More Home Projects Are Happening

Eight years ago, Nate and I were looking for a new place to settle, plant some roots and find a home that we could really call our own. We were living in Minneapolis for years and ready to hit the burbs with our two little boys. All I wanted was a cute little house, not super big, with a functional layout where I could really get creative.

Image above via www.cletile.com

It took me over a year to find the sweet spot for us.  I cannot express to you how difficult it is to find nice little homes. They just don’t build like that anymore. Home’s these day’s are huge! That’s what I see being built all around my neck of the woods… I know people love the idea of a big home, but not me. That’s more to maintain, more to heat and more to keep cool. The best part about having a smaller home (if that works for your family) is you can really deck it out without breaking the bank. Remodeling costs are significantly smaller.

I’m all about finding the gold in my own back yard. So, under a budget of course, I’m in the process of decking my house out. The built-ins were just the beginning. Next is the kitchen.

I have a really small kitchen. It’s literally a corner in the house. Some people would hate it, but I actually like it a lot. It just needs to be brighter and a smidgen taller.

Last time I spoke to y’all, I was planning on adding new cabinets to the tops of my existing cabinets. 

I got them priced out, and I didn’t think it was worth it in the long run. My ceilings are tall and I don’t love the idea of getting out a foot stool every time I need something next to the ceiling. So I simplified the design.

Here’s the look now. Again, so much brown!! I’m ready to say good bye to brown!

Here’s a rough concept of what I’m thinking about.

I’m going with a classic look. The bottom cabinets will shift to black and my top cabinets will go white. As much as I love marble, I’m going to go with a white quartz countertop. Marble may be beautiful, but it’s not at all functional to cook on. It stains and absorbs very easily. No thanks!

I wanted a white tile that would have a little tint of color, play and texture so everything isn’t so white and matchy-machty. I’m super in love with these weathered white 2″x 6″ subway tiles. I love the pearl-like finish and hand crafted feel. They are a little more spendy, but because I don’t have a huge back-splash, I’m willing to take the plunge.

Image via www.cletile.com

I went back and forth over removing the microwave and having it built into the lower cabinets. I really wanted a custom vent over the stove, but the splurge to have a microwave drawer is just not something I’m jazzed about right now. So, I’m keeping the microwave as is for now.

In my last home I had a porcelain sink, and what a pain in the butt it was to keep clean. Again, they are beautiful, but I’m also very functional, so I’m going with a stainless steel sink.

For light pendants, I want them to be cohesive with my new chandelier.

Image via www.allmodern.com

For hardware, I’m loving these rounded brass handles and taper knobs from CB2.

Images via www.cb2.com

I can’t part with the graffiti wall. It’s one of my favorite decor statements in the house. It’s also where all of our guests sign when they come over. So, I designed around that to make it stand out even more.

So, that’s the next big project! Nate and I love this design shift and we plan on making some really, really good memories here!

XOXO

Melessa