AFTER
BEFORE
Bottom line? Even though a few family members and friends were a bit shocked/disappointed, I am loving my pared-down kitchen. The bad news is that the basketload is still holding court in the dining room, waiting expectantly for some kind of action.
The good news is that every last nail has been pulled in prep for spackling and painting. The resident handyman hasn't decided when that'll be. And since there's a big ol' square hole carved over our eating area because of a mysterious water leak, I figure it'll get done sooner or later.
But in the process of surveying the scene with a critical eye, I became motivated to uncover our beautiful hardwood floors. Two decades ago, we bought a heavy braided oval rug, which has served us very well. But the sun streaming through the windows has faded it over time, and I'm not in need of protecting toddling little ones from bumps and bruises any more. So ... I rolled it up and the resident handyman hauled it to the attic. And I LOVE those cool smooth hardwood floors underfoot in the summertime.
AFTER
BEFORE
And now ... what to do with that basket? Ideas, anyone?
Linda, I LOVE the chain reaction that happened for you, I'm so appreciative of anything that motivates me to look at my house differently and I so enjoyed reading your thoughts over the last month!!
ReplyDeleteThe basket of stuff? maybe offer items to your friends who have voiced that they miss your stuff on your wall?
xoxoxo!
I've been wondering what the next victim of that chain reaction's gonna be, dear Nester. I've got half an eye on that crowded mantle and those faded valances ...
DeleteHugs and love to you, my sweet mentor!
Linda
I love the floor without the rug! It looks great!
ReplyDeleteThe basket of kitchen things should go in the attic with the rug, so family members will have things to snoop through 20 years from now.
You get first dibs, my dear sister!
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Linda
Use some of the utensils! I've been using vintage utensils and they are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of your shiny hardwoods.
Thanks, Christie! Nothing like wood, in hand or underfoot, yes?
DeleteLinda
I'm so pleased you enjoyed the bare space above your cabinets. The attic--or dispersing the items to friends sounds like a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what your family wears on its feet in the house, but I just wanted to pass on a cautionary note about shoes and hardwood: they don't get along. We didn't have a carpet for years on our hardwoods--and we wore shoes in the house (I had plantar fasciitis and had to have support. Plus, the floor was cold without a rug in winter) Long story short, over time, we wrecked our beautiful floor in the living room.
If it were me, I'd remove 50% of what is on each shelf. It's certainly something I need to do for myself!
Let's hear it for bare feet in summer, slipper socks in winter, Alana!
DeleteI love that you've stopped by this evening!
Linda
The floors look great, as does the kitchen!
ReplyDeleteThe white space does me good, Lisa! {Maybe because I grew up in North Jersey?}
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Linda
I love vintage utensils although some do look a little scary. I think you could scare off any intruder with a rusty cheese grater. Love the hardwoods.
ReplyDeleteGood thought, Louise! Who needs an expensive alarm system or a mean ol' dog when you've got an old cheese grater hanging by the door!!!
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Thanks for visiting!
Linda
I totally sympathize with the chain reactions...but it's sort of good feeling...well, for a few minutes until the next link occurs to ya! I think this Nekkid June thang was better then Spring cleaning for me!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm thinking we're always in process, always moving ahead, evaluating here and there what's worth taking with us, and what's better left behind ...
DeleteLinda
Garage sale! I would display those beautiful bowls on top of the bookshelves, somewhere lower, maybe use int he kitchen too? Maybe take down valances for simple breezy white curtains?
ReplyDeleteThese are ideas worth savoring, Jessica! Thanks for your creative insight!
DeleteLinda
Whatever you choose to do with your kitchen tools will be good, I'm sure. It is so freeing to divest ourselves of the clutter in our lives. Since painting our bedroom, I had the opportunity to re-evaluate everything in the room because it was all shoved into the center of the room. The room is rearranged, clean and decluttered. I am determined to keep my dresser top free of all the clutter and papers that always accumulate.
ReplyDeleteThe bedroom closet is next. It needs painting, but I think 2 or 3 days or clearing it out has to happen first.
I love hardwood floors and look forward to having them someday. How lovely that you uncovered yours.
Yep, I did the same thing this week when cleaning the bedroom furniture. The vintage doilies/dust collectors are tucked away, the old oak shines bright and remains clear of anything that's not absolutely necessary. You breathe easier, free-er, lighter, yes?
DeleteThanks, Elizabeth, for sharing a bit of what you've been working on. This seems to be a longing that's hitting home for many.