Chandeliers

Our Robert Abbey chandeliers arrived.  With their 36" diameters and 18 bulbs apiece, they make a bold  statement in the living and dining room.  My enthusiasm for them was nearly squashed when Grant asked our electrician if running them was like having 36 lamps on at one time.  I think I know the answer!  At least they are on a dimmer.

The Kitchen Island

The untreated timber

timber pieces glued together after planing--3 1/2 inches thick

Newel post legs 

Sealing the top and painting the legs

The finished island 

Wood island and soapstone counters

The island in our kitchen is one of my favorite elements in the kitchen design.  It was built by Joel's carpenters Rob and Andy and it is made from old timber salvaged from a mine near Boulder.   It's a great size, 7x3, and has become the heart of the kitchen.  There are endless options in designing a kitchen island.   At first, all I  knew was that I wanted something unique for the space.   Once I confirmed that the island did not need to hold more cabinetry, we were freed to imagine something more furniture-like.    After many discussions and an initial design of a farm table on casters, Joel came back to us offering the douglas fir timbers.   At first glance they looked pretty rough, but after a week long process of planing and sanding and gluing and sealing, they turned into something very elegant and refined.    The thickness and durability of the wood is also a nice contrast to the more delicate soapstone counters in the kitchen. Immediately, the island has become more than just a large surface in the kitchen.  It's a prep surface for cooking; a homework and craft project station for the kids; our everyday dining table; and a gathering spot for parties.  I imagine that  it will become one of the most used and functional piece of furniture that we will ever own--and perhaps the most original.

We've moved!

kitchen (west)

Kitchen (north)

Family room adjacent to kitchen

family room and kitchen

Office

Dining room

Entry hall 

living and dining room

1880s Brunswick billiards table 

After a whirlwind 6 months of work on the house, we are in!  Our amazing contractor Joel got us in ahead of schedule--on September 26th!  We are now quickly unpacking boxes and settling in to our new home.   Here are some pictures of the first floor (still lots of boxes upstairs!).    We are overjoyed and a bit overwhelmed.   Moving forces you to own up to all that you have acquired and gives you the rare opportunity to part with all the things that are no longer relevant to you. If you adopt a ruthless attitude and set the "keep" bar very high, it can be a great opportunity to lighten your load.   But it's not that easy.   Selection is hard, sometimes bizarrely emotional, and curating and editing your collections--be it kitchen gadgets or art can be tougher than it seems.  In addition, due to all of the stuff that came with the purchase of the house, it has been a harder move than usual since we are also sorting and sifting through furniture and objects that the previous owner left behind.  Since we aspire to live in a more minimalist, er, uncluttered way, we are selectively integrating a few wonderful pieces that we inherited.  To that end, the grandfather clock is now back in its original place in the front hall, the 1880s Brunswick billiards table is in the upgraded basement, and I have claimed a small secretary desk for my use, which tucks into Grant's office quite nicely.   And the best part for me?  The kitchen.  It's a perfect combination of form and function.