Falling Into Home Improvement

Yesterday was the first day of Autumn…but the weather here in Hampton Roads is still clinging to summer. It’s a balmy 88 degrees and slightly muggy. Perfect beach weather, ha ha! So it’s not the crisp New England falls I remember from my youth, but it does put me in the mood for some home improvement projects!

After hitting the beaches all summer long, it is now time to work on the home front. Fall weather (whenever it should decide to arrive) is perfect to tackle projects around the house. Since it’s still not humidity-free enough for me to spend a great deal of time outside working on much (sweat is only fun if there is some sand and ocean involved). I have turned my mind to the planning process! Fun!!

We have lived in this house a little over two years now. Just last night I was lamenting that it’s been so long and it seems that we have done so little to really give it our own stamp. First on my list? The kitchen…

It’s got great bones, it just needs to be taken to the next level. Right now it’s very blah–builder grade vanilla. It’s fine, if you don’t spend all day in there like I do. Builders and home developers don’t cook, they build! So I am sure on a floor plan the layout of my kitchen looked good.

For the average home cook, it probably functions well enough. For me, it is so sub-par and dysfunctional it makes me feel borderline psychotic!! Why do I have to have conversations like: Has anyone seen my sieve? I know I have a can of enchilada sauce in this pantry… Where did my measuring cups disappear to? So, I am going window shopping on the world wide web for inspiration!

Here’s a short list of what I need to accomplish:
1) Improve the work triangle
2) Address the cabinets
3) Address the counters
4) Improve storage in kitchen and pantry
5) Incorporate seating for hanging out and eating in the kitchen

Wish me luck!