August 13th, 2009
While the paint was drying
When we moved into our first house last year there were a number of things that became immediately clear. Mostly that it really was 100 years old, and in some places you could tell. Some of those 100 year old home things are beautiful- our huge front window is original to the house and, being poured by hand, has a beautiful warbley look to it so that everything on the front street seems slightly less real than everything inside the house. In other places, those well worn looks aren’t so appealing, like how no one has re-finished the hardwood floors since the 1940’s. Which I think is a project for next year.
Mostly our little house is incredibly sweet, but there are those things that start to nag at you after some time and for me the kitchen and mudroom downgrade our house from shabby chic to shabby. And being that I’m now home all day, being unemployed, walking the dogs, and making lunch dates with anyone who is within a 100 km radius of me (I MISS HUMANS!!) this week I decided I needed a project, and damnit, I was going to make over our kitchen by Saturday, and the mud room would be re-done the following week.
And yes, I have examined the possibility that this could be kinda the same as when I decided to wash and iron all of Misters shirts in 12 hours while drinking wine and watching The Virgin Suicides, thank you for bringing that up. But something about this project just feels a lot less desperate- don’t you agree? (Of course you do!)
Late last night, most of the work was finally finished. The huge 1940’s built in cupboards were painted, new hardware was secured, the back splash was a beautiful robin’s egg blue (and the backs of all the cupboards were too!). I had spend the morning twittering nervously about how I was going to wallpaper my (cheap, ugly, bargain bin) lower cabinets and after wrestling with irregular cabinet measurements, pattern repeats, and my better judgment for most of the morning and afternoon I had successfully wallpapered for the first time.
AND IT WORKED!
Mister got home from work, and I ushered him into the kitchen shrieking, “Don’t look!! Don’t look! Okay!! Now look!” which was followed by the requisite ooh’s and ah’s. And guys, he really liked it. And I love it. And I was really proud that we’re making the house a little more perfect for us.
As the night rolled in, the heat from the day broke into a rolling thunderstorm. I ran downstairs in my vintage slip nightie, threw on my leather jacket and came out onto the porch. Mister was already there, taking it in. I sat on our front steps, put my feet out into the rain, and as the sheet lightening lit up the sky I could see the paint on my hands and legs from the day of work.
“One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three…” Mister counted, before thunder boomed through the air.
“Mister?”
“What’s up Ky?”
“You know what? This painting, sitting on our porch while there’s a storm- this… just all of it? This is why I wanted a house.”
For the first time in a long time, I slept all the way through the night.
{image: simple tess}
You will also find out, I am a bad typist.
Ironing, drinking wine, watching, The Virgin Suicides, feeling desperate– that sounds so much like me I just LOLed from my desk. Now everyone thinks I’m crazy, but at least I’m not alone…! :)
Found you through 20sb. I’m new. Hello!
lol You’re definitely not, you’re in excellent company ;)
Thanks for finding my blog!
LOVE that picture!
.-= Becky´s last blog ..Ohh sweet Friday =-.
*sniff*
That was just lovely! (And it kind of makes me want a house, for only the second time ever.) Thank you for sharing.
Exactly how I feel. Having a house is the best feeling! I wish I could retire already so I can spend all my time on the house.
I wish we’d have a thunderstorm roll in more often here in Phoenix.
.-= steph anne´s last blog ..Where the Grass is Greener =-.
I wish I didn’t have to work everyday… I would definitely meet you for lunch and teach you to crochet! (Trust me it’s so much easier to learn than knitting in the round!)
We moved into our first home at the beginning of this year. We did a few makeover projects right away but now its slowed down for a while (mainly due to funds, or a lack there of). I’ve been itching for a kitchen redo.
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..My Own Creation! =-.
Thanks for adding me to your reader. I added you too. :) I am looking forward to reading more about you on your blog – especially your house renovations. You should definitely post some before and after pictures. I just adore when people work on their apartment/house to make it look pretty. Plus, it inspires me too.
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..I am in love. =-.
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful moment.
Husband and I enjoy watching storms roll in. It’s peacefull, even when lightning cracks.
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Ready =-.
I just came across your blog via 20sb and I’m so glad that I did. Will definitely be back soon!
.-= Jane´s last blog ..Hen =-.
Kyla, that is so beautiful. Will you please write a book?
.-= Jill Pilgrim´s last blog ..Wherein I Prove That Reality TV Is Actually An Elaborate Plan To Keep Me From Murdering The Homeless =-.
I am jealous! I would love to have a house to fix up. You can just make it your own….sounds like a lovely project! I too would love to see pictures.
That is a lot of motivation and creativity to do something like that, so bravo. I could use that motivation just for doing dishes, let alone redoing a kitchen.
.-= Andy´s last blog ..To discuss a Friday fun: Dogs in silly costumes makes for fun animal abuse =-.
hi, kyla. :) i am new to your blog and i just wanted to let you know that i truly enjoy it! i will be stopping by regularly–you’re a very entertaining writier. congrats on re-doing your kitchen! thank you for this very pretty and inspiring blog you have. :)
Don’t worry, there will be pictures next week! Mister and I still have to find knobs for the cupboards and we have Ikea hanging pot racks and other such nonsense to attend to. But next week you WILL be spammed, never fear! =)
I am so happy that you feel so content right now. You deserve every second of happiness. I’m looking forward to the final pictures. I don’t suppose Austin is tooooo far for a lunch date? One day!
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..It’s what’s for dinner =-.
Your house must be a historic beauty! There must be so much rich history in such a wonderful home. I admit, at times, I find myself trying to occupy my time when I don’t have projects to work on. I’m glad it worked out wonderfully.
.-= Angel´s last blog ..Things That Make Me Happy #5 =-.
100 years is a long time. That’s a lot of lives that have lived in the house. So glad to see you’re doing something to the house to make it uniquely yours.
.-= SoMi’s Nilsa´s last blog ..Replay =-.
You know, I haven’t been to the Underground in ages…
You are too cute. I love that we live so far away, have known each other for so long long distantly, but still can update each other with what’s happening in our lives. I love the fact that you’re so happy with where you are. and your house. That’s great that you’re actually getting the time to enjoy it. I feel like I don’t have motivation to make it my sanctuary because when I get here all I want to do is nothing. That, and I know I’m not going to be here forever. But I can say that your house is what I one day want to accomplish with my life. You are the cutest, and really do deserve it.
.-= Awmb´s last blog ..Manual Mishaps =-.
Awww reading the few last sentences got me all mushy, so romantic and beautiful.
Congrats for finishing it,Kyla. If we lived nearby, I would so go to lunch with you in a heart beat.
I am so happy the cabinets turned out like you wanted!!
I think this story is particularly touching because Michael and I are discussing the momumental house query currently. I hate neighborhood developments. I want something old and unique, he wants something with “land” and I feel confident we will find something that works as well as your house works for your story. :)
we need a front porch, damnit. i want to rock on a front porch. :)
.-= Mel´s last blog ..Currently: Mid August =-.
Gosh what a great story. I love reading about your house! Um where did you get those bowls? Is that picture yours?
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..The lure of the snack cart =-.
I have those porcelain tumblers that are in your picture! I just bought them a couple weeks ago!!! They are exquisite. And I have to say I love your blog. =D
.-= Kristi ´s last blog ..On 101 Things In 1001 Days… =-.
I think we need Before and After photos!
I now completely understand the shirt ironing. Today was my first day of being unemployed and Nick and I now have a VERY organized bedroom closet. Next on my list is to FINALLY get around to hanging some things on the walls.
I really, realllllllllllllly want to paint our (hideous, awful) kitchen cabinets. I seriously hate the sight of them and I think a nice cream colored paint and cute hardware would go a long way toward brightening up our kitchen. But i’m afraid because the surface of them doesn’t look very paint over-able. (It’s kind of… shiny, if that makes sense.)And if I attempt it and fail we can’t afford to replace them. So instead I just glare at them hatefully every time I see them.
Glad your project was a raging success!!
i agree…i need some pictures!!
we recently moved into our first home.
i’m sooooo excited to start renovating/decorating.
<3
(so glad i found your blog! i'll be back for sure!)
This ACTUALLY made me a little teary-eyed. And I want your vintage slip nightie. :)
.-= Doniree´s last blog ..The Intersection of Then and Now =-.
Oh ♥, these posts are great! It’s so brilliant to hear you transform your 100 year old house into your 100 year old home! And you sound so happy – it’s delightful! :)
.-= Elly´s last blog ..Square ♥ =-.
Kyla, you make me smile. :)
I’m happy that you and Mister are so happy with your home and your lives. May all your years together be this good!
I’m so with you here! I want a house too, and a porch or a balcony to sit on. One huge downside to LA, and incidentally something I really, really miss about New Mexico, is that there are no thunderstorms here.
.-= Phil´s last blog ..The one where my head explodes =-.
I’m so with you here! I want a house too, and a porch or a balcony to sit on. One huge downside to LA, and incidentally something I really, really miss about New Mexico, is that there are no thunderstorms here.
.-= Phil´s last blog ..The one where my head explodes =-.
congratulations! you should be so proud of yourself! I would be way too much of a spazz at wallpapering, I just know it. Your little house and the life within it just sounds so lovely and perfect. I’m glad you’re enjoying living it as much as we enjoy reading about it.
.-= Janie´s last blog ..Blog and TiLT Smiles! =-.
I love hearing how happy you are right now in this moment. It makes me smile. Your summer of starting over is completely agreeing with you.
So glad that the kitchen improvements went well. I can’t wait to see more pictures. The wall papering looked fantastic!
.-= mandy´s last blog ..Braver, Stronger, Smarter =-.
Sounds lovely! I am terrible at DIY projects and probably would have given up, good for you for battling it out with the wallpaper!
That sounds like a perfect ending to a perfect day. I want a house, too!!! :-)
.-= Amber from Girl with the Red Hair´s last blog ..Looking forward =-.
This makes me miss my old house. The big wrap-around front porch made up for the poor ventilation and creaky spots.
Post pictures of the roosters and the cabinets soon!
.-= Miss Dallas´s last blog ..Birthday and birth stories =-.
It would be awesome if you posted pics of all your hard work! I’m curious to see what you’ve done!
I love the moment on the porch – we’re in the market to buy right now and all I want is a breakfast nook and a patio! And an ensuite bathroom and large living room…and…oh god I could go on! But yes, the porch/patio is key.
.-= kage´s last blog ..Those crafty capitalist bastards =-.
Oh, I love robin’s egg blue! So cheery for a kitchen – where are the pictures, lady?
Congrats on finishing it – it’s not so bad once you actually get started, that’s always hardest for me :o)
Before and afters!!!
.-= Rachie´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
Awww, I’m so proud of you! I wish I could come up there and see your
awesome work! I bet it looks lovely. And sitting on the porch in a storm?
Perfect night. I’m so glad you’re sleeping better. xoxo
.-= Amy´s last blog ..This is my bag, baby. Yeah! =-.
aww, i love this post. and the picture up there.
congrats for completing all of that!
where are the pictures?!
lovely post, lady!
.-= hillary´s last blog ..It’s The Eye Of The Tiger It’s The Thrill Of The Fight Risin’ Up To The Challenge Of Our Rival =-.
It’s been really grand watching you transform this summer. I’m so thrilled you share it with all of us.
The kitchen sounds delightful, I’m glad Mister liked it and that all is going well for you. You deserve it, (and a good night’s rest), you know!
(I also count during thunderstorms. Reminds me of being a little kid.)
xoxo
.-= Nora´s last blog ..Brotherly Love =-.
It’s been really grand watching you transform this summer.I’m so thrilled you share it with all of us.
The kitchen sounds delightful, I’m glad Mister liked it and that all is going well for you. You deserve it, (and a good night’s rest), you know!
xoxo
.-= Nora´s last blog ..Brotherly Love =-.
Aw.
I’m looking forward to seeing more pictures of your renos!
.-= Elle Bee´s last blog ..He’s a spider on the web =-.
Congrats on your success!
I’m glad the wallpaper worked and the primer problems weren’t too dire in the end :)
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Hump Day Faves : 07/29/09 =-.
Miss, your renovation skills amaze me. Pictures please!
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..Mish-Mash =-.
You should come have lunch with me while you’re still a Lady of Leisure. Work is only about ten minute drive from your place.
Ohh, I wish I didn’t work everyday- I would cheerfully meet you for lunch anytime :)
I’m certain your weekends are full up!
xo
.-= Princess of the Universe´s last blog ..Shallow? =-.