So I realized that I probably should have put up pictures of the fireplace and kitchen when I was talking about them in the slate and stone post. So here are pictures of how the fireplace and kitchen currently look. You’ll understand why we’re wanting to update them. PS…I took these photos really quick with my phone, so they may not be the best…sorry.

The fireplace in it’s current state—I just painted that accent wall behind it a couple weeks ago. It used to be a neutral/tan color. You can see the reflection of our front door, entry closet door and the old wall color in the mirror.

And our plain, boring kitchen. I’m not going to complain about it too much about it because everything is in great shape, is very neutral and all the appliances match [and aren’t avocado green.] It just needs some personalization and lovin’ [like starting with a new backsplash, countertops, and cabinet doors…] As of right now, we plan to just re-face the cabinets, rather than getting all new. I personally prefer slightly dark cabinets, but I like the lighter cabinets in this house because they go so well with the hardwood floors and the fairly open layout. I think just updating the hardware on the cabinets will make a world of difference!

Nellie likes “her spot” in front of the heat vent.

Notice our Halloween candy bucket on top of the fridge?

The current wallpaper backsplash and the curtain above the sink. I don’t like the curtain at all, but the space looks so empty without it there. And frankly, I just haven’t had time to make a new one, but it is on my list of things to do. I want to rip the wallpaper down, but I’m tempted to wait until we decide when we’re going to tile the backsplash. I’m trying to avoid having to run out and buy paint for the small area if we’re just going to cover it back up.

—m.