of Pearl  tile in between the while tile for a great pop of color and the ultimate accent!

   So you have the before pictures, and we’ll give you a look inside Floor and Decor and what Eileen and I have picked out soon. If I’ve managed to stir your imagination, and get those creative juices flowing, just log on now to Floor and Decor and start shopping online. Your in-store design consultant will help you make your vision a reality just like mine, and if you’re a pro, you also have the advantage of professional services available Monday-Friday.

  Kelly’s Kitchen will never be the same...and that’s what I’m counting on with Floor and Decor!

  Make sure you jot this down now on your list of fun things to do this weekend! It's the first Sunday of the  Month, and that means it's time for the Old Hyde Park Village Fresh Market from 10 am to 3 pm. Fresh produce, lots of delicious food, cool art items and so much more. It's the perfect way to start your Sunday morning with the official sponsor of Kelly's Kitchen!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

I think a lot of people have a misconception of what the kitchen is about, but you know the grueling part of it is also the pleasure of it. That's why I think you have to have a certain mentality to understand what that is and be able to handle it - Todd English

*Ann Kelly is a paid endorser for Floor and Decor