Kitchen Nook Windows

The windows in my kitchen nook are large & let in lots of morning sun, which I love.

Nook - Drapes are gone!

I have had some fabric for a couple of years that I think is just right for them.  It looks really nice against the creamy yellow walls.  (Hopefully you'll get to see that color one day!)  

The plan is to make valances out of the toile, trimmed with the ticking fabric.  Then, I'll add roman shades, that can stack up under the valance, made from the ticking.

Now, we just have to finish the move so I can start sewing!

The Colors

Update: I have been trying for days to get some decent photos of my paint colors!  Both my digital camera & my cell phone camera have produced very poor results.  I think I need to take a class... I'm going to move on for now.  When/if I figure this out I'll post photos, deal? (I am open to suggestions from you fab photographers!)

I am headed over to the new house to take photos of the finished painting.  It is a bright day, so I'm hoping you can get an idea of the colors look up on the walls.  I have a couple of fabric choices for the kitchen windows that I'll try to show as well.

Below is a photo of the paint chips.  The kitchen paint is actually a very creamy yellow.  The chip in the photo is off. :(  The stencil is an idea for the entrance hall.  I would apply it either a clear gloss, or darker shade of the same color for a tone-on-tone look.  Still thinking about that one....

More "Before" Photos

It has been a busy week.  I'm packing one house and unpacking into another.  We've had new, water-saving toilets installed, had the front of the house repaired (where the plumber ran into it with his van), and the painting has been done in the entry, kitchen, living/dining room and hall. 

I guess I'd better get some more before photos posted, so I can show you what's new!  This is definitely too much white for me...

Entrance Hallway

Dining Area

Living Area - Back Wall

Living Area - "Alcove"

Hallway to Bedrooms

The painting is all of these spaces is done.  Patti The Painter will be back on Monday morning to do any touch up that is necessary.  I absolutely love the colors.  I'll post some shots of the rooms as soon as we get a bright day to show them off.  Tomorrow, maybe?

We have the keys!

Last Thursday evening, we finally received the keys to our new home.  Seemed to me that the event would never arrive!  It did, and I am over the moon!

The last 3 days have been busy.  We needed to change the door hardware/locks, start measuring for furniture, deal with utilities.  You know, all the little things that go along with a change of residence.  Oh, I forgot to mention conducting the guided tours for my friends! :)

I have taken quite a few "before" photos, and will start posting them for you all to see. 

Kitchen

Here's my new kitchen.  It's small but really very efficient.  The kitchen I am leaving behind is too big.  Yes, you heard me, TOO BIG.  It is a killer, to work in because the work triangle is non-existent.  I am going to love the new one!

 

The retro drapes are going.  They will be replaced with valances & fabric blinds.  Hanging lamp will be replaced as well.

The credenza I showed you will be placed on the wall you can't seen on the other side of the pantry cabinet.

I have a small, square library table with two pull-out extensions that will just fit this space.  Eventually, I'd like to put banquette seating in the corner under both windows.

View into the kitchen nook 

 

All of the appliances are original to the house. They are in good, working condition so we can push that expense out a while.

I need to decide whether I am going to paint the cabinetry white, and I am leaning that direction.  If I do, we'll go stainless steel.  If I leave the oak, I'll use white. 

I love those little glass block windows over the counter.  This is the east wall of the house, and the morning sun shine through!

Stove wall

Haven't decided about the counters.  I can live with white tile.  The advantage to changing is that the double sink is really too small.  Not a decision I have to make right away. 

 

Planning to put slide-outs in the pantry cupboard.  A couple of the lower cabinets have slide out already.

Sink/Dishwasher

 

Just wanted to show the inside-out view of the front garden. You also get a close-up of those "interesting" drapes.

View out of the front window

 

Yellow Rose

We had the final walk through in our new home yesterday afternoon.  It was great to see it completely empty & cleaned up a bit.  Everything looked as it should, and we are set to receive our keys this coming Thursday. Can't wait!

It was a nice surprise to see the rose in the front garden blooming.  It had been covered with buds when we were last there.  It is definitely an English rose. Unfortunately, the tag is no longer there, so I may have some difficulty identifying it.  Am I the only person who carefully maintains the tags on roses?  I am starting my garden diary for this home now!

In any case, I think it is a beauty!

Mystery Yellow Rose

Quick Update!

We are all set to close on the new house on April 17th!  I will be so glad to start moving and transforming it into "my" home. There are a couple of very busy weeks ahead, but it will be happy work. :)

I have to say that I am the most grateful for our real estate agent who hand-held us through this process.  She is outstanding!  I might just have to do a post about it one day...

As soon as we get the keys, and I get the move-in cleaning done, I'll post the "before" photos.  Today, I am playing with paint color. You'll see why below.  Fun!

Here are a two more photos from the real estate listing.  This furniture belongs to the previous owner.

Dining/Living Room

Master Bedroom

From 10 Acres to...

In addition to interior decor, I've been spending a lot of time thinking about landscaping.  With acres & acres of farm/ranch land around our home, the natural landscaping was just right!  There are beautiful views out almost every window and off the decks.  

Here is our new property!  Postage Stamp might well describe it.  However, I am very excited to plan & execute a new garden for my new home.

The back garden ( from listing photos).

Front - Overgrown bushes everywhere.

I am going to have to live in the new place for a few weeks to see how the sunlight falls on the gardens, but I am certain I will have more shade.  There is, I think, a sunny side yard behind the fence for vegetables and a small cutting garden.  In the more shaded area in back, there is a nice hydrangea, a raggedy azalea and that poor citrus tree that needs feeding, which I have done already.  Poor tree, I hate to yank it, but it is exactly in the wrong place in my opinion.  One option is to go to my favorite nursery and have them do a plan for me.  

I think this will definitely be FUN!

Letting Go of "Stuff"

Preparing to move into a new home is hard work.  I know that.  But when your new home is much smaller, it also means making tough decisions about what to keep & what has to go.  I am not enjoying this part!  I have always been a "more is more" kind of girl.  That needs to change, not just of necessity, but also because I don't want stuff to be what my life is all about.

I have let go of a ton of things already. Had to...house for sale.  For example, I called my dear friend Pat one day and asked her to come get most of my teapot collection and dispose of it however she saw fit.  I just could not do it. I cried as I packed them, choosing only to keep a few that I use, or a couple that where gifts from my daughter.  As it turns out, while I am wistful when I think of some of them, that happens less and less often. I can now say that I hope wherever they land, they will bring joy and delicious tea into their new homes.

Today's dilemma is this decanter set.  I have owned it for years, and it has had a fair amount of use.  I am a fan of Port, Sherry & Madeira.  I also like to serve an after-dinner liquor occasionally.  But truth be told, the set is being used less and less frequently.

So, what to do?

I enjoy the set, and it holds many fun memories of guests and dinners parties. Port definitely tastes better out of those glasses! It looks lovely on my buffet. I think it probably needs stay.

It isn't being used often, it is a pain to wash & dust, if it is on display.  If I store it away, it'll never get used. Someone else might use & love it?  I think it probably needs go.

See what I mean?  Have you had to make these kinds of decisions?  Do you have any advice for me?

Moving!

Yes, it has been months since I wrote.  

Actually, there wasn't much to say, except that our home was on the market, sold once (deal fell apart) then sold a second time (that deal stuck)!  Keeping the house ready to show during that long time wasn't fun.  Most of decor was packed away, entertaining was out of the question, my home didn't feel like "home".  We couldn't even look for a new place to live until we were sure we had a sale on our home.  Compounded by the fact we don't really want to leave the "farm", I have to admit that it hasn't been the happiest of times, although, I have learned some valuable lessons.

The family moving in is just right for this house & property.  They are young, have 2 kids, a horse & dog and will love living here.  They also have the energy to take care of 10 acres, which we just do not, anymore.  This all makes the leaving much easier

The great news is that we have purchased our new home and I am so happy to start this next adventure in our lives!  The home is small, half the size of our current one, approximately 1322 sq. ft.  "right-sizing" into this space is a challenge I am looking forward to tackling.

I am posting a photo of the front of the house from the real estate listing, and a floor plan that my husband drew.  Those red numbers represent project he wants to do & their priority.  LOVE my engineer husband!

As I start moving and decorating, there will be lots more to share!  I will be back soon!

Front of house

Floor plan

An Update on Our Move

Two & a half months of having our home on the market has produced LOTS of traffic through the house. Unfortunately, we have received only one very low ball offer, with a contingency on the sale of their house, which we declined.

Apart from the daily upkeep & preparation "just in case", it hasn't been too bad.  We no longer leave the property when we have people looking, even though we have a lock box, just make ourselves scarce.  This is because we came home from a 3-day trip to find our front door wide open!  I can assure you that one realtor got a very stern scolding from our agent!

It is very likely that we will lose the home on which we have the deposit.  (Photos I recently posted.)  It is complete, and we are not ready to take possession.  On the other hand, they are willing to hold it for a short while, and Christmas miracles DO happen! :)

The good news?  There are lots of homes for sale in the are we want to live! 

You may not believe this, BUT, my best girlfriend has moved to a 5-Star mobile home park in Historic Folsom, CA, that I would love to live in.  Unlike any park you have ever seen, it is gorgeous!  That is an option that we are considering.  I plan to write more about it in a few days!

I'll leave you with a photo taken from my back deck.  Sunrise with out other homes to block my view will be one of the things I miss most!

Color Palette

Those kitchen cabinets might not get painted white, after all!

A few weeks ago, I was in my favorite home decor fabric store, Calico Corners, searching for inspiration.  Wouldn't you know, I found a fabric collection that I just love.  (Of course I did!)  I brought samples home & the next day, took them with me to the model, which has our exact paint, flooring & cabinets. 

I have to admit, the fabrics for the family room really look terrific with the color of the cabinetry in the kitchen, which is all open-plan.  They will be lovely with a white kitchen, too.  It has given me something to think about, that's for sure!

The Fabric collection is called Pheasant Hunt.  I especially like the pheasant fabric, because it has green & red in it.  I want to switch my palette to be more blue/teal, but I have 2 leather chairs that I don't want to/can't replace that are, you guessed it, green & garnet red.

Pheasant Hunt - Calico Corners

You can see the collection HERE, and also view a sample room shot. If you look back at the model home photos, you can see the cabinets.  I like them with the fabrics, do you?

I have to admit that I am excited about this!



In Search of: A New Series to Watch on Netflix!

The Mr. & I just watched the last episode, 87 in all, of  All Creatures Great & Small on Netflix.  This BBC series based on the James Herriot book of the same title, is one I LOVE.  Set in in the Yorkshire Dales, the story of a 1930's and forward veterinary practice, is rich with lovable characters, beautiful scenery, heartwarming and sometimes sad stories.  I wanted it to go on and on!

We've done a bunch of BBC mystery/detective series, Midsomer Murders & Rosemary & Thyme, being our favorites.



 

I think I'm in love with Tom Barnby!

 

Now, we're looking for new programs. 

Help!  What are you watching these days?


Thanks for reading,

Chris

My Sister's New Blog

My sister Sallee has just started a blog.  It is titled The Grateful Years. 

You are going to enjoy it, I promise.

Sallee is very talented, if I might be able to brag some.  She is an accomplished artist, an author (2 published mystery novels to date), a gardener, a baker...you name it!

As soon as you have a few minutes to spare, hop on over for a vist and welcome her to blogdom!  Tell her Chris sent you. :)


Thanks for reading,

Chris

Kitchen Cabinets

Yesterday, I met my girlfriend "Patti the Painter" (yes, she's a licensed painting contractor) at the model of my new home.  I wanted to ask her about painting the kitchen cabinets.  I know, you think I'm crazy, right?  Well here's the deal...

As you can see in the photo of the kitchen, the cabinets are Shaker style and kind of a cinnamon color.  I love the style, and don't hate the color.  What I have wanted for years are white cabinets.  I have decided that I will have Patti do the painting before we actually move in.  The color of our trim is called Cottage White, a nice creamy white.  I'll lighten it a couple of shades, and use that. 

The not-so-attractive ceiling fixtures will be replaced with a couple of transitional style track lights with mini spots.  We replaced one of the can lights in our current kitchen with these and I love being able to direct the light to the spaces where I work.

It's beginning to come together....

Thanks for reading,
Chris

Lost...

This is going to be so cute in my new laundry room!  I will be shopping for seasonal socks...is that cheating? :)  Might even head over to LittleMissMatched and order some mismatched socks in coordinating colors!

We are headed to the Sales Office for the new house today to pick out the finishes.  Fun! 

The hubs & I have been playing with furniture arrangements (on paper) trying to decide what furniture we know we want & can keep. This is really tough my friends.

On a brighter note, I came up with a helpful idea this morning!  Our new office is going to be quite a bit smaller. In the new place, it will be in the smallest bedroom.  My husband wants to put his desk and bookshelves into the closet. Okay by me.  I couldn't do it, I'd be claustrophobic. Then, I suggested to my husband that we take the TV armoire from our master bedroom and turn it into a desk for me.  He liked the idea, took some measurements & said it would be easy, and inexpensive to do!  Containment of my "stuff" and a smaller footprint...thumbs up!  It even leaves room for an IKEA single chair/bed.  Smaller space, one more guest bed. 

I am beginning to feel more comfortable with this journey. As Martha says, "That's a good thing".

Thanks for reading!  Chris

A peek at my (soon to be) new home.

As promised, I am posting a few photos & the floor plan of the home we have purchased.

I am beginning to feel some affection for this smaller home, even as I hate having to leave the farm and my current home. 

This is the floor plan of the house we have purchased.  It is 1503 sq. ft., and that's a little scary!  Paring down is certainly in order. :)



Floor plan

I'm also attaching some photos of the model.  This shows the actual finishes, paint, granite, cabinets, etc., that we have chosen.  Unfortunately, white cabinetry is not available.  I may be repainting in short order after we move in! 

 

Kitchen - Ugly ceiling fixtures are being replaced!

 

 

Living room corner. 

Master bedroom

 

 The adventure continues!

Chris

This harder AND better than I thought...

I haven't been around (again) because I have been so caught up in this "moving thing"!  It has taken me a while to truly reconcile myself to the idea of leaving our 10-acre property.  This country home was a dream of many years for us.  It has been a joy, mostly, to live that dream.  Now, it is just too much for us to care for properly.  We do need to move on, but it is sad task, you know?

The new house, is 1000 sq. ft. smaller than this one.  It is definitely the right size for us now.  I have finally given up trying to fit everything I have here into the new place; believe me when I say I tried...

"Right-sizing" means I am selling, giving, tossing away a ton of stuff.  These decisions are not easy!  Amazingly enough, I am feeling good about having less "stuff".  In some way, this exercise is allowing me to focus on what I really love, and making a home that is more manageable.  Who'd a thunk?

I am going to try to come here more often as we make this transition.  I'll be looking forward to your comments & encouragement!

Here a few photos of our current place.  I'll post a floor plan & some photos of the model of the new house in a day or two.

Driveway from the county road to our house

House front - early morning

Back deck view

Thanks for hanging in there with me!  Chris

I LOVE Lanterns!

I use a lot of lanterns in my decor.  I love the warm glow they give to a room, even in the Spring & Fall months.  I have been stocking up on the LED-lighted candles.  They're wonderful to use when it's warmer.  Some even have a slight scent.

Here's a sample of some of the lanterns, and one terrarium, that are offered on my AtHomewtihChris.com website.  The lighter finishes feel more like spring and summer to me.  And because I have the LED candles, I can tuck them amongst plants in the terrarium.  I've ordered a terrarium for myself!  I can't wait to receive it and play with vignettes. :)



www.AtHomewithChris.com

I'm going through decor withdrawals!  We're packing to stage the house for sale.  I have to make very specific choices about what I leave out.  I'm told that my "collections, no matter how tastefully displayed" may be viewed as clutter to a potential buyer.  Phooey!

Are lanterns a part of your decor?  Do you have a favorite place or way to use them?  I'd love to hear about it!