The Mr. wasn’t particularly fond of the pendant lights we had over the kitchen island, so we started looking at other options. There are SO MANY!!.. just browse Pottery Barn (my favorite for lighting) or Bellacor or Seagull lighting websites and you’ll be amazed and confused. After a significant search and a little bickering, we did settle on globes we found on Lamps Plus….
Out with the old..
In with the new…
I like them! I have found the glass globes are a bit of a pain in the ass because Smudges*smears*streaks*dust, but I do like the overall look.
The blank spot on the wall over the sink used to display three of my small paintings. I found a fairly local craft person on Etsy who makes rustic old wooden signs for a very reasonable price. She’s doing a farm sign for me and it will go right there where the paintings used to live. I’m a big fan of changing things up around the house now and then, and it doesn’t have to be much at all. A change of throw pillows on the couch to reflect the season, moving a painting to a different room, adding a plant or two, etc. And the best decorating tip of all – get rid of clutter noise. I tend to be a knicknack collector, and sometimes it becomes too knicknacky so I pick through and simplify. Cleaning up a disastrous closet or counter, folding that mountain of laundry that’s been building in the (fill in the blank) can give you a feeling of renewal. All those shoes that accumulate in the bottom of the coat closet.. some that haven’t been worn in three years? Out.
My guy is very type A – he is not fond of clutter and on the island we go back and forth with his love for -nothing at all – on it, and my love of decorating to create *cozy*. Sometimes I do a big decluttering around the house and he is in love all over again…. only to come home a few days later with the now familiar words… “Uh-oh.. I see clutter forming again”… tumbling out of his mouth. I’m just redecorating, that’s all.
The big glass hurricane candle holder thing we had on the island didn’t look right with the new pendants, so I went up the road to a local shop that sells wonderful things, so many wonderful things you can get in trouble quickly if you have to answer to a husband who balances the household budget in the aftermath.
This was yesterday’s score…Simple.. and I can leave it there all winter, change out the greens, etc. for other seasons.
Have I told you lately about our new granddog, Gizmo? We are all in love with him, hard to imagine someone dumped him on the side of the road, where he was found matted and afraid and wondering what the hell happened. He’s house trained and so loving, just wants to be up in your lap kissing you. He’s good to his brother by another mother, although he tries to herd Rex when they’re outside. I think he’s got border collie in him, Shih tzu border collie, that’s my guess.
Are you hosting any of the holiday meals on the horizon? We will have both Thanksgiving and Christmas meals here with the extended family and I’ve begun planning the menus – below are some awesome cheeseboard ideas, I plan to use these photos to create something similar here at This Old House.
I hope all is well in your world – Till soon, friends.. OOh.. and if you don’t already follow Susan Branch’s blog.. she just published a lovely Thanksgiving post.. worth the click over to HERE… where you’ll find lots of lovely things, including her uplifting spirit.. and this recipe below, which is also her artwork.
Those cheeseboards look to pretty to eat! Love your new lights. The pups are adorable!
Thank you!
Hello,
The cheese boards do look yummy. I love your new glass lights, they look pretty and really brighten up the kitche. The country sign sounds like a great idea and the candle holder and greenery are pretty. Gizmo looks so cute, congrats on the new grand-dog. Have a happy day and a great weekend ahead.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family..
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well, Eileen – thank you for stopping by
I love your old lights! But the new ones are very bright and welcoming.
The arrangement you made for the island also is the very definition of cozy. We have an open kitchen (our house wasn’t a house before, so everything about it is weird), and my husband wants nothing on the counters. But he is the one who bought (hideous) crystal bowls that he put everywhere, and I just put things in them–oranges in one, garlic in another, dried lavender in another…
Your home looks worthy of a magazine spread.
OH.. the magazine story is one for another day!..lol.. and thank you. I’m hoping you’ll give your readers a tour of your abode at some point? I am loving learning about European architecture especially of the ancient variety that you so kindly guide us through…
no hosting here, but sure would like to be where you make all these or any of these. Gizmo is a doll and so happy he found a good home. I will never understand how people can dump a dog like that. this turned out well for all of you… I love your new lights, glass is my thing, but everytime I see beautiful lihts I say who is going to clean them and how do you get up there… I prefer the single lamp over what you bought. I am with your hubby, the simpler the better.
Thank you for the kind words – you’re welcome any time!
I don’t remember ever seeing such a wide shot of the kitchen. It’s lovely! I love displays on counters and tables also but just like you have I like them “corraled” in some way so I can whisk them away at a moments notice. The new lights are wonderful. I would have chosen them also.
Happy Thanksgiving my friend
Perhaps it’s time to give a tour of this place all decorated for Christmas – stay tuned… and.. I absolutely had you in mind when we put together that island centerpiece. I said… what would Suzan do here…. and chose accordingly. 🙂
I like the new lights too! And that basket is just right. Gizmo is so cute. I’m not even a dog person and I’d hug on him. Your daughter looks so happy and I’m glad.
Thank you – and I bet you’d be a dog person if you had the right dog 🙂
Love the new kitchen lights. We did three Simon Pearce pendants and I agree about the smudges and dust but the results are worth it.
Oh can I ever sympathize with your hubby, sorry :). My dearest let’s work papers collect and they breed overnight until we have a mountain of important yet “I have no idea why” papers.
Those Cheese plates look divine. There was an interesting article in the WSJ about guests not wanting to be the first person to “ruin” as beautiful presentation.
OOOH, why didn’t I think to look at Simon Pearce! We visit their factory/store in Woodstock, VT, and have their dinner plates. Darn, I should have looked online at what they have for lighting.
And in this family, they have no quams about digging into a pretty plate, LOL… but it’s a good point!
Your kitchen is beautiful and I love the new pendant lamps! Your counters are magnificent!! Are they granite? May I ask where you purchased them? I am in CT too and am planning on installing new counters and cabinets after the holidays.
Connecticut Stone! about 10 years ago – but they have a great selection!
You are my spirit animal! I’m just the same. Constantly moving things about, minimizing where I can, finding a better/different (Goodwill?) place for some things. Keeping things fresh. When I haven’t done that for a while I can look inward and see I need some freshening up perhaps? Ha!
Gimme that new puppers you guys have in the family. What a sweetie. As you probably already know about me, I always rescue any pet I’ve had for probably 35+ years. I’ve never had a bad experience. Pets are a joy for all of us and there are so many out there that need us.
I love your new pendants. Changes the entire look of the kitchen!
Happy thanksgiving Karen! I am guessing all of the food is delicious!
One of the things I adore about you is your rescue heart 🙂 Plus I think you’re my spirit animal too, lol. And.. why can’t I get into your blog to read it?….
LOVE the new lights in your beautiful kitchen, Karen.
And, the new grand dog is adorable. K is looking wonderful; I know they’re enjoying their lovely new home, too. 🙂
xoxo
Thank you, dear friend. I was glad to hear of your good news. 🙂