Thursday, March 14, 2013

Bright Spring Color.

For some reason, I can't get the blogging thing squared away lately! I suppose it's because I don't have much to share since we have slowed down on projects around the house. Things have been busy at work with report cards and parent-teacher interviews. Plus, I've been trying to do a few extra Crossfit classes and Steph has also joined. Seems blogging has taken a back seat.

I have many projects brewing in my mind though so I hope to get moving again soon.. That is, after we get back from our trip! We are heading to Mexico on Saturday for a week of sun and relaxation. I. can. not. wait.



I plan on that being me but I think Steph plans on us being a little more active than that. On another note, I want a retro mint bathing suit! How cute is she?

I've noticed in packing my suitcase that I am attracted to bright colors this spring. Maybe it's dreaming of  sunny skies but lately, the brighter the better. It's easy when it comes to clothing but much riskier when it comes to making it work in your home. Well... not for everyone but definitely for me!

Here is how I'm going to make the attempt this spring.

Lots of fresh flowers. Tulips are my easy favorite right now.


Replace some of my pillow covers with some in fresh spring colors. 
I particularly like these ones from Caitlin Wilson Textiles.




I can't completely commit to color year round. I find it can get tiring after a while. Using flowers and pillows are simple and affordable ways to add pop to a neutral base. How are your bringing fresh spring colors into your home this year?

Monday, March 11, 2013

Birthday Photoshoot.


Thanks for all your comments regarding the new island in the kitchen and a new welcome to new readers who stopped by yesterday from Centsational Girl to see the two tone kitchen cabinets!

Last week was Beaufort's birthday. He turned 5 years old. I dressed him up in his special occasion bowtie from LittleBlueFeathers and took some photos of him. Today I'm being that crazy woman who is obsessed with her dog and flooding the blog with photos of his sweet face.

Bear with me:)


That sun feels so good!





Ok. All done! Back to regular content this week. I just couldn't resist!

Have a great week!



Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Kitchen Island Reveal.



I'm finally sharing the new addition to our kitchen! I've mentioned it here before that as much as I loved my kitchen, it was seriously lacking in storage and counter space. The room is quite narrow but long. It always seemed like a big waste of space to not have some sort of cabinet across from the main cabinetry. (You can see the opposite side of the kitchen here)


If you know my kitchen's story, you know that my brother built all the cabinets so in order to get them to match seamlessly, he would have to make them. Since that wasn't really an option at this point in time, we decided to go with something completely opposite in style. We also wanted something that would be movable and versatile. More like a piece of furniture that could work in different settings than just an island.




I really wanted something white and high gloss, however when we spied the high gloss wood grain finish we were intrigued. The result was a combination of the two. The cabinet itself is white and finished on both sides. The drawers are the same material but have the wood grain finish.



There is no hardware at all which gives it a slick modern feel. To open the drawers, you simply press on them and they pop open. Same goes for closing them. The mechanism is similar to the old stereo stands. There are six adjustable metal legs that make it looks more like a piece of furniture than a kitchen cabinet.



The counter top was a tough decision. Solid surface would have been ideal but we also wanted the option of being able to cut off the overhang, should we decide to use it outside of the kitchen. Using butcher block would make that a much easier job. In the end, while my heart wanted Quartz, I feel that the butcher block was the right call and I love how it looks and feels.



We added two Ikea shelves on the wall above the island. As a rule, I really don't like when things are offset. I'm a lover of symmetry! However, you would have bonked your head on the corner of the bottom one, should you be sitting at the counter. I let go of control and let Stephane hang them and it works! I don't mind it so much!



 Since we added the overhang on the countertop, it meant we could have bar stools! So exciting! We scored these at Winners and I love them. Stephane loves to cook and I always felt I was standing around watching him. Now with the extra counter space, I can help out. Or.. plunk my butt down and enjoy a glass while I watch:)

 


So finally, there you have it. The addition to our kitchen. A cabinet and some stools that changed the whole feel of the room and the way we used the space. So far, a great decision!


Sources:

Cabinets and Countertop ~ Prestige Kitchens (Summerside)
Shelving ~ Ikea Lack
Wire baskets ~ Superstore
Bar stools ~ Winners/HomeSense
Custom pet portrait ~ Lesli DeVito Paintings