Think all food bloggers have fancy, designer kitchens? As Ashlae of Oh Ladycakes will tell you, that's not the case! She's actually a little embarrassed by her Denver rental kitchen. "People come over to the house and expect something immaculate," she tells Apartment Therapy, "and they’re like, 'Oh, this is where you do all of your baking?' Yep." But we say: cheers to that! We like a cook who isn't deterred by her kitchen's shortcomings. (We all have them!)

As we close off Cocktail Week, I thought this Tim Gunn-approved bar cart would be good inspiration as you go off into the weekend! I love how the owner has reworked this vintage cart to make it completely Happy Hour-ready: it not only holds liquor and lemons, but the drawers — pulled out on the sides — function as shelves for glasses. Talk about making it work!

When Cass and Carla renovated their 1952 home in Austin, Texas, they knew that comfort was a top priority. "We wanted to have a welcoming, well-crafted, simple house that suited our family and friends," they told Apartment Therapy in this recent House Tour. The result is a sort of easy minimalism: lots of space, light, and personality — particularly in the kitchen! — for this vibrant family of four.

Sirima's San Francisco loft doubles as both her home and her printmaking studio. It's open, colorful, and full of things to look at — while still being organized! Her kitchen is a real treat. It holds what she says is just a "fraction" of her "embarrassingly large collection of vintage 1930's –1940's glassware, pottery and cookware" from design luminaries like Eva Zeisel, Ben Seibel, and Russel Wright. You'll also find Jadeite/Delphite milk glass, pink depression-era glass, and Hall pottery. Wow! 

I've been sharing my kitchen renovation with you over the past couple of months (see all the posts and the progression here). Today's finally the day: the big reveal! Here are some photos of my kitchen as it is today, after all the research, sweat, and dust. We are thrilled and feel so lucky — hope you enjoy the peek! 

I've seen barn doors show up all over the home in the last few years. Have you noticed that? The rustic character and worn, weathered varnish looks great in a lot of different settings. Here's one example: this sliding barn door — with its heavy iron hardware — leads into a pantry! Such a cool detail.

In our house we keep the liquor in a tall wood cabinet I found for a song at a thrift store in Manhattan. It stands against the wall near our dining table, which is between the kitchen and the living room. (I like the proximity to both places.) It works for us now, but we're moving soon, so I'm curious to see how other people store their spirits. Do they keep them out in the open on a bar cart? Grouped together on the countertop? Set up side by side on a shelf? Here are 10 examples culled from our Kitchen Tours for a little inspiration.

This minimalist kitchen really benefits from the absolutely striking raw wood countertop. So unique and beautiful. I really can't take my eyes off it. 

I don't know much, but I know I love you ... hot pink kitchen floor. (That's how the song goes, right?) This floor is an unexpected, thrilling detail, especially when you consider that the ceiling is also painted pink, albeit a paler shade. Apparently the floor in this Swedish kitchen was a dull laminate before the owners — in a bold, budget-friendly move — painted and then covered it with large sheets of adhesive-backed plastic, which gives it that slight sheen.

Shell's newly renovated studio in Greenwich Village, New York feels much more spacious than it actually is! The 520-square-foot apartment is smartly laid out and full of hidden storage solutions, including a hidden pantry in the open kitchen. The kitchen cabinets are IKEA (a budget choice), but the countertops are 2.5" thick monolithic white Corian countertops — a worthwhile investment, according to Shell. See more photos below: