Well, Spring has certainly sprung already here in San Diego and it’s got us running around cleaning, organizing, donating piles of clothes and dreaming of ripping out flooring and tiling the counter and backsplash. But alas, we are renting just like millions of others, stuck with the decision (even if the owner lets you renovate): do I really want to put time and money into a place where I won’t be forever? Well, despite all of the advice and logic to support a resounding no, I must say I think there’s room for improvement without major renovation. There’s something to be said for making a place your own and liking where you live. Think of the money people spend to “get away” from home- a one-night hotel stay costs more than most weekend home-improvement projects whether in the house or around the garden! I’d like to grab a few gallons of paint, especially some chalkboard paint, order some non-destructive and easily moved carpet tiles to cover old linoleum, and perhaps just live with living room carpet for another year or two. But wait, there’s more- we also have carpet… in the bathroom. I know- Le sigh.
So I’ve had my sights set on a lovely DIY kitchen project by my favorite tackle-it-yourself muse, Layla from Lettered Cottage. No one can pull off a gorgeously inspired room on a budget like Layla & Kevin. Here are a few more kitchens that have caught my eye lately- no surprise here, lots of white, wood and a delicious mix of textures- rough brick, smooth wood, shiny tile and slick glass.
I have a random confession: I once lost an auction for two Gilbert Rohde stools similar to the style of the ones in the last image, and then began bidding (and also losing) on all sorts of Rohde clocks. I subsequently beca
me so frustrated and forlorn I swore off e-bay forever. I’d like to run into some of my vintage swoon-items someday, but I don’t think online is the place for me. It’s got to be every mid-century modern design buff’s dream to stumble upon some old, unknown or forgotten vintage piece to lovingly restore. Now that I think about it, I actually have nothing to complain about considering I once grabbed an Italian leather and chrome frame two-seater sofa in the exact style of Le Corbusiser (whether or not it’s real is to be determined) in vintage but fabulous shape at a garage sale… for $50. And if you promise not to laugh, I’ll actually give you a glimpse of said sofa, behind a very young-and-in-love couple from 2007 I kind of recognize. 