It's Monday, folks, and once again I'm talking about color. I know, I know — it's been on my mind a lot lately. But spring is blooming, and color is inescapable right now. So for today's color question, I bring you this: would you ever paint your kitchen door in a different color? Preferably something bold and bright, like a shocking red or a glowing, golden yellow? 

I know: open shelving is a little contentious. Some love it, while others decry it as a messy grease-and-dust magnet. That may be true in certain cases, but there's something very appealing (at least to me) about floor-to-ceiling versions, in particular, as opposed to one or two shelves hung above the sink. Here's why:

Well, not really. But even if that wasn't the original design intention, it pretty much does just that. Have you ever seen a home bar that was quite so cool? It's a bar! No, it's a sculpture! No, it's a work of art! Gah. It's awesome. We rest our case.

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.

This simple San Francisco kitchen is so homey, with just the right amount of color and whimsy. Love the look? Want to emulate some of it in your own kitchen? Here are sources to help you get the look. (Fill in the blanks in the comments!)

Rustic Modern Kitchen

Cabinets: Original
Cast iron pans: Lodge
Clock: _______
Dishes: Crate and Barrel and Sur la Table  
Oven: _______
Paint – Walls: Benjamin Moore for PB AF-660 Granite and 872 White Christmas
Photography: Panoramic photo by Karen Hellyer 
Side Table: _______
Tea Towel: _______
Teapot: _______
Tile: Subway tiles

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.

I first heard of woodworker/DIY'er extraordinaire Ariele Alasko when her super cool salvaged headboards showed up in my Pinterest feed. After exploring her site, Brooklyn to West, I discovered she also makes salvaged wood dining tables in her signature graphic, mix-and-match style. I think they're stunning, don't you? A little worn and rustic, but completely eye-catching.

Remember this dining room? The map was such a cool touch, particularly paired with that cheery purple table. In the spirit of that, we went looking for other inspirational map-attired dining rooms, and found a few that should ignite your wanderlust.