Yesterday a big box of black hinges were delivered. Lucky HH, right? đ He was busy working on another project so I only got him to install two, but what a difference it made.
The hinges on the kitchen cabinets were starting to rust and rather than spray paint them black {and worrying about the paint chipping off with the repeated opening and closing of cabinets}, we decided to order new powder coated hinges and I’m so glad we did.
We didn’t really have a budget when we started with the mini kitchen update, we just knew we wanted to keep our costs low, but when all is said and done with the two new fixtures {in the kitchen and eating nook}, new can lights, new cabinet pulls and hinges, fresh paint {walls and ceilings} a new subway tile backsplash and a window treatment, the whole project will have cost us just under $1,000.
I don’t know about you, but I think that’s pretty good. Plus, with the things we’re doing, I think it will give the house more of a 1920’s classic period vibe to it without going overboard.
What do you think of this as a kitchen runner for in front of the sink/dishwasher area? I think it would go with the look we’re going for… the HH, not so much.
And that bench we ordered for the sun room?
It arrived yesterday, damaged. The box was super thin and packed horribly so it wasn’t a surprise really, but still, I was disappointed. We are sending it back and have decided not order a second one and instead see if we can find something else. The bench is not sold in stores so if we ordered another one it would most likely be another dud. Bummer.
On a positive note though, I’m getting better at making those roman shades! I don’t even have to watch the video tutorial anymore, so that’s a plus.
And the coffee table glass finally arrived!
I still need to make the 6 roman shades for the sun room, and we still need a few more things on the walls, but everyday that goes by, it feels more like home. Light, bright and tidy, just the way we like it.
Maine, the way life should be. đ
Have a wonderful Thursday everyone, we’ve got snow today! Wahooooooo.
P.S. What do you think about the art deco rug for the kitchen?
Karin says
I love the rug! I think it will look great. Just remind the HH how accommodating you were with his leg lamp đ
Meg C says
HAHAHA re: leg lamp!
I agree about the rug & plus that’s an easy thing to swap out when you’re ready for a change
Jamie B. says
The rug is fantasic and would look great in your kitchen !
Robin in WI says
I think the rug fits the house’s age (1920s).
Kay Bowles says
I think the rug would nicely complete the look you’re going for. It has a subtle pop to it. I don’t know why I am not a busy pattern person for curtains, upholstery, etc but love it in rugs!
Nancy T says
I love the rug! Too bad about the bench. Smart move on the hinges!
Kelli says
Your kitchen makeover is in the true spirit of 100dollarsamonth. Yay! Love it!
Definitely get the rug, itâs perfect for the kitchen.
Katie says
I love the rug, and think it would look great with the changes you are making. The hardware made a world of difference for those cabinets. I can’t wait to see the tile too!
Stacey says
I love the rug, but if HH doesn’t, I’d look for something else since he cooks so often. I’m as green as the Grinch about that!
Deborah says
Thanks so much for the video. Iâm wanting to make Roman shades for our bedrooms. This is very informative. Can you tell us where to get the hardware for them?
Mavis Butterfield says
Wooden knobs for cord pulls : https://amzn.to/2SmDvqi
Everything else came from Michael’s. I bought online and was able to use a code for 40% off my ENTIRE order. They have those codes pretty often and will ship your items for free if your order is over $49.
Stacie says
I think the rug will look great in the kitchen; the pattern is simple since it’s only 2 colors. I noticed on your weather photo the low on Saturday is 3….3 degrees. Whoa!!
Diana says
LOVE the rug. When I first saw it I had an instant thought that you had found tile for the backsplash that looked like that and I got excited – for just a second, lol, til I realized it was the rug. HA! Still love the pattern. Perfect for what you’re going for.
Too bad about the bench, it’s really cute. I have a rocking chair that looks very similar to that – from back in the 50’s. My Mom bought it when she had me and rocked all three of her babies in it. I love the thing…
Cathi M says
I love the rug too. Unless it’s horribly expensive I say go for it and see if it grows on HH. You can always swap it out later if it doesn’t.
Teri says
Love the rug! It will look awesome!
Your home looks nice and clean. You’ve done a fantastic job!
Connie says
Love the rug and how light and bright the rooms are. I did not like all the wood paneling and dark rooms at your last house. Give me sunshine !
Susan Dillinger says
Love the look of your shades. We have a different kind but just shades and no curtains and I just love the clean lines in the house, cuts down on dust too the allergist said.
Susie Janov says
Love the side-eye you’re getting from Lucy!!!! And I agree with everyone else – the rug is awesome! As for the bench, I liked the look of it, but it looked a little fragile (not like HH’s “fragilee” leg lamp) to actually use. It would have been nice for the aesthetics of it, but not really practical, IMHO. Love what you’ve done with the house!!
Pauline in Upstate NY says
Another vote here for that rug â so far itâs unanimous!
And a question about that gorgeous brown leather sofa (if you donât mind…) â did you buy that new, or was that a thrift find? If it was new and you would share where you found it, Iâd be grateful, as Iâve been coveting one, but everything Iâve seen is either seriously spendy or less well made.
Mavis Butterfield says
The couch came from Restoration Hardware. I believe it is the old version of the Lancaster sofa. We were able to get it on closeout and we LOVE it!!
Pauline in Upstate NY says
Thanks so much, Mavis â I looked at the RH website and they still sell that model. Beautiful and very tempting…
suzanne says
What about a desk on that back wall with a shelf above it for plants maybe? You probably don’t need a small office/desk though. I can’t wait to see the Finished kitchen and nook.
Lynne says
I like the rug, but what I think is best about it is the colors, which work so well with your kitchen. If the HH is adamant about it, maybe look for something more geometric but in the black & white or cream colors. Although, you did give in on the leg lamp, so he does owe you.
Jeanine says
I donât know about the rug. I like it, but donât you need a âpopâ of color! A red rug might be fun. Or maybe a big whale rug hooked by you. Something fun! Just an idea!
Sue says
Definitely make your kitchen runner yourself! All that hooking, you can’t pass up the opportunity!
Cheryl says
Your home is beautiful Mavis.
Kim says
It’s not my house, but for some reason, I am totally bummed that adorable bench didn’t work out.
I like the rug, but, at my house, I probably wouldn’t have something with that much white in it, due to spills.
Things are coming along so very nicely. You guys are creating a lovely, cozy home! Well done.
Is that a wood burning fireplace? I don’t think I remember you saying you have had fires in it.
Barbara Benware says
I love the rug… it reminds me of the Arts and Crafts period !
Lori says
Hi Mavis, On that rug for your kitchen, well I love the pattern. There is a lot of white on it. I have two dogs, and with the New England mud season just around the corner I know it wouldnât work for my house. I would choose something with a bright splash of color. Bright red looks great with white cabinets. My kitchen has white farmhouse style cabinets. I have a lot of red accents. They make my kitchen Pop!
I love your style so Iâm sure what ever you pick will be amazing. Canât wait to see the final reveal. Bummer about the bench.
Rebecca Anne says
The rug is PERFECT!! Black and white are so classic. And your new hardware…it really makes your cabinets look new! Wow. You guys are doing an amazing job for $1k. Way to go! The leather couch IS beautiful too. Iâm going to look it up for our house. Too bad about the bench. That is a bummer. Maybe something else better will work out. Thanks for sharing all of this with us readers! And the Roman shades…wow, you go girl! Theyâre gorgeous and perfect! Great job!
Lace Faerie says
Oh man, so bummed about the bench! Love the lines of it!
The rug is PERFECT! Has the Art Deco vibe of the 20âs! And changing the hinges makes it look complete and new, intentional. Your choices are spot-on!
Marie says
Hopefully ya’ll have a “stick” cordless screwdriver! The only way to go when attaching cabinet hardware. Inexpensive and well worth it’s weight in gold.
Gwenn in WI says
I LOVE the rug and it does fit the age of the house well.
Where did you get the hardware? Did you order it from Home Depot and have them ship it?
Inquiring minds (and home fixer-uppers) wanna know.
Thanks!
sandyf says
Love the rug-it reminds me of the peacocks that were always in my yard growing up. There was an arboretum close by and they escaped often. Love your new house. It feels so timeless and easy-as in how life should be.
Tracy says
I really like the rug, but am respectful that your husband lives there, not me. Am a bit bummed though that youâre going for subway tile backsplash though…
Michèle from Oregon says
The runner would be great! And I was wrong about the cabinet hinges…they are BEAUTIFUL and COORDINATED!!
Pam says
Cute rug! Also Target makes a metal outdoor bench very close to your damaged one. We use the matching chairs in our dining room theyâre so good. Bonus they wear very well. We actually have 4 inside and 4 stacked in the garage for extra seating when needed. They always look good. Also those chairs sit around a very high end table and look fab
Gina says
I also was reminded of the metal bench from Target that looks like a match to your bench. You can use it indoors or outdoors. The Target bench has matching chairs. I saw a designer who used them in hef dining room. Love the rug.
Teresa says
It’s Thursday. Where’s Mrs HB?
Gigi says
Rug is very fun! But being practical, Id have to go with a multicolored/blended pattern. It wonât show black sock fast fuzzies or white lint.
Linda F Reynolds says
Build in a box bench…like a cedar chest…
Use a loveseat like single cushion on top of the lid. Add lots of throw pillows for comfort and a fake fur throw. Hang swivel arm lamps wall hanging for easy reading. One on each side wall. Or just one lamp and hang a green growing plant from the ceiling centered on other window…
The top of the bench lifts = STORAGE!
Now you need a small stool, like a milk stool that one can move with a foot. The stool is not for feet it is for a drink & plate of XXX.
Be sure to have electrical power in both side wall…heating pad, charger, what ever… Be sure to have a big sit upon pillow for a floor guest (the girl).
Might even look at Twin size heated mattress pad for top of big cushion.
Last item… different sizes and shapes of crystal chandelier prisms suspended on fishing line from the ceiling into the top of the window the catch the light and make lovely rainbows on the floor.
Karen says
Great job Mavis, love your house!
Linda says
The rug has quite a busy pattern. When I have a dilemma like this I ask myself “what do I want my eye to be drawn to in this room/area” This rug is going to get food dropped on it, stains and general shoe wear. Is that an area I want everyone’s eye to be drawn to? For me the answer is no, but it’s your home and you need to have what makes you both happy.
Jennifer L Palmer says
Love the rug but i agree with some of the other comments, get a splash of color in the rug. Red would look great in that room.
Christa H. says
Where did you get the telescoping light beside your plaid chair? I need one.
I like the rug and LOVE the new hardware. Much nicer looking
Mavis Butterfield says
Restoration Hardware 2 years ago but I just checked and don’t see it anymore. You can score some deep discounts at their outlet stores {and are usually able to combine them with a coupon}.
Christa H. says
Thank you!!
Heather says
When the kitchen update is done, could you make one post listing everything you did and where you got the items (hinges, etc)? I would like to save the post for someday when I get to upgrade our kitchen from oak OR we buy /build a new house.
Eleanor says
Hi Mavis:
Where did you buy your black hinges? Iâm painting my basement (one of my many goals for this year) and have decided to follow your lead and change out the gold hinges and knobs that we installed 15 years with black.
Thanks!