2014...The Year of the House

Hey Guys,

If you're like me, it seems that Christmas came FAST this year, and pretty much left the same way.  We had such an amazing holiday this year!!!

  

We ate, drank...

 

(Recipe found here)

 

And were very merry!!!

 

Every year around this time, I often ponder what I want to the next year to bring.  I am a firm believer in speaking things into existence.  Last year, my word was fearless.  This year, although not as deep and thoughful, my theme is still very important to me.  I am declaring that 2014 be "The Year of the House".

 

Now, I know that this may sound crazy.  Maybe even a little trivial. 

 

I am 35 years old, and am finally allowing myself to turn my home into the place that I have always wanted it to be.

 

Now, I know what you're thinking.  "But Kenya...You own your own shop! You're a designer, and always have amazing ideas on Facebook!!! (Did you catch the shameless plug?)  I'm sure your house looks amazing!)

 

It doesn't.

 

Granted, it's "nice".  We have the basics.  You know, the beds, the TV, the stainless appliances.  But I'm tired of just the basics.  I often envy my own clients and customers who send me pictures of ideas that I've given them, or pieces that they've bought from the shop (yes, another plug), and always think, "Wow!!! That looks amazing!!!  Why can't I do this for my own home?!?"

 

Well, this year, that is all changing!  I started back in November with the change of the front door...

 

And continued with some simple smaller projects:

 

Before

 

After

 

It's amazing how even small projects can make you feel just a little better about your home.

 

Our latest project has been such an amazing transformation.  Again, our bedroom before was just "ok".

 

 

Enter...hardwood floors and a killer reclaimed headboard.

 

 

 

We absolutely LOVE our new bedroom space!!!  It is now a place that feels more relaxing and less claustrophobic.  

 

Because after all, your home is not just a place.  It's where memories are made and dreams happen (no, I did not get that from a Hallmark card).  I want it to be the place that I'm not constantly making apologies for when people come over.  I want it to be a place where we feel comfortable and at peace.  After all, it's our home...

 

Enjoy the day everyone!!!

Pantry Redo

People are coming!!!  I know they come every year to our houses around this time.  And every year around this time we wait until the last minute to do everything, but I'm serious.

They're coming.

Well, this year I have promised myself something different.  I, Kenya Brantley, do hereby solemnly swear not to wait until December 23, 2013 to get my house in order. 

Don't believe me?  Here's some proof.

This is what my pantry looked like a week ago:

 

And this is what it looks like now:

 

Not too bad, huh? And it was so easy!  Just some clear containers and a large trash bag to get rid of all the junk that I was hoarding keeping.

 

What do you think? What will you be doing in the next few weeks to prepare for company?

 

Remember, they're coming.

 

Enjoy the day!!!