Minimalist Kitchen Idea

<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="China cupboard by Martin Moore & Company" class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/c4/20/3d/c4203d90f6a405643b17b15da715f2e8.jpg" style="height: 480px; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 611px;" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">My head is spinning.  One side of my brain is thinking about the new  store I'm opening on the blog, while the other side is dreaming of the  new kitchen we're planning.  I'm posting this update on my current kitchen obsessions as a way to buy myself a little more time... I've been spending every available hour on the new store that I'd promised would be open this week, and it just isn't going to happen.  Yet, anyway.  I will try again tomorrow and Friday... wish me good luck as I continue entering inventory and take (retake) photos. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We're getting closer to pulling the trigger on making some real decisions, so I'm starting to think about details.  I love the hutch, above.  I imagine it filled with my Woodland china and pewter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy these inspiration photos of what I'm dreaming about for our new addition.  Feel free to share more inspiration with me that you'd think I'd like! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="cottage kitchen w/ thick marble counter tops" class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ec/b3/b7/ecb3b7bbc17aa278208d40e266419600.jpg" style="height: 720px; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 480px;" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">A big window above the sink (apron front sink) is a must.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pull-out retractable counter ledge" class="pinImg fullBleed loaded" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/d0/a9/c0/d0a9c0337761ed5d51c32340e61bc6f3.jpg" style="height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't this smart?  I love anything with double uses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="English kitchen with Farringdon stone floor" class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/86/6a/af/866aaf669064f13750a634149708107d.jpg" style="height: 470px; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 309px;" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I think it is really hard to find an island that isn't cookie-cutter looking.  I really like this design that looks like more of a work table.  Have you seen any other good examples of hard working islands? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R_WKmY_xawI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/IKqJr3P8SFU/s1600/Kvanum+Kitchens4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185202938136587010" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R_WKmY_xawI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/IKqJr3P8SFU/s400/Kvanum+Kitchens4" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" /> </a>The color of these cabinets is lovely - and of course I love the brass pulls and window above the sink.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R_WKmY_xawI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/IKqJr3P8SFU/s1600/Kvanum+Kitchens4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>

New Kitchen Details

My head is spinning. One side of my brain is thinking about the new store I'm opening on the blog, while the other side is dreaming...

Happy Sunday—this post is coming to you from a cozy spot on my new living room couch! Well, the couch isn't new but the look sure is. Here's the back story:<br /><br />Shortly after we first moved in nearly a few years ago, we purchased this Ikea Kivik sectional in Teno Grey:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uVAEztmD8Canz8T8MY-7a6HTVUBo9BbXkLMiPF8uy_U1ScATeht0gK10UoMGSivPaMPISDrzt1F1TBc-BiS78YKqGL25-iMYDt5pMPs5hwe6E-vhNv8Q_fNWka3iAS-Dz7Tf25LVoV0-/s1600/IMG_3784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uVAEztmD8Canz8T8MY-7a6HTVUBo9BbXkLMiPF8uy_U1ScATeht0gK10UoMGSivPaMPISDrzt1F1TBc-BiS78YKqGL25-iMYDt5pMPs5hwe6E-vhNv8Q_fNWka3iAS-Dz7Tf25LVoV0-/s640/IMG_3784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was perfect and we loved it. But then I started updating the room, and my style began to evolve...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43WiGFQWXxqZy8imVPLfifoPEI6cHLU-Um4t2kcjhdvl-CuAl46Jph5PtT1nEHuMJSsM5Kr59x7Z-1PH_pI9bbffYXH9xGiGJdb82CXFp6YZJsZaZ0crD73izbYOtIH6xSGe-8G-Dt97O/s1600/IMG_5679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43WiGFQWXxqZy8imVPLfifoPEI6cHLU-Um4t2kcjhdvl-CuAl46Jph5PtT1nEHuMJSsM5Kr59x7Z-1PH_pI9bbffYXH9xGiGJdb82CXFp6YZJsZaZ0crD73izbYOtIH6xSGe-8G-Dt97O/s640/IMG_5679.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Still loved the couch, but the amount of greige in the room and lack of pattern was becoming a bit too plain for me. I was bored—ready to step out of my comfort zone and spice things up a bit. That and, well, there were a couple stubborn stains I couldn't get out. It was time for a facelift.<br /><br />Luckily, a nice lady named Rachel from <a href="http://comfort-works.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Works</a> came to my rescue and offered to let me choose one of their fabulous slipcovers. Normally I decline these offers, but I couldn't pass this one up. I was like a kid in a candy store browsing through all the fabric options on their website...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxPRl4bevaAZ_CuhZ5R82NW-Q3nEhkoDia0ylSyxHStf6DAK0UCf86Brh9xhX0ZQuWGrqjZDwbHSsozh0dSXW-wKG0JnogRCwXnLUVzW4uGEGvb3RJ6eLMcmXFbnYuS6XFYm9BeXnh9xI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-04+at+12.37.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxPRl4bevaAZ_CuhZ5R82NW-Q3nEhkoDia0ylSyxHStf6DAK0UCf86Brh9xhX0ZQuWGrqjZDwbHSsozh0dSXW-wKG0JnogRCwXnLUVzW4uGEGvb3RJ6eLMcmXFbnYuS6XFYm9BeXnh9xI/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-08-04+at+12.37.49+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />My perfect dream couch is made of fluffy white cozy linen goodness... like <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/carlisle-sofa/?catalogId=83&cm_src=AutoRel" target="_blank">this</a>:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rk.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201319/0238/img26o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="http://rk.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201319/0238/img26o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />But I just... can't. I don't understand the logistics of this couch. In what world would it not be stained and ruined forever in one day? I mean, we're clean people and we don't even have children and it still would never work. Someone with a white couch please explain how you do it (without spending 3 hours a day on stain removal/laundry duty).<br /><br />So anyway, after I let go of my white couch dream, I started thinking of ways to liven things up in there. I found some Pinspiration...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a9/79/d5/a979d5589724688aaf827564c45fd964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a9/79/d5/a979d5589724688aaf827564c45fd964.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379565528/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b1/a9/59/b1a959004b56ad28624ccc9046f1b151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b1/a9/59/b1a959004b56ad28624ccc9046f1b151.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379565494/" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/76/a0/56/76a05669fb51a9b5a2dfc8029ee47db6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379565533/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/32/3b/ee323bd31b8341a88a33fa8cae2d9c86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="461" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/32/3b/ee323bd31b8341a88a33fa8cae2d9c86.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379566117/" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8c/72/74/8c7274df2ce846724d3cda88a8cd9bd0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="568" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8c/72/74/8c7274df2ce846724d3cda88a8cd9bd0.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379566127/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/cb/47/cecb47e1fc261f62d06c99c74a63a9b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/cb/47/cecb47e1fc261f62d06c99c74a63a9b4.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379566183/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Get the idea yet? STRIPES! I've always loved stripes, and what better way to take a risk than on a slipcover I can switch up when I need to?<br /><br />So I requested my fabric samples—a mix of stripes plus some neutrals thrown in there, just in case:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBWrVG4wHYuGonQoGLbmzXWnUNWkOkUaAggD6igYpIzx7qL20OugKMMyLI9NUkVIzttf2bki4DSVly1fkKa7r8hctG_69ogZTd-GiuYpoNS6s9T4G_Ul9_SrmAaJFCwAisRozGqEW2_9m/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-04+at+12.32.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBWrVG4wHYuGonQoGLbmzXWnUNWkOkUaAggD6igYpIzx7qL20OugKMMyLI9NUkVIzttf2bki4DSVly1fkKa7r8hctG_69ogZTd-GiuYpoNS6s9T4G_Ul9_SrmAaJFCwAisRozGqEW2_9m/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-04+at+12.32.39+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />In the end, I decided on 'Somerset Mint', which is the far right swatch with the blue & tan stripes.<br /><br />I showed a closeup of my cover next to my new rug last time...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dAB6OWFI6gr910fZYT4DGYmQEiMnFo7TzkdUjI__ScVAqHFqW4tw0Z6styLELKxbe3fmiHDq1dZXlahyKZoW5RZeaCZiOwav6ReDZJiA-75JYkoVKl_IHSXO5GYGK6JdRWCrTPwq9ksR/s1600/IMG_0643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dAB6OWFI6gr910fZYT4DGYmQEiMnFo7TzkdUjI__ScVAqHFqW4tw0Z6styLELKxbe3fmiHDq1dZXlahyKZoW5RZeaCZiOwav6ReDZJiA-75JYkoVKl_IHSXO5GYGK6JdRWCrTPwq9ksR/s1600/IMG_0643.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Meant for each other <3.<br /><br />The other night I invited a friend over to help me swap out the covers. With my couch it required a little disassembling, and the extra set of hands helped on some of the tighter fitting areas (these covers fit nice and snug, exactly like the factory!)<br /><br />And a couple hours later the room was transformed:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0Os_oXR4jlB8OFoLwRghuA2qFK5pgAhRfaZ6r-h2uBucKI81bPKhDXNQJ1YIhAHyuYdSgYCY1rHfFVuJpc4jlSnDv8QSB4Vh_Vorq5IherhVdygS8PR8jR1ogt-RViNw8KM33sIZoQOE/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0Os_oXR4jlB8OFoLwRghuA2qFK5pgAhRfaZ6r-h2uBucKI81bPKhDXNQJ1YIhAHyuYdSgYCY1rHfFVuJpc4jlSnDv8QSB4Vh_Vorq5IherhVdygS8PR8jR1ogt-RViNw8KM33sIZoQOE/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnWbwXAMppqeRrKMdsAjd6H7CscUMLSjeafOzAiDKdY80PHm79PUIFQ7dxftotOSUJkCXC1SpA2-9SZoaC3l4METJ_wW_F3JQt-WJiZNI3lm0y1zAu-vBqn0vz9p9MmVX0ZkHRgF_B40l/s1600/IMG_0881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnWbwXAMppqeRrKMdsAjd6H7CscUMLSjeafOzAiDKdY80PHm79PUIFQ7dxftotOSUJkCXC1SpA2-9SZoaC3l4METJ_wW_F3JQt-WJiZNI3lm0y1zAu-vBqn0vz9p9MmVX0ZkHRgF_B40l/s1600/IMG_0881.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljToMA4FzIyuI5EISGS4eEF9yeLKBmD4DQ5vf0Si0yCILvpNzN8fMK4aZ3HAkO33jMQ6h38u6GbzE944LyYjjxlUDdZ3bBoPgQfmJhEM17-YA0yMmul-SMngH9y8p0S3wsnMsWzkT9TYc/s1600/IMG_0877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljToMA4FzIyuI5EISGS4eEF9yeLKBmD4DQ5vf0Si0yCILvpNzN8fMK4aZ3HAkO33jMQ6h38u6GbzE944LyYjjxlUDdZ3bBoPgQfmJhEM17-YA0yMmul-SMngH9y8p0S3wsnMsWzkT9TYc/s1600/IMG_0877.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Can you spot the kitty?</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcrhfmtzUi9cdVMyB44ffBCBhgYZ8GhVJHw6uaXv9n8WrXQNQXADArwuZ0kADyXeYULsJQPSMWX8tJN7gzR2dvtCQAK_U9Zb6uXzDfcw_vJB408bLFyXdala0Cm3-DbHnzsrhiPyySROQ/s1600/IMG_0880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcrhfmtzUi9cdVMyB44ffBCBhgYZ8GhVJHw6uaXv9n8WrXQNQXADArwuZ0kADyXeYULsJQPSMWX8tJN7gzR2dvtCQAK_U9Zb6uXzDfcw_vJB408bLFyXdala0Cm3-DbHnzsrhiPyySROQ/s1600/IMG_0880.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I also switched out the pillow covers, and I'm really happy with the final results after everything came together:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQlwdnhapaowwsDR6Dsj1FFywRHqelvz81_zHps_KSXc8WobT8lGbdXwZXq69qXPFL0B66MiQQajO-xg43hq3siootvh9MhhPvid6j0kE3D5mC3QVd-bCR-CUaFBKrBnVmfABvNZnCGSZ/s1600/IMG_0883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQlwdnhapaowwsDR6Dsj1FFywRHqelvz81_zHps_KSXc8WobT8lGbdXwZXq69qXPFL0B66MiQQajO-xg43hq3siootvh9MhhPvid6j0kE3D5mC3QVd-bCR-CUaFBKrBnVmfABvNZnCGSZ/s1600/IMG_0883.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJCjSYSWkoiDX-c-6fHQVdYSkKrV66oaCZcTRMZtJG6Z4PLf8mj0kd2TnrArXKZKfqcOaOOziHq4Ez21ZNi-WfJGr9-lwS3WFNybsVn2GqIkH_K93SLnwdkqM8-ITq8hyo_rw6l4n-moL/s1600/IMG_0885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJCjSYSWkoiDX-c-6fHQVdYSkKrV66oaCZcTRMZtJG6Z4PLf8mj0kd2TnrArXKZKfqcOaOOziHq4Ez21ZNi-WfJGr9-lwS3WFNybsVn2GqIkH_K93SLnwdkqM8-ITq8hyo_rw6l4n-moL/s1600/IMG_0885.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_9lnswe_-k2mJLVzngIDTpRzJ3XfE24f3cbzjAadZHu7JXe0L29MfiVcRU7zKGqC_CXk3M0pWnkWUQVBCZ6iM8LnNcZLIr-dyZBumCn1hU4a35GPrqjV3XLm-MuZXLx_KjxwFEdUVzO7/s1600/IMG_0890-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_9lnswe_-k2mJLVzngIDTpRzJ3XfE24f3cbzjAadZHu7JXe0L29MfiVcRU7zKGqC_CXk3M0pWnkWUQVBCZ6iM8LnNcZLIr-dyZBumCn1hU4a35GPrqjV3XLm-MuZXLx_KjxwFEdUVzO7/s1600/IMG_0890-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I'll admit, I was slightly nervous at first about the change. Going from something that blends into the background to something a bit more in-your-face can take some getting used to. But the more I see it, the happier I am with my decision.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaKX7h1au6T2WcHkaZ-ZdoWmf9TqtidSEbLMzbk51TrrvW4EjWnkj36n1-MqzduNILEnQ3g8-BcGgZXK1_25u4PGlWCxWbXTLvRcY92wFsT5RfgBscDpylCF8JedDIh2BuMkb9bajmNTY/s1600/IMG_0889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaKX7h1au6T2WcHkaZ-ZdoWmf9TqtidSEbLMzbk51TrrvW4EjWnkj36n1-MqzduNILEnQ3g8-BcGgZXK1_25u4PGlWCxWbXTLvRcY92wFsT5RfgBscDpylCF8JedDIh2BuMkb9bajmNTY/s1600/IMG_0889.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I think it feels homier. The room has more character.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGiUTz1fW7fNMOyH25biI7H6r_KWhusonInX1wIW5c9JrP2p8_BYFXVoRR_J6_yGgUebLWOcbAUDihfXnqHsZymoMV3yHzsoIYSYe4JLtcxhyphenhyphenyuoimdQBynGmZH3l3mBJO8Q6A9w0l95j/s1600/IMG_0892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGiUTz1fW7fNMOyH25biI7H6r_KWhusonInX1wIW5c9JrP2p8_BYFXVoRR_J6_yGgUebLWOcbAUDihfXnqHsZymoMV3yHzsoIYSYe4JLtcxhyphenhyphenyuoimdQBynGmZH3l3mBJO8Q6A9w0l95j/s1600/IMG_0892.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtvbVlvLHUwzb4rA6mOUpPhDNasPQgLLwwFS0B5_65qp1lp2vBg1DUw6gwXt7sj273Kpm5EOmp2bvBR_6bk7GWw1xZlioYiRaXk5CzmyjLFOwdBXLU4TiPwO1MXvQ43il-tvIpYnXVuTa/s1600/IMG_0897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtvbVlvLHUwzb4rA6mOUpPhDNasPQgLLwwFS0B5_65qp1lp2vBg1DUw6gwXt7sj273Kpm5EOmp2bvBR_6bk7GWw1xZlioYiRaXk5CzmyjLFOwdBXLU4TiPwO1MXvQ43il-tvIpYnXVuTa/s1600/IMG_0897.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8sey0lSV-jdGP0SxEH5kW4exjn6miu6Grt6lzeINEcFbNE8Rr6nSWHwuxkL7X3t_m8dDJdOJp4cx-xHFwDtSkYf1erzsMn86EWXrTaahV5R6ca9bZ3KZ_ogGwnO13ySHkCMnXDE4pr79/s1600/IMG_0900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8sey0lSV-jdGP0SxEH5kW4exjn6miu6Grt6lzeINEcFbNE8Rr6nSWHwuxkL7X3t_m8dDJdOJp4cx-xHFwDtSkYf1erzsMn86EWXrTaahV5R6ca9bZ3KZ_ogGwnO13ySHkCMnXDE4pr79/s1600/IMG_0900.jpg" /></a></div><br />The fitment is spot on, and I am so pleased with the quality. You'd never know the couch didn't come this way from the factory.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmmNBziO9WptJ7rAwWON-PYGaZQlrgf6wPCL3QN3SKD1IqD4lUxrtdHoF1j-SMnw2wLpt_Okb-lgrCtSegGSB8w8fnjtBYqUhU5zSOzdUCIuK-KQ4Wx2yBLfdYRLSpUbM7_Bc8L9O2tuN/s1600/IMG_0901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmmNBziO9WptJ7rAwWON-PYGaZQlrgf6wPCL3QN3SKD1IqD4lUxrtdHoF1j-SMnw2wLpt_Okb-lgrCtSegGSB8w8fnjtBYqUhU5zSOzdUCIuK-KQ4Wx2yBLfdYRLSpUbM7_Bc8L9O2tuN/s1600/IMG_0901.jpg" /></a></div><br />My new <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-easiest-cheapest-vintage-grain-sack.html" target="_blank">grain sack pillows</a> feel right at home here...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0Nc95TD0loNMdPRZ-kgLX4yKdY4EcrH-oyiUzvLsUjlvi3BdTpxE4RnQyLOcayyIkBzA_hqFneJgJc5FGLbnYzcIpoXvqDU0PWpI9idW7fZG-DPek7G0SKW0id4AXcF6UVBaGu9N7uf1/s1600/IMG_0899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0Nc95TD0loNMdPRZ-kgLX4yKdY4EcrH-oyiUzvLsUjlvi3BdTpxE4RnQyLOcayyIkBzA_hqFneJgJc5FGLbnYzcIpoXvqDU0PWpI9idW7fZG-DPek7G0SKW0id4AXcF6UVBaGu9N7uf1/s1600/IMG_0899.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm glad I took a personal risk—I think it paid off. I'm still scared of stains so I made sure to Scotch Guard it. Hopefully that will keep it nice and new looking so we can enjoy it for years to come.<br /><br />What do you think of the new look? Does your couch need updating as well? Well, here comes the fun part. Rachel wanted to give one of my readers a new slipcover, too! And before you say you don't have any Ikea furniture that needs a new look... good news: they can make slipcovers for anything! Dining chairs, pillows, bench cushions, ottomans, etc. Any piece of furniture you have, just give them the dimensions and they'll work with you to make something  custom and perfect.<br /><br />Check out these Pottery Barn dining chair slipcovers they made for Jami at <a href="http://www.freckledlaundry.com/2011/12/comfort-works-review-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Freckled Laundry</a>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6890612875_84ca63f943_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6890612875_84ca63f943_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Drool.<br /><br />You can check out what else they've done in their <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/comfortworks/sets" target="_blank">Gallery</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ComfortWorks.com.au" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page. I'm so glad I found them, because custom slipcovers with super personalized service isn't easy to come by. I predict more of their slipcovers in my future.<br /><br />Want to win a slipcover of your choice worth $150? Here's how:<br /><br />First, visit the Comfort Works <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ComfortWorks.com.au" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page and post a photo on their wall of a sofa/slipcover you love. It can be your own or an inspiration photo... just anything that shows your style.<br /><br />Then, leave a comment here saying why you'd like to win—what would you want slipcovered?<br /><br />That's it! The winner will be chosen next week and announced here on the blog. Competition is open worldwide (yay!)<br /><br />I'm off to enjoy the rest of my afternoon and this warm summer day. Good luck all!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />

My new Kivik slipcover and a Comfort Works Giveaway!

Happy Sunday—this post is coming to you from a cozy spot on my new living room couch! Well, the couch isn't new but the look sure is. He...

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My new Kivik slipcover and a Comfort Works Giveaway!

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