DIY
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Have we closed on the house? No. However, we are trying to make some decisions to be ready to spring into action as soon as the house is officially ours. This morning we made our way to our sweet friends’, Jodie and Jonah’s, house to pick up moving boxes. We also decided to stop at our favorite bakery while we were in their neighborhood. With coffee and scone in hand, we were ready to do some shopping. We stopped at a construction surplus store, thrift shop, and a few antique markets. My favorite stop was at a local speciality building supply store. I took a few pictures of things and concepts that we hope to include in our home. Once we close, I will share pictures of the house. For now, you will just have to use your imagination.
We are passionate about feeding people. Our new dining room is the size of our current kitchen and dining room combined. My heart is set on a dining room table that seats 10. Finding one of these is no easy feat. Well, I suppose it could be easy if I was willing/able to spend $3,000 on a table (not including the chairs). I also just haven’t found the table. Dusty is convinced he can make it for me. He made our amazing coffee bar, so I’m excited to see our table.
We will also be completely renovating the kitchen. The appliances came with our current home, and they will be staying with it. I now know more about refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers than I ever thought I would care to know. We have chosen a stainless steel finish for all appliances. The refrigerator will be a side-by-side with ice and water in the door. Dream big, right? The oven will be a five burner gas range. After five years of using electric, I can’t wait to get back to gas. The dishwasher will have a stainless steel tub as opposed to plastic.
Have I mentioned that we are ready to close so we can get this show on the road?
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DIY Coffee Bar
Let me begin by saying that I adore our little house, but it is just that. Little. It is perfect for us right now, but we have been having some growing pains lately. We are hoping to buy property and eventually build a larger home, but until then we need to make this house fit our needs.
One area that we were battling for space was our kitchen. My solution was a coffee bar. Our coffee mugs and travel mugs occupied two shelves in our cabinets. We also had a whole cabinet designated to coffee and coffee accessories. Our Keurig, K-Cup carousel, french press, and espresso machine took most of our counter space.
Naturally, I took to Pinterest for ideas. I found a few things that I liked, and thanks to a very talented husband I was able to get exactly what I wanted. We were also given a gorgeous wine rack for Christmas that my brother-in-law made.
The corner we used for the coffee nook had been completely wasted space. There was a small table we had purchased from Ikea years ago which had a candle, a cookie jar, and a photo frame. The wall we placed the wine rack on originally had three mirrors on it which I hated from the day we put them up. It was a cheap solution for a blank wall.
I have listed most of the items in the pictures in case you should like something you see. If I have neglected to include something that caught your eye, leave me a comment and hopefully I will be able to help.
Oak coffee bar: This was built by my husband. You can’t have him or my coffee bar. We used Minwax stain. The lighter stain is Driftwood 2126, and the darker stain is a combination of Dark Walnut 2716 and Ebony 2718. We did this to try to match the other furniture in our house.
Wall rack: This was ordered online from Hobby Lobby. It was a common theme in many of the coffee bars that I found on Pinterest. The item was called Black Metal & Wood Shelf with Baskets & 7-Hooks (sku# 263558). It was on sale for $60 when I bought it.
Coffee and Eat Drink and Be Married posters: These were purchased on our trip to Nashville this summer from Hatch Show Print. They make me smile every time I see them because they remind me of a great trip and a wonderful time with my husband and dear friend.
Lined wire baskets: I had to search for these baskets. I knew exactly what I wanted, but I couldn’t find them anywhere. I looked at Target, Pier 1, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Hobby Lobby. I finally found them at Walmart. Of course they weren’t offered at my local store or any of the other 20 Walmart stores in the tri-county area. I had to order them online. They also offer a size larger. The little squares on the front were said to be chalkboards. This doesn’t seem to be the case. Luckily, I have some chalkboard paint and I plan on fixing this problem.
Owl measuring spoons: These were a birthday present this year from my fellow sixth grade teachers. They got them from Pier 1, and I adore them.
Owl and snowflake waffle towels: These came from my favorite place… the Target Dollar Spot.
Cafe Du Monde coffee tin: This was brought back for us from Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans, LA by my lovely friend Renee. This is a place I have always wanted to go.
Owl teapot: This was a gift from a student. She got it from Cracker Barrel.
Cookie jar: I adore this cookie jar. A dear friend had it and just thought it looked like something we would like, so she gave it to us. I have no idea where it came from.
Square candles: These are another Ikea find.
Teacup and saucer: My mom had flowers delivered to me in this when I graduated with my master’s degree in 2012.
Red vase: This was a random purchase from Target I made a while back. It was one of those end of the aisle clearance deals for $2.
Picture frames: We found these at A.C. Moore.
Wine rack: This is another original piece. My brother-in-law made this for us as a Christmas gift. I had been looking for something like this forever. It was the perfect addition to our dining room.
Lantern: I love lanterns! This was a Christmas gift from my mom. She got it from Ikea.
Orange cat: That’s Garth. He was watching the snow fly. I don’t think there is another one like him in the world. This is probably a good thing.
I hope you enjoyed!
Amy
Photo Credit Dustin Merrill
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill 