Everything But the Kitchen Sink

Although our apartment's previous owner, an avid cook, spent a lot of time (and a pretty penny) designing the kitchen, I couldn't resist the opportunity to give it a mini-makeover. Since the room already had great bones and tons of potential, I knew it would be feasible to execute a fantastic update without breaking the bank.

To give you a better idea of my starting point, here are some listing photos:

Honestly, I was a bit apprehensive about the cherry wood at first. It was really... red. But I learned through research that it is actually considered a luxury wood, and that painting or staining the custom cabinetry would take away from its value. I also learned that cherry wood mellows and deepens as it ages, just like fine wine. And we all know how much I like wine. So I decided to give it a chance :)

It totally looks like one of Dexter's kill rooms right now, but our kitchen is going to be completely transformed when I'm through with it. Stay tuned!

Love of My Light

Chris surprised me with this awesome beaver skull and had my bat custom framed for Christmas last week. They are so ridiculously fabulous! :) I also received this stunning light fixture as a gift, which I am totally over the moon about.

The Hicks Pendant by Thomas O'Brien is wildly popular in the interior design world, and I have been pining after this bad boy ever since the moment I first laid eyes on it. Deliciously handsome in its simplicity, this pendant effortlessly compliments a multitude of styles and living spaces. Mr. Hicks is a solid and timeless statement piece, and I have a good feeling he will be very happy in our new kitchen.

{via High Gloss, House & Home, Max and Co., Apartment Therapy, Lonny}