When I think of the name “Mary Engelbreit,” I think of four things…COLOR,  CREATIVITY,  FUN and IMAGINATION.

“COLORS are the smiles of nature.” ~ Leigh Hunt

“Think left and think right and think low and think high, Oh the thinks you can think up if YOU ONLY TRY! “~ Dr . Suess     BE Creative!

“Follow your dreams, just make sure you HAVE FUN TOO.” ~ Chris Brown

“The possible’s slow fuse is lit by the IMAGINATION.”  ~ Emily Dickinson

Release “your Inner Chef” and let your imagination take charge.  🙂

Thus far, We have taken a look at The French Country Kitchen,  (the “Cuisine” as they call it,) and it’s grandeur, riveting nimbus. Also, The Italian kitchen, the “Cucino,” with it’s romantic charm and charismatic flavor, the “Enchanted Kitchen,” taking us back to our childhoods with a winsome, magical and elfin style of decor and the “Chef’s Dream kitchen,” ( every connoisseur of  delicious cuisines’ dream come true.)  Lastly, in these five groups of kitchens,  I want to share with you a decor and fashion that will fill your kitchen with felicity, gladness and cheerfulness. This  creative and innovative expression of festooning, is  created by Mary Engelbreit ‘s signature style. Born in 1952, she began her work as a graphic artist.  Since then, her life has been likened to a storybook tale…she is eminently talented and has become one of the most famous as well as successful entrepreneurs of this day. She is an author of many wondrous books, creates her own fabrics, dinnerware,  greeting cards, calendars, is a beautifully gifted painter, and is known all the over the world for her intricate designs and color...Her home is absolutely stellar as she is an amazing home-decorator with a deep love for her family and cozy haven. Mary’s work is said to be “cute,” “nostalgic,” and “whimsical.” She looks deep within as she creates each and every item she has brought  forth into fruition. Many of her creations evolve around faith, love, trust, esteem and spirit. It’s been said that ; “It seems as if a magic wand has touched all of Mary’s work.”…Its enchanting and fun, bringing forth ample smiles and loads of laughter. 🙂   In this blog, I would like  to share some ideas of Mary Engelbreits style for your kitchen.

I can’t imagine life without  the gift of color. Mary’s  creative style is by far, the most chromatic of any decorating artist I have ever seen…  (This is one of her originals.)    Get ready to “get COLORFUL.” 🙂

THE DISTINGUISHED QUOTE CORNER

“Beauty without ‘colour’ seems somehow to belong to another world.” ~ Murasak Shikibu

“Blueness doth express Trueness.” ~ Ben Johnson

“Mere color unspoiled by meaning and unallied  with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.” ~ Oscar Wilde

“Colors, like  features, follow the changes of emotion.” ~ Pablo Picasso

“Color creates, enhances, reveals and establishes the mood of the painting.” ~ Kiff Holland

” The color green brings relaxation, red, evokes passion, blue creates tranquility, (lowers your blood pressure,) 🙂 Orange and Purple are known to bring forth a regal, luxurious mood, Yellow inspires joy, and lastly, white is a fresh beginning, new page and purity.”

Before we begin taking our kitchen tour, here are a few of Mary Engelbreit’s pieces of artwork, along with her favorite quotes.

This one is my favorite! What a great pout!

To get a taste of Mary’s own personal style and expertise, here are a few photos of her dining rooms, the rooms that partner her beloved Kitchen.

This is one dining room that I would love to be on the “guest list ” for… With her combinations of soft white, rich blues and highlights of greens and yellows, this  rooms patina is fabulously picturesque, refreshing yet exceedingly warm with a winning and inviting ambiance.

This photograph was taken of her formal dining room... The portraits  of her children, (what a fabulous idea,) the profound and unique ceiling with all of its articulate design and elegance, along side the hanging chandelier, stenciled artwork on the jocose yellow walls as well as the fireplace, amongst this refined and stunning dining table, creates a heart-stopping and par -excellence aureole and spirit.  This room beckons “fine dining…”

As we begin our ‘peregrinate’ of these winsome and creative kitchens,  there is no doubt that you will be able to tell right off the bat, which ones are inspired by Mary, one hundred percent, and the ones that are a mixture of Mary Engelbreit’s style a long with a more  traditional kitchen, shabby chic, country cottage or vintage theme. The wonderful thing about all of these colorful kitchens is that Mary Engelbreit’s decor and  vivacious style, will blend in perfectly, only enhancing the liveliness of each room.

Lets begin our whimsical kitchen adventure with:

Who would have ever thought that a kitchen corner could look so romantic, amiable and polished? I love the way M.E. has mixed elegant, soft pastel colors amidst the checkered book collection, alongside delicate linens, (with her charming motif of ‘cherry’s,’) fresh flowers and an ivy topiary tree. This is an exquisitely crisp and  graceful kitchen counter.

What this kitchen needs is some more color, (knowing now what vibrant, bright colors do for our souls and mood,) 🙂  though it’s foundational yellow is soft and engaging. It is definitely a M.E. style with it’s cozy lines, artful cabinetry with large, sassy knobs, colorful decorative trinkets and the decorators sporty checkerboard baskets.  I have added below a few of Mary’s decor items that would bring this kitchen a tad bit more life and magic!

This tea pot looks like it came straight out of the “Mad-hatters” tea party! I love it!

These dishtowels look ‘far to lovely’ to even think about using them for dishes. 🙂 In our kitchen, they would be the ones that are “for display only!” 🙂 (I know you have those in your kitchen too.) (And I know your husbands forget , like mine and ‘breaks them in’ so they no longer look new and fresh.) 🙂

What a creative, simple and cheery M.E. designed house with a motley  garden.  🙂

Tea pots and pitchers are not only wondrous collectable items and lovely decor for your kitchen but they are functional as well… I love M.E.’s “cherry” motif on so many of her artistic pieces.

This M.E. style kitchen is a little vintage, yet modern with its marbled counter tops, and shiny wood flooring. I love the weathered green center – island along with the matching  aged, descending wooden pot rack. The pained windows are very charming and I really like the mixture of hues, (light wood and bright white,)  in the two toned dining table with the multicolored, artsy rug underneath. Again, I personally would add a little bit more of an accent color...the bold, vibrant  and color of passion… RED!

I have never seen a mix master so bright, cheery and alluring …If I had one of these, it would definitely be out on the counter top, 365 days a year, and yes, we’d use it…ALL THE TIME! 🙂

This M.E. designed pillow is chic and exceedingly classy…It would be a great addition, placed on all the dining room chairs to bring the colors of the rug out and create a lovely abundance of warmth.

I adore these bright and clever boxes…they can be used for recipes, photos, grocery lists, note pads, etc…This tea pot is adorably festive and again, is a gladsome decoration but also something that can be utilized daily.  M.E.’s watering can would come in handy in the summer and spring months and brings color and  charm to any room.

A novel and striking M.E. hutch for any kitchen…It’s bright, distinctive, gladsome and picturesque. (And according to the experts, very regal and luxurious with its red-orange color combination.) 🙂

Another jaunty and bright kitchen inspired by M.E., this kitchen and dining room duo is perfect  just the way it is… I would not add a thing. I love the pinks, blues and greens mixed together amongst a crisp white pained door, bringing in an abundance of sunshine.  This kitchen looks loved, lived in and very inviting for each of it’s guests.

Another prismatic M.E. kitchen.( I can always spot her originals, a mile away… 🙂  She  has such pleasant lines with her decor, and fills each kitchen with the perfect color combination alongside frolicsome nick knacks, without overwhelming our ‘eye gates’ or spirits.  I adore her mixtures of mirthful yellows, cherry reds and the bold, regal blacks.

This charming and galvanic hutch is a beautiful creation by Cherry Chick. It’s authentic   and  intricately hand  painted art-decor,  amidst all the animated accessories creates an ambiance of cheerfulness, felicity and a warm welcome to each of it’s guests. What a creative and enchanting corner! 🙂

These two ‘cucinos’ are both overflowing with charm, loveliness and winsome color… Yes, they are a bit on the small side, but very cozy and welcoming. Perhaps adding a M.E.  tea pot, a few matching decorator plates  or a small cheerful rug would be a wondrous  introduction of her ‘playful’ decor into these already perky rooms.

Floral rugs with stirring, lambent colors add so much beauty and completeness to our havens. I think I have a rug in every single room. It brings all the colors in the room together and adds ample warmth…(especially in the winter time, to your bare feet.) 🙂 I adore Mary’s “Queen of the Kitchen” motto.  I wonder if she is planning on making one for the “king” too? 🙂

This  predominantly yellow teapot is so cute…Serving tea from it would be quite  pampering.  This is M.E.’s “Scotty” dog as she calls him. You will see a lot of him as you look through her decor collections. He could be ‘dressed up’ for every occasion and season…I can already see him at Christmas time. He is adorable!

This ‘cuisine’ is unmistakeably an ideal foundation for a M.E. make-over. Already, it is charming, quaint and ‘picture-perfect.’ You know what they say about the color white?  It is the purest, freshest and serene color there is and it promotes new beginnings.   I love what Kiff Holland said in his quote above, (though he was specifically speaking about a painting, the same quote applies to everything we create with our signature  color pallet as we decorate our homes.) He says; “Colors CREATE, ENHANCE, REVEAL and ESTABLISHES the mood…   For this kitchen’s M.E. look, I would add a few pieces of her art work on the walls, some accent towels, a tea pot, a frolicsome cake plate and kitchen accessories to add  an abundance of stirring color. The hushed yellow and green are beautiful calming colors, but subjoining a few more hues would only enhance the overall warmth and sensation of this tasteful and graceful kitchen.

One of Mary’s  artful signature fabrics… displaying a few of these accent towels would be lovely.

There is absolutely nothing as alluring as a bouquet of beautiful, fresh flowers. It lifts the spirit and makes your house smell divine. I adore this M.E. vase… It would match perfectly with the accent towels.

This artwork would look so classy in a regal black frame, with a golden yellow or  softened red matting. Her artwork is unlike anything I have ever seen…

These red kitchen canisters are so bright and inviting…a wonderful addition of  some “feel-good-JOY.” 🙂

Another drawing from M.E.. I could definitely see this nestled in an apple red frame with an eggshell white or pale golden yellow matting! (I love this quote!) 🙂

Here are a variety of motley, diverse and adorable tea pots…You could chose “which ever one fits your mood” the day you serve your delicious, calming tea. 🙂 (If you host a a ladies Tea, you could display each pot with a different flavor of tea!) 🙂

A beautiful M.E. cake made by her bakery nearby. (I don’t know if I would ever cut into it, its so pretty! 🙂 It even matches the cake plate!

Because M.E. ‘s kitchens contain an abundance of black, red and whites, this kitchen- dining room already embodies  her animated look.  This room looks like it is a mixture of Victorian, romantic country cottage and a hint of shabby chic…but I think some of M.E.’s bright and garish decor items would look wondrous and add an abundance of charm.

M.E.’s canisters are simple yet inventive and aesthetic.

You can never go wrong with decorative plaques and pictures on your counter tops or shelves, especially if they’re designed by M.E. ! 🙂

Another enchanted cake along with a lovely decorative table book…I enjoy displaying my coffee table books with ample photographs and I always open it to a page with a bounty of color to add some charm to my room!

M.E.’s “Scotty”dog… Isn’t he just ‘to cute.’ 🙂

What an adorable, warm kitchen… the dreamy and muted yellows amidst the rich navy blue is exquisite… I wouldn’t change this room at all…perhaps just  take some of the flowers out and add a few of  M.E.’s artistic decor….

Two  beautiful accent pieces for this adoring kitchen, bringing out both the yellow and blue tones. Very lovely!

I love these diverse, frolicsome teapots. For all of you ‘teapot connoisseurs’ , you could use a different  teapot every day from your M.E. collection!

This serving piece is not only serene and rainbow colored, but it would be perfect to bring together the colors of this ‘cucino.’

You  can never have ‘too many’ rugs! 🙂

This hutch is undoubtedly a perfect match for any M.E. kitchen. It’s rainbow of vibrant colors, opalescent decorative plates, magical lights and unique and enchanted architecture is picture-book and fun loving in it’s aureole and semblance. I love it!

This M.E. Kitchen needs no introduction….It’s just MARY! I love it!

I don’t know what it is about all of these whimsical, cozy and luxurious, softened  yellow kitchens that are so alluring… This romantic and winsome kitchen is not only inviting, but it stirs the heart to relax and spend a few relish-able and dulcet hours getting refreshed…have a hot cappuccino, bake some toll-house cookies, make that, long over due phone call to your best friend who lives across the United states or give your self a manicure. 🙂  It’s so lovely…Some of M.E.’s decor items would bring some more color, but this kitchen is already winning. 🙂

Staying with the blues, yellows and delicate, crisp  whites, I would only add a hint of  the colors blue, red and green.

Both the ‘country’ look of the inspired bird house, and the regal, elegant  halo of  the casserole dish, would add ample character as well as warmth to this “Cuisine.”

This M.E. wall decor  exudes felicity and joy!

This throw pillow would look beautifully picturesque sitting upon each of the dining chairs ! It’s colorful, clever and blithe. This M.E. artwork would look stunning in a bright white  frame  with a light, sage green or hushed rose colored matting! Both lovely and aesthetic additions for your kitchen.

Introducing another five star ‘cuisine.’ This kitchen could either stay exactly the same, as it looks so eloquent, or I could see it being a perfect as well as fabulous foundation to switch-over to a M.E. look…again, just by adding some of Mary’s signature colors and decor…  What do you think?

Perhaps adding a set of M.E.’s dinnerware or her kaleidoscopic decorative plates for the quaint built in plate shelves, a few throw pillows and some of her decorative kitchen accents would bring about a new, bouncy and playful tone.

This designer pillow is exhilarating! I absolutely adore the way Mary uses the color black throughout many of her creations, adding the exact amount of accent colors to bring forth such cozy, life like and buoyant decor.

This beautiful painting, (a true ‘visual gift’ to the eyes,) is a treasure. Placed in a white frame with a golden yellow matting would look superb on the wall or a smaller version of it placed on your counter top.  Again, this M.E. “Cherry motif” watering can is charming!

Here is another picture perfect background for M.E.’s style…the black and white checkered flooring is ideal for many of her black and red decor items. Being that this kitchen is  blessed with an eat-in kitchen, displaying M.E.’s dinnerware would be ideal!   What an inspiring gift for the soul… I can in-vision many a wondrous, gourmet meals with family and friends, gathering around this vintage table or  the gleefulness of playing table games with the kids…

M.E.’ everyday china is so lovely and exudes color, nostalgia and gladness. I love her special celebration “birthday plate.”

These designer pillows are felicitous and creative…They would undoubtedly add plenty of smiles, conversations and warmth to this room.

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For the Vintage bench, this vertical, adorably designed pillow would be charming. 

Adding M.E. matching “Cherry ” china pieces would add ample color and bring forth a gladsome atmosphere.

This M.E. painting would be captivating in a sage green frame with a muted yellow or a cranberry red matting.

VIVID…WARM…PICTURESQUE and ENTRANCING!!  I adore the blue and soft rose accent colors. Again for the M.E. ‘look’, I would add some throw pillows, artwork, wispy cookware and Mary’s dinner plates as my place settings on this fetching eat-in table. 

M.E.’s decor brings sunshine into every room. I know it would make my disposition cheerful to wake up to breakfast every morning on this resplendent china. 🙂

This cross stitch, with a wealth of Mary’s signature colors and favored quote would bless any kitchen with grace and hospitality.

The serene blue shades in these kitchen accents are not only alluring but amiable and warm. The designer throw pillows would be so cozy, adorning  each of the dining chairs.

Who wouldn’t simply adore cooking in this spacious and ethereal kitchen? With it’s splendor and timeless appeal, graced with the classy pastel yellows, greens and hues of rose, amongst the scholar green and cream colored checkerboard flooring, its  not only captivating, but entrancing. By adding M.E.’s brilliant blacks, earthy greens, along  with some hints of blue, this ‘cuisine’ would resemble a doppelganger of an original M.E. designed kitchen. 🙂 

This is one of M.E.’s spring bunnies. She is so adorable and would be a beautiful added piece of ‘charm’ and ‘grace’ for this kitchen.

This charming birdhouse, relished artwork and signature mug would not only lower your blood pressure, 🙂  but actually bring a smile to your face. Have you ever seen such “happy and felicitous” home decor?

Again, here is what I’ve  nicknamed, “the Mad Hatters” teapot! It is eloquent amidst the blue china and linen tablecloth and would look “simply marvelous” in this kitchen. 🙂

This kitchen’s coveted spaciousness would allow for a few chairs to be added. (Not only for their warm decor but for guests to sit and have a cup of coffee with you while your creating your ‘masterpiece.’ 🙂 This clever and polychromatic throw pillow would be a welcomed addition to each chair.  I just adore this novel, yellow and black teapot!

This is an M.E. Original! This back-splash mural tile for behind the stove top is absolutely breathtaking.  Mixing the pastel pink, miniature squared tile amongst the checkered black cookware is not only clever but imaginative and sublime. I adore the repetition of the ‘large knobs’ throughout this kitchen. ( Gracing the cookware and cabinets.)  It is absolutely innovative, ingenious and enchanting.

Another M.E. magical design… Remember when I said earlier that you can always   spot her original work a mile away? 🙂 It’s so true! There is only one M.E. out there! 🙂 

This striking and dulcet kitchen is very charming and cozy. It’s a bit darker than the ‘cucino’s’ we’ve been looking at, but I like it’s warm and tasteful set up. This chic kitchen could easily be transformed into a M.E. styled kitchen…  All you would need are a few additions! I would keep the variety of blue tones in this kitchen, as well as the serene yellows…perhaps add a little bit of green, red and brown.  Even the M.E. bold and heroic black would  look nice in this room .

This kitchen addition is brilliantly aesthetic… I love her mixture of the rich,deep brown and princely black, with the rainbow of colors in her artistic painting. I think I will show my husband M.E.’s online store and give him a little ‘hint’ for my next birthday! 🙂

This is a great pillow for this kitchen with it’s royal and baronial colors…it also matches the plate above.. 🙂  (It’s a great reminder quote as well for those days when we need an ‘attitude adjustment.’) 🙂

An opalescent, fashionable teapot, absolutely adorable “Scotty” dog painting and M.E’s framed artwork would all add  originality and lightheartedness to this kitchen.

Who can resist a M.E. designer rug or her lifelike “Scotty dog” in sophisticated pewter?

Here we go again, meeting up with another warm and cheery yellow kitchen. (Shades of yellow must be very popular right now! ) 🙂  This kitchen is not only polished and amiable but favorably soothing to both the soul and eyes.  It embodies plenty of room for bright and welcoming decorative items… I love the yellow amidst the bright white with hints of green and brown. Perhaps a few touches of red would be rhapsodic?   I adore kitchens that have the dining room table within the same room… It makes it possible for your decor style to winsomely ‘spill over’ to all the lovely and seasonal  table settings you will undoubtedly have over the year. This looks like a happy , felicitous and FUN kitchen.

Here are two examples of “adding some decorative red” to your room. I love Mary’s adorable and creative pitcher. 🙂

This brilliant needlepoint picture would look stunning framed and hanging upon the kitchen wall. One of my favorite hobbies, (when I have time,) is working on a needlepoint pillow or picture. (It is wondrously De-stressing!) 🙂 The Christmas stockings we make, tea cozy’s or framed artwork we display within our homes, have much more meaning than a store bought version and they creatively add depth and wonder within our homes.

Here are some more delightful kitchen touches from M.E.. These almost look a bit Vintage to me…very nostalgic and Wimsey.

This play- some and gleeful pillow would bring life and vivid hues to the dining chairs. (It also is a fantastic “reminder quote” for our everyday life! ) 🙂  Fresh flowers in a creative homemade vase amongst a matching container for kitchen scissors, note pads for grocery lists, pens and pencils, or a needle and thread for quick fixes,  are not only convenient but cleverly decorative as well.

Our last kitchen has beautiful cherry wood cabinetry and woodwork which creates an extreme warmth and augustness. It is a smaller ‘cucino,’ yet has plenty of cooking space and ample room for some ‘magical’ decor.  Lets see what would liven this room up a little…

Perhaps a  M.E. winsome throw rug for the kitchen floor along with a beautiful decorative plate for the wall or nestled in the cabinets above the counter top would add a bit of imagination and color to this ‘cucino’

I think Mary’s signature ‘cherry china pieces’ would add an abundance of charm as well as a playful attitude to this tasteful kitchen.

I love Mary’s unique quote…(I think about it every time I see her cherry decor.) 🙂

“Life is just a chair of bowlies.” One of those ‘slip of the tongue things we say’…My husbands is, “Has Graham had his flic and tea medication today?”  (Meaning Flea and Tic meds.) 🙂  Those are the things that bring about such hearty laughter…

More wondrous “Cherries!” The lively and diverse sized bowls on the left are created by Cherry Chick. This artist’s work is undeniably fetching…I love the mix and match, poignant  colors as well the blithesome designs.  M.E.’s dinner plate is sanguine, warm and evokes a cozy, welcoming ambiance.  With the work of these artists, you can be sure you will have an inviting and beautiful table setting! 🙂

M.E.’s artwork is extremely tasteful and inventive, and at times a bit diverse. Both of these pieces are lovely…the black and red  vase, evokes a laid back, happy go lucky ambiance, where as the hushed yellow and rose water pitcher is elegant, feminine and delicate. Either one would enhance this delightful kitchen.

I don’t know about you but I feel like I need a new pair of eye glasses! :) (My eyes have beheld so much gorgeous COLOR, they are feeling a bit blurred.)  🙂  I have experienced a diversity of emotions  as I have put together this blog, as the colors have truly ‘moved’ me. 🙂  I have also smiled, laughed, felt nostalgic and joyful! I can only imagine if M.E.’s collections and  decor were around me all the time,  how it would liven up each day. 🙂  Enjoy creating your new kitchen, no matter what  decor style you choose… I love to switch my rooms around to bring forth new emotions  as well as diverse ambiances… I must admit, I am  tempted with many new ideas from all of these ‘kitchen blogs.’   I hope you have enjoyed them all as much as I have.

I want to share and recommend a few of Mary Engelbreit’s books that I have enjoyed reading time after time… (Some days, I just want to look at the gorgeous, creative pictures. ) 🙂

In ending this blog, I would like to leave you with my own recipe, (though I am sure M.E.’s version is absolutely scrumptious,) for Hawaiian Banana nut bread. This confection is delicious right out of the oven with melted butter. 🙂 It freezes well and is one of my husbands and families favorites! ENJOY!

My ‘Punahele,’ Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread.   Punahele means “Favorite ” in  the Hawaiian language! 🙂 This would be a choice, delicious and welcoming confection to serve for your guests and family with a pot of tea, in your newly decorated  M.E. Kitchen… 🙂

YOU WILL NEED:

3 cups of  all purpose flour, 3/4 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. baking soda, 2 Cups of sugar, 1-2 tsp. of cinnamon, 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 3 eggs, beaten, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of coconut,  2 Tbsp. of vanilla extract, 2 cups of ripened and soft bananas, 1 (8 oz.) can of crushed pineapple, drained.

Preheat your oven to 350. Grease two 9×5 baking pans. In a large bowl, combine all of your dry ingredients. ( The flour, salt, sugar, baking soda and cinnamon. ) Stir together. In a second large bowl add all of your moist ingredients… (The 3 eggs already beaten, oil, mashed bananas, vanilla and coconut. ) Mix well until blended.

Fold your moist ingredients after blended into your dry ingredients, stir until blended. Fold in nuts and pour into your two greased pans… Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick or knife inserted into your bread comes out clean. You do not want to over cook this bread… so watch and test it carefully from 45 minutes on… Every ones ovens are different. 🙂 When done, allow to cool for about 15 minutes and then remove from the pans. I always give the first slice to my husband, hot with melted butter…He loves it with his lattes. 🙂 It’s a delicious, healthy and felicitous bread!

PHOTOGRAPHS:  In placing your computer mouse upon any of the graphics or photos, it will display where the picture originated from.