The Kitchen

Remember back when I showed you my new open shelving and pot rack, I also promised to show photos of our kitchen here at the Roost? Well, here it is!

There is SO much I would like to do to do in this kitchen to mold it to our taste (if only we weren't renting!). For starters, I'd love to rip out all the upper cabinetry, rip out the wooden valence (or whatever it is) over the sink, install a few open shelves in the space, and paint the bottom cabinets white. I'd also love to replace the appliances and the countertops (the wood planks are just not working- and are hard to keep clean!). Eventually I'd also like to paint the walls white for a cohesive, clean look.

Things I love about this kitchen are that it is a large, open space- very roomy, wood floors, vintage cast-iron sink with sides for drying dishes, and nice double-hung windows that let in lots of light. It is conveniently located right off the dining room as well as the den.

new open shelving and potrack

Here are some of the kitchen details:

a vintage tray holds all of our vinegars, cooking wines, and seasonings frequently used in cooking

An antique breadbowl holds fruits on the drop leaf table

So, in short, my kitchen could be a lot worse and I should be thankful. We used to have an island in the middle of the space, but about a year or so ago I sold the island and replaced it with this antique drop-leaf farm table we had. It's perfect for prepping, for use as a buffet for large informal gatherings, or for brunch for two. I feel like it opens up the space a lot more than the island did.

Another update we managed to make was changing out the ceiling fans for these awesome industrial-inspired light fixtures. They go well with the egg-cage pendant and light hanging in front of the open shelving.

vintage industrial light fixtures replaced ceiling fans

peeking from the dining room into the kitchen

I am hoping wherever we move to next I'll be able to start the kitchen design from scratch. I have seen so many wonderful kitchens that I adore either on the web, blogs or magazines, and it always leaves me with a feeling of kitchen envy. Do you have a favorite type of kitchen? I seem to love open, bright kitchens with simple open shelving and vintage details.

So there you go! Our humble kitchen is not so bad after all......even with mismatched appliances and unpainted stock cabinetry :)

Linking to:

Common Ground Vintage Inspiration Friday

Seasonal Changes- Autumn is Here!

Hi Friends!

With Autumn's arrival and the beautiful transformation of the outdoors, my little blog here also received a new look! I wanted to update a few things and create a design that could be recognizable and unique to Restoring the Roost :)

I worked with the talented Elizabeth at The Mustard Ceiling who was wonderful in helping me come up with this design and putting everything together for me. Thank so much, Elizabeth!

our front porch

So, on to other seasonal changes. I just love fall, don't you? Autumn inspires me to cozy up my home and change things up from what we eat seasonally to the small touches around the house that welcome fall's arrival.

The leaves are starting to change (and fall) at our little homestead and on a sunny day the trees are so beautiful.

trees in our front yard

view from our front porch

I've placed our home-grown pumpkins on the fireplace mantels:

I whipped up some delicious pumpkin butter that goes great with fresh bread:

Pumpkin Butter Recipe: (via One Perfect Bite)

1 28 oz serving of pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
3/4 cup apple juice
2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp allspice or mace
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 cups sugar

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for 30 minutes, or until mixture thickens. Cool to room temperature before serving. Store in refrigerator for up to a month. You can also freeze or pressure can for future use. 


And I splurged on a chocolate brown traditional overshot coverlet at the Appalachian Craft Guild Center while we were in Asheville last month:

 I just couldn't bear to pass this beauty up, and I'm thinking I will bring it out for some coziness in the fall and perhaps use it in the guest room draped over the bed. It would also make a beautiful table cloth for fall dinners. It is woven in the old, traditional method from an heirloom craftsman in Kentucky.

I am definitely loving this season- and if you haven't noticed, autumn is my favorite time of the year :)

Linking to:

Vintage Inspiration Friday