Art Inspired Palette: Poppyandpinecone-Home is Where the Heart is
13 Thursday Feb 2014
13 Thursday Feb 2014
06 Thursday Feb 2014
Posted Everyday Design, The Home
inMy husband and I finally have finished our kitchen renovation, which we started last spring. Most of the work has been done for awhile but we recently added the finishing touches this winter. I’ve been sharing this process since we first bought our home 2 years ago. You can see the initial redesign here: Home Sweet Home-Kitchen Redesign
This was how it looked before we did this final renovation:
I had a few main inspirations for the space but mostly wanted a country kitchen with all free standing pieces. You can read more about the items we bought here and a look into my search for artwork here.
Here are some photos from the demo:
My husband, Dan, and I are both very handy, being artists and DIYers. We painted all the pieces we found, built a custom sink cabinet with open shelving, and transformed a breakfast nook into an island. We purchased a new oven and sink, as well as all new lighting, new flooring, and paneling for the ceiling, which Dan installed and painted himself. The sink butcher block countertop was purchased at Ikea but the other two were bought online unfinished. I sanded and stained them myself to save on the cost. We had a little help with the demo and drywall, which took longer than we planned due to issues with the house, but all in all we can’t complain. We are both just happy it’s done!
Of course I am always changing things up but its great to have a space we love. My vision came alive and we both worked as a team to create our dream kitchen. Here is what it looks like today. All our hard work paid off.
06 Friday Sep 2013
Posted Inspiration Photo Friday
inTags
autumn, cherry trees, earth, fall, falling in love, grass, harvest, heaven, home sweet home, long island, love, mother earth, nature, new york, overgrowth, pear trees, seasons, spring, summer, trees, weather
I have been in love with nature since I can remember. Always wanting to be surrounded by grass and trees and getting inspired by the beautiful varieties and colors of plants and flowers, Mother Nature will forever have my heart.
The spring and summer seasons are nice but fall is my favorite. It’s full of rustic hues and woodsy tones and sets up the stage for the Earth to shed its skin. Baring it all for us to see. How romantic is that? And through the whole process, we can experience the most beautiful weather filled with crisp air, refreshing winds, and just enough warmth from the sun. And although the trees will eventually let go of their leaves and flowers no longer bloom, the idea of harvest sets in. It’s time for a whole new world of color, flavor, and adventure.
I took this photo in our yard yesterday. Every now and then I take a walk to the very back and look around. From the cherry and pear trees to the overgrowth on the fence, there is just so much to love. The funny thing, we didn’t create any of it. All this beauty was here when we got here and has been part of the property for many years and I wouldn’t change a thing. Now we can experience history and the future in this little piece of heaven we call home.
I believe falling in love with people is not healthy because you should be uplifted when love is in your heart. But when it comes to the glorious Mother Nature, I fall in love more and more everyday. There is just something about the Earth that makes you want to fall into it and breathe it in. To climb a tree and be within its branches, to lay in the grass and feel it between your toes, to explore a woodsy trail and feel at peace when the forest consumes you….there is nothing in the world that can bring this much pleasure. And to experience this everyday in my own backyard, is the best gift of all.
02 Friday Aug 2013
Posted Inspiration Photo Friday
inTags
cool, fall, garden, gardening, growth, happiness, home sweet home, life, love, nature, plants, positivity, summer, weather
This past week or so has been super nice around Long Island. Even though its late summer, there has been a break in the hot weather and keeping cool has been much easier. I am loving it. Especially, since I am not a fan of the warmer season. And its interesting because my home, as well as Dan and myself, have been undergoing a change as well. Not to mention, friends and family around us. It’s like the weather helped guide us all to something new or different.
Being able to have all the windows open in our home, instantly changes how it feels in here. Letting the fresh air in, as well as the sweet sounds of birds chirping, helps me to relax and feel more at peace. If there is a way I can let nature in, I take it. Just thinking about fall and how close it is, makes me so happy. So all this cool weather has been holding me over till September rolls around. I can’t wait.
The photo below was taken this morning. It’s of various plants and herbs we planted in our patio garden box. It’s amazing to see how everything has grown since we put them in the ground, it truly fascinates me. All the little bugs that call this garden home have a safe place to be and each plant gets to thrive to its fullest potential. I am sure they have been loving this cooler weather as well.
I feel your surroundings have a major impact on how you feel and live your life. During the summer, my husband and I feel a little trapped because we don’t like the heat. Whereas fall brings a whole new world. The fact that we’ve been keeping cool much more lately, allows us to have a more positive outlook and enjoy our surroundings a lot more. To feel happy within ourselves and to see the world around us grow and evolve, makes all the difference.