A Kitchen in Progress

We've been hard at work on our house for about three weeks and we're slowly but surely seeing it transform into our home. Remember this photo from this post?

With a little time (2 weeks) and a little paint (1 million gallons) we've gone from the above to the below. We primed and painted the cabinets ( Killz Latex Primer and Valspar Bistro White), we installed new hardware and hinges, we removed the drop down flourescent lighting that used to be in the center of the kitchen and installed recessed lighting, we added the pendant over the sink. We've also painted the walls in the house (not pictured... I'll post an updated photo soon!)

We still have a ways to go, we'd like to pour cement counters in the near future, and change out the white appliances for stainless steel and in the more distant future we'll install hardwood floors throughout. But for now... this kitchen really makes me smile. Btw, how awesome is our fridge?!?!

A Place to Rest Your Head

Good lord internet we have been busy bees at the new Casa Berlin! Betweeen sanding and painting, and painting and painting and building new matles and chimney sweep appointments (does anyone else go into 'Chim Chimney' from Marry Poppins anytime chimney sweep is uttered? Oh. Just me?) I have had little time for anything else.

We are finally to a point where we can focus a little of our (read: MY) attention to decorating our new pad. This photo instantly struck me. I love white bedding, sparse furnishing ( in the bedroom), the pillows and the Imperial Trellis pattern on the panels. I'm in love.

*Image from La Dolce Vita via Jennifer Dyer

Blood Sweat and Tears

We have had the keys to our new abode for 10 days and a lot of work (refer to post title above) has already gone into that money pit. I have single handedly been working on giving the kitchen a 'lunch-hour facelift' [A ten-day lunch hour!] (one that doesn't require major surgery or major bucks.) I have done a lot of sanding, a lot of priming and the painting continues. All in all though, it's worth it. We spent our first night in the house on Saturday and it already feels like home. A sneak peak at what I've been working on:

Ok, the inside of the cabinets look green... but they're gray I promise! More to come!

For Japan With Love.

One day of scilence in memorium of the thousands that have lost their lives, families and homes.
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Supersize Me

Does anyone else love the big lamg and HUGE print in this room? Because I do! I do!

*Photo via House Beautiful

How Bad Can That Be?

I love to cook. I love a bright clean and nicely appointed kitchen where everything has and is in its place. Its no secret around Casa Berlin that I also love Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. Everything about her, from her delicious foods to her perfect gardens (and that kitchen!) are my dream. I am really excited and antsy for the weekend to get here so that we can get to work on the new place. I want to chanell as much as I can of this in my new kitchen:

*Photos via House Beautiful

TGIF: A Great Weekend Ahead

We are closing on our new house today. It's exciting and a little nerve wracking but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm excited to celebrate this new chapter in our lives with a great glass of wine tonight and am anxious and ready to dive into all of the plans we have for making our new house into our home.

Home is Where the Heart Is

Happy Weekend!

* Photo via Flickr

The Brightest Bulb

We are going to install a pendant over the kitchen sink. That much has been decided. Here are two fixtures out of hundreds that we've green lighted. We're obviously hard to please. Too hard?

Calhoun Glass Pendent $149.00 Pottery Barn
Kichler Lighting 2713 $108.00 Lighting Universe

Pillows Pillows Everywhere

I love throw pillows. On my bed, on my couch and on chairs. It's a great way to bring color and whimsy into any room.

From top to bottom:

Bijou- Dots $34.00 West Elm
Love Felt Pillow $38.00 Etsy
Pod Pillow $164.00-194.00 2Modern
 Hoot Pillow $25.00 CB2 ( no longer available) Damn!
Stewart the Owl $40.00 Etsy

C-Ment

Tons of ideas have been thrown around regarding inexpensive fixes for our new house. Last night we decided that cement countertops in the kitchen will be a cool ( and DIY) way to update our house asap. We're thinking something like this:

Our floors are terracotta tiles but we will paint the cabinets white and install hardware just like the ones in this photo (although we may go with a brushed stainless steel.) Yay? Nay?

*Photo via modern-decors.com

A Place to Relax

I want to be outside today, sitting in a comfy chair, with a chenille throw wrapped around me enjoying a good book and a glass of iced tea. These places will do.

* Photos via Architectural Digest and Lonny