My (In)Famous Kitchen

[rubyslippers]

Hello Everyone,

This is a little picture of my kitchen with the white cabinets, red countertops, and, umm, slightly over-the-top wallpaper. I actually love the little space. It is cozy and warm. I want to change the wallpaper and/or paint. I would also like to add some beadboard. Down the road, I might tile and POSSIBLY even add a tin-tile ceiling. With that said, the kitchen has a cottage retro flair right now and because I'm working on the backyard, the kitchen is on hold. (Good grief, I just moved in at Christmas - - one project at a time.)

BUT, (are you all sitting down?) there is a chance my kitchen might be in a commercial. This is a long story; quite possibly the sink and the cabinet might just be used behind someone's head. It is a low-key local thing, so I just need a little moral support that it is cool that someone thinks it "fits the bill". No one is ever going to know it is my kitchen. Also, other than cleaning, I refuse to change anything. I am embracing the fact that we need to just love the way things are, but sheesh, how did this happen?

It could all go "belly-up" if they change their minds, but it could also happen as soon as Tuesday. Like I said, I don't have time to worry about it, but it is really pushing my household Zen buttons not to have time to "style" (ahem rip down the wallpaper and paint YESTERDAY). So, a little moral support would be helpful.

Anyway, I thought you all would get a kick out of this. By the way, I will not leave dinner on the stove and will probably manage the art on the fridge, but you get the drift.

Bye,

Rubyslippers

[annielinz]

What a charming kitchen you have. That is so exciting it may be famous!
I understand your panic, I would feel the same way. But it really is a lovely space and will look fantastic on camera. Your future plans for the kitchen sound wonderful.

[rubyslippers]

Your kind words help a ton!

[lisascraftiques]

Very Warm and Cozy Kitchen! It gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling we all love in cottage decorating:)

[Suz]

That is so neat! Let us know how it goes :)

[Lynzee]

Your kitchen is darling, Rubyslippers!

[shabbychick]

What a cute kitchen! I like the lighted grapevine wreath. That's a nice touch. And your rich red countertop really brings the room to life!

[rubyslippers]

I like the lighted grapevine wreath as well. It creatively hides a support structure. When the wallpaper changes, I may still keep the grape motif; however, the idea in general allows one to weave a lot of things in out of the wreath (gerber daisies in the spring ... leaves in the fall) ... I'm not sure I personally would have thought of disquising the support in that manner, but it is natural looking and relaxing. It is kind of exciting, but also one of those really bizarre things. It looks like it may happen on Tuesday; I have a lot of schoolwork to do this afternoon, so I'll just tidy everything up on Monday night if it is still a "go" so-to-speak. There is a little nest of "hot-tea" boxes on a little green shelf in the corner. I'm not going to put that stuff up. My husband will be there; so, if they want to plop the pretty kitchenaid mixer in that corner, then I won't stop them so-to-speak.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a lovely Sunday.

Thanks,

Jenny

[Breezy]

Wow rubyslippers! Please keep us posted as to how it goes.
Your kitchen is so cozy and cottagey ~ very nice indeed.

[RoseMary]

I love your kitchen~especially the red! I like the grapevine wreath, too. Let us know if 'it' happens!

[ChapterTwo]

Rubyslippers...I have to chime in with the rest - your kitchen is wonderfully cozy! I'm partial to a red countertop, as that's what my Mom had (and if I am able to purchase my aunt's house, which I'm hoping to do, RED will be my color choice for the countertops!)

Here, near NYC, I've heard of many houses that are used in commercials, and it's supposed to be great fun. Just be sure you have in the contract that they are responsible for anything that's messed up or broken (think rainy day and a hoard of people), and you'll be fine!

And what is that on the stove? I couldn't quite tell if it was pizza, a quiche, a casserole, or something else...but it looks yummy!

Good luck with it all...

[rubyslippers]

That is a Friday night tradition at our house. In the "organic" section (and sometimes in the normal frozen pizza section) you can find Amy's Pizza. We are partial to the Pesto/Tomato version; however, the one you see has been "doctored" with other cheeses, olive oil, and spices (garlic/red pepper/basil). However, they are pretty yummy straight out of the oven. I wouldn't say they are "healthy" - - but they are filling and "natural" tasting. Toss together a Caesar salad and add some vino and you have a lovely Friday night meal.

I didn't know you were thinking of purchasing your Aunt's house. I am interested to hear about the decor your Mom and Aunt have used through the years. I'm planning on changing curtains, walls, etc. (the counters and cabinets and floors will stay the same though)...if I survive this, then we will move on to decorating tips.

You all are SO sweet and FABULOUS. Thank you.

[Lisa S]

Congratulations! Keep us posted on how it goes.

[Gigi]

A BIG WOW! Your kitchen is "charming perfect." I just love everything about it- the white cabinets, the countertops-even the wall paper.

Keep us informed about the possible "commerical." Very cool.

[chyna]

How exciting! First we had Lisa's sunroom being featured or at least a pic published in C & G and now we could have Jenny's kitchen in a commercial. This is turning into a popular group of people. :D

[ChapterTwo]

Oh, Jenny, I've seen the Amy's Pizza but haven't tried it yet. Yours looks yummy!
I'm addicted to the Kashi frozen pizza - has all sort of wonderful things in it, and then we always add, as you do.

My aunt and uncle passed away in 2005 (as did my Dad...a really rough year), and my cousin's son and wife were living in the house from that time 'til this past summer. I just helped my cousin hold an estate sale a few weeks ago.

While I love my house (sniff, sniff) there is a developer who owns the two houses to my left, and the plan will be to build some monstrosity on the land. Last Fall he wanted to buy my house, but it was not the time for me. After my aunt's house became available, I suddenly had an ephiphany, thinking it might be good for me to buy - it's a tad smaller, and I would make a small profit.

My daughter is getting married in August, and my son and I could move in September. Now he is talking of buying a house, so I might be moving on my own!

I'm sorry I'm being so wordy...
My aunt's kitchen is like mine...blue/white. But it needs a new floor and new countertops and so, for a change, I think I'm going to honor my mother and get rid of the blue and make it beige/white with touches of red (she ALWAYS had a red kitchen!) The cabinets are fairly new and are beige (I have no idea why my aunt did that, since her whole kitchen was white/blue).

I'm on pins and needles, waiting to hear from the developer's real estate agent AND my cousin is waiting to hear if I am definitely buying my aunt's house.

I will miss my fireplace and all my chestnut woodwork (big sobs, here...), but I will have a nicer, quieter neighborhood, with a brand new roof and new electric.
I can't even tell you what my existing neighborhood is like now. Well, for starters, there was an article in the local paper saying that on a daily basis, there are 1,000 day laborers hanging around on the street corners. And keep in mind our town is only one square mile...

[cheapdiva]

ooohhhh, I want your kitchen! It is adorable! And CT - 1,000 workers a day??!! Where the heck are you - Midtown Manhattan?!

[ChapterTwo]

And CT - 1,000 workers a day??!! Where the heck are you - Midtown Manhattan?!

Six miles across the Hudson River from NYC in what used to be a sleepy, quiet, little, suburban community. All of our stores (except for two drug stores and a pizzeria) are now Korean stores, with no English written on the windows.

The day laborers leave liquor bottles on our property and sit on our lawn, and one day I found 5 women on my porch, waiting for a ride. When I asked them what they were doing there, they said it was raining (so they sought cover on my porch!!)
I could go on and on...

Do you see why I am torn? I LOVE my house, but don't want to live in this area, the way it is now.

[cheapdiva]

Are you going to meet me in NYC this fall when I come for my annual visit?:D

[ChapterTwo]

Yes, cheapdiva...I'd love to meet you in the city for lunch! We'll have to plan something out as the time draws closer. :)

That will be so much fun!

[chyna]

Will they be tearing your house down for this developer? That is such a huge shame if they do, your house is so neat! :( Buying your aunt's house will be a nice change though and you can really spruce it up to your tastes.:) Is this new neighborhood nicer in the way of people hanging out on your front lawn?

[ChapterTwo]

Will they be tearing your house down for this developer?

:( I'm afraid so. It's not something I even want to think about...It's what happened to my parents' house too, when I sold it after my father passed away. :( It's what they do around here - none of the old homes are left, from when I was a kid. There are nothing but shapeless, ugly duplexes...

That's why I'm wrestling with the decision so much...

If I do buy my aunt's old house, I'll be sure to take before pics (but brace yourself...it needs work!) and then some "after" ones too. I'm already picturing it a soft, dusty, bluish green with white trim and a white fence in back...

There are two bedrooms - the master is a really good size, and I have my parents waterfall style furniture from the forties just itchin' to get in there (didn't fit in my room here). The second bedroom has a small walk in cedar closet, and built in bookcases (perfect for my zillions of books!)

In my aunt's old neighborhood, it's very quiet, and there are a mix of ethnicities, which I don't mind. I met a lot of the neighbors when we had the estate sale and everyone seemed very nice. And yet, the town is just about 10 minutes from here, so I won't get homesick, and I'll still be able to see my friends here.

[Gigi]

OMgooodness what a hard choice (s) to make...follow your heart. Okay that's not so easy, but it sounds close enough to your friends, and that's important.

Since you already like the neighborhood-that's a plus- and a LARGE master room- that's a plus. It really does sound charming.

Keep us informed.

[ChapterTwo]

As with many things in life, it's complex. If I decide to stay here, the developer will probably go ahead with his project, without my property, and I'll be living next to a huge monstrosity. On top of that, it would then be harder to sell my property, because my lot is undersized, like the rest of the block (40 x 109). Standard lots here are 50 x 100, although variances are fairly easily gotten.

I know it's a crazy concept for those not in this area, but older homes here (despite their charm and beauty) are referred to as "knock downs", because that's what's done to them. SO sad...there's no respect for history or architecture in this town. Yet, in my aunt's neighborhood, it's all older homes. Go figure...

I would really appreciate if you can please help me concentrate on the developer - I would love his real estate agent to call and say that he's ready to purchase and set the closing in September. THEN, maybe I can really get started on my "second chapter", as my name implies! ;)

[rubyslippers]

Chapter Two ... it sounds like you are making a lot of big moving decisions right now ... keep us posted on how everything works out. I personally kind of wish my counter tops were as crazy blue as they are red, but right now it feels like making friends with the house to try them on for size so-to-speak.

Anyway, just as a follow-up, the whole commercial thing happened really quickly. I had to work today, so my husband and I cleaned (and dust-busted) last night. Then, we did a frantic little spin around the house this morning (sort of the way you do if you are showing a house and living in it at the same time).

Evidently, the only crisis was that a cup of coffee was spilled on the tablecloth in the dining area. My husband simply tossed it in the washing machine. The windows caused some natural lighting difficulties with the morning; the refrigerator (cleared of some stuff), the kitchen island, and the angle you can't really see in the picture made up the majority of the commercial. It will be advertising a local community college and highlighted a parent and child illustrating the conveniences of school and home. About three different commercials were shot today; so, we were just the first stop. I received an e-mail message at work from my husband letting me know it was all over.

This was a professional outfit and really easy to deal with - - I'm not sure the counter tops and the quirky cabinets will get their full "day-in-the-sun", but some of my cute dishes and red and white hand towels (readily available at your local Target if you are envious - - hee-hee) might make a debut.

I don't think I would have enjoyed being here. Obviously, if my husband could not have been here, then that would have been a different story, but the whole thing just made me WAY too nervous. I did clean everything, (plus I must confess to a little staging / styling ... do you blame me?), but it really made me a little bit of wreck due to the haste with which it all happened.

Oh well, a couple of months until air-time. We'll see how much wallpaper made the final "cut" - - everyone at work was really cool. They kept talking about how fun it would be to have a "before" and "after". You guys were awesome around here as well. Some of you know this, but I'm not comfortable with strangers in my house. I don't throw big parties. I like smaller gatherings. Due to living in modest rental space, I haven't had a lot of room to have guests; so, over the years, I just got accustomed to smaller social events. I really want to be a better entertainer, but I think I'm more of the garden-party gal. This may be a new thread starter. I bet a lot of people have feelings/ideas about this.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you an update.

[annielinz]

Ruby I'm glad the commercial was a success for you.
And yes an entertaining or fear of it would be a great thread :)

[ChapterTwo]

I don't know how I missed your post about the COMMERCIAL, Rubyslippers...but I did! Ooooh, I'm so excited for you. I'm the same way - I would rather not have been there - I'd probably have been trying not to hover!

It's wonderful that it went so well, and I'm glad the only casualty was the coffee on the tablecloth. Whew!

Please let us know when you see it aired for the first time....SO exciting - your house is a STAR! :D

As for me...I try not to get my heart set on my aunt's house, just in case it doesn't happen, but it's been so long since I've done some "from scratch" decorating (we've lived here 31 years!) that my mind can't help but start decorating without me!