Happy Holidays!

i love what the christmas tree adds to my newly arranged living room (thanks, heather, for your help). figured i should capture it now before it comes down in a couple days. happy new year, everyone!

my cottage kitchen update

you may remember my kitchen when i first bought the house ... just a little dark and drab, no?


i started with the biggest task, painting the cabinets BM october mist (and replacing the hardware, of course).


next, the backsplash. i opted for simple white subway tile.

i thought the room was still too dark and painted the wood walls BM white dove.

and after a long process of shopping counters i finally decided on butcherblock.

(a very special thanks to rob and rich who put in two long days to install these beauties.)


at that point, it really felt like it was starting to come together.


of course, when the new counters were installed i couldn't just put back in my junky old sink and faucet. upgrades were badly needed.


i couldn't find any flush-mount lighting fixtures that i liked, so i spent a little extra money for recessed cans and couldn't be happier.


i bought a mirror from old time pottery and converted it to a chalkboard.

here's before and "after" shots of the room (although, i still have plans for the floor).

what do you think? the kitchen has always had a little cottage charm that i hope really shines now.