Kitchen Renovation: Modern Wood Stoves

Well we had to do a bit of research to finally discover a wood stove that would fit our modern aesthetic and would be in a price range that we could afford. But we finally did! Here's a link to Pacific Energy where we found "the Fusion". A sleek modern wood burning stove. We opted to the black one and not the stainless steel one pictures here (mostly because of cost).  Also thanks to our wonderful friends, Mr. and Mrs. Duck Monkey, we discovered this Springfield business that will order it for us and install at a reasonable price - Good Deal Metal. The wood stove is going to go at the far end of the front room, so while it's not exactly a part of the kitchen redo it's a part of the overall front room redo which is taking place at the same time. Can't wait to do yoga in the front room heated by our cozy and modern stove!

Mission Kitchen Redo: Demolition DIY

The demolition has begun! Mr. Monkey may be having too much fun. It's true I caught him removing door frames that maybe he didn't need to remove because he was on a roll. I gotta say that even though we're just in the beginning of this process and things in the front room are a bit trashed I already feel the promise of the changes. When I walked in the home this evening the door was open and with the closet gone it truly felt like a breathe of fresh air. Here are some pictures of before and current status. We'll be sure to keep the updates coming fast and furious as we start to make lots of decisions and progress will be happening quickly over the next 6 weeks or so.

Colorful Kitchens: Lamps

Living with a house being remodeled during the winter seems like a huge headache, especially for a homebody like me. But if I can keep myself focused on the lights at the end of the tunnel it will help. I've had my eyes on these lampshades for a very long time. They are the product of a collaboration between Yellena James and Schoolhouse Electric (click on this link to the left to see all color options) up in Portland. Recently Schoolhouse Electric just engaged in another artist collaboration with another one of my fave Portland artists, Amy Ruppel. In fact international blogger Grace Bonney at Design Sponge just wrote up the event. Damn, we're lucky to be in the PNW where art and function collaboration abound. Truly what a wonderful idea to have artists help create great light fixtures. I'll let you know if either one of these end up in the new kitchen. Tell me in the comments section which lamp shades you like best.

From Design Sponge

Colorful Kitchens: Mosaic Tiles

Evit Tiles

Sunset Magazine, Thomas J. Story

As you know we've got kitchens and color on the brain. Should we go the more traditional route and add our kitchen color via the black splash? OR should we do something a bit more daring and add color in the cabinetry? Here are some pictures that demonstrate both ideas. What do you think? Add your two cents in the comments. I'm leaning one way and Mr. Monkey is leaning the other. David the architect is coming over tomorrow to share tile samples . . .  I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Sunset Magazine, John Granen

Baltimore Rowhouse Blog, Click link for more pics

Giving thanks for Friends & Art

Well I already have winter vacation on the brain even though we've barely arrived at Thanksgiving. I'm just thinking ahead because this year I'm especially excited to spend some time in Santa Barbara (more on that later). Every year over the winter holidays Mr. Monkey and I take a vacation with some of our college friends. The groups shifts a bit depending on the year, who can make it, and where the meet-up is. Years past we've found ourselves hiking, soaking, eating, drinking, and generally enjoying each other's company in Sedona (AZ), Yachats(OR), Palm Springs (CA), and Baja (MX). In our little group we have many smart, creative, and overall deliciously delightful people.

One person who we find to be incredibly artistically talented has often  commemorated said vacations with a sampling of her artwork. About three years ago the crew rented a house on Orcas Island in Washington State. It was a very mellow year. I was recovering from thyroid cancer surgery and having my amazing friends around me while we all jointly recovered from the general stresses of life was a priceless gift. To top off the gift of her friendship Tucson-based Monkey Bobcat sent along the painting above. Sadly it took me awhile to find a frame for it. I desperately wanted to get it professionally framed but that wasn't happening and the wonderfully funny painting was sitting in a closet. I had to ultimately admit that professional framing was not in the plans and it was better to simply get it up on the wall. For the time being I found an inexpensive alternative for $20 at a big chain home store. Hip hip hooray! Monkey Bobcat's art is now up and I have a daily reminder of how dear friendship is and essential to our every day and overall quality of life. Just as the painting shows the waterways of the sound to be the "cardiovascular system" of the network of San Juan Islands I like to think of my friends and family as my life support system. I'm glad that this little painting made it's way out of the closet and onto the living room walls. Yay for art and yay for friends who make art!

Kitchen remodeling on the brain

We've got kitchens on the brain. We've finally met with an architect and plans are in the works. By the end of the year 2010 we should have plans which means we can begin construction in January! We've got tons of ideas but we're really leaving it up to David Schmitz, of Engage Architecture and to our limited budget of course. Below I've added some of our inspiration kitchens. The 3 features I love from the pictures are the colorful tile back splashes, the center islands with bar seating, and open floor plans. I think between Mr. Monkey, our architect, and I we will have no shortage of ideas. The challenge will be finding the best function/design/price balance. Most of these pictures can be found at this Sunset Magazine Kitchens link.

Sunset Mag, Richard Leo Johnson

Sunset Mag., Thomas J. sTory

Modern Times in an Old City: Boston & Cambridge

Hyatt Cambridge early morning view from hotel room.

Sitting area at Hyatt Cambridge overlooking the Charles River.

Well I've been a crazy workaholic as of late which has brought me to the east coast twice in the past month or so. The first time back in September I spent most of my time in Charlestown and Cambridge. The best thing about Charlestown was the meal I had at the Navy Yard Bistro and Wine Bar. 

Dinner at Navy Yard Bistro and Wine Bar.

The meal was delish, taking something classic and adding a fresh twist, local scallops and fresh arugula plus mashed potatoes with a bit of basil mixed in. The meal was really perfect despite the fact I was dining alone. Two times while I was in Charlestown I jumped out of surprise when I heard the sound of the canon from the USS Constitution being shot off at 7pm each night. The second time I was out for a run trying to squeeze some health in between work only to be "shot" at from an antique boat and its crew.

USS Constitution, Charlestown, MA.

Big comfy bed, with iPod alarm clock.

The Hyatt provides toothpaste. A modern take on the old shower cap offering.

After spending 2 nights in Charlestown I moved over to Cambridge and found a great rate that was less than my government allotment at the Hyatt Cambridge. The rest of the pictures here are of my room there. I gotta say I thought Cambridge was a great option for staying in but outside of Boston. The room was really big and super comfortable. The rate was very reasonable and the view from the hotel restaurant and many of the rooms is a lovely one of the Charles River. I really enjoyed being surrounded by notables buildings and architecture and history but going back to my modern dwelling at night. 

Bedside table and lamp with plug-ins built in.

Vanity outside of bathroom, next to closet, made for a nice changing room.