Kitchen Hood and Shelves Reveal!

Well, we've finally completed the kitchen (for now, I have more ideas for the new year)! Our hood project was so fun!  It all started here:

First we took down the existing microwave hood and cabinet above.

Then I ordered from Lowes a stainless vent hood (30" for $169).  I made sure all the off/on switches were located on the underneath side.  The husband then installed according to instructions and we vented to outside (so nice to not smell the pancakes you made for breakfast all day).  

Next the hood was boxed in with pine wood.  While this was going on I was busy staining 1x4 lumber in Minwax Dark Walnut.  It took about 12, 8 foot pieces, since I wanted the hood to go to ceiling. Then it was a matter of covering the box that was made and extending down from the ceiling (with attached 2x2s underneath). 

The finished hood with a Thanksgiving wreath!  I love how the wood breaks up all the white in the kitchen!  And to tie in to that wood we continued on to the floating shelves!

First, we removed a double cabinet above the backsplash, this really opened up my counter space!  What a difference!  Then we added planks and they were painted (Pratt and Lambert from Sears Off White).  Next my husband built the brackets (E-Shaped) and installed on the wall.

After the brackets were installed, he covered them with pine facing!  I love how much they store and the dishwasher is easily unloaded to the open shelves!  In all $60 for the three shelves!

Christmas Decorations

I'm keepin it simple this year!  I've concentrated on my front door, mantel and kitchen table oh and of course the tree but only 1 tree! Here are pix thus far!

The mantel is decked out in orange and turqoise! You can't tell by this photo but the bows on candlesticks are turqoise and so is the bowl full of oranges. I love the sparkly brown PEACE!

The tree got a new set of ornaments this year courtesy of after Christmas sale last year!  All brown and gold and silver- set of 36 and it filled up the tree nicely!

My kitchen table is my favorite! Not only did it get a fresh coat of white Annie Sloan chalk paint- but I just pulled up the pumpkins and replaced with little trees and berries! Before pic below-

Was worried about aqua door but had fun with it!  

Our Christmas tree farm was selling $5 greenery bundles and giving away the cuttings so I piled them high in my planter boxes!  I added birch sticks, berries and pinecones. I found these adorable lighted sticks at the craft store!

My tobacco wood star covered in lights!

Aside from candles in the windows- that's it folks! I'm keeping it simple and enjoying the season and celebrating the birth our Savior. Merry Christmas!

Stove Vent

Yet another project for the books!  I removed the microwave and cabinet above it over stove. Husband carried subway tile higher and installed this Broan vent (Online at Lowes for $169). I luv that it is vented to outside!

Now that it's installed we will be covering the entire face of hood with stained wood. It will be a sort of roof extending out from kitchen ceiling down and around hood!  Stay tuned for more updates!

Oh and where is the microwave you ask?  Husband and neighbor (Mr. Brown) installed outlet in pantry closet. Love that it is out of site!

Flea Market Extravaganza in Springfield

Soooo excited to visit for the first time the flea market in Springfield,OH. About a 3 hour drive from my house, two big events a year Sept. and May. Made my friend Erin come along for company and she was happy as long as I kept her fed and watered!

Lots of good finds at ok prices.  Here are some of my favorites:

Can't get enough Union Jack!

Hello painted on old fence door. 

Wood box that I can't wait to fill with pumpkins and moss!  Egg crates (1 for me 1 for mom). 

Industrial loft letters.  

Mums. 

Old windows and burlap. 

Rounded out our trip with a stop in Columbus at Spaghetti Warehouse-YUM!  We earned it after 3hours of walking and shopping!

Command Center

My command center is getting there!  Need to add cork to big frame and decorative metal letters are on order! Keep posted!

Pantry Update

Finally installed the IKEA Aukrum cabinets above my Billy Bookshelves! I love how they look! The cabinets went up easily on a track system. Crown was installed as well as some filler in the empty spaces. Next step will be to trim out with decorative moldings. And then I will start on the opposite wall for the command center(coat hooks and memo boards, etc!)

Blank Canvas

I recently sold a baby grand piano I purchased a few years back on Craig's List. While I loved how the piano looked and sounded, my kids weren't interested in learning!  

So on to my next project- my living room!  As you can see by the photo below it is a blank canvas. I have big plans! But I have to finish the pantry first, finish the pantry first, finish the pantry first! There I said it 3 times it has to come true!