We are in the middle of kitchen construction con Queso. 

I can’t wait to show you the final results – heck, I can’t wait to see them myself.

In the meantime, I’ll be shopping. And talking a lot about the process. … after all, the only way to get through a traumatic experience is to talk your way through it…so sayeth the billion dollar psychoanalysis industry. Plus, a kitchen remodel is like being pregnant or starting a business – when you are in the middle of it, it’s all you can talk about.

What? You don’t normally have scooters in your kitchen? Weird.

So saddle up friends– let’s overhaul a kitchen!

After we moved into our first pre-WWI home, I was complaining to my new neighbor…an old ad man…about the ridiculously tiny closets. “Ah,” he said, thoughtfully nodding his head, “That’s the blessing of an old house.” And I thought, this guy has been in advertising way too long, also, he’s lost his mind. But then after a while of living it, I got it. He was right. The obvious lack of closet space IS a gift. It forces you to only keep what you use, and use just enough. It encourages you to choose quality over quantity. And it inspires you to be creative with what you have.

You can read more about it (and see more photos) on Hitting Refresh.

It’s from outer space. Or the JFK administration.

It makes me happy.

In other words, I think I’m now in the market for a crystal chandelier. Or just a chandelier maybe. I don’t know.

From Adams Antiques Importers

From Alexander & Pearl

From Gallery 74

From Anthropologie 

Let There Be Flight hanging lamp from Mod Cloth

(Ok, I realize this is going in a completely different direction. But it’s kinda cute.)

From Amazon

From Lamps Plus

Also from Lamps Plus

From Bowery Lighting Company

And again with the Bowery Lighting Company

And one more from Bowery

For the most part, I tried to stay on the lower end of the price scale. Just because, whatever. But there are some amazing ones if you’re willing to spend $5K on ceiling crystal. I am not.

Anyone have any lighting tips? Like the most amazing vintage store to get 1915 chandeliers in my neighborhood for $500 or less? I feel like a grown up just talking about this. Next, I’m going to discuss politics and taxes. And have a bridge party. You’re all invited.

UPDATED:

Pam pointed me CSN Lighting, where I found this one…which is the closest I’ve seen to the top photo online. It’s still way more than I want to spend (Of course I want to spend $25) and maybe smaller than I want, maybe. But yes. Closer.

It has lights included. It’s ugly (it’s actually even more ugly in person, trust me). And it was $5.

Then I got out the bakers twine and cut off a few branches from the bottom of our Christmas tree.

I began to tie the pieces of cut branch to the plastic garland. Along with ornaments. And love. Etc.

It’s nice, yes?

I didn’t even clip off the baker’s twine very well. I don’t even care.

Even if the crappy plastic garland shows up in some spots, the overall effect is so great it doesn’t matter.

The house smells amazing. And if I squint, I can almost believe I’m at the Gore Hotel in London. Or at least believe that these incredibly decked halls cost me more than $10.

This is what I’m thinking for the kitchen cabinets. Some version of grey. With this exact hardware.

Everything else white.

Cool?

Thanks.

Good talk.

Again and again, I’m being drawn to this robin’s egg, turquoise-ish, fresh blue.

(From Houzz)

I’m just trying to figure out where it will work in my house.

(From Apartment Therapy)

It just makes me super happy.

(From Anne Sage)

What do you think?

I am reeeaally wanting to re-do our little mudroom to become this above shot.

Or this.

Or this. But with a washing machine.

Is this physically possible? The room is about 12 feet X 5 1/2 feet. Quick. I need a degree in architecture. And design.

Let me get on that.

Give me a few weeks, and I’ll report back.

*All three of these images are from Houzz.

And as you can see, and as usual, I totally credit my addiction to book learning.

That said, I’m going to have a lot of talk about, show you, and experiment with on this topic over the next couple of months. Because my backyard is exploding.

It seems, when you plant things, they actually grow. Count on it.

A shower with lots and lots of tile!

Floor-to-ceiling tile.

And it is rad! Mainly, because we can shower. Hooray for hygiene!

And the project is done, for now.

I’ll post the final bathroom results when it’s final.

Expect something around February.