I am a house photoshoot rookie. I’ve never seen one in person. I have however lived vicariously through other bloggers who have hosted magazine folks, stylists, photographers, etc. So needless to say…I was really nervous/excited/sweaty/insecure/giddy/overwhelmed when the folks at The Tile Shop asked to photograph our kitchen for a summer promotion. My first reaction was What the what!? and then set in the drowning of emotions.
Seriously…I think I went through the seven stages….denial, fear, fetal position, rocking in the corner….finally acceptance that yes, this would be awesome…and yes, I have a slim chance of not embarrassing myself…and yes, I would be weirdly euphoric afterwards.
So here’s how it all went down. I got an email from Megan (she’s the hottie below with the awesome hair!) asking if they could come take photos of the kitchen, that it would take one day and they (and I!!!) would go shopping for props (for fruit and flowers and stylish stuff) in the morning and then come back, style it, and then photograph it. Done and done. I think I screamed YES! at my computer. And then very cooly accepted. Anyhoo…that was the plan. Oh and also, this was before the island and shelves were done…so we were scrambling to get that done.
I also got an email later that asked if there was anything that we would need to complete the kitchen that would need to be ordered. Jer and I have a running list of things for each room so I said that we were planning on getting new stools, a new runner and a new light for over the kitchen table. Megan told me to send her the links for each item and they would take care of it.
Here’s where it became a little painful. I love love love when people offer us stuff. I do. But I also realize how it can make others become jealous/awkward/critical of us. I have to go through a million internal questions before accepting anything. Do I need it? Do I really want it? And then there is the obvious…Do I deserve new stuff over other bloggers or other folks? No. I know that. But I also think of things from the photoshoot side…as a company, it would probably be a whole lot cheaper to go into someone’s home that used their product and only style stuff vs. staging a complete scene where they would have to pay for cabinetry, countertops, fixtures AND still have to buy style stuff. So it’s a weird place to be. I love getting free stuff…as I am sure everyone does…but at the same time, I want to be sure that 1. I am not endorsing something I don’t love and 2. being respectful of the fact that this was free and that I don’t take it for granted and 3. that I am not cheating myself or my family either because this blog (which I am sooo blessed to have because of YOU!) does cost money, time and energy and 4. I pay it forward….little or big I feel like being generous with others is really important too.
Soooo….all that said….I decided to accept the freebies and go through the shopping experience just like I would if I were footing the bill. First, barstools. I wanted a counterheight french cafe inspired look to them…something with rounded edges and clean lines. Also…I wanted black. I found three options that fit that bill…
The Fashion Seating hairpin bar stool was the perfect price…but it only came in bar height..so it was immediately eliminated. The Restoration Hardware stool was the right height, was marked down, and came in black but it was a rustic looking black (they didn’t have a photo online so I put the dark walnut one in for reference), and it was just not right to mix that rustic look with my clean look I had going on. So it got the axe. Then came the Crate & Barrel barstool. I loved it. It was shiny black. It came in counter height. It was really expensive though. SOoo originally I cut that one too. Then I started hardcore shopping. Nothing. Everything was either priced $400+ for a stool (excuse me while I choke on my spit!) or was not what I was looking for.
So I revisited my original three. Jer thought the first one would be best…but I was adament that it was too tall and our legs would get squished under the countertop so we brought in two old barstools that were bar height and we immediately knew…Crate and Barrel was the winner.
Then came time for light shopping. We didn’t know if they would use the entire kitchen for a shot, so we told the Tile Shop folks that and they said just send the link. We were all over the board with this one. Every light was different and had a different feel. The Shades of Light Glass Tubes speaks to me on a test tube level. That’s molecular. And I love the price on the Barcelona chandy. The Pottery Barn light and the Ballard Designs light are both pretty similar with it’s general aesthetic (one being a tad more price wise) and the Glass Orb light is just ultra-cool. One by one I eliminated them. The winner was the Ballard Designs light. I just can’t stop thinking about it. Really. I even had a dream where I was carrying it through the store like a baby wrapped in a swaddling blanket. And I would look down at it and smile. Such a proud mama I was. Weird, huh?!
Anyhoo…that was my final pick.
Then came time for a rug. Jer wanted a runner that was neutral and washable. So I went to the place that I know carries neutral and washable rugs….Dash&Albert. They had this platinum and ivory striped rug that I thought would lend itself to a good kitchen rug (because it’s bleachable!!!). um. wrong.
Megan ordered our stuff and it all arrived that week before the shoot. I immediately opened the barstools…LOVED. I opened the light…OBSESSED. I opened the rug…IT’S PINK!
Yes. ::passingoutonthefloor:: I don’t know if it was the way the mid afternoon sun hits our kitchen or if the bright white cabinets are to blame…but that ivory is more like blush. It was the color of my face when I dove off the high dive in highschool while wearing an untied swimsuit bottom. Wish I were kidding. on both accounts. I immediately texted Megan and told her the problem. We were out of time to order a new one so I told Jer that we would just have to find something in the house.
The big day arrived and our light was installed, the chairs were dust free and the kitchen was cleaned (as much as you can do with two little ones…which meant, all the matchbox cars were outta there and the Cheerios were broomed into another room!).
Megan & Brian arrived after their LONG drive from the hotel in the city and we immediately loved them. They are so genuine and sweet and are really passionate about their company and jobs. I love that. Will thought they were there for him. Not kidding.
After we showed them the very bare kitchen, they made a list of things that we could buy and told them our limited stores of shopping….Target & Pier 1 & TJMaxx. That’s all we have in this area. Well…technically it’s thirty minutes away…but still, it’s better than buying home decor at Citgo and the Boss Brothers Country Store.
We hit up Pier 1 first….at which point I realized something. I am a horrible shopper. I am so picky. And scatterbrained. I had no idea what I was looking for but I knew that they said I needed to like it. So I was attracted to the minty green bins for the back corner. That’s when we decided to go with blues and greens.
Then we went to Target….where apparently blues and greens are extinct. They did however have a large selection of reds, yellows, and corally orange. So we bought the rainbow. Megan found a flowery dishtowel that had a slew of colors, so we just crossed our fingers and hoped that everything would work together.
Then we hit up TJMaxx….again…rainbow. This was just about the point where my sweat glands started getting a workout. I seriously thought “Oh my gosh. This is gonna look like a hot mess. Like a box of crayons exploded on my kitchen. Such a weird color scheme. What the heck is wrong with me.”
After lunch (they bought it!) and me getting Megan to try fried okra (it was hilarious.)…we went back to the house and worked on prepping the kitchen. Megan did most of the styling…she’s such a pro….and I went back through and added some stuff that I had in my stash. Then came the shooting…
They turned on all the lights and the softbox lights they packed with them and started setting up all the shots. It was so interesting from a photographers standpoint to watch her work.
I also thought it was interesting because it wasn’t like how I would do it…this is to appeal to the masses to promote tile. So they wanted to show off the tile whenever possible and make it look the best it could possible look.
I have no experience with softboxes or external lighting when taking photos…so it was especially cool to me to see how they made it work.
I know this sounds crazy but I love that grouping of random stuff on the island. Who in the world would need that many limes!? It looks like we are serving a lime picnic.
I ended up giving all but two to my mother. She makes key lime pies with regular limes…waste not want not, right?!
After they took a bunch of photos of the kitchen tile, we took a bunch of our family (we don’t know what those look like yet but I guarantee there was some crying/drooling/weird posture. Speaking of weird posture…apparently anytime I stand next to people in photos, I feel the need to either squat or get up on my toes. This was a squatter…
Don’t ask why I decided to wear the world’s brightest outfit. Apparently I thought that it was Florida fan club day.
I have to say that when Brian and Megan left to go to the airport, I walked around and it was exactly what I had imagined. I was totally on cloud nine. I felt so proud and special and just…so…happy. Like I had just bought an hour of applause. Or a day of hugs. Or an endless supply of dark chocolate peanut m&m’s. It sounds weird but it’s one of those moments in this ridiculous job that is something I’ll probably talk about till I’m gray haired and wearing Depends.
Oh and I would be remiss to not mention a very heartfelt thank you to Dana & Dusty & Sherry. These are three of the sweetest girls in the whole blog world and they put up with my endless questioning emails and texts and phone calls on what to expect when it comes to photoshoots. I would have probably spontaneous combusted without their help 🙂
Yay, girl! I love it all, so glad you got such a fab opportunity. I read all that gifty/promo contreversy and I think you handle it beautifully. It’s a delicate balance, as you pointed out very well. The important thing is, that you don’t let other people talk you out of enjoying your success. I’m sure Halle Berry isn’t worried about what she is taking home from a make up promotion, and I’m sure Charlize has plenty of free Dior laying around, and they probably don’t really even need discounts on that stuff. People don’t care about what grab bags are at the Oscars and they shouldn’t be giving you a hard time about trying to support your family in whatever ways you can. Freebies are really money in your pocket in exhange for promotions, and I think you’ve earned it. Blogging ain’t easy. Those people can start writing an award winning blog if they are so jealous. Appreciation is beautiful, but don’t forget that you deserve it.
EEEEEE!!! This post made me so happy! You deserve this and so much more, Katie! Proud of you girl!
And I think it is so cute how you and Megan’s toes are practically touching in that picture. It’s weirdly cute.
xo Melissa
This was SO great! I loved hearing all of the details and how incredibly REAL you are with it all! Don’t ever change a thing about you. 🙂
~Sarah
you should not worry about what other people think “whether you deserve it or not”. you totally deserved it!
I love a freebie too! and I love your integrity =)
Hi Katie!
The kitchen looks so great! I actually really like the rainbow look. It looks fresh and organic and not over-coordinated. Love those canisters!
Also, I just wanted to say I think you’re awesome for what you said about the freebies. It showed honesty and thoughtfulness to not just say, “I will take everything I can get and people can just get over it!” You didn’t need to explain yourself, but I admire you for doing so. I think your choices were lovely, too. Who knew that rug would have a pinkish hue? #seinfeldjoke
~Heather
Amazing!! What a fun day!!! So much new stuff, it must have been like Xmas! Don’t feel the need to justify you new things, you put your life out there in blog world, you work hard for your blog, what’s wrong with getting something in return, nothing! Plus you have the biggest house ever, so help with the financial side of decorating is completely understandable! I am totally jealous though.. Of your mad shopping spree! Love it, all goes well together!
That is so amazing! Congrats! The kitchen looks wonderful! I am pretty sure I would crawl into bed and whimper if someone said they wanted to come and take pictures of my house. Too much work!
CONGRATS! I always love reading about photo shoots like this, and I can only dream about such a feature! Well deserved, and you made me laugh with ‘squatting’ comments and your Florida outfit. 😉
Love it! And love the outfit…GO GATORS!! Chomp…chomp…. 🙂
This looks great and it sounds like it was an adventure. Thank you so much for letting us “go through” this fun experience with you!
Love reading your blog and hearing all about your pregnancy. I have a 7 month old little man myself!
Julie
All I have to say is beautiful. I love reading your blog everyday. I refer to you as my friend Katie to my husband and he has to constantly remind me that I don’t actually know you in real life, but I feel like I do through your blog. In my mind you are that friend that I know but haven’t seen in awhile when reality is we’ve never met. Like I got so excited when you said your sister was pregnant…who does that? I think you have such a great eye for style and photography and I just love how you are so humble with really everything. You are a true inspiration and I love how you are so open to share all your tips and secrets, especially your photography tip Tuesdays. I just love you and your blog and I hope you don’t think I’m some creepy blog stalker making this comment.
It looks so adorable! Congrats, your hard work definitely paid off. Btw, this is my absolute favorite line of the year: “Like I had just bought an hour of applause. Or a day of hugs.” I would just add: …or a roll-around in a large group of fluffy puppies.
What a fantastic experience! Congratulations to you!
don’t feel bad about the free swag, kb! we’d all do the same! You have to do what you have to do to take care of your family – that includes maintaining and increasing the value of your home!
I am in absolute love with your kitchen. The backsplash tile is my favorite! Can you please tell me what color paint is on your walls?
Can’t think of anyone more deserving of a little free stuff now and then! Love your perspective on freebies and love your coral pants. 🙂
It’s called Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore.
xo – kb
haha…we kept laughing that we were boob rubbing.
xo – kb
It looks gorgeous and I am so happy for you. I think you deserve every bit of it. Also, I love your bright outfit. Lastly, can we talk about the squat in pictures…I do that all the time. It is such a silly habit. #quirkyfordays #whydoialwaysruinpictures
I don’t think there is anything wrong with accepting free stuff. You work hard with very little payout.
I often wonder how people use an entire huge bowl of lemons/limes or even apples/oranges before they go bad. Don’t they need to be in the fridge?? I have a recipe for chipotle lime pork tenderloin that would use at least 8 limes. It’s so amazing! I’d be breaking out the lime recipes every night.
I actually do the same thing! So many regular commenters are referred to as my friends and anytime I run into someone and they say hi, I kinda have this whole weird backstory in my head about our friendship 🙂
xo – kb
Love that tile:) So cute. My house tends to look like a crayon box exploded 🙂 And I am obsessed with that Ballard light fixture. Congrats!
haha…I can never buy an entire bag of fruit because of that very reason…some piece will go bad before it gets eaten.
xo – kb
The kitchen looks gorgeous and I love the light above the table too! It sounds like such a fun day. I was laughing outloud when you say you either squat or stand on tip toes for pictures because I do the exact same thing! Must work on posture! Congrats on a great photo shoot!
I would not feel bad about accepting free stuff or feel like you have to justify it. You pay income taxes on it so it is really no different than wages — you just accepted your wages in bar stools and light fixtures. Nobody should complain about anyone being paid to work.
Wow! This was such a great opportunity and so fun to hear about! I loved all the details! And I’m so glad you got the free stuff. Totally worth it! And you deserve it!
What an inspiration! If nothing else then this post has convinced me that if I ever need tile (in the far future) I’m going to The Tile Shop. So thanks!
The kitchen is gorgeous and I loved your choices of stools & lights! I was looking at the pictures picking my favorites while I was reading too! Now if I could only get my hubby on board with DIY tiling…
The kitchen is gorgeous, Katie! I am obsessed with the dishtowels, personally.
The kitchen looks amazing!!! And you deserve any freebies you get! Awesome job!
Congratulations! Your kitchen is fabulous. We’re still in rented apartmentland so I’m living vicariously through your house photos and dreaming of the day we have a place in the burbs!
I don’t get all the apologies about the free swag. You have a readership that came about from work, and it is a mutual someone-getting-stuff-out-of-it. I will say that I appreciate that you are only putting up stuff that you think is a great product. Kitchen looks great, and you look really pretty in the pics!
It’s spring!
You have to wear bright colors.
P.S. I agree on the limes. Too funnty! 😉
http://happinessiscreating.com/
I say take advantage of the freebies! I’d be more upset if you didn’t take them. You work hard for it. Your kitchen looks great. Please share the magazine photo spread when it comes out!
Katie your kitchen looks awesome!!!! I find it odd that people seem to target you on accepting free stuff (I think it’s because you are so nice and honest). I am also disappointed that you have to clarify your reasons behind accepting freebies (but sweet of you). I think you deserve it all and more – you bring smiles, encouragement and so much more to so many of your readers – and that my dear is priceless!!! I wish you all the best in the future!!! Congrats again on such a wonderful accomplishment!!! XO
Katie, you are awesome and I’m so glad you got to have this opportunity! I’ve printed out pictures of your pretty kitchen to show my husband exactly why we need white cabinets.
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but you do realize that you have to claim the full price dollar amount for all “free” stuff you are given through your blog and then file it as income on your taxes? That means that you might get $500 in “free” product, but then you have to actually come up with about 25% of that ($125) in cold hard cash to pay the IRS. You are now paying cash out of your pocket to receive free items. Unless you aren’t filing this stuff on your taxes. And in that case, if the IRS audited you you would be super screwed. This is why I tend to turn down most free stuff. I don’t want to have to come up with actual cash out of my pocket to pay taxes on all this supposed free stuff.
Ugh, I hate that you felt like you had to justify taking the freebies! Lady, you EARNED those freebies. It’s hard enough for bloggers to make money and blogging is a LOT of work. Take the freebies, and take ’em guilt-free, I say! Obviously you love The Tile Shop’s products or you wouldn’t have used them, so if they want to “pay” you in gifts for the advertising you were doing anyway, why the heck not?? Loooove the light you picked for over the kitchen table. I think it really helps connect the two sides of the room. Great work!
I LOVE you kitchen, I have never been a fan of white kitchens but you have swayed me…it looks great. I love the multi color look, I think it feels more “real” for a young family and the colors all work. I recently re-did (most)our living room with white, gray, orange and navy and pops of yellow. Everyone thought is was too much color combo but it really works and I love it. I was telling someone about your kitchen and said, “My friend Katir just did her kitchen white….of wait, she is a blog I follow we aren’t really friends.” I got a strange look : )
I Love everything you guys have done….keep it coming!
Don’t justify why you “get free stuff”. You work so hard!! LOVE everything you chose, beautiful kitchen 🙂
Kaite I love love love your kitchen. So amazing. If you are still looking for a runner, check out this one from flor: http://www.flor.com/b-side-rug-set-red.html.
The red one is nice or you can do it in blue (they don’t show blue, but look up “modern mix” and you can do it by cutting those tiles in half). Would look awesome in front of your sink!
So awesome! Your kitchen is beautiful 🙂 xo Kristin
The limes thing reminds me of that scene in Little Women where Amy is bemoaning the fact that the other girls in her class have “ever so many limes,” prompting Meg to ask, “are limes the fashion now?”
Apparently they were fashionable in the civil war era in Boston. 🙂
What a fun post, thanks for sharing!
Oh, and don’t worry about accepting free stuff. I think the majority of us would too if it was offered 🙂
Am I missing something? I don’t see the new light anywhere in the photoshoot?
Your kitchen looks great, and I like the color combinations.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with accepting free stuff. You work hard at your blog and these companies are getting publicity from you featuring their stuff. I won’t have a clue what to do with soooo many limes.
Best blog day ever! I read it with such happiness for you! Great pics!
How kewel… looks great Katie 🙂
eeek so awesome and so fun! 🙂 Isn’t it so interesting…all of the experiences and opportunities and even friendships that have come up through blogging.
Life is interesting like that. We start something for one reason, but really, we never know what it will lead to.
Congrats Katie. Lots more good things ahead. Oh, and I really do love where you have taken your kitchen. It’s so much calmer but with character and light. beautiful!
So not that my opinion is all that important, but I don’t see anything wrong with accepting free stuff. You guys did all that tiling and you take time maintaining the blog, so enjoy! I would certainly accept anything free someone wanted to give us.
This may be one of the top 5 weirdest questions….
I noticed you and Megan are not wearing shoes. Do you have a “no shoes in the house” policy? My husband and I don’t wear our shoes in our home (a combination of comfort, hygiene, and preservation of our new wood floors). We also prefer guests remove their shoes as well. Our problem is, we don’t really know a good way to ask. Yes, I have googled it, and yes, I can simply say, “remove those shoes, yo!” but I thought I would bounce this off you…. What’s your household shoe policy???
This is beautiful, Katie. I love how intentional you are about what you do and how it affects your family and others. I think it’s so great that your hard work caught the Tile Shop’s attention. Your kitchen is amazing and I love the stools you picked. Your kitchen is so bright and clean without feeling sterile. I just love it.
That’s so exciting! I love the Tile Shop! Your backsplash is gorgeous and great job styling. Don’t feel guilty. Anyone would take advantage of that opportunity! Bravo!
Love watching the kitchen from start to finish, you and Jerry (and Will and Weston) busted your humps to get it to where it is…so you definitely deserved the ‘gifts’ from the Tile Shop. You’ve made DIY’ing your home into a business, enjoy the perks, don’t worry about justifying to the nay sayers. They will always be there. It’s not like you are some shady exec at Enron!!! Appreciate your honesty. Looks fab!
I L.O.V.E your outfit here Katie! I love ypur style! Couldn’t you please do an outfit-post sometime? 🙂 You have such a cute and easy stylish style!! <3
Lots of love from Sweden <3
Katie,
You are seriously my favorite blogger. You are so humble and I love that you even think twice about the freebies. You dedicate so much time to this blog and I think you deserve every good thing that comes to you. Keep rockin’
Congrats Katie! I love your kitchen! Do you remember where the vase/jar(I have no idea what it is called) that is holding the limes is from? I love it!
Who cares what other people think (i know easier said than done)Some people go to work and get a paycheck….a blog is constant work (sometimes very little pay) so think of it as your year end bonus! Everyone loves that work bonus!! Anyway the kitchen looks awesome and the shoot must have been a blast!!
You all did such a fantastic job with the styling! Where did you get that cute white turtle planter?
I love the accessories you chose, they make the kitchen look more family friendly and less showroom-y.
I saw in one of the photographs, a white (ceramic?) head mounted to the wall that surrounds your fridge. Have you posted about this before? If not, can you tell me what it is and where you got it?
Oh, and to echo a few of the other comments, I love the coral pants!
Girl, there is nothin’ wrong with accepting free stuff, especially when you are open and honest about it. Worrying yourself silly over it? – ain’t nobody got time for that! :p
On a side note – I am IN LOVE with your backsplash. I may have said that before, but when one has such a deep connection with something, it’s only natural to want to shout it from the rooftops haha
I have a question. A friend of mine has a blog. She sometimes gets things for free from companies. I told her that she has to claim that on her taxes as a gift and write down the retail amount…she says she never does, but I’m almost positive you need to since it’s like winning something. Plus, since she has the blog, people will know that she receives these things so she has to be careful. It’s like winning things.
You have to pay taxes on that also. What are the rules about that? I was going to ask YHL, but I see they don’t receive free things from companies. What are the rules about this? Thanks!
You did good, girl. You did good.
And if you ever do have a real lime party, I will come and bring a vase full of lemons. It will be the most amazing lemon-lime party anyone has ever seen. Because it will be the ONLY lemon-lime party anyone has ever seen. Squatting and boob-rubbing optional.
I love freebies! & I think that you worked so so so hard during a tough season in life– so I think it’s stellar that you got to enjoy some freebies too! What a fun experience, kind of like a reward for all your hard work. I’m still drooling over your made over kitchen. I feel like the old one was fake. I would just camp out on your new one and breathe it in. 😉
Your photoshoot sounds like a great experience and the kitchen turned out so beautifully… you had such a great vision for it! I found myself really hoping you WOULD take the free stuff… I think it’s like any other perk a 9-5 job offers only you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor all the time in your own home. Your choices are gorgeous!
You should know too, even though this is unrelated to the kitchen styling, but your hair looked amazing in the photos too. 🙂
KB< I dont like that you HAVE to justify your freebies. YOU are AWESOME. You are a bright spot in my day and I think you deserve any little gift someone throws your way. I have a feeling you are pretty carfeul with what you CHOSE to endorse so I always look at your endorsements as being truthful and honest.
KEEP BEING YOU!!!
XOXO Lynn
John & Sherry of Young House Love have a strict policy on not accepting freebies, and it hasn’t hurt them. If anything, I find when they do endorse a product, I feel I can trust it more and am more likely to buy it myself.
Your kitchen is so amazing. I first wrote that it was delicious…? It’s both. Anyways, it’s amazing that you had this opportunity, and personally, I’m so glad you got a)the opportunity and b) the free stuff – totally reasonable… You are supporting your family plus they are gorgeous. Moral is, don’t change! I think a lot of people love and support your decision!
Gaaaahhh this is a small world – I grew up in the same town as Brian and Megan!
CONGRATS – what a cool experience, and your kitchen looks amazing! I could hug that tile.
Such a cool experience for you!
Your outfit was awesome too, btw. I saw your shirt and thought, “that looks familiar…” and then I looked down and realized I am wearing the same shirt today! That’s the second time we’ve worn the same thing, and it makes me feel like one of the “cool kids” : )
You are fantastic and deserve every wonderful thing that comes your way. This is your job, so think of these perks as your Christmas bonus (or Easter bonus)?!? (I hear people have those…trust me, it’s not from experience. They don’t give bonuses to grad students). The kitchen looks awesome!
Congrats, Katie! You and Jeremy deserve the recognition for all the time and work you put into transforming your kitchen!
So, when is Jeremy going to join the Bower Power blogging team? You guys would be outstanding!! 🙂
P.S. You look beautiful!!
True…they only accept monetary endorsement deals. It’s a completely different beast!
xo – kb
He does handle the ads…I am horrible at that kinda stuff!
xo – kb
Twinsies!
xo – kb
Oh yes…bloggers should always claim the free stuff! It’s a well-known fact that nothing is truly free! That is why you should be really careful about the stuff you get.
xo – kb
It’s my pighead 🙂 I got the original one from my grandma after she passed…and then it broke during our move…and then we found the exact one at Goodwill. It was fate 🙂
xo – kb
It’s from a local antique shop!
xo – kb
It’s from Pier 1. I believe it was on sale!
xo – kb
Aww thanks….maybe I’ll put something together once a quarter or so. I miss my old fashion posts 🙂
xo – kb
It was over the table. Oh and it should be said that these are not the final shots…these are my photos of the day (I was really distracted between the breastfeeding and shopping and talking up Brian and Megan so I missed a lot!).
xo – kb
We don’t really have a policy. Well, we do make Will take off his shoes at the back door but only because he seems to walk in poop outside a lot (??? boys?!) but they did take off their shoes without us saying anything and I tend to go barefoot a lot…it just feels better 🙂
xo – kb
Yes! I definitely considered that!
xo – kb
I say the same thing. Sounds crazy…but dude, we friends 🙂
xo – kb
Yup. I think most folks know that you have to pay tax on those items…it’s amazing how much you have to turn down because freebies ain’t free!
xo – kb
I LOVE your kitchen! You did fantastic and it just shows how great you are at this blogging thang! I think you deserve the freebies- they are such a blessing!
One question. Curious if you thought about red stools like your red kitchen chairs? I adore those chairs…
I got nuthin’ but love for your kitchen! I’m finally getting my hubby on board with white cabinets, thanks to photos of yours! I love all the pops of bright colors with the neutral backdrop too! Looks fantastic! Great work 🙂
I’ve been working on tiling my fireplace with tile from The Tile Shop and keep seeing your pictures everywhere! I get a kick out of it like I know someone famous or something. Don’t bat an eye at the freebies. In fact they aren’t freebies. You worked for them. The Tile Shop gets to use your home for ads (that’s not free) and gets to feature your family (who have a lot of people who follow them) and get exposure which entices people like me to get off their butts and go buy some of their tile for a project of our own. Win Win!
For what it’s worth, I think you totally deserve to take freebies when they are offered without even listing the 4 reasons for us readers 🙂 My thought process is, this blog for you is kind of like my full time job and while I am paid a salary and benefits, you are paid with cool stools, light fixtures and rugs. Pretty sure I might take your payment over mine too. So for all the time you put into writing awesome posts that make me come back every single day….enjoy those stools, the awesome drool worthy light that I wish I had and the great stools. YOU DESERVE IT.
Congratulations! I think you should never feel bad about accepting great things others are offering you, you deserve it especially with all the hard work you put into your house and without your design ideas your house wouldn’t look the way it does, which is spectacular!
I love reading your posts they always crack me up! You kitchen is simply gorgeous and that light from Ballard is to die for! But then again I love everything from Ballard it’s my absolute favorite store.
You did an amazing job with your kitchen and am so excited for you and your photo shoot!
The kitchen looks fab! Totally deserving of a photoshoot. 🙂
Love it!! We are going to have a similar look going on in our new kitchen. That was the light I was hoping you would pick when I saw the choices!
Where did you get your orangish pants?
Hey, I’m a longtime reader, but I’m also a product marketing manager who has to do photo shoots for products and I felt the need to tell you you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking free stuff in exchange for the setting and pictures. First of all, we have budgets for this stuff. Second, it can sometimes be really hard to find a great spot to shoot that really highlights your product well, let alone adds all of the authentic personailty that your self-designed kitchen would. Plus, you have to put up with people invading your space all day and moving your stuff around. I know you have to square it with yourself and your blogging counterparts, so I totally understand the thought-out explanation. But to put it in persepctive for you, I sometimes pay people to come cut their grass and collect their leaves with a pretty house in the background and never set foot in the house except to use the bathroom. Hope this makes you feel better when you sit on your new stools.
Just curious, what have John and Sherry endorsed for a fee? I thought they’re reimbursed somewhat for curating Joss & Main collections, for example, and obviously they have sponsors, who are probably happy with their ROI, but I had the impression that YHL truly takes no swag. I agree – when YHL says A, B, or C worked for them, I tend to believe it, since they actually paid for it out of their own earnings.
Perhaps I misunderstood – but I’m another one that discounts reviews by bloggers who have received free items from vendors. Sorry.
I wouldn’t worry so much about freebies. For a long time I worked with a photographer who often shot “on location” and we always paid people to use their homes. If they paid you in cash you’d probably just use that to buy those stools, light fixture, and a rug you liked, right? 😉
Eee!! How exciting! I wouldn’t stress too much about the freebies! You’re kitchen looks great – and with all the work you do on your blog – I would say you deserve a few bar stools and accessories. It looks awesome though!
The last thing you should feel is guilty. I don’t care less what you get for free. I think you’re a great blogger and if you havin a freebie here and there keeps you around longer, then I don’t mind looking the other way 😉
Enjoy it- you deserved it. Now go rub your face on all that tile and whisper sweet nothings in its grout.
Florida fan club day?! I thought you were a (short-lived) DAWG! 😉
It turned out beautiful! Great job:) You deserve it all, girl!
Good choice of outfit…Go Gators!!!!!!!!!!!
It sounds like such a fun experience but I can see how it could get your stomach tied in knots. I has no hard feelings towards you or accepting the freebies. Every job comes with it’s perks.
Take the freebies! I really enjoy your blog (found you through YHL)
I’m sorry if you have this posted somewhere…I can’t seem to find it if you did- where did you get the pendant lights you have over the island? They wold look great in my new kitchen
They have stated on their blog that they get paid for appearances, for their partnership with Benjamin Moore, and their light collection with Shades of Light. They are very careful about getting freebies but they gotta make money too! We all have bills to pay!
xo – kb
Super wahoo to you guys! The kitchen looks astounding! Seriously, I love all of the playful pops of color, so fresh and fun! You made really great choices for all of the finishing touches.
And whistle whistle, Katie is one hot mama!
xo,
Jen
So. love your kitchen and your blog! 🙂
Good for you! I think it’s silly to be jealous over someones success with all the hard work that has been done to get there! I’m glad you decided to take the “freebies”, too bad they aren’t REALLY free! Keep writing and doing what you do, I love your little family and blog.
Wait, do people judge bloggers for accepting freebies?? Get over it people! That’s just a perk of the job…and nearly everyone has those! I can understand that bloggers shouldn’t endorse products they don’t actually use/like (though celebrities do it ALL the time – as if olympic athletes eat at McDonalds or movie stars use drugstore makeup! right!) but I think accepting freebies is 100% ok! People are probably just jealous. {I do not blog btw}
Anyway your kitchen looks fab. We are getting ready to paint the cabs in our {thankfully much smaller} kitchen and we got the same paint as you. Hope it turns out half as nice!!
You know, when someone offers you free shit with no strings attached, you say yes. You don’t turn down money. Not in the world I come from. So I wouldn’t think too hard over these kinds of things. Ppl mope and whine about bloggers who act entitled to it but newsflash, celebrities have been receiving the same treatment for eons and they certainly aren’t deserving of it. Yes, ppl who act entitled are annoying and smell bad. They will not have very many friends. That’s not the same as stupidly turning away something FREE because you’re worried you might appear to be acting entitled or “oh no, what will ____ say?” Say yes, and don’t apologize for it. Anyone else who wants free shit can start up their own blog and go for it, too.
Cool. So with point number 4, what do you plan to do to “pay it forward”? Are you going to give away some of the freebies?
Enjoy the free stuff. We all have it better or worse than somebody. The comparison game will just make you miserable.
First of all, Loving the kitchen! It looks even better with all the stylin’! Second, I’m not understanding how getting paid (whether it’s with cash or stuff) for letting them use your kitchen in their catalog is a “freebie”? When a sponsor gets traffic and sales from your blog,you should get paid. I don’t see why anyone should have a problem with this concept! This is not
new, people. The fact that we’re witnessing this with little blogs we started out with and watched grow doesn’t change that. I cringe every time Katie or YHL feels they have to justify this. These companies are making money off of these blogs. The bloggers deserve compensation. Period. I keep wondering if the naysayers are jealous or just nuckle-headed. I’m done.
Get over it Linda! What is your deal with the whole “freebie” concept when it’s not actually a freebie? You get paid for your job right?!? It’s called compensation, and every, I mean EVERY blogger out there gets paid one way or the other thru some sort of sponsorship. You either get cash or goods, but it is all payment for the work you are doing. It’s obvious that the Tile Shop is a sponsor of Bower Power, and it’s obvious that Katie endorses Tile Shop product or she wouldn’t use it in her house. Plus, they have had an ad on their sidebar since I started reading 2 years ago, and I’m sure they are getting compensated for the photoshoot just like YHL. If you don’t want Katie to get paid to DIY and write about it, then maybe you should start paying to read her FREE blog.
Your kitchen has turned out beautiful! I really love the industrial fixtures with the very classic lines of the tiles and cabinets.
Everything in your kitchen has come together beautifully. So. . . . where can we see these photoshoot photos in action?
Love your tile and love your kitchen! And hey, I have a yummy Mexican pulled pork recipe that would use all those limes! 🙂
Hopefully this doesn’t sound too creepy – but I’ve bery quickly fallen in love with your tile (swoon!) and your blog. I’ve been a YHL reader for a few years now, and for some reason never checked out your sweet blog! I spent the better part of last night reading through old posts, and to my husband dismay now have a few design books added to my wish gift list 🙂
We’re saving up to hopefully buy an older farmhouse to fix up in a couple years (I may or may not have a pinterest future dream home board for most rooms. even one for color palettes – insert husband side-eye) and LOVE what you did with your kitchen. I want to pet your tile in the least creepy way possible.
Also wanted to say – I really admire your faith. As someone who struggles on a daily basis with faith/religion/spirtuality your openess regarding your sprituality is both refreshing and inspiring.
Loved reading about how it all went down. And great, great choice on the light fixture. Don’t let people turd on your happy experience, in regards to freebies. Your blog is great for a reason, and I would pay a subscription fee to keep you writing if that is what it came to. I hope every time you look at one of the products you remember what a great experience you had!
Jillian
Let’s put it this way – if someone pays full price for Benjamin Moore paint, and says they like it, I weight that review more heavily than I do for someone who receives the paint gratis in exchange for a comment on their blog, even if theoretically that blogger is free to say the paint is good, bad or indifferent.
I understood that YHL receives payment for work done in lighting design, for example – but they don’t get even their own designs for ‘free’ from the lighting company. And of course they should be compensated for personal appearances at conventions – they’re a good investment by the convention to draw in bigger crowds. I do think their ‘no-swag’ policy does their ‘brand’ good in the long run – and is a good enticement for sponsors to want to put ads on their site, which increases their income. Heck, I’d be more inclined to buy lighting from their line BECAUSE they put their own hard-earned dollars into its purchase and are happy with its quality.
Ads are not endorsements, in my world, anymore than an ad in a newspaper is an an endorsement of that company by the LA Times.
I don’t care if bloggers receive things for free – as I said, I just don’t weight their comments about the quality of the product itself very heavily if I’m in the market for something in that line, even if I think the blog did a nice job in exposing that product to its readers.
But I do think YHL is an outlier in the blog world, and their path isn’t one that many bloggers would take. And I think I may define the phrase ‘monetary endorsement’ a bit differently than Katie intended.
I LOVE this makeover! I would love to transform my dark toned kitchen but since it came with some amazing quality granite that is a tan and dark brown color, I’m at a loss for ideas on how to switch it up. Please share any tips if you got ’em!
While I’m new to blogging {I think maybe my mom reads it?} I certainly understand the time that this pursuit requires. Taking pictures, writing posts, editing….it’s a huge dedication of time, the fact that you get perks for a job well done is just icing on the cake!
Enjoy it, they aren’t perking you for nothing-this blog is earning its keep!
I have nearly the exact same story here http://mrsincrediblyaverage.com/2013/02/18/red-duck-towel-holder/about a duck head from my grandmothers house.
The sentimental stuff is the best. Love your little pig head.
Katie, you deserve applause for this kitchen in Southern Living or Garden and Gun. The entire makeover is spectacular, and that you 1) did all the work with your boyfriend and 2) did all the work with a big pregnant belly is no small story!
I just want to add that I wouldn’t exactly consider any items that the Tile shop purchased as “freebies.” If Black and Decker sent you a free drill and wanted you to rave about it, that is one thing. You used tile from the Tile Shop and they wanted to use your space for their print ads. They don’t want an incomplete kitchen in their ads, so they purchased a couple bar stools and some dang bowls. Who cares. They are basically paying you for using your space. Anyone who takes Katie’s recommendations less seriously because of this doesn’t understand “freebies.”
Fried Okra is the best food EVER! My mom grew up in the south and used to make it all the time and when I lived in Texas you could buy it frozen and ready to go at the store. Sadly, in WA where I am now I can only find fresh and only at fruit stands (and not even most of them, it’s a hunt to find it). Also, your kitchen looks amazing, I love all the different colors you guys used when styling it.
I’m pretty sure that’s a home blogger’s dream come true!!! You’re a lucky girl 🙂 I love that Pier One, um, lime holder lol! It reminds me of that Jennifer Aniston/ Vince Vaughn movie where she neeeeds 12 lemons for her centerpiece.
I really love the random island grouping too. I’m not that great at setting up vignettes. Did she give any tips as to how she set this up? That would be a sweet blog post *hint hint*
Congrats on the new fame & awesome swag.
I think they will pick the best of what they shot for their ad and send me the full article thing later. Right now you can see an example of how they have done past bloggers on their website.
xo – kb
Well we do donate a lot…both to organizations like habitat houses and to friends and friends of friends that are struggling financially. And yes, in the past I gave away about 50% of the freebies.
xo – kb
They are from Pottery Barn Kids…I got them at the outlet but they still sell them online!
xo – kb
Seriously. traitor.
xo – kb
I just went out and bought that vase at Pier One. I got the last one. A little pricey but stinkin’ adorable and worth every penny. Thanks for sharing.
I saw “Will’s not-so-little book” when I got on MyPublisher.com today to put a photo book together today.
The Bower’s are famous!
Damn, that looks so cool! I think you need to think of the freebies as payment – you’re good at what you do, and these people wouldn’t have asked you to model the kitchen if you weren’t.
except that the tile was free too!
It sucks that a few party poopers made you feel like you had to justify getting free stuff. 🙁 You were presented with a great opportunity and took advantage of it! I feel like it’s the obvious thing to do. Everything turned out great, and really, I think the haters are just jealous that they aren’t the ones getting freebies.
Linda, sorry pet peeve, but weight = noun, so if anything you would “weigh” someone’s opinion of a product more heavily. Additionally, if you don’t trust the opinion being expressed here, why visit? Katie has pointed out negative aspects of products she has been given, so she’s proven herself a truthful/reliable source of honest opinions. Best of luck is only finding blogs that get nothing in return for reviewing products.
haha…I think she used what we had…it was a random assortment and we loved that vase so we definitely wanted it to be a centerpiece.
xo – kb
I am in love with your kitchen, Katie! And I am shocked people are even commenting on the freebie part? Who cares. I’m sure most of these people have received a freebie or a gift sometime in their life. I say take ’em guilt free because you definitely deserve it!
ooohh…my sister has a beautiful granite like that and it’s lovely! I think the key is to take pieces of that color and use it in the other part of your space. I hope you get your transformation soon!
xo – kb
Haha…I love your ending. that is all 🙂
xo – kb
Old Navy! They were clearance 🙂
xo – kb
I did but I think my mind is wavering away from the red. I think I would like a more saturated blue or a slight gray green 🙂
xo – kb
I am a new blogger and I have just discovered your beautiful and inspiring blog!
I hope it would be ok to link to a seriously RETRO post of yours about the ladder in your garden with pastel plant pots for a post which I am planning?
Thank you for all of the inspiration!
Snowdrop Sew
Gorgeous! And I don’t think you should ever feel self conscious about accepting freebies that come as a result of your hard work.
i am so cool. oh yes i am because you chose the same canister set at Pier 1 that i got. 😉
i love mine, except the seals fell of the lids. and i really do NOT like that considering how much they cost.
xo
Mine fell off of one too! What did you do? glue it back on?
xo – kb
Sure! Go for it! I love that old ladder post 🙂
xo – kb
i need to glue them back on, just haven’t yet. ( 1 year later. lol)
Morning, Katie,
I’m about to re-do my kitchen. Paint my cabinets white and I’ve always wanted black countertops. Aren’t yours black? how do you like them? do they show everything? is it worth it? I LOVE the look with white cabines.
thanks for your help,
Kathy
Looks amazing. Don’t feel bad about the freebies. We get an awesome free service from you!
Yes…ours are black…and they do show more than our previous black galaxy countertops but I do love the contrast. I think that it’s one of those things that forces you to wipe your countertops…which could be a bad thing if you have messy hands everywhere or it could be a good thing if you like clean counters 🙂
xo – kb
The kitchen looks gorgeous. As do you. And it’s so cool to see a behind the scenes of a room photoshoot!
Katie – it looks awesome! I have been looking everywhere for the perfect light fixture over my dining table and was so excited when I read through your post and saw the Bailard Design one you chose! I just bought it today and can’t wait until it arrives!
LOVE the kitchen, and congrats on the photo shoot! You DESERVE it, ALL of it! 🙂
Your kitchen is drop dead gorgeous! I know I am late commenting here, but I pinned a few pics of your kitchen and just keep coming back to them. Just perfect!!! I just got a 20% off code from Ballard and am ordering that Eldridge Chandelier RIGHT.NOW. I can’t stop thinking about it! And woo to the hoo for you getting freebies!
I tried to skim the comments to see if you mentioned where you got the clam shell bowl on your counter, but I didn’t see anything…Can you tell me where you got that bowl? It’s awesome!!
The scalloped edge bowl is from Pier 1.
xo – kb
What color are your walls in your kitchen and your cabinets?
The walls are BM Metropolitan and the cabinets are Simply White.
xo – kb
Hi Katie! I was just looking back at this post and noticed that the link for the Crate and Barrel bar stools takes me to a 24″ stool. Are your island cabinets 30″ high? We are in the middle of a kitchen remodel ourselves ( at 37 weeks pregnant! What is it with pregnant women and kitchen remodels?) and I wonder if the 30″ counter/ 24″ stool is a standard set up and do you feel like that leaves you plenty of room for your thighs when you sit there?
Hmm…I don’t know if the link is changed but our stools are not bar height…just counter height and they fit great with the countertops. Much more room than the bar height!
xo – kb