modern design

We Bought a Fixer - The Built-in got Bigger!



Hi again. How are you?
I had a really productive day in my studio, pumping out some new work. 
I just couldn't tear myself away to write my Wednesday post until now! 


A few weeks back, Matt added a little extension to our built-in.


He constructed a desk to span the space between the bookcase and the entertainment center.
Pretty smart use of space if I do say so myself! 
Despite the fact that there are "his and hers" chairs here, Matt has claimed this as his domain. 
I'm totally OK with that....as I have my "secret room" studio.
(I promise to show you my studio when I get it fully decorated!)



We recently picked up this sharp looking desk chair at a yard sale for $5. What a steal!
We love its warm, worn look, and clean lines. 



I've had this chair in my personal collection for years.
I love the way it plays against the dark, heavy desk chair. 


Well, that's all I've got to say about that. 
What you you think about our newest DIY? Do tell!
 
P.S. Be on the look out for new listings in my Etsy shoppe any day now!

We Bought a Fixer - Matt Made Built-Ins


Hi there. How are you today?
I'm happy to have another finished space (well, almost finished) to show you!

If you recall, our living room is just one long, open space. 
With the picture window on one wall..... 

......and the fireplace on the other, we were having a hard time figuring out where to set up the TV. 

Matt decided to make a built in. 
Here it is in its very early stages. 

 Here it is now! 
It's amazing what a little paint does to MDF. 


 Matt designed the shelves on the right side of the unit specifically for typewriters. 



This is Matt's favorite.

This is mine. 


The back of the unit is sheathed in pallet wood that we salvaged from the perpetual construction site we once called home. (The condo we spent the last year in was one of the first on the street. They are still building there, and probably will be for another year. So glad to be out of there!) I love the industrial look of the wood and the texture it adds. 


Along the back wall of the room, Matt constructed a wall of bookshelves to house his massive collection of books. 


Ta-Da!
 It was really tough to get a good shot of the whole thing, with the light coming in from the window. 

I spent a few evenings styling the whole thing. 



I arranged the books in rainbow order on the bottom shelves.
Matt thinks I'm crazy for taking the time to do this...
I really like the way it turned out! 



Matt also designed a space to house his speakers and records. 



Matt's most favorite part of this whole built-in is actually outside.....


He's following in his mother's footsteps and has developed an affinity for birdwatching. 
We found this planter in our back yard when we moved in. Matt recently moved it and filled it up so he could watch out his bookcase window.  He loves to see that the seed is getting eaten and is frustrated that the cardinals that hang out in the bush right behind it won't touch the feeder.


I really do like how the built-ins have given purpose and division of the space.
I have to give Matt so much credit on this project.
 He made a great use of every inch of space on that back wall.
I love that I have a crafty husband!

Until next time. Ta-Ta.

To read our entire "Fixer Upper" saga, make your way here.

We Bought a Fixer - Kitchen Complete!


Well hi. How are you? 
 It's finally time to show off our new kitchen. Yahoo! 

When we bought this house, we knew we'd have to gut this kitchen. 
It was awkwardly crammed into the corner of a really large living/dining space.
And why was that island so damn close in?


So as you recall, we took down this half wall.........


......and closed in this window. 


Behold....The Kitchen! 



The backsplash is a mix of colored glass and marble. 
We love how it ties everything together and adds some texture to the space. 


We love the butcher block island and sit here for most meals. 



Our American Range is a thing of beauty and is awesome to cook on.
So happy to have a gas range again!   



Our Home Depot pendant lights have a nice industrial look, capped off by swanky Edison bulbs.
Not very efficient but they are oh so pretty. 


There's not a thing we'd change about this space.
We feel so lucky to have been able to create the kitchen of our dreams!
To see/read more about our home renovation go here.

Until next week! Ta-Ta.