{Kitchen Updates}

I wanted to share some updated kitchen pictures with you guys. I feel like our house is constantly evolving, and it's not fair to leave you with last weeks kitchen!

A lot of the time when we complete a project I love it, and then after living with it for a week or 2 we realize that we missed something, or that we need to do something additional. Which is part of the reason things change so often! This time it's the dishwasher project I shared a few weeks ago. For the kitchen to feel balanced and aesthetically pleasing we plan to add some doors on each side of the dishwasher. They will look like the doors in the rest of the kitchen, but will be tall and skinny to fill the 6 " space. I think this will make it feel much more balanced. 

Here are some pics of the kitchen this week. I found the right size baskets for the upper openings (finally!), and added a mini coffee back by the coffee maker. It's super convenient, the hubby loves having everything right there! 

Another issue we've had in this kitchen is the fact that everyone can see straight in! Which is usually not a problem, and we enjoy watching life outside the window while we cook and do dishes. However, there are times when I don't want the neighbors to see straight in! When I'm getting my coffee in my pajamas, or doing a silly dance while I cook, for instance. Here are some of the ideas I've considered to help with this problem: 

1. A Roman Shade

I like this idea because most of the time we would leave it up, and it would add some color. But then those times when I don't want people staring in, it's a super easy way to cover the window. I'm not the worlds best sewer, so I may need Nana for this one. 

photo by dear lillie 

2. Double Layered Window

I saw this in a neighbors house and thought it was a unique idea. I love this idea because the glass is still transparent, and lets tons of light in. Yet, people can't see in quite as easily. It would require a little more work in the eye to see this dancing queen breaking it down. 

3. A Wreath and Some Tall Greenry

Again an idea that doesn't give you complete privacy, but make the eye work harder to see in. This is awesome because it looks adorable and isn't something you see everyday. 

What do you guys think? What should we do with our kitchen window?! I can't wait to see feedback in this because, let's face it, I really need some help! 

XoXo

B

Refreshing Spring Updates

So I've said it before and I'll say it again:

Pillow covers are no doubt, definitely, positively the easiest and cheapest way to makeover a room! Without doing much, I was able to give our living room a new look this weekend. Hubby and I took a little trip up to STL, where of course we stopped by Ikea for some much needed retail therapy. I used to hate that term : retail therapy. Now I believe it is quite possibly the most true statement ever created. 

Here's a 'before the pillow switch' picture. I still love this combination, it was just time to switch it up a little for Spring! 

Navy, nude, and white. Ah, my fave. 

I got 6 new pillow covers at Ikea for $7 each. Correct me if I'm wrong but that means I did this whole 'makeover' thing for under $50. 6 'new' pillows for under $50?! That is just unheard of in this house! Not to mention I am super impressed with the quality of linen used on these babies!

It looks much more springy - right? Fresh, clean and bright. My favorite Spring look. Nothing says Spring like fresh tulips and antlers. 

I spent a lot of time trying to get cute pictures with Simba and Charlotte in them. It just wasn't working. Simba sits exactly where I tell him to, and stays there posing for the camera, all the while Charlee is treating the room like her personal jungle gym. She doesn't like to sit 'far' away from me, so she just kept scooting closer, which meant I had a hard time getting her in the camera. But she's just as happy as could be! 

These two crack me up. They are so fun to play with! 

Alright everyone ! Go get yourself some new pillow covers and share them with us!

Happy (bachelor ) Monday! 

These Are a Few of My {Favorite} Things

Everyone has some favorite items in their home right? Items that you just can't let go of, they make you smile every time you walk in the room, and when someone compliments them you gleam. You know what I'm talking about.

Today I'm going to show my top 10 favorite things that reside in our house! Most of these items are my favorite because of where they came from, or how they make the room feel. I hope this inspires you to think about your favorite items, and share them with us!

One

Window Frame

I am absolutely in love with this large window frame. This is definitely not going anywhere! I got it from a sweet old man in town for $20. Yes, $20!! I got such a steal. I love it because I have no idea where it came from, or who's home it was oringally in. I actually spend a lot of time examining it and imagining where it would have originally been designed into a home. Any ideas?

Two 

Chunky Basket

This chunky basket is another mysterious favorite. I got this at a traveling flea market that came to town, also for $20. The lady I bought it from was also a designer, and she brought stuff to market from old houses that she flipped - things people abandoned at the homes. I also spend a lot of time staring at this piece thinking, what type of person would abandon such a beautiful basket ?!

Three

Cakestand

It might be easy to think I love this piece because of what's inside, but I really just love the cake stand! We got it as a wedding gift from some sweet friends and I love the simplicity of it! They couldn't have picked a more fitting cake stand for our kitchen!

Four

Dresser

Imagine this, another antique piece! I got this dresser and cleaned & freshened it up with some dark stain & knobs. I got it at a closed down flea market, and once again - can't even begin to imagine who originally had this piece. I can't imagine ever wanting to get rid of this dresser, it'll probably move around my home forever. I love it so much. 

Five

Bar Stools

Love, love, love these cottage style bar stools! They came from Ballard Designs, and I orginally redid them for my Mom. Several months later, I bought them! I loved them when I painted them, and I knew I wanted them in my house. Perks to redoing other peoples things - you get first dibs on them! 

Six

Willow Branch Deer Head

This sweet little deer was at our wedding last year! I got it somewhere (I don't remember?) for the wedding, knowing I would want him in my house afterwards. I put him up one day, and haven't taken him down since! 

Seven

Sconces

I'm never letting go of these! These were a gift from my Mom. All I know is that they were really expensive, and I want to design my whole house around them. In fact, I want a set of these in every room of my house. I have them in my office, because they seriously bring me so much inspiration while I work! 

Eight

Coat Rack

Sounds boring, I know. But this coat rack has so much personality! It actually has a broken hook, but I just turned it around so you can't see it. I love it and it fits perfectly into our foyer! Makes it feel home-y and welcoming as soon as you walk in the from door. 

Nine

Wedding Coat Rack

This piece. This is my favorite. We got this at a place in town before our wedding, and had everyone sign it instead of a guest book. We have it in our master bedroom and so I see it everyday! Not only is it gorgeous, but it brings back a flood of memories and love every time I read sweet notes! Thanks everyone, for helping us create this sweet piece!

Ten

Antique Railing Candle Holder 

Last but not least! I love this piece! We have used it in so many different spots. I had it in the fireplace during the summer, I put the logs back in for winter, so we could.. use the fireplace. It feels like it adds a lot of personality to every room. Again, I have no idea where this came from, but I know that I love it and don't ever want to let it go! 

Check out our instagram feed for pictures of these favorite items! I am constantly posting pictures as I move things around. @kasselhomeandcottage. 

Happy hump day everyone!

Xoxo