A Maple Kitchen

You'll never believe it, but we actually made a decision on a house and have a signed contract! Until we get through the due diligence and inspection period, I won't be sharing all the details (although, I am sure you could figure it out if you really tried!), but I will be sharing some tidbits here and there. 

If you couldn't have guessed, we went with another project home. You know I just can't help myself. The big difference, this time around, is that the projects will, hopefully, be a bit more manageable. Like a kitchen with good space and bones, but not particularly my style. Check this out: light maple cabinets, dark green tile countertops, mixed appliances and forest green tile backsplash. 

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Fortunately, the cabinets are in good shape and do not need to be replaced. Naturally, my first idea was to paint the cabinets, but we're worried about normal wear and tear. So, what if we tried to work with what we have? What; a non-white kitchen? Is that even possible? Of course it is. A quick round up on Pinterest lead me to a bunch of great inspirational pictures. Like this maple and white kitchen that looks fresh and light.

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The appliances, on the other hand, need to be replaced. I'm not usually a fan of stainless steel with white cabinets. Something about it just seems so stark and clinical to me. The good news is, stainless steel with maple cabinetry seems to be working for me. Maybe because it breaks up all that wood, I am not sure. But, I like it. 

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I know I just got done saying no to painted cabinets, but look at this island. Such a beautiful focal point to the kitchen. And you know how much I love green! The white counters really help to lighten the whole space. 

So, that's done. A plan for the kitchen! Ha, if only it was that easy. I am sure it will change a million and one times in my head between now and when we close on the house. 

Stick with me to see it all unfold.

until next time,

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Saying Goodbye to Chicago: The House

We closed on the house today. It's officially done and no longer ours. Of course, I am sad to leave this little slice of our lives behind, but we are excited that the house is going to another young family who we know love it as much as we do. 

I grabbed a couple shots on my phone camera as the packers were cleaning up.  Walking from room to room checking cupboards, built-ins and closets, I couldn't help but think about all the little decision that go into a home. All the work and love.

How long did it take me to pick the fabric for those curtains in the living room? I remember being heavily pregnant, on the floor, cutting and pinning the panels. (check it out here) 

The kitchen, oh the kitchen. Finding the stove, and buying it a full year before we started construction, that set the tone for the whole scheme in the kitchen. Debating endlessly over the floor, which is still one of my favorite features. Unexpectedly finding the backsplash at Lowes, of all places. So many details, so many discussions - but they resulted in a kitchen we absolutely loved, hated to leave and will probably recreate again in the future!

The Big Girl Room. The first room that I designed from scratch. Tessa's transition room, out of the crib and into a real bed. Growing up. The memories attached to this room run deep. I can't even express them in words. 

Now that she is 5 she has her own opinions on what her new room should look like - it's going to be an uphill battle, that's for sure. 

The nursery. Both my little girls in here. So many nights rocking in the chair, willing myself to stay awake, while staring at the tree and my DIY mobile. (check it out here)

We loved this house, from the very first time we drove by and from the very first step in the door. We loved working on it and bringing it back to life. And, I've loved blogging about it every step of the way. 

Goodbye home, goodbye Chicago!

until next time, 

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Saying Goodbye to Chicago: Packing

Monday morning, 7am. The packers were raring to go. Wish I could have said the same for myself. After a quick breakfast and a frantic call to the sitter, John and I got our act together and sorted out what will be our "stuff" for the next 3+ months while we search for a new house.

The packers were fast, seriously fast. Packing up the lower level before 10am. 

Finishing off the first floor by 2. 

One truck loaded by the end of the day.

I've never been so happy to drive a mini-van in my whole life. That's a lot of stuff! It's surprising what becomes indispensable to a 5 year old during a time like this. Thank goodness our furnished housing has a lot of storage!

The house was pretty much cleared by mid day Tuesday. 

Supervising is tough work! ha. 

Wednesday is our last day. We'll be locking the door on this chapter of our lives and heading South. Hard to believe. 

until next time, 

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Saying Goodbye to Chicago: Farewell Party

Who decides to throw their own farewell party, for 50 people, two days before the movers arrive with a day of rain forecasted - this girl. That's who. 

I mean, how else were we going to clear out the bar and pantry? 

But, fortunately, the skies cleared and we had a beautiful albeit steamy afternoon to spend saying our goodbyes to friends and family. 

This was by far the easiest, most enjoyable party that I have ever hosted and definitely the least Designing Domesticity - esque. We had a bit of food catered, friends brought apps and desserts, we used paper plates, bowls and cups - and nothing matched or ever coordinated. How liberating! 

Set up took all of 30 mins as did the break down. 

Thank you to all our friends for coming out, helping us clear the bar, and more importantly saying goodbye. It's been a great 4 years back in Chicago - we will miss you all! 

Today and tomorrow the house is getting packed up and we are driving off on Wednesday - it's so very hard to believe. It felt like we had so much time, but just like that, we are leaving. It's hard to even express how we are feeling - sad, excited, overwhelmed, and sad again :(

More to come.

until next time,

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Saying Goodbye to Chicago: Chicago Botanic Gardens

Our time is quickly slipping away here in Chicago, so we are trying to squeeze in all our favorite hot spots - destinations, restaurants - you name it.

One of our all time favorite activities is to spend the day at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe.

There's so much to do and take in on a day trip to the gardens: wonderful walking paths, garden inspiration galore, great organic food on offer in the grille, farmers markets, as well as camps (which as a side note, are super hard to get into. We finally got a space this year only to have to let it go due to the impending move.). 

Like any repeat destination, we have our usual routines and routes that we like to follow. Always, always, always a trip through the Fruit and Vegetable gardens. Obviously, we went early in the season so lettuce was in full swing. Isn't it beautiful. Wish I could have this as my very own. 

On this trip, we also toured the Japanese Gardens, Mr. DD's favorite area. So beautiful and peaceful with bridges, islands, buildings and so much more to explore. 

One of my favorite areas are the walled gardens. Probably because they remind me so much of our little garden in Wimbledon - so quaint, private and just all around lovely. 

It was a chilly, overcast, damp day, but the girls still enjoyed our outing as much as we did. We'll definitely be missing this little piece of paradise in Chicago. 

Over the last couple of weeks we've also spent time in Grant Park, Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Coservatory. Join me on Instagram (designingdomesticity, #DDmoves2NC) to follow along on our farewell tour. 

until next time, 

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Lessons Learned From Our Listing Photos

Today, I thought I'd share some of the images from our listing - what can I say, they are just SO much better than I could ever take on my own.  But, they also show a totally different perspective on the house and how to feature it so it appeals to the masses. Lots of lessons to be learned here.

Just check out this foyer image, as taken by the professional photographer. Minimal accessories, neutralized decor and loads of open space. I never knew it could look so good!

Here's my photo - more colors, more stuff, darker - the whole area appears more closed off and small.

Again, the professional image - notice: limited throw pillows, no layered rugs, limited accessories. Their rule of thumb was no more than 3 items per surface. That's a hard one for a girl like me to follow :)

The dining room. This one is pretty true to form, but certainly highlights the value of a nice wide angle lens!

I have to tell you when I came home after the photos were taken, I  could tell things had been moved around, etc. The waiting game to see the finished images was killing me...

The bedroom looks huge! 

When I first saw the pictures I didn't like them at all. Probably because they were so much more neutral than the house in person. But, our real estate agents kept telling us that we had to treat the house like a product and to take the emotion out of it. Very true, but easier said than done sometimes!

We've been spending a lot of time on the porch lately. Meals, playtime, coffee in the morning, after dinner drinks. This could be the room I will miss the most!

Speaking of missing things - I've got a whole post planned of our favorite hot spots. Will be sharing soon. I know my posts are kind of random and not exactly timely right now, but I appreciate you sticking with me during this transition time!

until next time, 

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