Kitchen Renovation: Part 1

This Monday our kitchen renovation began.  The somewhat confined space, featuring 3 different counter heights and an island at which not even a child could sit comfortably was demolished to reveal a more spacious area.  The kitchen and dining room areas will be reworked so that cooking, eating and entertaining will become effortless.  We are, of course, preserving the wood valances that are typical of so many mid-century homes, removing a center wall (complete with paneled door pass-through) and repurposing as much of the redwood as possible.   Take a look at Part 1 of our "Kitchen Renovation" and stay tuned for more project updates.

Our kitchen is literally a main entry into our home.  It is located in the center of the house surrounded by glass walls blending the interior spaces with the exterior courtyards, another major theme in mid-century modern designs.  With the new kitchen layout, this connection to the outside will be even greater and also ensure a more welcoming entrance.  I'm truly excited!

Thus far, this has been quite the week!  With our kitchen project getting underway and the wonderful support my blog has been receiving on Apartment Therapy's The Homies Awards, I must admit to being overwhelmed at times.  If you haven't voted yet and like Cocoon Home Blog please show your support by registering here and voting here.  Thank you all SO much!

The Project Room: A Few New Things

One of the favorite rooms in our home is the Project Room (labelled so in the original 1953 architectural drawings we're fortunate to own).  It's the room we play games in, read, nap and watch TV.  To my surprise, I actually kept the built-in cabinetry in its original color:  Cherokee Red.   I'm enjoying the energy the color provides and all the fun accessorizing it allows.  Recently, I added a few things to the space:  an Asian print that fits perfectly in a little nook, a Peruvian throw, a bold patterned pillow and two floor lamps that flank each end of  our lived-in sofa.  

On another note,  I am quite overwhelmed by the amazing support that Cocoon Home Blog is receiving on Apartment Therapy's The Homies Awards.  Thank you so much for all your votes, and please keep  that positive energy flow going my way.

If you like my blog but haven't voted yet, please register here and then click here to cast your very appreciated vote! 

Apartment Therapy's The Homies 2014

Blogging has meant more to me than I ever imagined it could.  Whether I'm writing about a Cocoon Home project, reflecting on family and friends or just seeking or providing inspiration, this platform has help me release inner fears, expand my knowledge and strengthen my intent on striving to do it all well:  mother, wife, designer, friend and blogger.  I'm grateful for the support received from all you readers throughout the years, and hope I can count on your nomination for this year's Apartment Therapy's "The Homies" contest.

Please go to this link:     http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/nominate-your-favorite-home-design-inspiration-blogs-for-the-homies-awards-the-homies-2014-200251     and enter your nomination for Cocoon Home Blog.  If you've never visited Apartment Therapy in the past, you will have to register first (this only takes a minute).  Thank you kindly.

If you like my blog but haven't voted yet, please register here and then click here to cast your very appreciated vote! 

Food & Flower

On this Valentine's Day:  Food & Flower Images to Love.

(because both nourish us and make us happy)

1./2./3./4./5./6./7./8.

Before And After: My Favorite Quick Fix

Thankfully, not much as been updated in our Mid-Century (1953) home to mess with its architectural integrity, but that doesn't mean I'm less anxious to make some changes myself.  Taking into consideration financial resources, project priorities (kitchen first) and careful planning, sometimes a quick fix will do until the time is right for that big undertaking.  My favorite one is replacing the hardware on cabinets, doors and drawers.  Our home office, guest bath and master bathroom got a new look with very little effort and investment just by changing-out the existing pulls and, sometimes, throwing on a new coat of paint.  Take a look:

My favorite place to look for knobs is Anthropologie, although I always have my eye out for them at garage sales, flea markets and vintage home stores.

Take a look at this Pinboard for an array of hardware ideas.