Old Sweetwater

Old Sweetwater

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Gone To Pot

There is an idiom to use when something has gone wrong or doesn't work anymore: We say, "It's gone to pot." It comes from the fact that in history, when food was scarce, people used the bone, fat and scraps to make a meal in a pot. Well, I'm not talking about what doesn't work, but what DOES - the pot rack! It comes and goes in trends, but in working kitchens, it is a staple. They come in wood, but metal is the most used. There are lots of people who make their own.
I used to have one like photo 5, but gave it to a friend.  Now we have a lighted one (still in the box) for Old Sweetwater that I need to paint white. Do you have a pot rack?


















25 comments:

Marina Mott said...

I want these kitchens!!!! all of them!!! great pics!! xx

Keetha Broyles said...

I LOVE finding out the reason behind common expressions that we use frequently but the "link" to their meaning has long been lost - - -

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi Janean, I don't have one, but I really like the rustic charm of the first rack, but the simplicity of the third image is really nice too. I think they look best in a big open kitchen!
Flick :)

Farmgirl Cyn said...

No pot rack here...just a couple of drawers crammed with pots and pans!

Suz said...

Funny you should post this..My husband just bought new pots..what do I do with all these pots now...he doesn't cook either...oh dear! Love the pot racks..never had one..maybe my kitchen isn't a good enough working kitchen after all

FairfieldHouse said...

Good Morning Janean.

Thanks for explaining the reason behind the expression "going to pot". Makes sense. I am swooning over the third kitchen.

Your Friend,
Deborah

Oklahoma Granny said...

I would love to have a pot rack but unfortunately one wouldn't fit in my kitchen. Oh, one would fit in size but the look just wouldn't be right. I once saw one make out of a vintage ladder that I just loved.

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Good Morning Janean! I LOVE pot racks and used to have one years ago over my island that was like your old one. I look forward to seeing your new lighted one once you get it painted and put up! I used to own a gift shop in a ski village in Canada years ago called Tradewinds and Treasures and I sold pot racks. They were very popular then and maybe even more so now. I still like the wood one in your photo's and it would be fitting for this old house but we have a ceiling fan that is VERY appreciated in the summer over the old farm table...so no pot rack for me at the moment. Enjoy your Tuesday...Maura :)

Farm Girl said...

I think my favorite pic is the one with the the kitchen in the first picture. My husband just walked in and I said do you like that kitchen and he said, "No, I don't like that thing over the table it looks dangerous." :) So it will never be pots over the kitchen for me.

Pondside said...

No pot rack here - they're all tucked safely away in drawers in the kitchen island. If I had a rack, though, it might have a hen on it(but no crystals!).

Lorilee said...

I have a large pot rack, and I LOVE it!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Susan Freeman said...

Hi Janean! Lots of pots hanging over the stove in this cottage. Copper pots, Calphalon and stainless. I like all of them in easy reach and love the way the copper gleams and gives the kitchen a cozy glow.

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

kimsound studios said...

My dear friend! How exciting to see your post on "Pot Racks!"
Over the weekend, we were walking through an antique shop and saw the some nice metal displays. I am looking for one to go over the island. These were inspiring :)
I love you my friend, God bless!

Janean said...

Robin is having difficulty leaving a message where she is, but she said...
"...I had a pot rack/chandelier at one time at the Cape house, but decided I needed a fan light, so I switched it out. I still have it, tho, so might use it in the addition someday :) Hope you have a great day."

Dolores said...

I love pot racks, and would love to have any of those pictured, but unfortunately I don't have a place for one.......I'll just enjoy looking at the ones in the pictures!

Mari Nuñez said...

all the racks look awesome, my favorite....the last one. I love country roosters.

have a blessed afternoon.

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

Wish I had a place for a pot rack! Love all your choices!

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I have absolutely no room at all for a pot rack, but I sure wish I did! I love the look of them, and they are so handy! I worked at a school catering kitchen a while back, and we had one--it was great!

Deb said...

great kitchens...love the last photo

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

My pot rack is being used to store baskets in my craft room now...no room in the kitchen of my smaller home...it works out great!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Love those racks and no :( I don't have one but I think I could, I do have a large island in my kitchen.

Technodoll said...

No pot racks here, I find they look so messy and dirty... yeecchhh.

I hide my scrappy pots behind cupboards, LOL!

My cheap, ugly scrappy pots.

sigh.

KTW said...

Love me some pot racks! :) The Hubster made the one in my kitchen now and it is perfect for me. Not fancy-schmancy (and I do love fancy-schmancy ones, too) but simple and it holds some of the antique pretties that I love!

Janet said...

My rather utilitarian metal potrack is my favorite thing in my kitchen and the one thing I couldn't live without in that space.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I do have a pot rack and it is used. I don't know where I would put all my stuff without one. I love the last pictured one.