How Do You Spell 'Pretentious'?

L-I-B-R-A-R-Y.  That's how.

Standing in Ikea, talking about a Billy bookcase combination, I hear myself say the words, "That would look really nice in the library."

Who am I?  Just who do I think I am having a library in my house?  It sounds so hoity-toity.  So full of one's self (oneself?  onesself?  Clearly, I need a dictionary in mah libarry.)

So here's the thing:  We have an extra room in the house, just off of the dining room.  It's not large by any means.  In fact, it only measures about 9'x9'.  I really don't know what else to do with this room other than turn it into a library.  I like the idea of a quiet place to kick my feet up and relax and read a book.  Maybe fall asleep and nap, maybe not.

There *are* a few things that make this room whisper 'Make me a library.'  One, is the fact that this little room HASITSOWNFIREPLACE!  I know, right?  Can you imagine the chilly evenings spent curled up with a hot cup of tea in front of a roaring fire?  No?  Neither can I.  But I sure do love having that option should the situation present itself.

Secondly, it's got a big bay window (that is going to need to be replaced soon, but shhhhhhh! don't tell it, yet) and it lets the light just stream on in.

Lastly, and most importantly, we got books, yo.  Lots of them.  Like, MASSIVE amounts of books.  And they need a proper home in which we can refer to such titles as, 'Putting Anger To Work For You', 'Indispensable Calvin and Hobbes' and of course 'Great Cases In Psychoanalysis.'

My inner 13 year-old just noticed Karen Horney

What's left on my library to-do list?  I'm so glad you asked...

• Install built-in bookshelves
• Either paint wooden walls or create a plank treatment similar to kitchen
• Build fireplace surround
• New furniture (chaise? chairs?  La-Z-Boy recliners?)

I think it'll be a nice winter project --- now let me show you some of my inspiration.....

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The strange thing is that after looking at my inspiration photos, I realize I'm all over the map style-wise.  Traditional, modern, transitional....  What would *your* style be?  What favorite book would you read in your library?

Pantry Eye-Candy

Now that Fall is here, I'm dreaming of a proper pantry.  I've started sketching and measuring, but before I share that with you, let's take a look at some of the pantry spaces that are inspiring my next big makeover.

Traditional Kitchen by Millbrook Architects & Designers Crisp Architects

I think the pantry above is a close idea of what the end result for me will be.  I plan on utilizing my stockpile of ikea Adel cabinet doors and drawer fronts that I've been amassing like a true-to-life hoarder.  Whenever I hit up my local Ikea, I make a beeline for the 'As-Is' section and hone in on the $3.00, $5.00 and $6.00 cabinet doors.  Those puppies are normally $50-$90 a piece, and I've managed to amass an impressive collection.  So, with regards to the above photo, I think I'll have more closed storage on the bottom for larger, less-used appliances and heavier, bulkier items like bags of rice and potatoes.

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I don't know what that machine is on the left, but I think I might want one in my pantry, too.  Coffee machine?  Ice maker?  I like it.  It's fancy.  My pantry isn't as deep as this one, but I like the closed storage on the bottom and I like the pull-out baskets for things like bread, certain veggies, etc.

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Those doors!  I LOVE those doors.  The trim color is pretty sweet, too, and it makes me want to see what the rest of the house is all about.  I don't really care for the U-shaped open shelving, but I think the lighting is fun and seriously, the doors and trim make this one a real winner for me.

Traditional Kitchen by Weymouth Closet & Home Storage Designers Marie Newton, Closets Redefined

Realistically, this is probably closest to my own pantry's dimensions.  I think I would prefer a more consistent counter running the entire length and possibly around the corner, too.  The open shelving on the bottom, for me, makes it a bit cluttered-looking, but I'm willing to bet they keep those nifty pocket doors closed most of the time.

What's not to like here? This underground-cellar-looking  space is gorgeous with it's matching creamware and baskets.  However, in the real world, soup can labels and pasta boxes don't look nearly as pretty.  I like the rustic (zinc?) counters and the simple, consistent plywood shelving is so clean and fresh.

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This pantry really makes me do a double-take.  I LOVE the stainless counters and pull-out bins.  The grey-taupe shelves are top-notch and instead of a fridge, I think I would toss in a small, round sink for scrubbing potatoes or rinsing rice.  The subway backsplash and under-cabinet lighting makes it feel airy, fresh and high-end.  And of course, there are those pocket doors.  Such a great space-saver.  I don't have the room to install them, but I think sliding track doors might be another option.

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Maybe instead of built-in open shelving on one side, I could build a shelf unit like this to store my mason jars, spices, napkins, serving platters, bowls and creamware?  

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I like the drawers and the rustic shelving with this space.  I think having a window letting in all that extra light helps to make the medium/dark tone of the wood not feel too heavy.  The wrap-around countertop is what really catches my eye, though.

So many to choose from!  So many options!  Where to begin?  What are some of the aspects of YOUR pantry that really make it functional?  What are some things that drive you nuts?

Snips and Snails and Puppy-Dog Tails (Designing An Awesome Boys' Room)

If you follow me on Pinterest, you'll notice that I've been pinning a lot of this:

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and this:

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oh, and then there's this:

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and of course, let's not forget this:

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You guys.  That last image.....  Wow.  I love it so much.  I don't know if it screams '7 year-old boy' though..... I might have to file it away for myself....

The thing that sticks out most for me in these inspiration photos is contrast.  Lots of soft blues and greys coupled with striking black and dark walnut.  And to lighten the space, bright, creamy white accents in the form of trim or draperies.

You see, I've got a little monkey who just so happens to be turning 7 this month.  When we originally designed the second floor, we added a guest room knowing that it would eventually be Jack's bedroom.  We figured the boys would duke it out in a shared bedroom until they were about 10 or so, and then want to spread their wings and go separate ways.

Not my kids.

They want FREEDOM!  INDIVIDUALITY!  THEIR OWN SPACE!  NOW, PLEASE!

I've decided to surprise Jack with his own room for his birthday.  Which just so happens to be in 20 days.  Now, I'm not expecting it to look exactly like those drool-worthy rooms up there in 20 days.  Especially considering that I'm currently working on finishing up the master ensuite, guest bathroom, kitchen and enough trim work to make me just want to just. give. up. right. now.

On top of all of that, the current space I'm working with looks like this:

Ugh.  That hurts.  Hurts bad.

Throughout the last year, whenever we've had to store something away for later or move items because we were working in a room, this is where it went.  And now it's back to haunt me.

BUT!  I've got a plan and I'm sticking to it.  Kind of.  Here's the master to-do for this space:

• Clear out the room
• Finish trimming out the windows and doors
• Make a decision regarding whether to go basic wall trim or do a snazzy treatment
• Paint
• Window coverings/blinds/curtains
• Install lighting

It will seriously be a miracle if I can get this done.  Little bites, Carol....little bites...

What about you?  Ever try to eat an elephant of this size in such a short time?  Got any inspiration photos?  Words of wisdom?

Kitchen Eye Candy

I'm still illin', but the kitchen reno is creeping closer and closer and I can't stop thinking about it.  Wanna see some kitchens I like?  I know you do.....  Let's discuss.

First up is this beauty:

Source: decorpad.com via Carol on Pinterest

See that 'X' detail on the end of that pretty island?  I'll be doing something similar on the ends of both of my peninsulas.  I'm sure I'll get annoyed with the dust that collects in the deep, little grooves, but I'll take my chances.  I don't know how I feel about the hanging glass pendants or the light flooring.  I'm carrying the dark flooring from the rest of the house through the kitchen and need to keep that in mind when I'm choosing my counters and base cabinet color.

That's right base cabinet color.

I'm a sucker for darker base cabinets in the kitchen and one of the kitchens that I'm loving HARD is this one:

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Carol on Pinterest

Can you believe that gorgeous grey on those cabinets?  The finish is unbelievable (check out her blog, she talks about the paint used when she had them sprayed) and the color really does blow my mind.  Again, light flooring, and I desperately want to know if my darker flooring would marry well with that amazing color without seeming too bottom-heavy.

I lovelovelove her kitchen, so let's take a look at a couple more views:

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Carol on Pinterest

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Carol on Pinterest

The silver handles look great with the darker tone and the subway tiles are such a cost-effective way to create a classically beautiful backdrop for the walls.

Now, since I'm all bananas about my dark floor, let's take a peek at what a dark floor does for a kitchen.

Source: blackeiffel.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

The darker floor really anchors the room and it seems like lighter cabinetry for the base cabs keeps the room feeling spacious.

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Carol on Pinterest

With the photo above, the darker floors seem to blend in with the dark island, but the surrounding cabinetry stays light.  This definitely helps to expand the room around the center island.

I don't know.  Any thoughts on a dark floor with semi-dark lower cabinets?  I might have to do some test painting to see how the combination works.

I have a sniffly six-year-old waiting for me in the other room, so I'll leave you with this gorgeous backsplash image:

Source: nestegg.typepad.com via Carol on Pinterest

Source: nestegg.typepad.com via Carol on Pinterest

I know, right?  The unfinished trim/tile near the window is making my eye twitch a little but isn't the tile itself pretty?  I have the overwhelming urge to pet it.