Monday, April 21, 2014

Updates and blessings

This is what our kitchen at the little white cottage looked like when we bought the house…


It got worse instead of better real soon...  
Of course, I have only myself to blame for that nasty boo-boo you see on the following picture.
See it?


I didn’t know there were such a thing as Thermofoil cabinetry… you?  Thermofoil is a vinyl film that's applied to particleboard or plywood.  It can mimic wood detailing more closely than laminate and it is also a good choice if you’re looking to refresh your home with a budget makeover. Our little cottage came with this type of cabinetry.  But I didn't know this.  And thus, I thought I was just removing a small paint chip off the cupboard, but ended up pulling off a huge chuck of the Thermofoil instead…

A foolish and careless mistake indeed… or maybe not? You see, secretly I’m glad I did this, but please don’t tell my husband, K? ;)


So, we ended up ordering a new pair of glass doors to replace my boo-boo (hehe). They will match the glass door cupboard on the other side…  which make me very happy indeed, because I do love glass door cabinetry.


The kitchen doesn't look as bright as you may think, but that's just because of all the dark countertops (which soon will be replaced by white granite) and the awful dark insides of the glass door cupboard... I cannot imagine why would anybody want to cover the inside of their cupboards with something as yucky and dark as whatever this is...


Plastic?  Some type of vinyl paper?  I dunno.  Have you ever seen anything like it? This was such an eye-sore from the very moment I discovered it.  So we’re removing the dark vinyl and painting the inside of the cabinets to something that can brighten up the space and make me smile each time I look at them.  I have chosen a lovely teal color, from Valspar.

Something like this… my inspiration.  Taken from Houzz  


Or this… 


I’m so loving this color right now… 
turquoise, teal, aqua, aquamarine, green-blue…


The backsplash will be in a very light green marble and glass tiles - And I'm also replacing the hardware on cabinetry.   Don’t know yet what I’ll be choosing… most probably, something from Hobby Lobby in aqua to match the inside of cupboards (see above pic).

I also wanted a chandelier in the kitchen... to spice it up a bit and give it some French country flair!  Of course, I didn't want to spend a fortune on it, so fortunately for me, I found the perfect chandie at Home Depot...


Hampton Bay Maria Theresa 6-Light Chrome Chandelier, Model # C873CH06- Internet # 202184534. At the marvelous price of $99.99.  I love it so much, I bought two.  One for the kitchen and one for the dinning room area.  Love the curvaceous scrolling arms and crystal cut French pendants... I thinking I now want one for every room in the house… hehe!

I also love this chandelier on this next pic, here... and I'm thinking I must add some touches of hot pink to my tan, black and white decor... what do you think?  Pretty?   


The original chandelier in the living room, which came with the house, was too outdated and heavy for the style I’m envisioning, and thus I had it replaced for a MASKROS Pendant lamp, from Ikea.  Price - $49.99. Just like the one on this photograph... Very stylish and contemporary…  we’ll see how it looks with the overall décor of our little cottage.


I should get another one just like it for my gypsy room for sure.  It's so pretty... and kind of throws you for a loop too, because each time you see it you think it's from a more expensive vendor. It's quite eye catching, but made of paper.  At an incredible price.

(photos from Houzz)

We’re going back to our South home this coming Friday. I am excited. My heart is breaking. I am looking forward to this new chapter of our lives in our little white cottage. I fear distance, and departures. I am two hearts beating in one soul. I am tired, I mean really tired, pressing my own small time into tiny heres and nows and somewhere in the distance… I can hardly feel my legs right now, except for the pain emanating from them; from working all day long without stopping. But my heart is at ease and I am thankful and sanctified by the blessing of serving others. I am fortunate to have those I love in my life… love cannot be described with mere human words. My love—all of my loves, I lay in Thy precious hands o Lord of lords… I am content. I am thankful. I lean deep into the mysteries of Thy mind and recognize your perfect beauty in all of my imperfections… 

I like how Henry Drummond puts it: “You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love"… 

 Have a good night my friends!

12 comments:

  1. Gracious! I didn't know you had done any of this. And just stumbled across the "bread crumbs" to here.

    Tessa~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Was wondering where you were... ;)

      Blessings

      Cielo

      Delete
  2. I really like all the selections that you have made for the kitchen and your chanties. I have one that is almost the same that you got at Home Depot about 12 years ago and I still love it. You really got a wonderful deal as I paid a lot more than that for mine.
    I know your tired, but you have a great home and soon (knowing you) will have all of your touches in it. and in the garden too. I am looking forward to seeing all the changes you will be making.
    Have a wonderful week in your Little White Cottage.
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm in love with that chandelier and want one on every room of my cottage ;) Oh well! ;)

      Thanks for stopping by Mary!

      Cielo

      Delete
  3. Such a pretty space. You are doing an amazing job with your kitchen. I love how light and airy it is. I just bought the same chandelier for my guest room. It is featured on my Guest Bedroom Makeover which I just posted on my blog. I hope you can stop by to see it. I am sure your place will turn out beautiful.

    Thanks for visiting me Cielo.

    Janet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janet I just came from visiting you lovely house... love love the renovations you did to your guest room... and the chandie... ahhh, lovely. Can't hardly wait to see how mine looks like in my little cottage kitchen and dinning room area.

      Thanks for stopping by

      Cielo

      Delete
    2. Cielo, I can't wait to see how your renovations turn out too. I also use the Annie Sloan Paint too. Check their website for distributors in your area. But Lowes and Hoe Depot carry some chalk paints too.

      Good luck with your project.

      Abrazos,

      Janet

      Delete
  4. Hi Cielo, thank you for stopping by and following my blog. I am your newet follower too. I would love to see your kitchen when it's finally done. Must be exiting to revamp the whole kitchen. The possibility is endless.
    Hope you are having a good week.
    I love your roses too.

    Blessings,
    Aida

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aida.... lovely name. Come by again to check on updates...

      Blessings

      Cielo

      Delete
  5. Love your decorating choices. There is nothing better than a white kitchen and the aqua/teal color is my favorite. I have it in my bedroom on one wall and in the morning light against the sheers and lace curtains it looks ethereal, very calming. The chandie will add just the right touch and the light made of paper is amazing too. The hot pink as an accent will look perfect with your pink roses. That's the beauty of decorating with neutrals, you can change the accent colors whenever you want to.
    Have a safe trip home on Friday...
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello Cielo, stumbled upon your blog and it was a good thing :) New follower. Come on by and visit me sometime. Looking forward to the developments in your new home.
    Happy today.
    Cheers, Gee

    ReplyDelete
  7. The holly bushes....leave them....they are supposed to provided protection in the metaphysical world. Maybe trim them a little...they stay so green and pretty all year. Just my thought.... Love your new home!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...